Your intrepid hosts Thomas and Jordan discuss their current play of Tiletum. The European Renaissance game of trading and cathedral building. This time, at 3 players! Wow!

The Current Plays Podcast is back! In this episode, Jordan and Thomas discuss their recent play of Lost Ruins of Arnak with the Lost Expedition expansion - Co-op Campaign style!

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 5 where Thomas starts us off with a quick update on his 365 Play Challenge. We follow this with a discussion about how we believe there is a board game out here for everyone. Of course, this positivity can only last so far before Jordan and Thomas devolve into rants about the Canadian market for board games, shipping, duty, brokerage, and Amazon Prime.

Jordan gives us an update on his Dungeons and Dragons campaign which leads us into talking about Vampire: The Masquerade. Back into board gaming Jordan talks Takenoko before quickly running through some of the other games he's been playing. Never too far from the mic, Thomas brings the discussion to his journey back into Chess, Something Wild!, and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.

Timestamps:

Other Plays:

0:02:15 - 365 Challenge

0:03:15 - A Game For Everyone

0:14:10 - The Canadian Market, Shipping, and Prime

0:24:00 - Jordan's D&D Update

0:28:19 - Vampire: The Masquerade

0:48:15 - Takenoko

0:55:13 - Jordan's Other Plays

0:56:32 - Back Into Chess

0:59:13 - Something Wild!

1:03:18 - Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Current Plays:

1:08:18 - Ahoy

1:45:50 - Tales of the Arabian Nights

2:11:14 - Apiary

3:08:30 - Anachrony: Fractures of Time

In episode 4 of season 2 Jordan starts us off with the amazing charity efforts of Stonemaier Games. Thomas brings the conversation to chess and how he was crushed by Canadian FIDE (fee-day) International Master (IM) Mark Plotkin. He then transitions into his thrift store find of Embers of Memory: A Throne of Glass Game and his disappointment with the rule book. Both host talk briefly about using board games as math tools with Kingdoms by Reiner Knizia and a short while later Sagrada by Adrian Adamescu and Daryl Andrews. Finally, Thomas brings up his 30 plays of Under Falling Skies and how he wanted to love this title but was spoiled on it due to the randomness of the dice.

Jordan was eventually able to get a word in and talks about getting Quacks of Quedlinburg to the table with his family before lamenting about another title in the publisher CMYK library Lacuna. Unfortunately, Lacuna is only available on the publishers' website so it is not available to us here in Canada. As promised in the last episode, Jordan gets a solo play of Paladins of the West Kingdom. From Paladins Jordan moves into playing Wingspan with his wife. We finish off the Other Plays portion of the episode with a rant about Jordan's Expeditions Playmat and how it was damaged due to poor packaging methods at the manufacturing level. Timestamps:

Other Plays:

0:01:40 - Stonemaier Charity Initiatives

0:07:40 - Chess with IM Mark Plotkin

0:17:40 - Embers of Memory: A Throne of Glass Game

0:24:44 - Kingdoms

0:26:40 - Under Falling Skies

0:40:48 - Sagrada

0:41:40 - Quacks of Quedlinburg

0:45:08 - Lacuna

0:47:05 - Paladins of the West Kingdom

0:51:11 - Wingspan

0:56:00 - Expeditions Playmat Issues

Current Plays:

1:01:28 - Raiders of Scythia

1:31:25 - Raiders of the North Sea

2:03:55 - Fury of Dracula

In this bonus episode Thomas and Jordan sit down to discuss how they approach a new game to try to win and avoiding floundering.

This lengthy episode sees our hosts go off on several tangents while trying to discuss the games they've played this month. Thomas has been deep into campaign game mode with Jaws of the Lion and didn't have huge list, but Jordan made up for it with a larger list than usual. We talk Expeditions again, but this time we talk about playing the game at 5 players as well as Solo. Then we do a bit of a deep dive into Rising Sun in our Other Plays section. Jordan goes on one more rant about Stonemaier Games accessories and the announcement of Apiary before we jump into our Current Plays in which Jordan can't find the words to describe his games and Thomas saves the day.

Timestamps:

Other Plays:

0:05:52 - Kitara

0:28:25 - Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

0:32:47 - Lost Cities

0:37:50 - Legends of Andor

0:40:00 - Expeditions

0:51:18 - Rising Sun

1:11:50 - Wingspan

1:20:00 - Grounded for Life

1:23:30 - Quacks of Quedlinburg

Current Plays:

1:42:06 - At the Gates of Loyang

2:13:25 - Yamataï

2:43:50 - The Godfather: Corleone's Empire

3:17:12 - Paladins of the West Kingdom

We're back with another episode of the Current Plays Podcast! And with it, we're bringing back the banter with a discussion on Dueling Card Games, specifically, Radlands and Mind Bug. Thomas dives into a lengthy list of his Other Plays for July and Jordan brings some old classics back to the table. After that, it's out with the old and in with the new... Warhammer that is. We talk about our first (and only) game of the new edition of Warhammer 40,000. We follow that up with a replay of Dice Throne Adventures, Nothing Personal, Welcome to the Moon, and a small prototype game from a local hobby designer called Blackbeard's Bluff. Finally, we cap it off with a look at popular classic that we had never played before: The Castles of Burgundy.

Time stamps:

0:18:00 - Other Plays

1:04:42 - Warhammer 40,000 (10th edition)

1:43:37 - Nothing Personal

2:00:00 - Welcome to the Moon

2:19:29 - The Castles of Burgundy

The long awaited return of the Current Plays Podcast is here! This is the inaugural episode of our new monthly format and because of the time gap, we're reviewing a LOT of games. See timestamps below.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Time Stamps:

0:04:50 - Unfair

0:27:57 - Pendulum

0:48:48 - Sagrada

1:06:32 - Lords of Waterdeep

1:29:23 - Ankh: Gods of Egypt

2:10:28 - Alchemists

2:42:32 - Expeditions

Episode 25 is finally here and Jordan and Thomas are so stoked to talk about all things Warhammer 40,000 by Games Workshop.

With some clever editing skills Jordan sets the theme with a chilling intro into the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Instead of moving on to the Other Plays both hosts can't hold their excitement in to talk about Warhammer. Finally, trying to get back on track Jordan brings up the game Fort and getting it to the table with his family. Wait a minute didn't we already discuss this last episode? Not to worry Thomas tries to salvage the conversation with a story about Welcome to the Moon. Except... yup you guessed it, we already talked about this last week as well! Finally, we get onto new topics with the mobile board games Jordan picked up on sale including numerous playthroughs of Sagrada. Thomas switches gears back into Welcome to the Moon but this time on trying out the Campaign. To finish off the Other plays segment Thomas talks Bohnanza and playing it with his eldest son Benjamin.

For our Current Play, and with patience to resist talking about it finally reaching its breaking point we discuss Warhammer 40,000.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Time Stamps:

Other Plays:

0:00:32 - Chilling Only War Intro

0:16:19 - Fort Repeat but with some Added Nuance

0:23:27 - Welcome to the Moon Repeat but with some Added Nuance

0:25:59 - Mobile Board Games Including Sagrada

0:32:53 - Welcome to the Moon Campaign

0:38:28 - Bohnanza

Current Play:

0:46:21 - Warhammer 40,000

This weeks episode sees Jordan and Thomas discussing the Scythe Expansions.

We begin the episode with some housekeeping podcast updates. With that out of the way Jordan talks getting Fort to the table with his family. Thomas moves on to playing Downforce at his office before switching gears into his weekend visit with his brother and family. No weekend is complete without games being played and Thomas gets an introduction to Everdell with the Spirecrest expansion. He finishes off the weekend by convincing his wife to stop at a local game shop in Toronto to pick up the game Welcome to the Moon. It doesn't take long for Thomas to get plays in the double digits with this title including getting it played with his kids and his non-gamer wife.

For our Current Play, we discuss the expansions for Scythe.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Time Stamps:

Other Plays:

0:00:45 - Podcast Updates

0:05:03 - Fort

0:10:53 - Downforce

0:14:28 - Everdell and the Spirecrest Expansion

0:25:44 - Welcome to the Moon

Current Play:

00:42:40 - Scythe Expansions

Jordan and Thomas discuss the final game in the Arzium Trilogy, Now or Never by Ryan Laukat and Red Raven Games.

Thomas begins the other plays segment talking about one of his preferred FLGS Game Shack and picking up Welcome to the Moon. Jordan on the other hand has been sucked into the world of Hyrule sinking his time into the new video game, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This discussion leads into a talk about video game IP's in board games. We then switch gears back into board gaming with Thomas' working lunch play of Wiz-War. Jumping to a topic both Jordan and Thomas find interesting, we talk about having a 2 player gaming group and playing games at 2 players vs higher playing counts. Then back to the working lunch games with Tiny Epic Kingdoms. Then Thomas crushes Jordan's feelings with the admittance of playing Dice Masters without him. In a reoccurring theme with this episode Thomas goes off on a tangent about the Green Lantern universe and then the fun of dice rolling, before we return back to Dice Masters.

For our Current Play, we discuss the title Now or Never.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Time Stamps:

Other Plays:

0:03:05 - Game Shack and Welcome to the Moon

0:05:24 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

0:06:52 - Video Game IP's in Board Games

0:12:11 - Wiz-War

0:18:00 - 2 Player Gaming Group and Games at 2 Players Vs Higher Player Counts

0:22:55 - Tiny Epic Kingdoms

0:32:53 - Dice Masters

0:43:40 - The Green Lantern Universe

0:51:31 - The Fun of Rolling Dice

0:53:50 - Back to Dice Masters

Current Play:

1:02:55 - Now or Never

Near... Far... wherever you are, tune into this week's episode of the Current Plays Podcast! Our host phalanx, Jordan and Thomas, discuss Near and Far published by Red Raven Games and designed by Ryan Laukat.

The boys discuss Magic the Gathering based purely on the names of cards being similar to Near and Far, and also discuss one of the best names in the Magic community, The Professor, or Tolarian Community College. They give an update on Warhammer Tacticus before launching into yet another discussion of Warhammer, both the table top game and hobbying. This sets up the Other Plays as Jordan and his friend Brandon played a match at the local Warhammer Store. Thomas then gloats about his rare board game finds for cheap at a local book sale before discussing his Other Plays, including Battle Line, Sushi Go!, and Star Wars: X-Wing. Jordan wraps things up by gushing about Star Wars and the boys briefly discuss Star Wars Legion; yet another miniature war game.

For our Current Play, we discuss the title Near and Far.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:01:20 - Magic: the Gathering

0:15:40 - Warhammer Tacticus

0:24:05 - Warhammer and Hobbying

0:52:17 - Rare Game Finds

Other Plays: 0:57:34 - Battle Line

1:05:44 - Sushi Go!

1:07:57 - Star Wars: X-Wing, and Legion

Current Play:

1:16:04 - Near and Far

The Hosts discuss getting value out of games with repeated plays, solo games vs. games as a social activity, hobby time, and board game expansions. In our Other Plays, Jordan and Thomas focus on Dorfromantik, 7 Wonders Duel, and Rhino Hero.

For our Current Plays, we discuss It's a Wonderful Kingdom, The White Castle, Trickerion: Legends of Illusion, and we revisit Near and Far.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Timestamps:

Other Plays:

0:59:05 - Dorfromantik

1:06:45 - 7 Wonders Duel

1:10:14 - Rhino Hero

Current Plays:

1:21:15 - It's a Wonderful Kingdom

2:10:28 - The White Castle

2:46:00 - Trickerion: Legends of Illusion

3:30:11 - Near and Far

This episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our child-at-heart hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss Fort published by Leder Games and designed by Grant Rodiek.

After introducing the title of the Current Play, Thomas quickly interrupts to talk about Leder Games as a powerhouse publisher with a spotlight on Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile. Moving into what we played this week Thomas brings up Cargo Noir before both hosts tangent into Breakout Con 2022. With Breakout Con on our minds, we move into discussing out-of-print games, the second-hand market, and math trades. This segues into a chat about Shadows over Camelot an older game by Days of Wonder. At this point both hosts are happy to discuss their upcoming Warhammer 40K day, a send-off to 9th Edition as they prepare for 10th. Thomas laments about his immense pile of shame amongst the numerous miniature games he has models for. However, with all the news coming for 10th Edition it's hard to not want more. To round off the Other Plays segment Thomas brings up the 2023 Chess World Championship, congratulations Ding Liren.

For our Current Play, we discuss the playful title; Fort.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays: 0:02:20 - Leder Games and Oath

0:08:17 - Cargo Noir and Reminiscing About Breakout Con 2023

0:20:20 - Out of Print Games, The Secondary Market, and Math Trades

0:23:10 - Shadows Over Camelot

0:29:15 - Warhammer Day a Send-Off to 9th Edition, Miniature Hell, and 10th Edition

0:44:00 - A New World Chess Champion

Current Play: 0:53:23 - Fort

This episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our civilization-building hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss Above and Below published by Red Raven Games and designed by Ryan Laukat.

After 20 episodes the hosts discuss how the podcast has been going and what changes and growths could be on the horizon. This chat leads to Jordan bringing up Critical Role and we talk about getting into the mindset of your roleplaying character. Jordan is excited to talk about the new announcement by the Critical Role team including upcoming board games and their very own roleplaying system. Afterwards, we get into Jordan's painting process glow-up. Thomas segways into his week's plays starting with Anachrony and its expansion Fractures of Time. He laments about trying to get through the Mage Knight rulebook a game he is excited to get back to the table. Finally, Thomas brings up another Dollarama find; Spectre by Modiphius Games. To round off the Other Plays segment Thomas brings up his newfound interest in Pokemon investing.

For our Current Play, we discuss the theme rich title; Above and Below.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays: 0:01:20 - Podcast Updates

0:08:00 - Critical Role and Getting Into the Mind of Your Roleplaying Character

0:16:25 - New Critical Role Announcements

0:34:37 - Jordan's Painting Progress Glow-Up

0:39:25 - Anachrony Solo + Fractures of Time

0:55:35 - The Mageknight Rule Book

0:59:00 - Spectre @ Dollarama

1:02:20 - Pokemon Investing

Current Play: 1:12:20 - Above and Below

This episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our time travelling hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss Anachrony published by Mindclash Games and designed by Dávid Turczi.

Thomas quickly mentions his top 3 themes before the podcast quickly falls of the rails discussing Tom Cruise, and Thomas and Jordan's shared fear of heights. When they eventually get back on track they discuss Warhammer Tacticus and mobile games. This leads into a talk about Magic the Gathering Arena and MTG the card game. Getting back to the Warhammer theme Thomas brings up the announcement of Warhammer 40K 10 Edition and we touch on our hobby progress. Then Thomas brings up the recent CGE news with the announcement of the second expansion for Lost Ruins of Arnak; The Missing Expedition. After a dig at cooperative games Jordan jumps in to defend their honour leading into our next discussion topic. Finally, we get to more recent news with the passing Klaus Teuber the designer of The Settlers of Catan. To bring us to the close of the Other Plays segment Jordan gives us an update on his D&D Campaign.

For our Current Play we discuss the time travelling phenomenon; Anachrony.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays: 0:00:35 - Thomas' Top Three Themes

0:08:30 - Warhammer Tacticus and Mobile Games

0:18:05 - Magic the Gathering

0:21:20 - Warhammer 40K 10th Edition and Our Hobby Progress

0:38:30 - Lost Ruins of Arnak: The Missing Expedition

0:40:20 - Cooperative Games

0:45:30 - Klaus Teuber Passing

0:48:45 - Jordan's D&D Campaign Update

Current Play: 1:04:00 - Anachrony - Essential Edition

This episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our hard working hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss Scythe (Jordan's favourite game) published by Stonemaier Games.

After a short conversation of what we've been up to instead of recording Jordan starts the gaming conversation with introducing Hadrian's Wall to his wife. He then brings up the game Ghost Blitz which he was able to get played with his family. With so many deals lately at Dollarama Jordan was able to get Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon to the table. Spring-boarding from Ishtar we touch on the amazing cube racing game Cubitos a game we will need to review soon. After Jordan makes a comment about not getting games to the table multiple times our conversation flows into Gloomhaven Digital and how despite Thomas owning the physical version for years he hasn't played it.

Thomas runs through the games he's been playing including MicroMacro: Crime City and his journey to learn Italian. Downforce, the Dollarama find, F1 racing game, Sushi Go! and getting destroyed by his daughter, and Chess, one of Thomas' guilty pleasures. He then brings up roping his work colleagues into a game of Small World Underground. While on vacation Thomas was able to get a game of Disney Villainous played with his wives family. Finally, also while on vacation, Thomas played Imperium: Classics.

With that it's time to talk about this weeks Current Play: Scythe!

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠⁠affiliate links here⁠⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays: 0:03:30 - Hadrian's Wall

0:05:55 - Ghost Blitz

0:14:45 - Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon

0:24:09 - Cubitos

0:32:07 - Gloomhaven Digital and Digital Board Games

0:50:45 - MicroMacro: Crime City and Brushing up on Italian

0:59:02 - Downforce, Sushi Go!, and Chess

1:13:13 - Small World Underground

1:25:11 - Disney Villainous

1:39:25 - Imperium: Classics Current Play: 1:49:13 - Scythe

This episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar, published by Czech Games Edition (CGE).

Jordan jumps in with a short discussion on playing Hadrian's Wall and Everdell again before Thomas describes an older game, Castle Panic. A tower defence game, of sorts, that Thomas enjoys with his family.

Then Thomas reveals some amazing deals he found at Dollarama, including Dwar7s Fall, discusses more family plays with Disney's Color Brain, and becoming more Italian with MicroMacro: Crime City.

Finally, we discuss the game with the giant gears: Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ⁠ko-fi.com/currentplays⁠, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our ⁠affiliate links here⁠, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, or ⁠https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays⁠.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays: 0:04:34 - Hadrian's Wall

0:06:24 - Everdell

0:10:55 - Board Game Bandit

0:13:54 - Castle Panic

0:25:12 - Crazy Game Deals and Dwar7s

0:45:06 - Disney Colour Brain

0:54:15 - MicroMacro Crime City

Current Play: 1:08:27 - Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss Narcos: the Board Game, by CMON. We kick it off with a discussion of Asmodee and their influence on the board game industry. Then we recap on some new plays of Lost Cities, Arboretum, and Rolling Realms in our Other Plays segment. For our Current Play, Thomas takes his time going into an extensively in-depth explanation of the rules and how to play Narcos. Time stamps below.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:02:18 - Asmodee Replacement Parts Policy

0:22:30 - Other Plays: Lost Cities, Arboretum, Rolling Realms

0:37:05 - Looking forward to TriCon 2023

1:00:00 - Narcos Rules Explanation

1:37:00 - Narcos Discussion

This shorter episode of the Current Plays Podcast sees our, studious hosts Jordan and Thomas, discuss our first IP game, Red Rising, based on the novels by Pierce Brown, and published by Stonemaier games. Our Other Plays segment focuses on our past and present favourite war games, Hordes and Warhammer 40K. We also talk about how modelling and air brushing fit into those hobbies. However, we kick it all off with a taste of the Reiner Knizia game, Lost Cities. 

The majority of this episode is spoiler free for the book series, but at the end of the show we do discuss some of the story and how the overarching themes are reflected in the board game. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

Other Plays:
0:06:33 - Lost Citites
0:15:43 - Hobby Update
0:27:11 - Hordes
Current Play
0:48:25 - Red Rising
1:40:49 - Spoiler Alert: Red Rising Story Spoilers

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our majestic hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Warhammer: Underworlds, by Games Workshop. In our Other Plays segment, Jordan gushes about the upcoming "sequel to Scythe", Expeditions! Thomas gives us a hobby update, talks about Narcos: the Board Game, and then Dragonwood, and other family games by Gamewright. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:00:39 - Warhammer Lore
0:06:17 - Scythe & Expeditions
0:19:43 - Shelf of Shame and Player Groups
0:24:50 - Thames Kosmos
0:33:20 - Hobby Update
0:49:44 - Narcos: The Board Game
0:51:17 - Dragonwood
1:01:14 - Sleeping Queens
1:06:41 - Spot It!
1:15:37 - Current Play: Warhammer: Underworlds

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our intoxicating hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Champions of Midgard, by Grey Fox Games. In our Other Plays segment, we banter about accents in board games and D&D. Thomas rants about Games Workshops update to their update! This leads into a short discussion about painting miniatures. We then get back to board games with our experience with Wingspan which we played via Board Game Arena with Marcus from Abroad Games on YouTube. Jordan transitions into his experience with Everdell. Before heading into our Current Play segment Thomas goes into a second rant about D&D. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:05 - Accents in Board Games and D&D

9:00 - Warhammer 40k Update to the Update

24:34 - Painting Minis 

27:35 - Wingspan with Marcus at Abroad Games on YouTube

38:40 - Everdell

51:30 - Issues With D&D

1:00:45 - Current Play: Champions of Midgard

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our electrifying hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Lost Ruins of Arnak, by Min and Elwen and published by CGE. In our Other Plays segment, Thomas has the flu but Jordan get's in a play of Go Nuts for Donuts which prompts a discussion about the publisher Gamewright. We then transition into miniature games with the Warhammer 40k points update and our miniature piles of shame. Thomas discusses his interest in Dave Graffam paper terrain and his plans for his building project. Finally, last weeks episode chat about Myst the video game triggered a memory. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Cold Open

1:40 - Thomas has the flu

7:45 - Go Nuts For Donuts and the Publisher Gamewright

24:05 - Warhammer 40k Points Update and our Miniature Piles of Shame

39:40 - Paper Terrain for Miniature Games

41:45 - Call Back to Last Weeks Myst Video Game

43:45 - Current Play: Lost Ruins of Arnak

For May, 2024. Jordan kicks it off with an exclamation of just how good X-Men '97 is (it really is), Dune, and how they relate to crowdfunding of board games. In our Other Plays, Thomas discusses Gloomhaven: Buttons and Bugs, and Jordan discusses Mother of Frankenstein.

Our Current Plays includes Grand Austria Hotel (1:03:24), Unmatched (2:05:00), Tiletum (2:50:52), and last, but not least, Iki (3:39:32).

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our affable hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Inis, by Matagot. In our Other Plays segment, Thomas catches COVID for the second time and our recording gets delayed. During the delay both Jordan and Thomas were able to get a decent number of games to the table and we jump right in with Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders and discuss shuffling in games. We follow up that discussion with Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth and board games with app components.  Jordan introduces Arboretum better known as Hate Trees or Trees of Rage before switching over to talk about Mandala. We round the Other Plays segment off with a conversation about digital board games.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:30 - Thomas is sick again! 

3:00 - Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders and Shuffling in Games

10:15 - Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth and Board Games with App Components

23:15 - Arboretum/Hate Trees/Trees of Rage 

42:00 - Mandala

51:00 - Digital Board Games

1:06:41 - Current Play: Inis

Ten episodes! This milestone episode was recorded just after Christmas, 2022, and we start out the episode reviewing the games that we received for Christmas. We talk about playing different games with our families, including Mysterium Park, Fox in the Forest, Marvel Mayhem, Marvel Remix, and Sushi Go! Then we discuss our game play statistics for 2022, thanks to the app Board Game Stats. Finally, we discuss Thomas' favourite board game, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Timestamps:

0:00 - New Christmas Board Games
8:50 - Mysterium Park
19:00 - Fox in the Forest
24:00 - Marvel Mayhem
27:15 - Marvel Remix
35:00 - Sushi Go!/Party
42:30 - Other Plays
45:15 - Bears vs. Babies
50:45 - Dice Throne Adventures
56:45 - Year in Review Statistics
1:15:45 - Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our shiny hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Glen More II, by Funtails. In our Other Plays segment, Thomas jumps back into Hadrian's wall and its free campaign expansion. We then talk about Cards Against Humanity before changing gears into gaming becoming more mainstream and the fickle nature of Reddit. We discuss games at work with an emphasis on Joking Hazard and Magic the Gathering. Jordan then regales us with an update on his miniature painting progress and hobbying in general. Spring-boarding into the next topic, we touch on artwork in board games. Finally, before heading into our main event Jordan and Thomas exchange Christmas presents. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks! 

Time Stamps: 

5:10 - Hadrian's Wall Campaign
12:38 - Cards Against Humanity
21:10 - Games Becoming More Mainstream and the Fickleness of Reddit
25:00 - Joking Hazard
26:15 - Magic the Gathering
30:30 - Jordan's Miniature Painting Progress and Hobby Time
44:35 - Artwork in Board Games
1:10:20 - Christmas Gift Exchanging
1:17:40 - Current Play: Glen More II

This episode was recorded live at TriCon KW 2023! Jordan and Thomas had a booth at the con and played a few games, met some new friends, and hosted a panel on getting into board games. This episode contains live recordings of our chats with some of the guests as well as discussions about the games we played at the con. 

0:00 - TriCon 2023 and Hadrian's Wall
7:08 - Hacksmith Industries
7:44 - Guest Quiz
10:08 - Chatting with People and our Board Game Panel
13:21 - Dice Throne: Treant vs. Ninja
23:58 - Lunar Lids
25:09 - Pandemic Legacy
30:03 - Rolling Realms
35:09 - Thank Yous and our Wrap Up

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our marvelous hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Founders of Gloomhaven, by Cephalofair Games. In our Other Plays segment, Thomas backpedals on his comments about The Quest for El Dorado. We then move into a discussion about friendly game designers and the close-knit aspects of the board gaming community and industry. Then we jump into the recent announcement by Cephalofair Games for Gloomhaven the Role-playing Game before discussing fascinating game designer education. Closing out the Other Plays segment we give a shout out to our friendly local game store J&J Cards & Collectibles. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:21 - The Quest for El Dorado Follow Up

5:55 - Friendly Game Designers and the Board Gaming Community

18:30 -  Gloomhaven RPG and the Education of Game Designers

31:25 - Thomas' Neurosis

36:20 - J&J Cards & Collectibles

38:30 - Current Play: Founders of Gloomhaven

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our intrepid hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Tapestry, by Stonemaier Games. In our Other Plays segment, Thomas talks about borrowing games from the library and The Quest for El Dorado. Then we slide into early bed times and miniature games; separating Warhammer 40,000 hobbyists into three tiers. Thomas starts a rant about publisher websites and how they need to provide better information on their games.  

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:00 - The Quest for El Dorado

10:30 - Miniature Games

30.20 - Tiers of Warhammer Hobbyists

38:45 - Publisher Websites Rant

48:50 - Current Play: Tapestry

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our loquacious hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Trajan, by Renegade Games and Huch! In our Other Plays segment, Jordan corrects a small mistake made in the Root episode, leading into short discussion of Root Digital Version.  Then we discuss board game publishing, different publishers, and tackling games based on other existing properties. We wrap up the Other Players with an update on Thomas's D&D campaign and discuss Jordan's D&D campaign once again.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:50 - Root
6:40 - Board Game Publishing
18:30 - IP Games and Publishers
30:25 - Thomas's D&D Campaign Update
41:20 - Jordan's D&D Campaign Update (Kinda)
48:00 - Current Play: Trajan

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our gregarious hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Root, by Leder Games. In our Other Plays segment, we discuss Hadrian's Wall, revisit Dungeon Petz, but solo! and nit pick on gaming tables. We also give an update on Jordan's current D&D campaign, Candlekeep Mysteries. Note that this was recorded before the news about the OGL.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:10 - Hadrian's Wall
16:45 - D&D/Gaming Tables and Secret D&D
35:09 - Candlekeep Mysteries Update
38:49 - Current Play: Root

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our gracious hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Dungeon Petz, by Czech Games Edition. In our Other Plays segment, we discuss Warhammer, Quantic Foundry, and Dungeons and Dragons. Note that this was recorded before the news about the OGL.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

1:30 - Quantic Foundry
18:40 - Warhammer 40,000
23:30 - Dungeons & Dragons
28:35 - Current Play: Dice Throne Adventures

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our valiant hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Dice Throne Adventures, by Roxley. 

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Other Plays (Pusheen the Cat: Purrfect Pick, Dungeons and Dragons, Hobby Painting)

17:40 - Current Play: Dice Throne Adventures

For April 2024, this episode is jam packed with our plays from March and April including Zavandor, The Hobbit, Forest Shuffle, Dice Thorne Adventures, 20 Strong, and Legacy of Yu! Thomas also mentions several games he claims are not worth mentioning.

We end off the episode with our plays of Concordia Venus and Res Arcana.

In this episode of the Current Plays Podcast our mighty hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the board game Dungeon Lords, by Czech Games Edition.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks!

Time Stamps:

0:43 - Other Plays (Fallout, Santorini, Planet, Dice Throne Adventures, Legends of Andor)

19:00 - Current Play: Dungeon Lords

In this inaugural episode of the Current Plays Podcast our valiant hosts, Jordan and Thomas, discuss the boardgame Bitoku, by Devir Games.

Please give us a rating and review to help the show get noticed. If you'd like to support us even further, you can buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/currentplays, or if you think you might want to purchase any of the games we discuss, consider buying them through our affiliate links here, which gives a small percentage to the show, but doesn't cost you any extra.

You can also find us at Facebook, Instagram, or https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays.

Thanks, folks! 

Current Plays is a new Podcast that discusses board games, hobbying, and other game related topics. Every week hosts Jordan and Thomas play a board game, then do a deep dive on their experience, after a period of lighthearted banter. 

Current Plays is officially lauching on January 1, 2023, with the game Bitoku.

More information can be found on the Current Plays website at https://currentplayspodcast.wixsite.com/currentplays

Your intrepid hosts Jordan and Thomas discuss their time at this year's BreakOut Con in Toronto, including lots of games like Ex Libris, Sobek: 2 Players, Wizards of the Grimoire, Trekking through History, Brass: Birmingham, The Fox Experiment, Battle Tech, and Tiletum.

Jordan and Thomas banter about their thoughts on player elimination and players bending their interpretation of rules.

Other plays includes discussions of Dorf Romantik, Monopoly Deal, Horrified: Greek Monsters, and It's a Wonderful Kingdom.

Current Plays:

1:16:20 - Age of Innovation

1:53:40 - Wyrmspan

For January 2024

The guys don't have many Other Plays this episode, but manage to fill 40 minutes of banter anyway. Then it's app assisted game Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, followed by an oldie-but-a-goodie, Viticulture, Essential Edition. Then the guys take a break from games to discuss the merits of hexagonal shaped tables. Exciting, right!? The episodes caps off with the first of the Eric Lang/Adrian Smith/CMON trilogy: Blood Rage and the new re-implementation of a modern classic: Dune Imperium: Uprising.

Time Stamps:

Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth: 0:40:05

Viticulture, Essential Edition: 1:16:43

Blood Rage: 2:14:30

Dune Imperium: Uprising: 3:03:40

For December 2023 we have a special episode with our first guest. We have the distinct honour of a sit-down and chat with Mr. Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games! What a way to wrap up 2023!

We open the episode with a talk about Jordan's new additions to his collection for the Christmas season. Thomas's additions closely follow this. We switch gears into discussing the fear of missing out (FOMO) in our hobby. Jamey joins us at this point for a visit. After the visit, Thomas gives us an update on the 365 Challenge.

We then begin to chat about Thomas's other plays including Battleline, MicroMacro: Crime City, Dragon Realm, and Werewolves. This other plays is capped off with a small talk on Lost Ruins of Arnak: The Missing Expedition. After 40 minutes of chatter, Jorden is able to talk about his other plays including Ticket to Ride, Mandala, Sagrada, and a highlight of Lacuna.

Near the end of the banter, we discuss our Board Game Stats Year in review before switching into a talk about the games we reviewed this year. Finally, it's time for our Current Plays Libertalia and Voidfall!

Timestamps:

4:15 - Jordan's Christmas Haul

11:40 - Thomas's Addition to His Collection

12:58 - FOMO in Our Hobby

29:06 - Jamey Stegmaier Visit

1:06:50 - An Update to the 365 Challenge

1:07:40 - Thomas's Other Plays

1:24:40 - Lost Ruins of Arnak: The Missing Expedition

1:31:21 - Jordan's Other Plays

1:53:00 - Board Game Stats Year in Review

2:15:20 - End of the Year Favourite Reviewed Games

2:26:30 - Current Plays

Season 2 Episode 6 starts with Thomas starting a discussion on different solo mode styles that he noticed while playing Near and Far & Now or Never. This leads to the topic of how adding a good solo option to games can increase the value proposition of those games.

We took a slightly different approach to this episode by separating some of our Current Plays with banter portions. So after a couple of Current Plays, Thomas jumps into his Other Play of the Near and Far story mode. He follows this description with an update to his 365 Challenge. Jordan talks Dominion Digital Beta. Of course, no episode is complete without a rant, so Thomas brings up the new Kickstarter for Food Chain Magnate!

Timestamps:

1:15 - Solo Mode Styles

31:45 - Adding Value with Solo Options

39:10 - Wingspan

1:08:15 - Other Plays Now or Never Story Mode

1:15:45 - An Update to the 365 Challenge

1:24:05 - Dominion Digital

1:26:00 - Food Chain Magnate Rant

1:44:00 - Power Struggle

2:18:26 - Teotihuacan: City of Gods

3:12:45 - Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar

Gather ye ‘round the base of Mount Olympus and get ready to wage war in Ancient Greece! In this episode of Current Plays, we dive into Cyclades: Legendary Edition, where gaining the favour of the Gods is the only way to win. The auction-style bidding system steals the spotlight, forcing players to outwit and outspend each other for divine favour. Jordan and Thomas learned the hard way that a 2-player game feels more like a skirmish than a saga—but with four at the table, the Gods truly smiled upon us. Epic clashes, dramatic bids, and some surprise attacks made it one for the legends. Truly, the Muses themselves came down from Mount Helicon to deliver inspiration for this heroic epic!

Pack your specimen jars and polish your spectacles because it’s time for an expedition in the Galápagos! In this episode of Current Plays, Jordan and Thomas set sail with Darwin’s Journey and quickly discover it’s survival of the sharpest mind. They gush over the game’s top-notch design, delight in its intricate mechanisms, and admit that every choice feels like a real evolutionary challenge. It’s brains over brawn, strategy over luck, and definitely one of those plays that proves natural selection favours the best board gamer.

This week on Current Plays, we journey into Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship. The hosts dive into what was done right with this iteration of two large properties, from its thematic immersion to clever systems. But trouble stirs in Mordor as our adventurous hosts also unpack their ongoing frustration with the Pandemic system, dissecting why it drags down the otherwise great experience for them. Is this Fellowship worth joining, or does the Pandemic system drag this game down like a falling Balrog?

This week your hosts tackled Æterna, by Martin Wallace and published by Ares Games. Vie for power in ancient Rome by conquering distant lands to bring back spoils and build buildings for the people, but too much wealth and power will incur the wrath of those people! Check out our thoughts on this weighty euro.

This week, Jordan and Thomas discuss the 2023 sensation Dune: Imperium - Uprising, by Paul Dennen, and published by Dire Wolf. Dune: Imperium - Uprising is a worker placement and deck-building game based on the Dune IP. Its thematic elements and excellent design make it one of the best games in our collections.

This week on Current Plays, Jordan and Thomas finally venture into Feya’s Swamp, a long-anticipated journey into a shifting landscape of settlements, trade, and careful positioning. As the swamp slowly fills with villages and pathways, the board begins to tighten around the players, turning every placement into a meaningful decision. Tactical positioning, clever interaction, and the evolving map create a game full of thoughtful choices and satisfying moments of planning.

The hosts talk about how much they enjoy the core mechanisms—especially the negotiation and trading that lie at the heart of the design. At two players, however, the certain design decisions change the dynamic a bit, making trade less enticing and leaving certain actions feeling a little unusual. Even so, Feya’s Swamp remains a strong design with a lot to offer, and one that clearly shines brightest when more players gather around the table to explore the swamp together.

This week on Current Plays, Jordan and Thomas chart a course through history with Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn, bringing the legendary computer franchise to the tabletop. From humble beginnings to world-shaping influence, the game captures the sweeping arc of building a civilization: expanding territory, advancing technology, and pursuing victory on your own terms.

They explore how the clever focus-row action system streamlines the grand strategy of the video game into something tabletop-playable, preserving the spirit of progress and adaptation while embracing the limits, and strengths, of the board game format. While no tabletop version can replicate every layer of its digital ancestor, A New Dawn delivers a thoughtful, engaging experience that keeps the march of history moving and makes the rise of your empire feel earned.

It’s a confident translation of a beloved series; ambitious, accessible, and well worth another turn through the ages.