Send us a text The banter continues! There are plenty of games left to cover from the fabled board game retreat weekend. Join your hosts Chris Alley, Ken Cantrell and Jason Yanchuleff as they dive into more of the titles we got to on the trip. FOLLOW US: Email: hiddengemsboardgamepodcast@gmail.com Web: https://hiddengems.games Patreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcast Instagram: @hiddengems.games Facebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcast Twitter: @hiddengemsboard YouTube: https://www.youtube.co...
Feb 27, 2025•2 hr 6 min
Send us a text New year, new show format! Every so often, we'll take a break from reviewing games to just talk about more stuff we've been into lately. In this inaugural "Extended Banter" episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey treat you with the usual personal updates and then spend some time reflecting on the games we got to play, both new and old, at our game group's annual Board Game Retreat earlier this month. FOLLOW US: Email: hiddengemsboardgamepodcast@gmail.com We...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Send us a text Twas the day before Christmas, and all round the world, the gamers awaited, the adults, boys, and girls. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but no brief, tiny games have yet been stuffed there. When what to my wondering ears should appear, came a new Christmas episode full of gems, joy, and cheer! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:30:52 Christmas Trivia 00:47:25 Tetrix (Mosaics) 01:07:42 R. Eco. 01:34:27 Roll Through the Ages MUSIC (courtesy of https://e...
Dec 24, 2024•2 hr 13 min
Send us a text "A" is for... alchemist? Another series begins! Will we ever finish it? Who knows! but this episode we start our alphabetically-themed episodes with the letter "A". Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they dig for more gems. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:22:46 Abandon Ship 00:45:00 Alchemist 01:09:39 Age of Comics MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Abandon Ship: “Little Sailor”, Leimoti Alchemist: “With Every Note”, Etienne...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 51 min
Send us a text It's time for another cheesy skit, more Halloween trivia from Chris and a bunch of horrifying takes on a bunch of dusty, spooky games. What could be scarier?! Join the full crew: Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney and Cameron Lockey as they bring you three ghoulish reviews of unusual, forgotten, and under-appreciated Halloween-themed games in this 2024 episode of Hidden Gems! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Sketch: Chapter I 00:05:52 Intro & Banter 00:26:05 Halloween Trivia Ga...
Oct 31, 2024•3 hr 2 min
Send us a text In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, and Bill Arney jump back into the delightful world of Dorra, exploring three more games by this esteemed designer. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:31:32 Amazona 01:00:17 Pergamon 01:36:21 Salamanca MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Amazona: “Jungle Awakening”, Rune Dale Pergamon: “A King's Ransom”, Bonnie Grace Salamanca: “Imber”, Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen FOLLOW US: Email: hiddengemsboardgamep...
Oct 18, 2024•2 hr 12 min
Send us a text Are the claims on the game box about playtime length accurate? In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley and Cameron Lockey hold things down while Bill and Jason are away on vacation as they put three games claiming to take 30 minutes or less to the test and share their thoughts on these unusual, forgotten, and underappreciated games. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:35:09 Cities 01:01:59 Great Wall of China 01:35:07 Nyet! MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com )...
Sep 23, 2024•2 hr 8 min
Send us a text The Spiel series continues with a new installment of nominees from 2011! Dig in with you hosts Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff as they take a look at another bunch of award-nominated, yet strangely overlooked games -- listen in to hear our thoughts on the Spiel judges' decisions! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:37:42 Mondo 01:06:18 Uluru 01:27:57 Sun, Sea & Sand MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Mondo: “The Call of the Wild”, Victo...
Aug 27, 2024•2 hr 20 min
Send us a text It's summer in NC and that means sweltering heat, sweet tea and lots of travel. The guys have been all over the place, but have finally returned to the table for more gaming. Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they take on a trio of gem candidates from revered duo of designers Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:31:10 Einauge sei Wachsam! 00:56:33 Asara 01:24:54 Maharaja MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemics...
Jul 26, 2024•2 hr 10 min
Send us a text Will the supply of game designs from Reiner Knizia ever run out? It's doubtful, so the guys have much more exploring to do of the designer's epic catalog. We bring you part IV of that exploration. Will we find more gems? Or are these games lesser-known for a reason? They can't all be good... right? Find out on this episode with your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:33:17 F.I.T.S. 00:57:49 Zombiegeddon 01:27:13 Qin MUSI...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 58 min
Send us a text Chris is back from Asia, so what better way to welcome him back to the crew than covering 3 possible gems from Asian designers? Find out how they fare along with the latest banter topics on this episode with your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:37:13 Chronicle 01:00:55 Dadaocheng (2nd Edition) 01:28:58 Airship City MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Chronicle: “We Are Giants”, Silver Maple Dadaocheng: “Wh...
May 24, 2024•2 hr 4 min
Send us a text While the cat's away... Chris is traveling the globe this episode, so Jason has free reign over the game selections. Will his recent streak of mediocre contributions to the gem lineup continue? Or will digging deep into the library produce some new favorites? Join Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney and newcomer Ken Cantrell as they investigate 3 more possible gems. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:25:11 Feudality 00:57:03 Campanile 01:20:50 Quebec MUSIC (courtesy of https://e...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 59 min
Send us a text Fantasy is a theme that has exploded into popularity in the past 30 years or so. It has had an impact on books, movies, TV, video games, and not least, board games. In this episode of Hidden Gems, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey celebrate their enjoyment of the genre and review three fantasy-themed games. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:46:38 Gargon 01:13:52 Lost Legends 01:53:55 Dragonstrike MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Gargon...
Mar 29, 2024•2 hr 45 min
Send us a text What is it about Stefan Feld that keeps us coming back for more? In this latest episode pulled from some lesser known titles of his vast catalog, join your regular hosts Chris Alley and Jason Yanchuleff as they welcome guest host Daniel Wahlen of The Game Table to chat about a new crop of 3 potential gems. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:33:02 Roma 00:59:01 Pillars of the Earth: Builder's Duel 01:32:33 Forum Trajanum MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Roma...
Mar 09, 2024•2 hr 13 min
Send us a text Make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their upright positions before you fly the friendly skies with the Hidden Gems crew of Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they soar through a new trio of games. Will the guys first attempt at the "two-and-a-new" format fly or end up grounded? Find out if any new gems are to be had on this latest, airline-themed episode. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:41:45 Blue Skies 01:13:14 Jet Set 01:40:29 Sky Team MUSIC...
Feb 09, 2024•2 hr 15 min
Send us a text We're approaching the end of another year, and that means it's time for a little Christmas cheer! Have a holly jolly, merry little Christmas with the whole Hidden Gems crew of Chris Alley, Bill Arney, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff as they check out 3 stocking stuffer-sized games. Will they be gems or lumps of coal? Find out on this, our final episode of 2023! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:43:36 Kryptos 01:09:50 Fzzzt! 01:37:42 Twinkle Starship MUSIC (courtes...
Dec 24, 2023•2 hr 16 min
Send us a text The Spiel series continues with a new installment of nominees from 2012! Dig in with you hosts Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff as they take a look at another crop of prestigiously nominated, yet strangely overlooked games -- listen in to hear our thoughts on the Spiel judges' decisions! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00 Intro & Banter 00:27:19 Kulami 00:50:21 Miss Lupun 01:14:56 Kingdom Builder MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Kulami: “T Minus 5”, Farrell W...
Dec 01, 2023•2 hr 10 min
Send us a text Scares are aplenty in this year's special Halloween edition of Hidden Gems! Will poor Dean survive a night at the Kurtz's? Will Jason and Cameron do better on Chris' torturous Halloween-themed trivia game show? And, most importantly, will we find any more gems? Join your hosts Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney and Cameron Lockey as they bring you three fresh reviews of unusual, forgotten, and under-appreciated Halloween-themed games in this 2023 episode of Hidden Gems! FEA...
Oct 31, 2023•2 hr 34 min
Send us a text Castle building in the Scottish highlands, spicy peppers and a game about, well... Watch out for the smelly stuff on this episode with your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they step around three poo-tential gems from publisher Zoch Verlag. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:30:03 Kalimambo 00:49:04 Scharfe Schoten 01:17:48 Kilt Castle MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Kalimambo: "Bwamu", Balafola Suedi Scharfe Schoten: “Pots and Panc...
Oct 14, 2023•1 hr 49 min
Send us a text Words with sheep, network building in the islands (also with sheep) and a vicious abstract (not so much about sheep). This week, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff take on the good and the baa-aa-ahd of three titles by designer Marcel-André Casasola Merkle. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:29:51 Attribute 00:48:55 Santa Cruz 01:16:56 Attika MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Attribute: "Cows on the Loose (60s Pop Version)", Magnus Ri...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 59 min
Send us a text We all know and love this prolific designer of the Catan series, but what lesser known (or just less talked about) gems might be hiding in his repertoire? This week, join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they take a look at three games by the late Klaus Teuber. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:39:29 Wacky Wacky West 01:06:56 Tumult Royale 01:36:22 Domaine MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Wacky Wacky West: "Full Moon Rag", Roy ...
Aug 18, 2023•2 hr 4 min
Send us a text In this special episode of Hidden Gems, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey review three Roman-themed games including one requested by one of our Patreon Gem Miners. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:22:35 Sylla 00:51:31 Ave Caesar 01:21:39 Constantinopolis MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Sylla: "Conspiracy, Inc", Alec Slayne Ave Caesar: “Bring on the Adventure”, Raymond Grouse Constantinopolis: "Dance of the Wildcats", Deskant FOLLO...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 56 min
Send us a text It only took us fifty episodes to finally get serious about how hidden our gems are! In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, and Bill Arney dig up three games from Chris's beneath the floor boards of Chris's game room so hidden, BGG doesn't even know about them. Tune in to find out what they are. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:21:08 Toguz Korgool 00:53:34 Conquest at Kismet 01:19:56 Stacked MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Toguz Ko...
Jul 02, 2023•1 hr 47 min
Send us a text We're FINALLY back! On this special 50th episode of Hidden Gems, all your hosts, Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey gather to celebrate the occasion by reviewing three games chosen by our incredible audience, finally give away a copy of Strasbourg, and talk more than you've ever wanted about our favorite video games. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:12:28 Strasbourg Giveaway 00:19:18 Top 10 Video Games Lists 01:25:34 Quo Vadis 02:02:41 Nort...
Jun 03, 2023•3 hr 18 min
Send us a text TL>DL: Episode 50 is going to be delayed for a while due to some recent and upcoming host vacation schedules. Stay tuned for our next episode coming sometime in May. In the meantime, go to https://forms.gle/jWSGLAju547spScY8 and leave your review for one of the games: Northern Pacific, Quo Vadis?, and Santiago! FOLLOW US: Email: hiddengemsboardgamepodcast@gmail.com Web: https://hiddengems.games Patreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcast Instagram: @hiddengems.games Facebook...
Mar 24, 2023•1 min
Send us a text In this episode, Chris (finally) takes a break, and your hosts Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey dig into three more games designed by the same guy who brought us Potato Man and Kupferkessel Co., which each brought respectively very low, and very high marks. Is there more to Mr. Burkhardt's repertoire? Tune in to find out! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:15:08 Casa Grande 00:35:33 Trump. Tricks. Game! 00:56:12 Seeland MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidem...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 29 min
Send us a text There was fairly gushing praise from all the HG crew for 2 out 3 games from designer Stefan Dorra going way back to our 7th episode -- where Chris even gave out a notable two 6-ratings! And then there was Tonga Bonga ... at least Bill liked it! What will the guys think of another triumvirate of games from the same esteemed designer? Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff to find out! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:20:39 Eselsbrücke 00:41:44 Sl...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 42 min
Send us a text "In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered...doom was near at hand" In this episode of Hidden Gems, fantasy lovers and hosts Chris Alley and Cameron Lockey take on games with a beloved theme: Lord of the Rings. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:24:13 King's Gate 00:47:40 Lord of the Rings: The Cooperative Game 01:13:24 Middle Earth Quest MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com ): Cockt...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 52 min
Send us a text Need a bit of sun and sand to kick off the new year this cold January? Also, who knew there were so many board games with the Easter Island moai as a theme? Catch some rays and find out more about these mysterious statues in this episode with your hosts Chris Alley and Jason Yanchuleff as they check out three new promising gems with Easter Island-themes. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:27:43 Easter Island 00:45:09 Rapa Nui 01:07:21 Giants MUSIC (courtesy of https://...
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 39 min
Send us a text It's that time of year again! Christmas cheer abounds in this final episode of 2022 where the whole Hidden Gems crew of Chris Alley, Bill Arney, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff get in the Christmas spirit with 3 new potential gems. Will any of them make the cut? How will the guys do on Chris's latest holiday-themed trivia? Will Cameron treat us to another carol or two? And do I spy some gifts to be had under the HG tree? Tune in for all the festivities! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:0...
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr 48 min
