Botch Games Podcast

Are you kidding me? Two New 100 episodes in a day? What did you do to deserve this? whatever the reason Craig must be out of his mind flooding the feed with this content, especially if no one cares or is too busy with New Years to listen. The lengths Craig will go to for numbers is kind of sad. Anyway, In this latest episode of New 100, Craig dives into some truly beautiful games and even like most of them! I hope you enjoy his jaunt through a 10 hour game day which ended in a bout of neurotic giggles, I know Craig did!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:12

Lotus: 2:05

Kanagawa: 7:09

Stockpile: 13:23

Roll Player: 17:57

Covert: 21:27

Wrap-Up: 26:02

PNCN Bumper: 28:58

Direct download: 41-45final2.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 1:38am EDT

In the latest episode of The New 100, Craig is still striving at completing this silly challenge, and this time he finally wraps up MattCraigCon with a whole batch of collectible games, you know, his bread and butter. Surprise, he like less than half of the games! You out there with your judgey fingers, wagging away at Craig's mislabeled love for all things games. The jokes on you! Sit back, enjoy, and hear Craig say "meh" more than anyone should in a recording!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:12

Marvel Versus 2 Player Card Game: 3:27

Game of Thrones: The Card Game 2nd Edition: 9:21

Star Wars: Armada: 14:18

Lord of the Rings: The Card Game: 19:09

Arkham Horror: The Card Game: 24:33

Wrap-Up: 29:17

PNCN Bumber: 31:44

Direct download: 36-40final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 6:21pm EDT

In the 61st EVER podcast, we celebrate the holidays! In this episode, Craig is joined by so many people he can't even handle it, and they all tell him what they want for Christmas. Jokes on them though, as Craig is only obligated to buy two of them gifts, the others have to wait for the guy in the big red suit. First Tyler recaps some games, and even likes some of them, before telling Craig what to shove under the tree. Erin's up next were she gives a first impression of 7 Wonders Duel: Pantheon. Then, Craig is joined by Copac and Meghan from his "local" group for a long discussion of what games they hope they get from the jolly man from up North. Lastly, Matt stops by to talk Blood Bowl, Star Wars Destiny, and Subterfuge, or "games no one cares about except Craig and Matt." Happy Holidays everyone!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:32

Tyler's Plays: 4:58 

Networks, At the Gates of Loyang, Vegas Showdown, Seasons

Erin's Plays: 15:11

Networks, Vegas Showdown, 7 Wonders Duel: Pantheon

Main Segment: Christmas Lists with Copac and Meghan: 31:45

No games listed here, cheaters, you'll have to wait and hear our lists...

A Visit from Matt: 1:04:13

Blood Bowl, Star Wars Destiny, Subterfuge

Wrap-up: 1:24:04

PNCN Bumper: 1:26:42

Direct download: 61final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:34pm EDT

In the latest episode of The New 100, Craig has five more games for your lovely eardrums, continuing his recap of MattCraigCon in Baltimore. This episode he fights through sickness in an attempt to complete his journey of 100 New games, covering, and surprise, he didn't hate any of them. You'd think there would be a reviewer on this cast who didn't love nearly every game that was put in front of him, but unluckily for you, Craig seems to love them all. Well, enjoy anyways!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Sky Tango (Zman): 3:58

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft (Devir): 8:21

Roll For the Galaxy (Rio Grande): 12:58

Rococo (Eagle Gryphon): 17:50

At The Games of Loyang (Zman): 23:04

Wrap-Up: 27:39

Direct download: 31-35final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 5:02pm EDT

In the 60th ever episode of the podcast, Craig recounts a FULL two weeks of games, yes, that's right, he ACTUALLY played games. First he is joined by Erin and Tyler to discuss their family plays which included Erin's vacation plays, some epic Thanksgiving games, and a 12 hour game day for Craig and Tyler. Finally, Craig is joined by Matthew Halstad and Ben Rush from the League of Nonsensical Gamers to discuss Craig's newest collectible obsession: The Arkham Horror LCG. It's a hauntingly good time, and at some point, Craig may have summoned a swirling portal of death, but we're not entirely sure. 

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Family Plays: 5:29

Kanagawa, Lotus, Patchwork, Fluxx, Colt Express, Timeline, Dixit, Roll Player, Stockpile, Dicey Goblins, Covert, At the Gates of Loyang.

Main Feature: 38:23

Arkham Horror: LCG, ft. Matt Halstad and Ben Rush

Wrap-Up: 1:42:05

Direct download: 60final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 9:49pm EDT

Well, we've done it. We've made it two full years of putting up content for all of you out there and what a ride it has been. Thanks so much for sticking around through all of it. On this episode, Craig takes some time to thank everyone who has helped the show make it this far, and is then joined by Erin and Tyler to talk about their family's plays and to reveal a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Finally, Craig is joined by Matt Halstad (LONG) and Patrick Hillier (WDYPTW) to talk games, drafting replayability, conventions, and more!

Show Times:

Intro 0:35

Family Plays: 11:21

Guests Matt and Patrick: 33:56

Wrap Up: 1:35:48

Direct download: 59final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 7:01am EDT

Well, we've done it. We've made it two full years of putting up content for all of you out there and what a ride it has been. Thanks so much for sticking around through all of it. On this episode, Craig takes some time to thank everyone who has helped the show make it this far, and is then joined by Erin and Tyler to talk about their family's plays and to reveal a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Finally, Craig is joined by Matt Halstad (LONG) and Patrick Hillier (WDYPTW) to talk games, drafting replayability, conventions, and more!

Show Times:

Intro 0:35

Family Plays: 11:21

Guests Matt and Patrick: 33:56

Wrap Up: 1:35:48

Direct download: 59final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

In the next episode of The New 100, Craig talks about five more games which kicks off the recap of Matt/Craig Con. This episode is 2 player game-a-licous. To no surprise, Craig liked 4 out of the 5. Which ones were which? Give a listen and find out!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Fight for Olympus (Mayfair): 2:48

13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis (Jolly Roger): 7:36

Odin's Ravens (Osprey): 13:08

Letter Tycoon (Breaking Games): 16:28

Raiders of the North Sea (Games Factory) 19:46

Wrap-Up: 24:36

Direct download: 26-30final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 9:34pm EDT

In the latest Episode of The New 100, Craig continues his seemingly endless journey to play 100 games he has never played before (or apparently one he hasn't played in over a decade, like a cheater). In this episode, he is flushed with confusion as there is no easy way to classigy the games he lumped together in this episode: some light, some heavy, some cards, some dice, a little of everything. Sit back and enjoy the chaos that is Craig in the studio alone.

Show Times: 

Intro: 0:35

Darkrock Ventures (Gamelyn): 2:46

Quartz (Passport): 7:25

Castles of Burgundy: Cards (Alea & Ravensberger): 11:26

Zhanguo (Whats your Game): 17:50

Vegas Showdown (Avalon Hill): 23:43

Wrap-Up and Craig gets Political (sorry...): 29:05

Direct download: 21-25final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 7:07pm EDT

In episode 58, Craig is joined by Matt Halstad from the League of Nonsensical Gamers to discuss collectible games, why we play them, why we love them, and why so much of our paychecks go to them. Craig is also joined by Tyler to discuss the games the family played and how can not be beaten at Neuroshima Hex. Enjoy the episode as Craig rides Matt's podcasting coattails to avoid doing any real work himself.

This episode sponsored by the Sim City CCG

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Tyler's Family Plays: 5:20

Collectibility with Matt: 22:52

Wrap-Up: 1:15:48

We are Proud members of the Pathological Nerdcasters Network

Music "Botch Games Stingers" Written, Produced, and Engineered by Brandon Loewit, 2014.

Direct download: 58final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 12:55am EDT

In Episode 57, Craig, Erin, and Ty wrap up their year long journey through the campaign of Pandemic Legacy. That's it, that's the whole episode. Oh, also, you should note that we spoil the whole game, but in quarter year chunks. So finish playing your campaign and hear our epic tale!

Show Times: 

Intro: 0:35

Pandemic Legacy Full Spoilers: 10:32

Wrap-Up: 58:11

Direct download: 57final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:45am EDT

Craig is making progress! He's now 1/5th of the way to reaching his goal of 100 new games in 365 days. That's something, right? Anyways, enjoy 30 minutes of first impressions or games which were mostly his games. Look, he's even playing games he owns! Wow! Enjoy, dear listener!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Rolling America (Gamewright): 2:30

Thief's Market (TMG): 9:06

The Networks (Formal Ferret): 14:21

Neuroshima Hex (Portal Games): 20:11

Dicht Dran (Nurnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag): 25:06

Wrap-up: 28:58

Direct download: 16-20final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 1:46am EDT

In Episode 56, Craig is joined by Erin and Tyler to discuss the games they've played and also they wade through the rest of the listener questions and all in all cause havoc in the studio. Welcome to the tired zone, dear listeners! Also in the episode, Tyler lays down some prerequisites that have to be met before he'll let me have a contest. Note: He's tough.

Show Times: 

Intro: 0:35

Contest Precursor: 7:51

Family Played: 16:23

Listener Questions: 33:25

Wrap-Up: 50:58

Direct download: 56final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 5:37pm EDT

In the latest episode of The New 100, Craig continues his journey to learn 100 new games in a calendar year. In this episode he recounts a day of learning while on a visit to Columbus, Ohio to play games with other media creators. All in all it was a day of learning games that Craig wants to spend way to much money on. Thanks for listening!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Vast (Leder Games): 2:14

Clank! (Renegade Games): 7:23

Port Royal (Pegasus Spiele): 12:42

Glory to Rome Black Box (Cambridge Games Factory): 17:57

Terraforming Mars (Stronghold Games): 22:10

Ending Bit: 27:35

Direct download: 11-15final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 1:43am EDT

In Episode 55, Craig has the special pleasure of reviewing a game that everyone other person with a microphone, camera, or keyboard has already reviewed, Scythe, from Stonemaier Games. We hope you hear something you haven't before, or at least enjoy our special guest reviewer, Matt Halstad from the League/Podcast of Nonsensical Gamers. Craig is also joined by Erin to talk about the games they played whilst in anniversary paradise, and Tyler makes comments about Overwatch but mostly naps in front of the mic.

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Erin's Plays: 2:57

(Eight Minute Empire, 7 Wonders Duel, Just Desserts, Oh My Goods)

Scythe Review with Ty and Matt: 21:23

The Ending Bit, Because Outro Isn't A Real Word: 1:14:47

Direct download: 55final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:23pm EDT

In the second installment of The New 100, Craig hits games 6-10 in his journey to play 100 new games in a calendar year. At this rate, he should probably just give up now. 

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Mysterium: 2:11

Dead Last: 8:21

Lords of Xidit: 14:30

Saloon Tycoon: 21:32

Klask: 25:40

Wrap-up: 28:18

Direct download: 6-10final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 1:09am EDT

In episode 54, Craig steps away briefly from board games to talk about his other love within the hobby, Roleplaying games. During the his breakdown segment, he goes through a list of games to ease hobby board gamers into roleplaying with a group of collaborative storytelling games, aimed at continuing social and amerithrash gamers into cooperative story driven systems. In the main segment, Craig is joined by frequent contributors Chuck and Alex to play an actual play of Millennial Apartment Hunters, written by James D'Amato of the One Shot and Campaign Podcasts. We hope you enjoy this break from board games and that you'll give roleplaying games a try (even with Craig over Skype!). Tune in next episode when we go back to board games in a big way!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Craig's List of Narrative RPG's: 3:08

Everyone is John: 6:43

Goblin Quest: 7:37

Quest/Noirlandia: 10:15

Fiasco: 12:00

Apocalypse World: 14:42

Edge of the Empire: 17:21

Viewscream: 19:05

Actual Play: Millennial Apartment Hunters: 21:31

(http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/187050/Millennial-Apartment-Hunters)

Outtro: 1:18:04

Direct download: 54final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:59pm EDT

In the 53rd episode of The Botch Games Podcast, Craig, Erin, and Tyler wrap up all the games they played during CraigCon, an all day gaming celebration of Craig's birth, and Erin takes the reigns on picking a topic which focuses on garnering a welcoming and accepting environment around the game table.

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Tyler's Played Games: 10:12

ft: Mysterium, Descent, Dead Last, Red Dragon Inn, and More

Erin's Played games and Show Topic: 28:12

ft: Sushi Go Party, 7 Wonders, Orleans, Agricola

Outro: 59:16

Direct download: 53final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:57pm EDT

In the sixth episode of Botched Viewpoints, Craig is joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games and designer of Scythe, and Michael Coe of Gamelyn Games to talk about the community within the hobby, and more specifically the relationship publishers have with the community and the role they serve to the community. It's a fascinating conversation and I hope you enjoy!

Direct download: VP6final.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 3:58am EDT

In the first episode of a new series named The New 100, Craig begins his quest to play 100 new games in 365 calendar days. In this episode he gives five minute first impression review of five games he has never played before. He's got a long way to go to hit 100 new games by the end of next June, so let's see f it can be done!

Show Times: 

Preface: 0:24

Introduction: 1:49

Sushi Go Party (Gamewright): 6:04

Isle of Skye (Lookout Spiele): 11:03

Cyclades (Matagot): 16:28

Descent: 2nd Edition (FFG): 20:52

Scythe (Stonemaier): 25:17

Outtro: 31:03

Direct download: 1-5final.mp3
Category:New -- posted at: 11:40pm EDT

In Episode 52, Craig is joined by the family to discuss a plethora of games played. Seriously, they've been playing so many games together and Craig couldn't be happier! After that, Craig is joined by the Board Game Apprentice himself, Will, to discuss Star Wars Rebellion from FFG! Thanks for tuning in!

 

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

Interjection: 6:49

Family What We've Played: 7:40

Star Wars Rebellion (FFG): 34:22

Wrap-up: 1:09:41

Direct download: 52final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 9:02pm EDT

In the fifth installment of Botched Viewpoints, Craig is joined by Tiffany Bahnsen and Patrick Hillier to talk about some tip, tricks, and etiquette for convention season. Whether you're an Introvert, Extrovert, or somewhere in between, listen in to hear the pros talk about what to expect at a con and how to survive the experience!

 

Direct download: VP5final.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 5:29pm EDT

In Episode 51, Craig is joined by Erin and Tyler to talk about their Origins 2016 experience, including the games they played, the food they ate, the people they met, the highs, the lows and everything in between!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:34

Family What We've Played: 8:03

Tyler and Craig's Origins Highlights: 41:03

Outro: 1:04:11

Direct download: 51final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 5:02pm EDT

We made it to 50 whole episodes! In celebration we got a whole bunch of of congrats from a gaggle of our media friends and our only listener! We're so thankful for the support of the community and the friends we've made during our tenure. As the main feature of the episode, Craig, Will, Erin, and Tyler each go through their Top 10 games of all time lists and have a lot of fun in the process. We hope you enjoy as we begin our path to episode 100!

Show Times:

PNCN Bumper: 0:00 Aaron--Boards Alive Congrats: 0:25 Patrick Hillier Congrats: 1:38 Intro Banter: 2:12 Heavy Cardboard Congrats: 10:45 Steve, Our Only Listener Congrats: 11:12 Docking Bay 94 Congrats: 11:22 Family What We've Played: 11:40 Happy Salmon: 13:30 Spaceteam: 15:35 Timeline: 20:00 Codenames: 20:00 Takenoko: 22:55 Seven7s: 23:35 Zombie Dice: 24:08 Brandon--WDYPTW Congrats: 27:23 Cloak and Meeple Congrats: 27:50 Matt--PoNG Congrats: 28:15 TOP 10s!: 28:38 Craig's #10: Betrayal at the House on the Hill: 31:00 Erin #10: Bring Out Yer Dead: 32:55 Tyler #10: Chupacabra Dice: 34:23 Will #10: Coup: 35:40 Craig #9: Axis & Allies: 37:08 Erin #9 Tokaido: 38:28 Tyler #9 Grizzled: 40:15 Will #9: Stone Age: 41:00 Craig #8 Arboretum: 42:20 Erin #8 Splendor: 43:28 Tyler #8 Camel Up: 43:40 Will #8 Cosmic Encounter: 45:45 Craig #7: Imperial Settlers: 46:16 Erin #7: Lanterns: 47:00 Tyler #7: Valeria Card Kingdoms: 47:30 Will #7 Seven7s: 48:22 Craig #6 Cosmic Encounter: 49:40 Erin #6: Patchwork: 51:45 Tyler #6: Scoville: 52:58 Will #6: Lanterns: 55:03 Craig #5: Arcadia Quest: 56:05 Erin #5: Takenoko: 57:40 Tyler #5: Dead of Winter: 1:00:05 Will #5: X-Wing: 1:00:45 Craig #4: Agricola: 1:00:51 Erin #4: Viticulture: 1:02:00 Tyler #4: Mission Red Planet: 1:02:55 Will #4: Above and Below: 1:03:35 Craig #3; Pandemic Legacy: 1:04:58 Erin #3: Bohnanza: 1:05:06 Tyler #3: Summoner Wars: 1:06:04 Will #3: City of Iron: 1:07:00 Craig #2: X-wing: 1:08:25 Erin #2: Ticket to Ride: 1:09:50 Tyler #2: Red Dragon Inn: 1:11:09 Will #2: Mottainai: 1:12:35 Craig #1: Mottainai: 1:12:53 Erin #1: 7Wonders: 1:15:00 Tyler #1: Pandemic Legacy/Risk Legacy: 1:16:28 Will #1: Blood Rage: 1:19:45 Craig's Wrap-up and Thanks: 1:22:19

Direct download: 50final2.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

In this episode, Craig is flying solo for the main review section so he talks about his two favorite games from Level 99 Games: Argent the Consortium and Pixel Tactics. Since he's solo, the games only get a quick overview and gush session, but there's enough info in there to wet your whistle for what each game is about. Also, Craig is joined by his family for a run down of a slew of games they played together, both at home and at the Malted Meeple. We hope you enjoy the episode and join us next episode for our 50th episode celebration!

Show Times:

Intro: 0:35

What the Family played: 6:57

Argent the Consortium (Lvl 99): 43:10

Pixel Tactics (Lvl 99): 56:41 

Direct download: 49final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 1:47am EDT

In the fourth installment of Botched Viewpoints, Craig is joined by David Sommerville, the creator of Vast, Patrick Leder, the head of Leder Games and designer of Vast, and Kyle Woelful, the developer of Vast to talk about their soon-to-be-arriving game. In the episode they discuss how the idea went from BGG WIP to a published product and some of the work and issues with balancing and asymmetrical play. Also, they discuss the name change from Trove to Vast, and wrap up with discussion of the how the brand will expand and continue in the future. Look for Vast in the very near future as it is Craig most anticipated game of this year, or you can pre-order the game on www.ledergames.com!

Direct download: VP4final.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT

In the 48th episode of the Botch Games Podcast, Craig and will loosely tie in three games based on trees and discuss the games they've played and what they're anticipating. First, Craig is joined by Erin and Tyler to talk about the games they've played since last recording (surprise, it's not much). Craig and Will then dig into (ha) Norsaga, a competitive family tree-building game, and Arboretum, a competitive rummy-style tree path laying game. Lastly, Tyler joins Craig and Will to talk about Kodama: The Tree Spirits and Tyler's unbreakable strategy... until we break it by discovering we played one rule horrible wrong. All in all it's a great time, if not a little embarrassing...

Show Times:

Introduction/Banter: 0:35

What We Played as a Family: 10:52

Norsaga (Merromorph): 30:40

Arboretum (Z-Man): 46:25

Kodama (Action Phase): 57:45

Direct download: 48.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 8:47pm EDT

In episode 47, we celebrate International Tabletop Day bytalkingabout our experience at the Malted Meeple board game cafein Hudson,Ohio, and the games we played throughout the day. Craigis joined byTyler and Will to discuss a small trove a games theyplayedthroughout the day, and joined by Tyler and Erin to talkabout thegames they played throughout the week. Also, Craig had ashort, butspecial interview with ITTD special guest at the MaltedMeeple, JonGilmour, the designer of Dead of Winter and Vault Wars.We hope youall got some amazing games in during InternationalTabletop Day andwe will be back in two weeks with a regularepisode!

Show Times:

Introduction: 0:35

Family Chat: 5:55

Sushi Go (Gamewright): 6:55

Tsuro (Calliope): 9:25

Timeline (Asmodee): 15:20

Mission Red Planet (Fantasy Flight): 17:55

Viticulture (Stonemaier): 20:30

International Tabletop Day!: 27:45

Stone Age (Rio Grande): 31:20

Bad Beets (Stoneblade): 35:25

Camel Up (Z-Man): 37:50

Tsuro of the Seas (Calliope): 41:40

Hey That's My Fish! (Fantasy Flight): 47:45

Le Boomb! (Mayfair): 51:45

Welcome to the Dungeon (Iello): 54:00

Special Interview with Jon Gilmour: 56:45

Wrap-Up: 1:00:45

Direct download: 47.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:50pm EDT

In the 46th episode of the Podcast, Craig and Will finish out April with two of their favorite newer Fantasy Flight games in Mission Red Planet, an area control game from the Brunos, and Warhammer Quest The Adventure Card Game, which replaces every instance of Pathfinder on Craig's shelves. Also, Craih is joined by his family, as always, to discuss the games they've been playing. Lastly, The Tattered Board Podcast joins in on the FFG celebration and discusses their favorite Fantasy Flight games, including Rex. 

Show Times:

General Banter: 0:36

Family What We've Played: 11:24

iTunes reviews/Tattered Board Intro: 26:42

Tattered Board Segment: 29:42

Mission Red Planet: 46:06

Warhammer Quest: 1:04:55

Direct download: 46final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 5:22pm EDT

In the third episode of Botched Viewpoints, Craig is joined by Chris Darden, designer of Dungeon Roll and Geekway to the West organizer, and Anthony Racano, host of the Cardboard Jungle and long-time convention demoer, to talk about the rise of conventions, the swells in convention attendance, the importance conventions have within the community of gamers, and what conventions can do better logistically to avoid housing and/or badge nightmares.

Direct download: VP3.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 3:53pm EDT

In the first episode of April, which we're dedicating to Fantasy Flight Games, Craig and Will talk about the four collectible games their addicted to from FFG. After a catch up with Craig's family on what they've been playing the past two weeks, the boys dig deep into two Living Card Games (Warhammer 40,000 Conquest and Android Netrunner) and two Collectible Miniature Games (Star Wars: Imperial Assault and the X-wing Miniatures Game) and why they have become completely addicted to each of these collectible games, the ups, the downs, and whether the cost is right. We hope you enjoy the first of two Fantasy Flight Games episodes in April, as next episode we discuss Warhammer Quest the Adventure Card Game and Mission Red Planet. 

 

Show Times:

Friendly Banter: 0:36

Family What We've Played: 10:37

FFG LCGs (WH40k Conquest, Android Netrunner): 31:33

FFG CMGs (Imperial Assault, X-Wing): 1:00:41

Direct download: 45.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 1:51am EDT

In Episode 44 , Craig and Will dig deep into Chris Handy's entire first collection of Pack O Games in anticipation of the newest set which is now live on Kickstarter. They go through each game individually, looking at strengths and weaknesses before each of them lists their worst to best lists for the entire set. Also in this episode, Craig is joined by Erin and Tyler were they have a nice discussion about Dingo's Dreams (preventing Erin's alzheimer's disease) and Agricola: ACBAS (and Tyler's infatuation with raising sheep). Lastly, the cast is now a proud member Pathological Nerdcaster's Network, which you can check out at PNCN.rocks.

Show Times:

HUE: 22:50

TKO: 29:05

GEM: 32:38

FLY: 36.30

TAJ: 43:16

LIE: 49:05

SHH: 52:48

BUS: 56:35

Direct download: 44.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 1:21am EDT

In episode 43, Craig and Will continue their love of Above and Below by diving into more of Ryan Laukat's library. First they review Eight Minute Empire, a game which has been in Craig's collection for years, but also one he has never beaten his wife at. Next, Craig and Will dive in to Dingo's Dreams and City of Iron 2nd edition which were recently fulfilled through Kickstarter. As usual, Craig is joined by his wife, Erin, and his son, Tyler to talk about the games they played as a family. Lastly, Craig and Will answer some listener questions, emptying out the mailbag and clearing out the Twitter queue. 

Show Times:

Family Banter: 8:45

Dingo's Dreams (Red Raven): 22:00

Eight Minute Empire (Red Raven): 31:10

City of Iron Second Edition (Red Raven): 43:15

 

Direct download: 43.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 8:44pm EDT

This extra episode focuses on objectivity, subjectivity and the roles of media. Craig is joined by Matt from the League of Nonsensical Gamers and Brandon from the What Did You Play This Week Podcast and they discuss why we, as reviewers exist, who we're a benefit to, and our role as intermediary between producer and consumer. I sincerely hope you enjoy this discussion and thanks for listening!

 

Direct download: main2.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 9:12pm EDT

In Episode 42, Craig invites his board game apprentice, Will,  into the studio to go in depth with the 2015 release, Trickerion from Mindclash Games, a nifty worker placement with a theme that makes sense. He also catches up with his family and discusses the games they played as a family. Also, to round out the episode, Will runs through his favorite games from the early stages of his board gaming life, and surprise, they're not gateway games!

Show Times:

Family Played Games: 8:30

featuring...

Doodle Quest (Blue Orange)

One Night Ultimate Werewolf (Bezier)

Spaceteam

Pandemic Legacy (Z-Man)

Orleans (Tasty Minstrel)

Cosmic Encounter (FFG)

Trickerion (Mindclash Games): 24:00

Will's Choice: 59:00

featuring...

Lanterns (Foxtrot Games)

Blood Rage (CMoN)

Above and Below (Red Raven Games)

Direct download: 42final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:03am EDT

In episode 41, Craig is joined by his lovely wife, Erin, to discuss every iteration and expansion of her favorite game, 7 Wonders, from the base game all the way through 7 Wonders Duel! Listen to a nice breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of every expansion and what are essential additions to your base game! We hope you enjoy the episode and a deeper look into one of our family's favorite games!

 

Show Times:

Family Played Games Discussion: 5:30

7Wonders Base Game: 22:45

7Wonders: Leaders: 34:00

7Wonders: Cities: 38.45

7Wonders: Wonder Pack: 46:00

7Wonders: Babel: 49:00

7Wonders: Duel: 56:00

Direct download: 41final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 11:16pm EDT

In a very special bonus episode, you get the full, unedited, 36 minute long Top 5 games of 2015 lists from Craig wife, Erin and his son, Tyler. The version in episode 40 is a mere 20 minutes long and doesn't capture the full scope of our family dynamic or the fun the Botch family has looking back at 2015 and the fun they have picking on each other. I hope you enjoy this longer version in all of it's cough-filled, shout-out riddled glory!

Direct download: 40bonus.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 11:31pm EDT

In episode 40, Craig follows the trend of every other media site out there and goes through all of his lists of 2015. First off, Craig hits the low notes and talks about his disappointments of 2015 and the games he wished he had played during 2015. Then in a SPECIAL GUEST segment, Craig is joined by his lovely wife, and surprisingly talkative son who give their top 5 games from the previous year. Lastly, Craig gets in to the meat of the episode and talks his top 10 games of 2015, and wraps up the show with his biggest anticipations of 2016! We hope you enjoy the episode and that you have a wonderful start to your new year!

A list of Games you might hear in the episode:

Bring out yer Dead (Upper Deck)

Ticket to Ride (Days of Wonder)

The Networks (Formal Ferret)

Seafall (Plaid Hat)

Ashes (Plaid Hat)

Colt Express (Asmodee)

Flick em Up (Pretzel Games)

Elysium (Space Cowboys)

Pandemic Legacy (Z-Man)

Arboretum (Z-man)

X-Com (FFG)

Blood Rage (CMON)

Dark Moon (Stronghold Games)

504 (Stronghold Games)

Mottainai (Asmadi Games)

Secret Hitler (Max Temkin)

Scythe (Stonemaier Games)

Between Two Cities (Stonemaier Games)

7Wonders Duel (Repos)

Rum and Bones (CMON)

The Grizzled (CMON)

Lanterns (Foxtrot)

Orleans (TMG)

Arcadia Quest (CMON)

Rhino Hero (HABA)

Direct download: 40final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:40pm EDT

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