Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Kev delves into US-based sports board games. He shares his personal history with ice hockey, including his experiences and love for the sport. Kev discusses the big four American sports—baseball, American football, ice hockey, and basketball—and introduces board games that represent each. Notable mentions include BasketBoss, a basketball management game, and Blood Bowl, a fantasy American foot...
Jan 21, 2025•27 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twnty Minute Tabletop,' Kev and Tom delve into the world of solo space-themed board games. Kev shares his experiences with 'Tiny Epic Galaxies,' 'Deep Space D6,' 'Solar Storm,' and 'Under Falling Skies.' The duo discusses the intricate mechanics, themes, and personal impressions of each game, while also reflecting on their love for space-themed gameplay. Additionally, Tom teases a future full review of the eagerly awaited game ...
Jan 14, 2025•25 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades n the first 2025 episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop, hosts Tom and Kev discuss various miniature skirmish games, focusing on their thematic and mechanical similarities and differences. They touch upon genre theory by Steven Neil, emphasizing the balance of repetition and innovation in game genres. Kev elaborates on different movement systems across games like Kill Team, Malifaux, and Carnivale, and the introduction mechanics in starter sets. The di...
Jan 07, 2025•33 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades Carnevale is an amazing miniatures game which combines the acrobatics of Assassin's Creed, the horrors of lovecraft and the beauty of the streets of Venice. IT's a game that Kev is quite obsessed with and we think you should check it out too! UPDATE : Some of the FoldScapes Venice terrain discussed in this episode is now up on the Patreon! Hey! Why not join our DISCORD - come and join the Twenty Minute Tabletop crew. https://discord.com/invite/4jn...
Dec 30, 2024•24 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop', Tom tells a Christmas tale that involves - guided meditation, Indiana Jones bedtime routines, ASMR, cat sick, vegan activists vs Santa, an original soundtrack and not one board game mentioned. Hey! Why not join our DISCORD - come and join the Twenty Minute Tabletop crew. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/1731899665 Products Mentio...
Dec 26, 2024•25 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this special Christmas edition of the Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, hosts Kev and Tom discuss what makes a good Christmas game, delve into their personal experiences with miniature painting, and Kev shares insights from his businesses. With humorous anecdotes and helpful tips for tabletop enthusiasts, the episode also features a fun impromptu quiz and suggestions for family-friendly board games to enjoy during the holiday season. The hosts wr...
Dec 24, 2024•26 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop', we dive into the captivating board game 'The Search for Planet X'. Tom shares their experience of discovering this game at a local sale, emphasizing its stunning art design and complex deduction mechanics. The main goal is to locate Planet X by gathering clues and outsmarting other players. The episode also compares the game to classic logic puzzles and other deduction games like 'Sherlock Holmes Consul...
Dec 17, 2024•16 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode, we dive deeper into the board games Blood Rage and Rising Sun, comparing their mechanics, themes, and overall gameplay. We discuss the new features in Rising Sun like the Tea Ceremony and asymmetrical clans and share our thoughts on which game stands out at different player counts. But which area control game should you buy? Hey! Why not join our DISCORD - come and join the Twenty Minute Tabletop crew. https://discord.com/invite/4...
Dec 12, 2024•18 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades Welcome back to Twenty Minute Tabletop! Join host Tom and guests Neil and Matt as they dive into the epic world of Blood Rage and Rising Sun. Designed by Eric Lang, both games offer thrilling experiences with distinct strategies. In this episode, the team explores the Viking glory of Blood Rage, dissecting its unique mechanics, card drafting, and balanced gameplay. They also touch on the fascinating history of CMON and its links to dating sites. M...
Dec 10, 2024•23 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades in this episode of 20 Minute Tabletop, hosts Tom and Kev reunite to discuss the newly released board game 'Little Alchemists' by Czech Games Edition. They dive into the game's unique interplay between app and cardboard components, and how it brilliantly caters to both children and adults. The conversation also touches on the broader landscape of board gaming for kids, personal reflections on gaming with children, and a variety of other topics, inc...
Dec 03, 2024•27 min
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Nov 26, 2024•22 min
Join our delve through the history of interactive fiction in games design from the 1930’s all the way to present day titles like The Darkness over Arkham, via Fighting Fantasy and the excellent Spire’s End Series. Links relevant to this Podcast: Consider the Consquences! https://geetheriot.itch.io/ Spires End https://www.spiresend.com/ Join our Patreon & get Fold-Flat Wargame Terrain! https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades Hey! Why not join our DISCORD - come and say hi. https://discord.co...
Nov 19, 2024•23 min•Ep. 40
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' host Tom discusses three board games that offer memorable experiences but are not necessarily keepers for long-term collections. He reviews 'Betrayal at House on the Hill,' highlighting its immersive haunted house exploration but critiquing its mid-game rule complexity and player elimination. 'Cash 'n Guns' is praised for its quick, entertaining rounds with foam gun standoffs, providing laughs and a mem...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, the hosts delve into the complexities of Arkham Horror: The Living Card Game from the viewpoint of a new player. They discuss the game's intimidating entry barriers, such as numerous expansions and high costs, and provide insights on how to effectively get started. Key advice includes beginning with the second edition Core Set, exploring standalone expansions, and strategies for game organizat...
Nov 05, 2024•28 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this special Halloween-themed episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, hosts Kev and Tom, along with various contributors from the board gaming community, share and discuss their favourite Halloween-themed board games. Featured games include 'Gloom,' 'Hit Z Road,' 'Monster Crunch: The Breakfast Battle,' 'Abomination: Heir of Frankenstein,' 'Dead of Winter,' 'Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition,' and 'Hive.' The episode includes personal ane...
Oct 29, 2024•37 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, Tom brings guest host Neil back dive into the intriguing world of real-time board games, focusing on 'Captain Sonar' and 'Magic Maze'. They share enthusiasm for recent popular games like 'Seti' and 'Undaunted' discussed previously in the UK Games Expo podcast. The central discussion illuminates 'Captain Sonar', exploring its gameplay mechanics, roles such as the captain, first mate, and engineer, and how it ...
Oct 21, 2024•27 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, host Kev introduces a series focusing on war games that do not require miniatures, starting with his personal favourite, Warhammer Diskwars from 2013. Kev reflects on his journey from being mainly a miniatures gamer to realizing his passion for thematic games. He discusses the appeal and mechanics of Warhammer Diskwars, emphasizing its thematic elements, strategic gameplay, and unique moveme...
Oct 14, 2024•23 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this Twenty Minute Tabletop podcast, hosts Kev and Tom delve into the world of board, card, and miniature games, focusing on games like the Star Wars deck-building game and Planet Unknown. They explore the tension between thematic enjoyment and minimalist gameplay. Kev mentions a preference for games with strong overarching themes, while Tom argues that some games excel even with minimal thematic elements. They discuss Kill Team's evolving game...
Oct 07, 2024•25 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' we are venturing outside of our usual comfort zone to talk about something new and exciting: Kill Team 24, also known as the third edition of this popular skirmish game. With it's release slated for October 5th, 2024, there's much to discuss... Hey! Why not join our DISCORD - come and say hi. https://discord.com/invite/4jnudHjtk9 🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast on your mobile device ➞ https://pod.link/1731...
Sep 30, 2024•27 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' Tom explores 'Sea Salt and Paper,' a small, seemingly unassuming card game that eventually proves captivating and the game of his summer despite it being an impulse buy in.Carcasonne of all places. Tom delves into what drew him to the game, which involves discussion of Bruno Cathala as a game designer and some of his other works like Kingdomino, Cyclades and Shadows over Camelot before moving onto the g...
Sep 23, 2024•20 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades *No deer were harmed in the recording of this podcast.* In this episode of 20 Minute Tabletop, Kev and Tom discuss the board game 'Gaslands,' a post-apocalyptic vehicular combat miniatures game. They delve into the unique aspect of creating custom Mad Max-style vehicles using toy cars and household items, and the dynamic gameplay that involves movement templates and special D6 'skid dice.' The discussion covers the game's engaging theme, rulebook ...
Sep 16, 2024•24 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' Tom and Kev discuss upcoming Kickstarter card game, Sakana Stack with Mike from Huff No More Mike describes the game's theme, inspired by Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market, and its dynamic, fast-paced mechanics. He shares insights into the game's development, including his wife's contribution as the artist and the couple's startup journey in the board game industry. There is a discussion about the game's mech...
Sep 09, 2024•20 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, hosts Tom and Kev delve into the world of deck-building games. The discussion kicks off with 'Star Realms,' a game that introduced Kev to the deck-building genre and draws comparisons to 'Magic: The Gathering.' They explore the mechanics of deck construction versus deck-building, highlighting games like 'Star Realms,' 'Dominion,' 'Aeon's End,' and 'Renegade.' The hosts then discuss the evolu...
Sep 02, 2024•23 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the '20 Minute Tabletop' podcast, hosts Tom and Kev dive into the subject of dexterity games. They discuss the nuances of what defines a dexterity game, citing popular examples like Crokinole, Clask, Cube Quest, Ice Cool, Jungle Speed, and Space Cadets. Various aspects like rules, gameplay mechanics, and the appeal of these games as family-friendly or holiday activities are explored. They also highlight the unique challenges and...
Aug 26, 2024•20 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' hosts Tom and Kev discuss their current gaming activities, including Kev's deep dive into Star Wars Destiny and Tom's ongoing enjoyment of Ark Nova. They explore the concept of capsule games, with Kev sharing his newfound interest in collecting Star Wars Destiny cards on eBay. Tom introduces a book he's reading titled 'Games People Play,' which delves into the psychology of human interactions framed as ...
Aug 19, 2024•25 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, Tom and guest Mat, delve into two notable nominations for the Spiel des Jahres award, Captain Flip and SkyTeam. They begin by explaining the history and significance of the award, established in 1978 to promote family-friendly board and card games. The first game discussed, Captain Flip, is critiqued for its simplicity and light gameplay, while still being appreciated as a high-quality fille...
Aug 12, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, hosts Tom and Kev discuss the intricacies of board game design, focusing on Kev's ongoing project, 'Decline'. Kev shares his experience creating a 10mm miniature solo board game, emphasizing the game’s unique mechanics, aesthetics, and thematic elements. The conversation delves into the challenges and technologies involved in designing maps, including the use of software like Dungeon Alchemi...
Aug 05, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of 'Twenty Minute Tabletop,' Tom discusses the intricacies and enjoyment of one of his favourite board games, Inis. He explains the game's mechanics, comparing it to classic area control games like Risk, yet with modern improvements. The host delves into the thematic elements of Inis, which are rooted in Celtic mythology, and highlights the unique card drafting system that adds both excitement and strategic tension. He also discuss...
Jul 29, 2024•22 min
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of the 'Twenty Minute Tabletop' podcast, Tom discusses his experiences with the board game Ark Nova with Kev. They talk about its gameplay mechanics, including building a zoo with a balance between appeal and ecological sustainability. The discussion touches upon games like Terraforming Mars, and explores the learning process for complex games, the cost, and table presence of Ark Nova and the BGA implementation. Join our DISCORD ht...
Jul 22, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tabletopupgrades In this episode of Twenty Minute Tabletop, hosts Tom and Kev dive into the miniature skirmish game Malifaux, which Kev has been passionate about for years. Kev explains the game's setting, an alternate turn-of-the-century magical world, and its deep lore involving eight factions contesting for control using soul stones. They discuss the gameplay mechanics, including the use of cards instead of dice for actions and the role of different miniatures....
Jul 15, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 22
