Episode 1026! This week Shelley and I work with trees, both logging them and becoming stewards of the forest in

Forestry by Michal Peichl from Pink Troubadour, Capstone Games, and Pegasus Spiele

then we work our media accounts with cute animal photos in

Paw Up by Reiner Knizia from Pegasus Spiele

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

Remember that YOU can sponsor the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR checking out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I work to help young women come to power and influence in the late 19th and early 20th century in

Kartini: From Darkness to Light by Sherria Ayuandini from ION Game Design

then we head to the British Isles and hang out with the pagans in

Druids of Edora by Stefan Feld from Alea and Ravensburger

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

Remember you can support the podcast and our video series over on YouTube by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR
check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week we're coming to you from GERMANY! If you have missed any of our numerous VIDEO posts over on YouTube, be sure to go check them out here:

www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

This week on the audio podcast Shelley and I check out two fun titles we got BEFORE the fair because they were the French versions:

Viva Catrina by Fred Boulle and Gregory Grard from The Flying Games

and 

Arigato by Melodye Ladrat and Florian Sirieix from Ludonaute.

Check out our videos for each of these on YouTube and you can support the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR
check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I get two heavier games to the table this week. First up is a sequel to a worker placement/deck builder we've enjoyed in the past:

Dune Imperium: Uprising by Paul Dennen from Dire Wolf and Legendary

then we create cool 3-ring binder books, collect resources and perform actions in

Books of Time by Filip Glowacz from Board&Dice

Shelley and I work together to build Orleans' cathedral in the cooperative family game

The Cathedral of Orleans by Wolfgang Dirscherl, Markus Müller, and Reiner Stockhausen from dlp games and Matagot

then we compete to capture the most genies while collecting resources in

Djinn by Benjamin Schwer from Hall Games and Pegasus Spiele

Shelley and I add the Marine Worlds Expansion to

Ark Nova by Mathias Wigge from Feuerland Spiele and Capstone Games

and then roll dice to build canals and ship goods in

Heart of Venice by Yuko Y from JrnyCat

This week Shelley and I get snooty as we buy painting to hang on our crowded wall in 

Art Society by Mitch Wallace from Mighty Boards

the go prehistoric as we wander across various landscapes in

Footprints by Eilif Svensson, Asmund Svensson and Geir Andre Wahlquist from Chilifox Games

After our Top 10 Games last week, it's time to reveal some of our disappointments of the year...and also suggest OTHER games by many of the designers that you should play instead.

The Fox Experiment (play Wingspan)

Mosaic

Glades (play Keythedral)

Spellbook (play Sushi Go...or get a pack of cards and play Rummy!)

Atiwa (play Agricola)

Railway Book (play Yokohama)

Trekking Through History (play Trekking the National Parks)

Stack n Stuff

Orichalcum

Rauha

Bonsai

And our best gaming experience (to end on a positive note) involved playing flowerpower out on our deck.

Remember to sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or check out our extensive list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

It's time for our annual countdown of our favorite games that were new to us in 2023! We always wait about a month into the next year so we can try and play as many of the big games as possible, but we still haven't gotten around to all of the possibly great games we have seen on other reviewers end-of-year lists. With that caveat, listen for our comments and our lists are below:

Doug's Honorable Mentions

In the Footsteps of Darwin by Gregory Grard & Matthieu Verdier from Sorry We Are French

Lunaris 45 by Rola & Costa from Pile Up Games

Wandering Towers by Michael Kiesling & Wolfgang Kramer from Abacusspiele

Moesteiro by Rola & Costa from Pythagoras

Doug's Top Ten

10) Revive by Helge Meissner, Kristian Ostby, Eilif Svensson, & Anna Wermlund from Aporta Games

9) Terracotta Army by Przemyslaw Formal & Adam Kwapinski from Board&Dice

8) Marrakesh by Stefan Feld from Queen Games

7) Forest Shuffle by Kosch from Lookout Games

6) Amygdala by Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer from Game Brewer

5) Darwin's Journey by Simone Luciani & Nestore Mangone from ThunderGryph Games

4) House of Cats by William Attia & Kristian Ostby from Aporta Games

3) Tucana Builders by Kristian Ostby & Eilif Svensson from Aporta Games

2) The White Castle by Isra C & Shei S from Devir

1) Barcelona by Dani Garcia from Board&Dice

Shelley's Honorable Mentions

Oranienburger Kanal by Uwe Rosenberg from Spielworxx

Forest Shuffle by Kosch from Lookout Games 

Wandering Towers by Michael Kiesling & Wolfgang Kramer from Abacusspiele

Earth by Maxime Tardif from Inside Up Games

Moesteiro by Rola & Costa from Pythagoras

Shelley's Top Ten

10) Terracotta Army by Przemyslaw Formal & Adam Kwapinski from Board&Dice

9) Joan of Arc - Orleans Draw & Write by Ryan Hendrickson & Reiner Stockhausen from dlp Games

8) Amygdala by Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer from Game Brewer

7) Neotopia by Orlando Sa & Andre Santos from MEBO Games

6) Darwin's Journey by Simone Luciani & Nestore Mangone from ThunderGryph Games

5) Caldera Park by Michael Kiesling & Wolfgang Kramer from Deep Print Games

4) Tucana Builders by Kristian Ostby & Eilif Svensson from Aporta Games

3) House of Cats by William Attia & Kristian Ostby from Aporta Games

2) The White Castle by Isra C & Shei S from Devir

1) Barcelona by Dani Garcia from Board&Dice

Shelley and I check out a dice placement game in

Lunaris 45 by Rola and Costa from Pile Up Games and Pythagoras

and then check out the brain and emotions in

Amygdala by Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer from Game Brewer

Remember to sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or check out our extensive list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

On Shelley's birthday we have an episode of games that weren't our favorites, but might work well for you:

Kutná Hora: The City of Silver by Ondrej Bystron, Petr Caslava, and Pavel Jarosch from Czech Games Edition

and

Alpujarras by Steve Finn from Dr. Finn's Games

Remember you can subscribe to the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames 

OR

Check out our extensive list of games for sale (including BOTH of the games from this episode if they haven't sold already)here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I get mellow with tree creation in

Bonsai by Rosaria Battiato, Massimo Borzi and Martino Chiacchiera from DV Games

then we design our own wildernesses, populating them with various animals in

Cascadia with the Landmarks Expansion by Randy Flynn, Molly Johnson, Robert Melvin, and Shawn Stankewich from Flatout Games and AEG

Remember to support the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or

check out our extensive list of games available for purchase at great prices here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out a couple of canine-related titles this week

The Fox Experiment by Elizabeth Hargrave and Jeff Fraser from Pandasaurus Games

and

Bark Avenue by Mackenzie and Jonathan Jungck from TerreDice Games and Good Game Publishing

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or check out our extensive list of games for sale (which includes both of the games above):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week on Garrett's Games Shelley and I check out one of the latest heavier titles from Board&Dice 

Tianxia by Antonio Petrelli and Daniele Tascini

then we wrap up our hall by hall preview with games from Halls 6 & 7!

Shelley and I simultaneously layout competing newspapers in

Fit to Print by Peter McPherson from AEG and Flatout Games

then we head to east and try to gain favor at

The White Castle by Isra C. and Shei S. from Devir

Remember to sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

OR 

Check out our EXTENSIVE list of games for sale at reasonable prices - help us out and get great games!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I go to the cats and dogs this week, checking out the recent releases

House of Cats by William Attia and Kristian A. Ostby from Aporta Games

and

Forever Home by Lottie & Jack Hazel from Birdwood Games

Remember to sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

OR 

Check out our EXTENSIVE list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I tackle some spell-making in

Spellbook by Phil Walker-Harding from Space Cowboys

then get a classic that's getting re-published 

Starship Catan by Klaus Teuber from KOSMOS, coming out in Q1 2024 as

CATAN: Starfarers Duel with Benjamin Teuber added as co-designer

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our EXTENSIVE list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I play two sequels (of a sort) this week. 

First up is a new take on Kingdomino with pieces that connect to make domino land tiles in

Moon River by Bruno Cathala and Yohan Servais from Blue Orange

then we move from Trails of Tucana (a draw/draw game) to a tile laying cousin in

Tucana Builders by Kristian A. Ostby and Eilif Svensson from Aporta Games

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR

check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out a 2-player game of competitive fishing in

Fisheries of Gloucester by Steve Finn from Dr. Finn's Games

then we get a bit abstract as we add 'manufactured tokens' to various areas to create patterns in

Neotopia by Orlando Sa and and Andre Santos from MEBO Games and Arcane Wonders

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames 

or check out our extensive list of games for purchase at reasonable prices here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I check out a fun remake, as well as some fun big-box complexity

Mountain Goats by Stefan Risthaus from Allplay (which used to be Level X from Schmidt Spiele)

Ierusalem: Anno Domini by Carmen Garcia Jimenez from Devir

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or check out our extensive list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I attempt to enlist gods to increase our scores in 

Rauha by Johannes Goupy andThéo Rivière from GRRRE Games

and then we pack our moving van in

Stack 'n Stuff by Uwe Rosenberg and Marianne Waage from Lookout Games

Remember you can sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I discuss two games that, for different reasons, didn't really work for us.

First up - Orichalcum by Bruno Cathala and Johannes Goupy from Catch Up Games and Pandasaurus Games

then we tackle the MONSTER game

Mosaic: A Story of Civilization by Glenn Drover from Forbidden Games

Remember to sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our games for sale page here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out two solid titles this week. The first, a game that once again has Darwin as its theme (though much lighter than Darwin's Journey that we discussed previously)

In The Footsteps of Darwin by Gregory Grard and Matthieu Verdier from Sorry We Are French and Hachette Boardgames

then we head to the Iberian Peninsula and work to modernize one of our favorite cities in

Barcelona by Dani Garcia from Board&Dice and CMON Global Limited

Remember you can sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR get some great games for good prices from your extensive list of games for sale:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I grow our forest glades and populate the trees with animals in

Forest Shuffle by Kosch from Lookout Games

then we travel the galaxy picking up resources and fulfilling contracts in a game that reminds us for Parks (and it's by the same designer!)

Space Park by Henry Audubon from Keymaster Games

Remember that you can sponsor the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or check out the list of games we have for sale, which also works to support us here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week we continue our Spiel Essen Preview with a look at 

March of the Ants: Evolved Edition by Tim Eisner and Ryan Swisher from Weird City Games 

then delve further into the halls, checking out Halls 4 & 5!

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games - they will be in Hall 2-B510 at Spiel!

You can follow along with our discussion of Essen releases and see my notes on them on this Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J1aQen2zzQVLaOJPr_eh5e3SEo7sbowaflLufYje3YU/edit?usp=sharing

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE:

www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

We will be releasing at least 1 video EACH DAY from Essen 2025, so make sure to subscribe so that you don't miss them.

You can support the podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames 

OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on OUR shelves, but belong on YOUR table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I tackle the REST of Darwin's Journey, exploring all of the expansion and discussing their incorporation into the base game. Then we try out a smaller-box game with some nasty 'take-that' elements.

Darwin's Journey and Expansions by Simone Luciani and Nestor Mangone from ThunderGryph Games, CMON Global Limited and Korea Boardgames

Patios by Jesus Torres Castro from ATOMO GAMES

Shelley and I decorate our spaces with various flora in

Planted by Phil Walker-Harding from Buffalo Games

then take on one of the BIG games that's been on the shelf for a few months

Darwin's Journey by Simone Luciani and Nestore Mangone from CMON Global Limited, ThunderGryph Games and Korea Boardgames

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or buy some games just in time for the holidays!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

After playing the original 

Voyages of Marco Polo by Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini (2015) at Meeplefest, Shelley and I wanted to reflect on why we made a choice back in the day to only keep

Marco Polo II: In The Service of the Khan (2019)

We hope you enjoy our reflections on these two titles once again.

Shelley and I talk about some of the "big player count" games that we enjoy, especially during late-night plays at conventions:

Viva Pamplona! by Wolfgang Kramer from FX Schmid (released in 1992)

Le Paresseux by Dominique Tellier from Eurogames (released in 1990)

Hues and Cues by Scott Brady from CMON (released in 2020)

Here's the link to our games for sale:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I reflect on another chance to play 

Alea Iacta Est by Jeff Allers and Bernd Eisnenstein from Alea

(released again in 2016 as Order of the Guilded Compass from Greg Fox Games)

and then we check out 

Comic Hunters by Robert Coehlo by Bucaneiros Jogos 

with its cool Marvel-covers theme

Here's the link to our games for sale:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out a game from 2019 that passed us by, and then check out a much newer little card game from last year:

It's A Wonderful World by Frederic Guerard from La Boite de Jeu and MEBO Games

and

Pick-A-Pepper (or Sauscharf) by Wolfgang Kramer and Christian Stohr from Amigo

Here's the link to our games for sale:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Essen Spiel happens THIS WEEK, so Shelley and I sat down to discuss possible titles to peruse and buy. Though we're not headed to Germany this year, we can't wait to play the best of the new releases.

AND - WE HAVE HIT 900 EPISODES! Help us celebrate by sponsoring the podcast at

www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or puchasing some games from the list below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

The games mentioned (or added after we recorded), Alphabetically by Publisherf - a total of 110:

FTW?!

Cascadia Landmarks

Fit to Print

Pollen

The Academy

Cabanga!

Schrödingers Katzen

Z3bra

Pampero

House of Cats

Revive: Call of the Abyss

Tucana Builders

Gap

Neotopia

World of Wonders

Ceres

Blueprints of Mad King Ludwig

Welcome to...Edition Collector

Moon River

Next Station: Tokyo

Barcelona

Books of Time

Nucleum

SideQuest: 7th Sea

Kick Off: Coach

From the Moon

Sea Salt and Paper: Extra Salt

Carnival

Karakum

Footprints

Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods

Rats of Wistar + Expansions

Portals

Kutná Hora: The City of Silver

Match of the Century

Moorland

Evacuation

3 Ring Circus

Bamboo

Bitoku: Resutoran

Ierusalem: Anno Domini

Savernake Forest

The White Castle

Yokai Sketch

Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester

Cathedral of Orleans

Orleans: The Plague

Pioneer Rails

Keops

Havalandi

Prey Another Day

Walking in Burano: Roll & Write

Sea Dragons

Mytikas

Nautilus Island

Amygdala

Delta

Planta Nubo

Vedur

Taiwan Night Market

Contraband Insider

Printing Press

Sunrise Lane (re-issue of Rondo)

Discordia

Dim Sum

Coffee Rush

Nunatak

Wave

All Roads

Hens

Tipperary

1902 Melies

Urbify

Amritsar: The Golden Temple

The A.R.T. Project

Evenfall

The Fox Experiment

Concordia: Roma/Sicilia

Pictures: USA

Satori

Art Gallery

Lunaris 45

Dance of the Ibexes (Tanz der Hornochsen)

Sardegna (Kreta)

Stereo Mind: Classical

Tequila

Celtae

Gods of Rome

Lata

Missao M

The Glade

Mycelia

Aelderman

e-Mission

Kuhfstein

Maps of Misterra

Redwood

SpellBook

Bier Pioniere

Age of Rome

Food Trucks

Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game

Stamp Collection (California)

Dr. Frankenstein

Five Peaks

Our final Meeplefest Episode for 2023 finds Ric, Sam, Joe, Simon, Tom, Jody, Scott, Bryan, and Nolan around the table chatting about

Online vs. Face to Face Gaming

Designing, playtesting, and publishing during Covid

Some RPG Chatter

Why a game (or an aspect of gaming) is our favorite

The "AHA" Moment of playing games with non-gamers

Some of the Games Discussed/Mentioned:

Tichu

Age of Exploration

London

Settlers of Catan

Power Grid

Condordia

Tzolkin

Acquire

Pandemic Legacy

Terra Mystica

Can't Stop

Race for the Galaxy

6 Nimmt

Illusion

Hero Realms

Edge of Darkness

Ticket to Ride

Night 2 of Meeplefest finds the gang discussing a lot of new, fun games we got a chance to play, as well as some discussion of using games in the classroom and a brief diversion into RPGs and online gaming.

Games Discussed:

Animated

Catan

Comic Hunters

Diplomacy

The Fashion Game

Flamme Rouge

Formula D(e)

Heat

Horseless Carriage

King of Frontier

Little Town

My Trolley Town

Nemesis

Skylands

Snowtails

Splendor

Station Fall

Wonderland's War

This week Shelley and I check out two games that found their way across the Pacific to our game table. First, we build towns with rail connections and set up production buildings in

My Trolley Town by Shun and Aya Taguchi from Studio GG

and then compete as fashion designers, creating outfits for particular occasions in

The Fashion Game, self-published by Yabuchi Ryoko

Shelley and I begin our Essen 2025 Preview this week, first checking out one of the new titles that will be available at the fair:

Parks and Potions by Chris Eastridge from Moon Saga Workshop

then we begin our journey through the halls, starting with Hall 2, 1/2 of which is dedicated to "Expert" titles, then head into the biggest hall, Hall 3.

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

You can follow along with our discussion of Essen releases and see my notes on them on this Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J1aQen2zzQVLaOJPr_eh5e3SEo7sbowaflLufYje3YU/edit?usp=sharing

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE:

www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

We will be releasing at least 1 video EACH DAY from Essen 2025, so make sure to subscribe so that you don't miss them.

You can support the podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames 

OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on OUR shelves, but belong on YOUR table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I check out a cute little card game, as well as delving into an older title we hadn't played in awhile.

Sea, Salt, and Paper by Bruno Cathala and Theo Riviere from Bombyx, Cranio Creations, and Pandasaurus Games

Pillars of the Earth by Michael Rieneck, Stefan Stadler from Kosmos, Devir and Mayfair

Part 2 of Night 1 of Meeplefest 2023 finds the group (Joe, Ric, Shelley, Kris, Simon, and Greg) sitting around the mics discussing gaming groups, collections - what stays and what goes - games for specific situations, and game length among other topics.

Viva Pamplona

Le Paresseux

1846

Castles of Burgundy

Blokus

Die Macher

Heat Pedal to the Metal

Thunder Road

John Carter: Warlord of Mars

This week starts our annual Meeplefest roundtable discussions! After introductions we spent Part 1 talking about 

Games played, including 

• The Green Fivura
• In The Year of the Dragon
• Holly Oak
• Alea Iacta Est
• Marrakesh
• Clank in Space
• Cascadia
• Viva Pamplona

Then talk about design and translation frustrations and the ways that they can get in the way of enjoyment and understanding, referencing

• Railway Boom
• Magic (Alpha)
• Puerto Rico
• Sienna
• Frostpunk

Finishing this part of the evening with a conversation about rampant deluxification of games with call backs to 

• Catan
• Ticket to Ride
• Marrakesh
• and others

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames, or check out our games for sale:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week we enjoy a light card game, as well as a much heavier train game

Five Three Five by Kenichi Kabuki from Game Nowa and Portland Game Collective

Railway Boom by Hisashi Hayashi from Okazu Brand

Remember you can support the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or click on the link below to check out all of the great games we have for sale at good prices:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I check out the mammoth new Stefan Feld game

Marrakesh from Queen Games

then check out a game that brings back fond memories

Essen: The Game - Spiel '13 by Fabrice Beghin, Frederic Delporte, and Etienne Espreman from Geek Attitude Games

Support the podcast by becoming a sponsor at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our games for sale at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I compete to build clay warriors of various types in 

Terracotta Army by Przemyslaw Fornal and Adam Kwapinski from Board & Dice

as well as sailing the seas and hoping to retain our ship's crew in

Bon Voyage by Yusuke Soraji from Colon Arc

You can sponsor the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our extensive list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week we take on two very different games that both hurt Shelley's head:

Hedgehog's Love Letter by Peke from Takamagahara (check out the awesome art!)

and

Autobahn by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone from Alley Cat Games & Cranio Creations

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our extensive list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I tackle a game of many different tracks for advancement in

Rise by Remo Conzadori and Marco Pranzo fromCapstone Games and dlp Games

then we visit some of the US's beautiful natural wonders in

PARKS, along with its Wildlife and Nightfall Expansions, by Henry Audubon and Mattox Shuler from Keymaster Games

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our list of games for sale here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I get the just-announced (and very cool) 

Everdell Farshore by James and Clarissa Wilson from Starling Games

to the gaming table this week after discussing two fun new-to-us card games

Nana (also known as Trio) by Kaya Miyano from Underdog Games and Cocktail Games

and

Splito by Romaric Galonnier and Luc Remond from Blam! and MEBO Games

Sponsor the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or purchase some titles from us that no longer fit on our shelves by checking out our list of games at good prices:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for your support!

Shelley and I check out two quick card games that our friend Ken brought over to try, then delve more deeply into a heavier game.

We started with

Boast or Nothing by Yeon-Min Jung from A.ger Games and SUNNY BIRD

then used our animal-laden bikes to gain points in

Velonimo by Bruno Cathala from 25th Century Games, Asmodee, and MEBO Games

then en with something heavier with

Bamboo by German P. Millan from Devir

You can support the podcast by either sponsoring us at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames, OR check all of the games we have for sale on our Google sheet - good prices for great games!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week Shelley and I control rival pirate ships in 

Nassau by Stefan Feld from Queen Games

Join head into the Lord of the Rings mythos and attempt to fulfill goals while protecting the One Ring in

The Fellowship of the Ring Trick Taking Game by Bryan Bornmueller from Office Dog

and finally enjoy further plays of the Essen 2024 release

Spectacular by Eilif Svensson and Asmund Svensson from Chilifox Games

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel which you can find here:

www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames 

because we will reporting DAILY from Spiel Essen 2025!

You can support our endeavors by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames 

OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on YOUR table:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out one of the alternative possibilities for SdJ this week, the co-op game

KuZooKa by Leo Colovini from Pegasus Spiele

then tackle the new, heavy title about building the Alhambra in Granada

Sabika by German Millan from Ludo Nova

Remember that you can support the podcast by sponsoring us on www.patreon.com/garrettsgames

or you can look at our extensive list of games for sale and purchase some games that no longer fit on our shelves:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out the new 1-2 player Uwe Rosenberg title with a dial resource mechanism

referencing a couple of his other games in the process:

Oranienburger Kanal from Spielworxx

Ora et Labora from Lookout Games

and

Farmerama from Ravensburger

Remember that you can help out the podcast as a sponsor at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out the plethora of games to buy on our list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

Shelley and I check out a couple of short, fun games this week as we head into summer vacation:

Nimalia by William Liévin from Lucky Duck Games, Blackrock Games and La Boite de Jeu

as well as

Next Station London by Matthew Dunstan from Blue Orange Games

Help out the podcast by sponsoring us at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or purchasing some games from our extensive list:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing