Botch Games Podcast

In Episode 39, Craig takes a look at three games sent to him for review from Tasty Minstrel Games (TMG). First up is the competitve push your luck game of cutting wires and making your friends explode in Bomb Squad Academy. Secondly, He look at the cooperative, Hanabi-style game, Bomb Squad, full of map movement, bomb defusal, secret hands, and a real-time countdown timer. Lastly, he looks at the import/reprint Orleans, a bag building, action selection game. Happy New Years Everyone!

Show Times:

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes: (9:30)

Bomb Squad Academy (TMG): 13:00

Bomb Squad (TMG): 32:20

Orleans (TMG): 56:00

Direct download: 39final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:06am EDT

In Episode 38, Craig digs through his stack and pulls out the last few games to be reviewed from 2015 in anticipation of his best of 2015 list debuting in January 2016. Starting off Craig gives a brief synopsis of Lifeline, a storytelling iOS and Android game and his adoration for the style. Second, he goes even further away from his normal reviews and gives an in-depth look at Secret Hitler, a hidden role game which is live on Kickstarter from the team the created Cards Against Humanity. Now on to the main event! This week, Craig reviews Bring out Yer Dead from Upper Deck Entertainment, an area-control, family style game, Elysium from Space Cowboy, a Greek mythology card drafting/selection game, and Cosmic Encounter, the age old classic game of conquest and OP aliens. Have a great holiday, dear listener!

Show Times:

Lifeline App (3 minute games): 6:00

Secret Hitler (Max Temkin): 10:30

Bring OUt Yer Dead (Upper Deck): 23:30

Elysium (Space Cowboy): 37:40

Cosmic Encounter (FFG): 52:20

Direct download: 38.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:45pm EDT

In Episode 37, Craig takes a look at expansions for two of his favorite Antoine Bauza games, in Takenoko Chibis, an expansion about baby pandas, and Tokaido Crossroads, a game about even more choices on Tokaido road. He discusses what he thinks was necessary additions in the expansions, what didn't need to exist, and his overall thoughts of how the expansions add or detract from the base games. Also in this episode, Craig goes in depth about Above and Below from Ryan Laukat's Red Raven Games, and if the game can blend mechanisms from Thematic games and Euro games successfully. 

Show Times:

Takenoko: Chibis (Matagot): 9:03

Tokaido: Crossroads (FunForge): 26:20

Above and Below (Red Raven Games): 41:18

 

Direct download: 37.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 12:06am EDT

In Episode 36, Craig celebrates the first year of the show and discusses three games that keep hitting his table. First up is Steampunk Rally, a Dice-placement, card-drafting, engine-building racing game of a time, published by Roxley Games. Next up, is Loop, Inc. the game of time-travel-for-profit, released by Eagle Gryphon Games. Lastly, he digs in to a spoiler-free run through of how Pandemic Legacy works, and why you should own it. Right. Now. Also feel free to stick around after the outro for a spoiler HEAVY recap of the first four months of Craig's campaign with his family!

Show Times: 

Steampunk Rally (Roxley Games): 7:45

Loop, Inc. (Eagle Gryphon): 27:30

Pandemic Legacy SPOILER FREE! (Z-Man Games): 48:30

Pandemic Legacy ALL THE SPOILERS!! (Z-man Games): 1:08:30

Direct download: 36.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

In episode 35, Craig pairs up two Word/Deck Building games in a comparison of mechanics and gameplay. First he talks about Paperback from Tim Fowers, the Dominion/Scrabble hybrid, and then he discusses Dexicon from Andrew Rowse and Eagle-Gryphon Games and the new concepts it adds to the almost stale deckbuilding genre. Lastly, Craig digs into Seven7s from Jason Tagmire and Eagle-Gryphon games, discussing its simple deck complexity. Also note, Craig is aware he is terrible at his job.

Show Notes:

Paperback (Tim Fowers): 8:30

Dexicon (Eagle-Gryphon): 20:30

Seven7s (Eagle-Gryphon): 38:04

Direct download: Ep35.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT

In Episode 34, Craig digs in to three tile placement games, which quickly becomes a lesson on intro/family games. During the episode he discusses Lanterns: The Harvest Festival from Foxtrot Games and Renegade Games, Between Two Cities from Stonemaier Games, and New York 1901 from Blue Orange Games.

 

Show Times:

Lanterns (Foxtrot Games): 6:50

Between Two Cities (Stonemaier Games): 20:45

New York 1901 (Blue Orange Games) 41:15

Direct download: 34.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 9:56pm EDT

In the first episode of the newest sister program Craig has dreamed up, he digs into the psychological principles of Locus of Control and the Self-Serving Bias. To achieve this goal, he has a long discussion with Edward and Tony from the Heavy Cardboard Podcast and Aaron and Quinten from the Board Alive Podcast where they dig into luck and random factor in games discussing the advantages and disadvantages of randomness or lack of randomness in a large scope of games. HC touts their knowledge of luckless heavy strategy games, while BA talks about their favorite stand-up dice rolls in thematic games and it culminates into an amazing discussion about  how much randomness and luck leaves each group feeling fulfilled.

Direct download: viewpoint1.mp3
Category:Viewpoints -- posted at: 1:30pm EDT

In Episode 33, Craig dives into three games that showed up on his doorstep thanks to the magic of Kickstarter. All three games are 2015 releases and have shown up within the past month or so which means he has fought hard to get several plays of each game to bring them to your attention, dear listener. 

First Craig talks about Vault Wars, the auction game from Floodgate Games, then he digs in the latest installment of the Tiny Epic line from Gamelyn Games, Tiny Epic Galaxies, and he finally wraps us with his newest game obsession, Mottainai, from Asmadi Games. 

 

Show Times:

Vault Wars (Floodgate Games): 7:00

Tiny Epic Galaxies (Gamelyn Games): 26:00

Mottainai (Asmadi Games): 39:00

Direct download: 33.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:44pm EDT

In episode 32, Craig talks specifically about three Cool Mini or Not games. First off he takes a look back at Arcadia Quest, a 2014 release, but with fresh perspectives and more experience. Next, Craig dives into  the cooperative game the Grizzled, which is an upcoming release, and was a big hit at GenCon 2015. Lastly, he dives into the area-control, card-drafting game, Blood Rage designed by Eric Lang. 

Direct download: 32.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:15pm EDT

In episode 31, Craig begins his convention season wrap-up by discussing three games he played (see bought) at Gen-con 2015, specifically, Rattle, Battle, Grab the Loot from Portal Games, Codenames from CGE, and Trove:The Crystal Caverns from Leder Games.

Direct download: 31intro.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:26pm EDT

In Episode 30, Craig and Dave take a look at a few games they've played recently, including Dragon Run and Dimensions, and Craig talks about the Star Wars Edge of the Empire campaign he's running. In kickstarter newsm The look at Zombicide: Black Plague from Cool Mini or Not and Dark Dealings. Lastly, due to technical difficulties, there is no third segment this week, but Craig takes the mic to give a special announcement.

Show Times:

Dragon Run (Blue Orange): 9:45

Star Wars:Edge of the Empire (FFG): 18:45

Dimension (KOSMOS): 26:15

FTC Suit against Kickstarter Publisher: 35:30

Zombicide: Black Plague (CMON): 39:15

TMNT Heroclix (Wizkids): 47:15

Dark Dealings (Nevermore Games): 50:00

Paperize Dev Tool (Oil and Rope): 55:15

Smog Riders (Scale 75): 58:00

Craig's Announcement: 59:45

Direct download: 30.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 12:19am EDT

In Episode 29, Craig takes the mic to recap the games he played during the 2015 Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio. He breaks down over twenty titles that he and his son demoed during their time at the convention. Next, Craig and Dave interview Brooklynn Lundberg from Succubus Publishing about their current kickstarter project, Middara. 

Show Times:

Lanterns (Renegade Games): 3:40

Shoot Your Friends (Gangrene Games): 6:00

Monster Truck Mayhem (Dice Hate Me): 8:45

Welcome to the Dungeon (Iello): 11:00

Pie Factory (Dice Hate Me): 12:40

Bottom of the 9th (Dice Hate Me): 14:00

Sylvion (Z-Man): 17:45

Angry Dice (Dice Hate Me): 19:15

Bring Out Yer Dead (Upper Deck): 21:15

Arcadia Quest (Cool Mini or Not): 28:15

Xenoshyft (Cool Mini or Not): 29:15

Patchwork (Mayfair): 32:10

Wombat Rescue (Eagle Games): 34:00

Flick 'em Up (Z-Man Games): 37:00

Dogs of War (Cool Mini or Not): 38:15

Bad Beets (Stoneblade): 39:00

Pingo Pingo (Iello): 40:45

Hogger Logger (Breaking Games): 43:35

Ubongo (Kosmos): 43:35

Dimension (Kosmos): 45:40

Dohdles (Kosmos): 47:05

Colt Express (Asmodee): 48:40

Easy Breezy Travel Agency (Dice Hate Me): 50:00

Interview: Brooklynn Lundberg, Succubus Publishing: 53:20

Direct download: 29.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:40pm EDT

In episode 28, Craig and Dave are joined by special guest, Matt Wolfe, the designer of Wombat Rescue, which is on Kickstarter right now from Eagle Games. Also in this episode, The boys give first impressions of The Metagame from Local No. 12, and X-Men Mutant Revolution from Wizkids Games. In Kickstarter news, they look at Middara from Succubus Publishing and Ether Wars from EtherDev, and lastly they talk about the nominees for this year's Spiel des Jahres. 

Show Times:

The Metagame (Local No. 12): 2:45

Star Wars Edge of the Empire (FFG): 16:15

The End of the World Line (FFG): 17:15

X-Men Mutant Revolution (Wizkids): 19:15

Middara (Succubus): 31:45

Ether Wars (EtherDev): 35:30

Wombat Rescue (Eagle Games): 37:00

Spiel des Jahres 2015 Nominees: 38:30

Welcome to the Dungeon (Iello): 41:45

Interview with designer Matt Wolfe: 48:00

 

Direct download: 28p1.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:01pm EDT

In Episode 27, Craig and Dave talk forever in their first impressions of Assassinorum Execution Force from Games Workshop which may end in a bit of a heated disagreement.  They also give a full game review of Plaid Hat's 2014 hit game, Dead of Winter. In kickstarter news, they look at One Hit Kill from John August, Gruff from Studio Woe, and Mottainai from Asmadi Games. 

Show Times:

Assassinorum Execution Force (Games Workshop): 4:15

One Hit Kill (John August): 32:45

Skyrelics Update: 36:30

Mottainai (Asmadi): 38:45

Gruff (Studio Woe): 41:30

Mensa Select 2015 Winners: 44:15

Fluxx Dice (Looney Labs): 47:00

Imperial Settlers: Atlanteans: 48:30

Dead of Winter Review (Plaid Hat): 51:45

Stinger: Music with our mouths!

Direct download: 27final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT

In episode 26, Dave and Craig take a long hard look at the X-wing Miniature Game in their first battle report episode. Also in this episode, they look at some Kickstarter games in Karnivore Koala from Voodoo Games and Coup: Rebellion G54 from Indie Boards and Cards, give a first Impression on One Night Ultimate Werewolf: Daybreak from Bezier Games, and talk about news in the hobby.

Show Times:

3x3 Update: 4:45

One Night Ultimate Werewolf: Daybreak (Bezier Games): 10:45

Karnivore Koala (Voodoo Games): 14:30

Coup: Rebellion G54 (Indie Boards and Cards): 17:30

Marvel Legendary Secret Wars: 19:00

Smash-up: It's All Your Fault (Alderac): 21:30

Battle Report: X-Wing Miniature Game: 24:30

Direct download: 26final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

In Episode 25, Craig and David offer their usual banter about the games they played this week which followed a weird pattern of brutal coop games including Robinson Crusoe from Z-Man Games and Space Hulk: Death Angel from Fantasy Flight. In Kickstarter chatter they look at Dragon Punch from Koen Hendrix and Apocrypha from Mike Selinker and Lone Shark Games. Lastly they go in depth with the game that got them started on the hobby, Betrayal at House on the Hill, before wrapping it up with a quick round of Who Would Win wiith Chuck and Dave.

Show Times:

Robinson Crusoe (Z-Man Games): 4:15

Space Hulk: Death Angel (Fantasy Flight): 9:45

Dragon Punch (Koen Hendrix): 29:30

Apocrypha (Lone Shark Games): 31:15

B-Sieged (CoolMiniOrNot): 35:15

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada (Tindalos Software): 38:30

Noire Black Box Edition (Level 99 Games): 39:45

In Depth: Betrayal at House on the Hill (Avalon Games, WOTC): 43:15

Who Would Win with Chuck and Dave: 1:12:30

Direct download: 25final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:43pm EDT

In our twenty-fourth episode, Craig and Dave gather to talk about a few new games this week and update you on their progress in the 3x3 challenge. This week they talk about Shadowrun Crossfire from Catalyst Game Labs and Tschak from Gameworks. In their hype segment, they look at Skulldug! from Ruddy Games, Rattle, Battle, and Grab the Loot from Portal Games, B-Sieged from CoolMiniorNot and Dragon Punch from Kown Hendrix. In a special segment, Dave and Craig have some beef with Games Workshop's new game, Assassinorum Execution Force, and they talk about Board Games based on IP's. Lastly they tell some stories from their games in the 3x3 challenge. Thanks for tuning in!

Show Times:

Tschak (Gameworks): 8:00

Shadowrun: Crossfire (Catalyst): 18:15

Assassinorum Execution Force (Games Workshop): 32:45

Rattle, Battle, Grab the Loot (Portal Games): 45:00

Skulldug! (Ruddy Games): 46:30

B-Sieged (CoolMiniOrNot): 48:30

Dragon Punch (Kown Hendrix): 51:30

Topic: IP's in Board Games: 53:30

3x3 Challenge: Stories from the table: 1:06:45

Direct download: 24completr.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 9:43pm EDT

In Episode 23, Craig and Dave do a filler game round up in their just played segment, looking at Dungeon Roll from TMG, Just Desserts from Looney Labs, and Walk the Plank from Mayday Games. In a very special interview segment, they talk to Derek Heath from Sky Relics Games about their current Kickstarter project: Sky Relics. Lastly, they pick up the gauntlets thrown down by Punching Cardboard and take on the 3x3 Challenge, where both Craig and Dave each pick three games they will play with each other three times before Origins. We hope you enjoy!

Show Times:

Dungeon Roll (Tasty Minstrel Games): 5:00

Just Desserts (Looney Labs): 16:10

Walk the Plank (MayDay Games): 25:30

Interview: Derek Heath--Sky Relics Games: 31:30

3x3 Challenge: 59:45

Craig's List for Dave: 1:00:30

Star Wars Imperial Assault

Terra Mystica

Castles of Mad King Ludwig

Dave's List for Craig: 1:06:45

Tschak

Dead of Winter

X-Wing Miniatures Game

Craig's List for his Family: 1:12:45

Scoville

Agricola

Viticulture

After-Credits Stinger: 1:19:15

Direct download: 23final.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

In the second half of Fiasco from Bully Pulpit games, our heroes (and villians) are trying secure (or steal) the Super Secret Truth Serum inside of a glowing hot dog all while trying to survive and figure out if it's a love triangle or a live trapezoid. We hope you enjoy our wrap up!

Direct download: fiasco1part2fin.mp3
Category:Plays -- posted at: 3:56pm EDT

Episode 22 marks the return of Craig's beloved co-host David. In this Episode they talk about David's first kickstarter game to arrive in the mail, Antidote by Bellwether Games. Also they dive into Steam Donkey by the Ragnar Brothers and discuss their new addition, The X-Wing miniatures game from Fantasy Flight. In their hype section of the cast, they look at Sky Relics, a new Airship miniature combat game, Posthuman by Mr. B Games, and Star Wars Imperial Assault first full expansion, Twin Shadows. In their topic segment, they discuss grief and the role of games as both an escape from times of tragedy and the imprtance of the community during times of grief. Lastly, Craig finally gets his turn at the Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round. Enjoy and see you next week!

Show Times: 

Battle Arena Show Cancellation (KOTI Games): 4:15

Antidote (Bellwether Games): 6:30

Steam Donkey (Ragnar Brothers): 18:30

X-Wing Miniatures Game (Fantasy Flight): 27:45

Sky Relics (Sky Relics Games LLC): 42:00

Posthuman (Mr. B Games): 52:15

One Night Resistance: 58:30

The Siblings Trouble: 59:00

Imperial Assault: Twin Shadows (Fantasy Flight Games): 1:00:45

Topic: Grief and Community Influence on Tragedy: 1:05:30

Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round--Craig: 1:21:30

Direct download: ep22.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 7:40pm EDT

Welcome to another episode of Botch Plays! This time, we're joined by the Nerd Perspetive to play the first half of a game of Fiasco by Bully Pulpit Games. Our setting is a group of "super" heroes, who in all actuality could just be regular people in tights. We hope you enjoy and look for the second half next Friday!

Direct download: FirstfiascoAfin.mp3
Category:Plays -- posted at: 5:01pm EDT

In Episode 21, Craig is joined by Chuck on the episode in which the podcast is now of legal age. They talk at length about Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre from Cryptozoic Games, Pathfinder Advanture Card Game from Mike Selinker and Paizo, and One Night Ultimate Werewolf from Ted Alspach and Bezier Games, giving a game breakdown and discussion for each. In kickstarter and overall hype news, they talk about Forbidden Stars from Fantasy Flight, 504 from Friedemann Friese, and The Titans of Gaming Series from Calliope Games. After a shout out to their local shops and groups for International Tabletop Day, they dive into a topic where they discuss how to get a group back into roleplaying after a falling out.

Show Times:

Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards (Cryptozoic): 3:00

Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (Paizo): 11:00

One Night Ultimate Werewolf (Bezier): 27:45

Forbidden Stars (Fantasy Flight): 37:00

504 (2F-Spiele): 41:30

Titans Series Kickstarter (Calliope Games): 45:30

Local Shops: 50:30

Topic: Let's Roleplay Again: 54:30 

Direct download: ep21fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:53pm EDT

In episode 20, Craig and Duke do their best to derail any kind of board game discussion semblance while discussing a myriad of games. They talk in depth about Keyflower from R&D Games, Star Wars Imperial Assault from Fantasy Flight Games, and Pina Pirata from Iello Games. In Kickstarter talk, they look at Wizard's Academy from 3D Total Games and Battle Arena Show from KOTI Games. Lastly, they do a topic round up where they discuss the controversy surrounding Gen Con 2015 and Indiana Law, the replacement of slave cards with fakir cards in Five Tribes from Days of Wonder, and then talk about innovative game components which are still functional. 

Show Times:

Keyflower (R&D Games): 4:45

X-Wing (Fantasy Flight): 15:00

Star Wars Imperial Assault (Fantasy Flight): 18:00

Pina Pirata (Iello): 31:30

Wizard's Academy (3D Total Games): 39:15

Battle Arena Show (KOTI Games): 46:30

Topic Roundup:

Gen Con 2015 and Indiana Law: 53:30

Five Tribes Slaves to Fakirs: 1:02:15

Beautiful Yet Functional Components: 1:14:00

Direct download: ep20fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:21pm EDT

In our first fifth week minisode we take a look at the different learning stlyes of our little group from the mouths of each group member. Each of us talks for a few minutes about how we learn to play new games and how our group can accomodate each learning style to promote an atmosphere of fun and learning. 

We hope you enjoy this little episode and we'll be back next week with a full length episode!

Show Times:

Craig's Spiel: 3:00

Erin's Speech: 5:55

Tyler's Summary: 7:10

Duke's Sales-Pitch: 9:30

B's Story: 11:25

Chuck's Scoop: 12:50

Wrap-up: 13:55

Direct download: minisode1fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 3:50pm EDT

In episode 19, Craig and Duke discuss the social contract of gathering at the table to play games: what is expected as a participant, how to function as part of the group, and the faux pas that ruin game nights. They get in depth with two games they're playing: At the Gates of Loyang from Z-man Games and Last will by Czech Games Edition. In Kickstarter talk, they look at Neon Sanctum and Burgle Bros. and talk about the hits their wallets have taken recently. Lastly, in their What the What segment, they finally define "Botch Games." 

Show Times:

At the Gates of Loyang (Z-Man Games): 8:00

Last Will (Czech Games Edition): 16:00

Burgle Bros. Kickstarter (Tim Fowers): 30:30

Neon Sanctum Kickstarter (Grenade Punch Games): 35:45

What the What?! "Botch Games": 40:30

Topic: Social Contract: 45:00

Direct download: ep19fin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:13pm EDT

In episode 18, Craig and guest co-host Duke discuss the struggle of scaling their four and five player games down to a two player format for spousal gaming: What games do it right? What games do it wrong? How can designers better figure in scalability?

They also discuss a number of games including Deus from Pearl Games, XCOM The Board Game from Fantasy Flight, and Star Realms from White Wizard Games. They talk some kickstarter games such as Vault Wars from Floodgate Games, Entropy from Allen Chang, and Valeria Card Kingdoms from Daily Magic. In their What the What?! segment, Craig defines what a 4x game is and what must exist for a game to be called a 4x game. Lastly, they recap some local gaming events with the grand opening Pi day celebration at the Malted Meeple, and the Board Game flea market at Underhills Games before subjecting Duke to a little game of Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round.

Show Times:

Deus (Pearl Games): 2:15

XCOM The Board Game (Fantasy Flight): 9:15

Star Realms (White Wizard): 19:45

Entropy (Allen Chang): 20:45

Vault Wars (Floodgate): 22:45

Valeria Card Kingdoms (Daily Magic): 25:45

Castles of Mad King Ludwig Expansion (Bezier): 27:30

Malted Meeple Opening and Underhills Games Flea Market: 30:45

What the What?! 4x Defined: 43:15

Topic: Scalability of Games to 2 Players: 46:00

Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round: 1:26:00

Direct download: ep18fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

In Episode 17, Craig and guest-co-host B discuss a few games they've played this week: Aquasphere from Stefan Feld and Tasty Minstrel Games, and Kingsburg from Fantasy Flight. In Kickstarter news, they talk about Above and Below from Ryan Laukat and Red Raven Games. During the What the What?! segment, Craig defines what a pasted on theme which leads to a discussion on what came first, the Mechanic or the Theme? In the main topic of this episode, Craig and B set up a theme game night with a plethora of Antoine Bauza games, ranging from the simplistic to the complex and everything in between, and their ideas on implementing a Bauza game night, including games like Tokaido, Hanabi, Ghost stories, and 7 Wonders. Finally Craig subjects B to the "know your podcaster lightning round"!

Show Times:

Kingsburg (Fantasy Flight): 3:45

Aquasphere (Tasty Minstrel): 11:15

Above and Below (Red Raven Games): 23:00

Between Two Cities (Stonemaier Games): 27:00

What the What?! Pasted-On Theme: 28:30

Main Topic: An Evening of Bauza: 36:30

Hanabi (RnR Games): 38:00

Tokaido (Passport Games): 43:30

Takenoko (Asmodee): 46:45

Ghost Stories (Asmodee): 51:00

Samurai Spirit (FunForge): 54:15

7 Wonders (Repos Productions): 57:30

Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round: 1:08:15

Direct download: ep17fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:17pm EDT

In Episode 16, Craig and Dave tackle the fringes of the role of art in hobby games, touching on the characterisctics artwork and design adds to the look, play style, and theme of games. They discuss a few games they've played this week including Samurai Spirit from Funforge and Antoine Bauza, Ancient Terrible Things from Pleasant Company Games, and Wizard Dodgeball from Peter Newland and Mind the Gap Studios. They talk some kickstarter hype with Dragoon from Lay Waste Games, Between Two Cities from Jamey Stegmaier, and Project Dreamscape from Ben Haskett. In their What the What segment, they take a few minutes to define and describe the term point salad weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the mechanic. Lastly, in a new segment, you get to learn a little bit about everyone's favorite bearded co-host, Dave, in out "Know Your Podcaster Lightning Round"

Show Times:

Samurai Spirit (Funforge): 4:00

Ancient Terrible Things (Pleasant Company Games): 11:30

Wizard Dodgeball (Mind The Gap Studios): 16:15

COMING SOON:

Steam Donkey (Ragnar Brothers): 29:15

X-COM (FFG): 30:30

Dragoon Kickstarter (Lay Waste Games): 32:30

Between Two Cities Kickstarter (Stonemaier Games): 37: 00

Project Dreamscape Kickstarter (Ben Haskett): 40:00

Bad Medicine--Botch Plays Plug (Formal Ferret): 50:45

What the What?! Point Salad: 53:45

Main Theme: The Importance of Art: 59:00

Know your podcaster: Lightning Round: 1:25:00

Direct download: ep16fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 5:34pm EDT

In our third special episode of Botch Plays, Craig, Erin, Chuck, and Lindsay sit down to play a game of "Bad Medicine" by Gil Hova of Formal Ferret studios. Listen to nearly a full game as Craig sits with three actual nurses while we attempt to cure the world of a myriad of ridiculous maladies in this pharmaceutical party game!

Direct download: badmedicine1fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 12:28pm EDT

In Episode 15, Craig and guest-host Sound-Editor-Chuck enter into a world of Euros and discuss the games Panamax from Stronghold Games, Viticulture from Stonemaier Games, and Agrocila from Z-Man. They talk about their plays of Titans of Empyrean from 9 Kingdoms and its Kickstarter Campaign. In their What the What? segment, Craig defines ALpha Gamer and the fine line between helping and hindering fellow players. In their main segment, they discuss the recent trend of App integration into board gaming looking at titles like X-Com, Golem Arcana, Alchemists, and World of Yo-Ho. Finally they answer a listener question from Todd Kauk about strategy per minute games, and getting the most strategical bang for your time investment buck!

 

Show Times:

Viticulture (Stonemaier Games): 6:00

Panamax (Stronghold Games): 14:00

Agricola (Z-Man Games): 26:00

Titans of Empyrean (9 Kingdoms): 30:15

Bad Medicine (Formal Ferret): 41:15

Trickerion Kickstarter (Mindclash Games): 45:00

What the What? Alpha Gamer: 48:00

Main Theme: App Integration: 53:45

Listener Question: 1:23:00

Direct download: ep15fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:44pm EDT

In Episode 14, Craig and Dave gear up for another midnight recording in an attempt to live like children again. They had an amazing week of games and picked four to discuss this week: Diamonds from Stronghold Games, Yardmaster from Crash Games, Elder Sign from Fantasy Flight, and Scoville from Tasty Minstrel. Craig tracks down the etymological roots of the word Meeple in their "What the What" segment. In their Kickstarter discussion they look at the final numbers of Conan and talk about Epic Dice Tower Defense. They hype up X-men Mutant Revolution from Wizkids and GF9 and Uncharted Seas from Spartan Games. Lastly, they dive into their main topic which is going in depth with a few expansions which completely change the rules of a game, but not in a good way.

 

Show Times:

Diamonds (Stronghold): 5:00

Yardmaster (Crash Games): 12:00

Elder Sign (Fantasy Flight): 22:00

Scoville (Tasty Minstrel Games): 29:45

What the What?! Meeple Etymology: 39:45

Conan Kickstarter: 44:15

Epic Dice Tower Defense Kickstarter: 48:00

X-Men Mutant Revolution (Wizkids, GF9): 52:15

Uncharted Seas (Spartan Games): 54:00

Antidote (Bellwether Games): 56:00

Main Theme: Step Sideways Expansions: 57:15

Direct download: ep14fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 11:05pm EDT

In our second special episode of Botch Plays, we bring But Wait, There's More (Toyvault, Bamboozle Bros.) back to the Table, but this time with a different cast of characters. Join Craig, our sound editor Chuck, Craig's 12 year old son, Tyler, and our group staple, Brandon, as we once again try to pitch products that will change the world!

Direct download: play-but-wait-2_fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 9:50am EDT

In Episode 13, Craig and Dave discuss the important topic of what criteria, mechanics, or other qualities make a board game a keeper, one they keep going back to. They also take a look at a number of small games, like Spyfall, releasing later this year from Cryptozoic, Lost Legacy: The Starship from Alderac, Bandu from Zoch, and the Bravest Warriors Cooperative Dice Game from Cyptozoic. They also announce their Valentines Day Games for Two Giveaway where they're giving away a copy of Patchwork, designed by Uwe Rosenberg and published by Mayfair and Akrotiri, designed by Jay Cormier and Sen-Foong Lim and published by Z-Man Games. They also discuss upcoming reviews from the Indie Game Alliance line of games, define FLGS in their What the What? segment and talk about a bunch of games on Dave's list. Lastly, they pick up the guantlet thrown down by a fellow podcaster. Ball's in your court now.

 

Show Times:

Spyfall (Cryptozoic): 3:00

Lost Legacy: The Starship (AEG): 10:45

Bandu (Zoch): 16:30

Bravest Warriors Dice Game (Cryptozoic): 22:30

Botch Games For Two Valentine's Giveaway! (Akrotiri, Patchwork): 27:30

Indie Game Alliance: 32:00

What the What? FLGS defined: 34:45

Dive Dice Games (Diceperados, My Neighbor Monster, Downgo Dungeon): 42:30

Wrath of Kings CoolMiniOrNot): 46:45

Mini Theme: Crag > A-Aron: 51:30

Main Theme: Keeper Games: 53:00

Direct download: ep13fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:10pm EDT

In episode 12, Craig and Dave discuss a few online board gaming platforms such as Vassal, Tabletop Simulator, and Board Game Arena, loking at both the pros and cons of each. They also talk about the games they finally got each other to play: Dead of Winter, Warhammer 40,000 Conquest, and Diamonsters. Lastly they talk some games they're getting to the table soon with Bausack and Dystopian Wars. In their "What the What?" segment, Craig defines Worker Placement games, and they discuss their excitement for the Malted Meeple, a new Board Game Pub in Northeast Ohio.

 

Show Times: 

But Wait There's More Extra Content: 1:30

Dead of Winter (Plaid Hat): 6:30

Diamonsters (IDW): 13:30

Warhammer 40,000 Conquest (Fantasy Flight): 23:30

Bausack (Zoch): 32:00

Dystopian Wars (Spartan Games): 34:45

What the What? Worker Placement Games Defined: 44:30

Show Theme: Digital Board Game Platforms: 49:00

(Tabletop Simulator, Vassal Engine, Board Game Arena)

Malted Meeple: 1:08:45 

Direct download: ep12fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 6:25pm EDT

A special segment from Botch Games where they play social games live in your ears. In this episode, Craig, Dave, Alex, and Erin play a print and play copy of  "But Wait There's More" from the Bamboozle Brothers set for an early February release. 

Direct download: plays-but_wait_fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 10:24am EDT

In Episode 11, Craig and Dave discuss the Uwe Rosenburg 2 Player game, Patchwork, Viticulture from Stonemaier games, and Stone Age from Rio Grande. They dig in depth into Campaign games such as Mordheim, Gorkamorka, Arcadia Quest, and Pathfinder the Card Game. They take time to define the gaming term AP (Analysis Paralysis), talk some kickstarter games, discuss a new gaming pub opening up in their home state of Ohio, and get hyped over hanging with BotchNation at Origins and Gen Con. Lastly they look at two gaming websites: Gameshelf.se and the Humble Card Game Bundle.

 

Show Times:

Malted Meeple: 4:00

Shadows of Brimstone (Flying Frog): 7:00

Gen Con/Origins: 11:00

Exploding Kittens(Elan Lee): 16:00

Patchwork (Mayfair): 17:30

Viticulture (Stonemaier): 24:00

Stone Age (Rio Grande): 27:30

Botch Definitions--AP: 34:00

Campaign Games: 42:30

Humble Card Game Bundle: 1:08:00

Gameshelf: 1:11:00

Conan Kickstarter (Monolith): 1:13:00

 

Epic PVP Kickstarter (Fun to 11): 1:16:00

Direct download: ep11fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 5:40pm EDT

In Episode 10 Craig and Dave discuss the two player game, Akrotiri, Imperial Settlers from POrtal Games, and have a heated debate over Kaosball from CoolMiniOrNot. They also talk rarities and reprints of games by looking at Tentacle Bento (ugh). Lastly they discuss a theme presented by a listener which is some tips and tricks to get your significant other to try a board game with you!

 

Show Times:

Akrotiri (Z-Man Games, Bamboozle Brothers): 6:30

Tentacle Bento (Soda Pop Miniatures): 28:30

Imperial Settlers (Portal Games): 33:30

Kaosball (CoolMiniOrNot): 39:00

Tiny Epic Games Kickstarter (Gamelyn Games): 1:00:00

Mordheim?! (Games Workshop): 1:04:00

Getting your Significant Other to Try a Game: 1:09:00

Direct download: ep10fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 4:39pm EDT

In Episode 9, Craig and Dave discuss lots of games they've been playing such as Crossroads: Dead of Winter from Plaid Hat Games, and Warhammer 40k Conquest from Fantasy Flight. Also they finally played and have a battle report for Robotech Tactics from Palladium using the cityfight terrain from Dropzone Commander. They go in depth talking of ways to reincorporate older games back into your play rotation. Lastly, the both admit their kickstarter spending problem and realize they need to walk away from their computers.

 

Show Times:

Crossroads: Dead of Winter (Plaid Hat Games): 2:30

Warhammer 40,000 Conquest (Fantasy Flight): 11:15

Slap 45 (Gnarwhal Studios): 24:30

Pairs (ChaepAssGames): 27:00

Robotech Tactics (Palladium) and Cityfight Terrain (Hawk Wargames): 32:00

Craig's Definition: Ameritrash: 47:45

In Depth: Getting Older Games Back to Table: 51:30

Pixel Tactics Kickstarter (Lvl 99 Games): 1:08:00

Rum and Bones Kickstarter (CoolMiniorNot): 1:09:45

Spyfall (Cryptozoic): 1:10:15

Spyfall Online: 1:11:15

 

Direct download: ep_9fin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03pm EDT

In episode 8, Dave and Craig talk about some of the games they've been playing this week, with a focus on gaming with their families. Craig talks Rumble in the House and Loot Letter, and Dave talks some younger games he plays with his 3 year old, including Sneaky Snacky Squirrel. They also hype some games they want to get their hands on including Xia and Wir Sind Das Volk. Lastly, they wrap up with their best bang for your buck, most games possible, $100 list to start a collection for anyone newer to the hobby with three lists, each targetted at a differing preferred play style. 

Show Times:

Rumble in the House (Flatlined Games):6:00

My Little Pony: Rainbow Magic (Hasbro): 14:30

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel (Educational Insights): 17:30

Munchkin Loot Letter (AEG, SJ Games): 18:30

Red7 (Asmadi): 21:00

Xia: Legends of a Drift System (Far Off Games): 30:00

Wir Sind Das Volk! (Histogame): 34:30

Yo-Kai Watch Model Kits: 36:45

Cards Against Humanity Puzzle Wrap-up: 41:00

$100 Collection Starter Lists: 46:30

Direct download: ep_8fin.mp3
Category:Games -- posted at: 2:02pm EDT

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