This time, we continue our discussion of RPGs by suggesting Role Playing Games that share popular boardgaming mechanisms, as well as giving Tom tips for getting a game started. Plus, we have a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and we close the show with some Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops.

00:50 - A Story About Mail

02:22 - Eric at PAX Unplugged (inc. Hot Streak)

06:50 - Gift Guides, Dice Tower West and East

08:02 - RPGs for Boardgame Fans (detailed notes below)

37:55 - Tale of Boardgaming Horror

43:03 - Formaggio

48:35 - Gnomic Parliament

52:13 - Carnuta

54:49 - Magic Number 11

56:54 - Insurrect10n

--

Julie's Notes

Where to go to get core book pdfs?

DriveThruRPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/

Itch.io https://itch.io/

Cooperative play (yes the overwhelming majority of TTRPGs are cooperative) some extra cooperative leaning

• Heckin' Good Doggos https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/405426/heckin-good-doggos

• Teatime Adventures https://www.snowbrightstudio.com/teatime-adventures

Dice rolling - Also many many many ttrpgs use dice. Here are some examples

• D20 - D&D/Pathfinder https://www.dndbeyond.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorCdKoS-xSfI4e05Us81YGA4tHt8CmmaOWNN-9VTcnsAfXS5pBS, https://paizo.com/pathfinder

• d100 (percentile): Call of Cthulhu https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-rpg/

• Symbol-based dice: FFG Star Wars. https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/starwarsrpg/ , Fudge dice: Fate https://evilhat.com/product/fate-core-system/

Area control

• Beak, Feather, & Bone https://possible-worlds-games.itch.io/bfb

Faction/War

• Song of Ice and Fire RPG http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/101026/A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire-Roleplaying-A-Game-of-Thrones-Edition

• Mutant: Year Zero https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139453/MUTANT-Year-Zero--Roleplaying-At-The-End-Of-Days

• Numenera: Destiny https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/240655/Numenera-Destiny

• Coyote and Crow https://www.allplay.com/board-games/coyote-and-crow-the-roleplaying-game/

Action points -

Level Up

• D&D

• PbtA

Using Action points

• Feng Shui https://atlas-games.com/fengshui

• C&S: Rebirth

• Mythras

Deck builder/Bidding

Ok not really but Redigo is "Hand Management" https://letsplayredigo.com/

Games using a standard deck of cards

• Castle Falkenstein https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/2370/castle-falkenstein

Games using a custom or proprietary card deck - mostly they are being used instead of dice

• Dragonlance: Fifth Age https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/186462/dragonlance-fifth-age-dramatic-adventure-game-saga

• Clockwork Dominion https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/489608/courier-repacked

My Closest Pick

• Torg Eternity:A Thousand Faces of Adventure http://torg-gamereference.com/

Pick up and Deliver

Solo/journal:

• Courier https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/489608/courier-repacked

• Delivered! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/441018/delivered-a-solo-journaling-rpg

One shot

• Delivery Dragons https://shardsofblue.itch.io/delivery-dragons

Worker Placement?

Become a GM

Questions? Tales of Horror? tom@dicetower.com

💾

In this episode of the 5G4D Advent Calendar 2025 we're talking about the mighty rondel.

Support the show here 

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00:01:40 Intro
00:05:30 Cost how much?!
00:10:15 SWU Local Tourny
00:15:15 Codenames Live
00:16:45 Taste Buds
00:20:45 Miniature Market
00:22:40 Ayar: Children of the Sun
00:53:15 Temple Code
00:58:45 Portal Games
00:59:45 Bretwalda
01:15:30 Baseball Card GM
01:23:00 Guild Wars Reforged

Balancing everyday responsibilities with hobbies can be tricky, especially when medical appointments come into play. Dermatology visits, for example, often feel like interruptions in a busy schedule, but they’re essential for maintaining long-term health. Whether it’s a routine skin check or addressing a specific concern, these visits provide peace of mind and ensure that small issues don’t become larger ones. But sometimes, as you will hear, we often are confused by the charges we receive during our visits. Don’t get us wrong, these things are needed, but it is surprising just how things are billed.

Recently, we played Ayar, a game that has some very enjoyable mechanics, some challenging choices to make, and straight forward gameplay. Then there is Temple Code which scratches a different itch, with its puzzle-like challenges and mind-numbing play that feels almost like deciphering ancient mysteries with friends.

Then there’s Bretwalda, a sweeping strategy game set in early medieval Britain. Its blend of area control and historical flavor makes every session feel like a grand contest of wits and could create lively discussions long after the board is packed away.

APBA Baseball and Baseball Card GM both capture the thrill of America’s pastime, but they do so in very different ways. APBA Baseball, which grew up playing, is a classic tabletop simulation that has been around for decades, using dice and player cards to recreate the strategy and drama of real games. Where APBA leans into simulation and tradition, Baseball Card GM emphasizes creativity and collection, turning the act of managing a team into a dynamic, customizable experience using real baseball cards. Together, they highlight two different but equally engaging ways to enjoy baseball beyond the ballpark.

Thanks for listening and next episode will highlight another year of RDTN

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Yes, it’s Tapple! The toy sensation that’s sweeping the nation! Only $14.95 at participating stores! Get one today!

Warning: Pregnant women, the elderly, and children under 10 should avoid prolonged exposure to Tapple.

Caution: Tapple may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.

Tapple contains a liquid core, which, if exposed due to rupture, should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at.

If Tapple begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head.

Ingredients of Tapple include an unknown glowing green substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

Do not taunt Tapple.

-Saturday Night Live

0216 AYURIS: Leviathan Wilds (Justin Kemppainen, Moon Crab Games, 2024)

Games Played Last Week:

04:01 -Tapple Mini (NPD Toys, The Op Games, 2025)

07:53 -Faiyum (Friedemann Friese, 2F-Spiele, 2020)

13:30 -Ayar: Children of the Sun (Mandela Fernandez-Grandon & Fabio Lopiano, Osprey Games, 2025)

16:10 -Wriggle Roulette (Bruno Faidutti & Jun Sasaki, Oink Games, 2025)

19:52 -Pick 'n Packers (Kaoru Arishima, Oink Games, 2025)

23:07 -Galactic Renaissance: 5th Player (Christian Martinez, Matagot, 2024)

27:49 -The Crew: Mission Deep Sea (Thomas Sing, KOSMOS, 2021)

29:27 -No Loose Ends (Taiki Shinzawa, GameHead, 2025)

30:11 -Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon (Fabio Lopiano & Nestore Mangone, Sorry We Are French, 2024)

News (and why it doesn't matter):

33:45 Earth Reborn return news: West Coast expansion with Play to Z

36:19 Topic: Omnibus Questions Epsilon Bet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Join Conor, Jules and Adrian in this “all-aussie” pod as Adrian celebrates his citizenship.  No longer a Brit, but an Aussie through and through … as if he wasn’t already!

Adrian has been revisiting an old favourite and curing himself of the plague in Bristol 1350.  Jules has been wooed by a game about picnicking on plaid with ants in the new Bitewing Games title, Gingham. Coincidentally, Conor is also corralling six-legged insects in March of the Ants.  The crew also give a rundown on recent game days in all three states, their obsession with Riftbound and Conor chats about a small box hit he’s discovered.

As usual there are lots of laughs and all-round gaming goodness!

 

Sizzling Games:

Riftbound: [34:52]

Castle Combo: [50:51]

Question of the Pod Recap: [59:52]

New Question of the Pod: [1:04:34]

Fired Up: [1:12:57]

New Question of the Pod: If a TCG requires hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to stay competitive, is that a design flaw… or just part of the hobby?

 

Check out our Eventbrite page for all of our upcoming Game Days: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/board-game-bbq-32833304483

 

Has this episode left you with a thirst for more? Here are all of the games that we discussed:

 

Unpublished:

 Architects (prototype by Kyle Jarratt).  Contact via discord @kyngkyle or on the web at https://kyng.com.au

 

Published:

Bristol 1350: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/308989/bristol-1350

Gingham: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/440024/gingham

March of the Ants: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416079/march-of-the-ants-evolved-edition

Riftbound – League of Legends: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/436560/riftbound-the-league-of-legends-trading-card-game

Voidfall: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/337627/voidfall

Gazebo: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/440023/gazebo

Clithulu Wars: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/139976/cthulhu-wars

Harmonies: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/414317/harmonies

Slambo!: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/435357/slambo

Hot Streak: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/446497/hot-streak

Trails of Tucana: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/283864/trails-of-tucana

Castle Combo: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416851/castle-combo

Café: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/284936/cafe

 

 

SPONSORS

Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Advent Games and More Than Meeples.

Advent Games is an Australian online board game store based in Sydney, NSW.  http://www.adventgames.com.au/

More Than Meeples is an Australian retail and online game store based in Brisbane, QLD.

https://morethanmeeples.com.au/

 

PATREON

Hey there, BBQ fans! Guess what? We’ve got a Patreon! By joining, you’ll unlock exclusive content, gain access to a members-only section of our Discord where you can help shape the show, and so much more. Plus, your support will help us grow and bring some awesome new projects to life in 2025.

 

At the Board Game BBQ Podcast, we’re passionate about what we do and promise to keep the fun and shenanigans rolling. We’re so grateful for your support! Joining our Patreon is totally optional, and we ask that you don’t contribute if it’ll cause financial stress. But if you’d like to chip in from just USD$5 a month, click the link to check out our Patreon page.

Thanks a million for being amazing! We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community, and you all make it special. See you at the BBQ!! https://www.patreon.com/BoardGameBBQ

 

SOCIALS

Support the podcast and join the community!

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💾

On this episode of On Board Games, Erik talks with Grandpa Beck from Grandpa Beck's Games all about games (and other things) they've played including:

• Flip 7
• Age of the Moon
• Bomb Busters

You can get a discount on Zencastr.com using this link.

(17:56) Then, the two talk about the connections games can make between people.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Inverse Genius: http://www.inversegenius.com/ Patreon account: http://www.patreon.com/obg Twitter: @onboardgames

RSS Feed: http://onboardgames.libsyn.com/rss

Email us: onboardgamesmailbag@gmail.com

On Board Games Guild at Board Game Geek

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In this episode of the 5G4D Advent Calendar 2025 we're talking about the daddy of all mechanisms, Roll and Move.

Support the show here 

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Support the show here

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Please join us on the Boardgames To Go discord server where you can chat online with other podcast listeners.

@Gregarius

I know I said this episode would be my Feedback (or "mail bag") focused epsiode. And some may remember that previously I'd used the December 1st episode for my grinch-like Curmudgeon Show. In the end, I decided to push the Feedback episode back one month, to start the year with it on January 1st, 2026. You've got some more time to submit any questions or topics for me. While I'm not bringing back the Curmudgeon Show (just enjoy the grumbling on our special Discord channel!), I did bring back another old-timer who always joins me this time of year to talk about BGGcon. Greg Pettit is an "every-timer" to this wonderful event, and I've always had him back on the podcast to talk about his experiences & games played there. I wasn't able to join this year, but that's because I went to a different game convention the same month: San Diego History Con, or SDHistCon. So...I decided to blend our experiences and discussions into a combined episode about both conventions. Greg & I both intended to be more concise in this episode...but that didn't really happen. :-) Even after trimming our lists of some games, only talking about an interesting subset of them, we managed to have as much to say as ever. It's another big episode that will keep you going the entire holiday season. Is it a gift buying guide? Not really! We don't approach things that way, a little curmudgeon-ness leaks through sometimes, but we do gush about a few games. So perhaps it inspires some gift-giving, who knows? When you listen to this episode, you may find it helpful to follow along with our geeklist. That way you can track what games we've talked about, which are coming next, and what are 5-star ratings are. I've also inserted the game boxes here in the order discussed, which will also appear in the shownotes.

We both had good experiences at our respective cons, and I look forward to next year when I expect we'll get to sit across the same game table together in Dallas. As much as I'd like to go to all the good conventions, I can't. As it is, I'm at a point in my life (empty nester, nearing retirement) when I can go to more than ever before. In a month I'll return to the regional EsCon event, and in the spring I think I'll be back in Las Vegas for Dice Tower West.

-Mark

💾

This week's guest is owner of Frosted Games and co-owner of Deep Print Games, Matthias Nagy. We talk about CCGs, advent calendars and how to run a business...but which games did he choose?

Netrunner
Codenames Duet
13 Days
Spirit Island
Finished!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.

Support the show here

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This week Peter, Mike, & Jerry recap Thursday and Friday of PaxU 2025. _________________________ YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCrOtGhui_jdLdoQNI7PU4Pg X - @onestopcoopshop Discord - discord.gg/p4jX8AF Merch: one-stop-co-op-shop.creator-spring.com/ Donate to One Stop Co-op Shop - www.patreon.com/onestop Email - onestopcoopshop@gmail.com

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• Welcome to Jon, Chris, Rena, and.....CHAD!?
• Thank you to Ammon T, Tobias L, Tim G (BeatsMD), Johan O
• Announcements
  • Vlog Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6agV3Ll1nNi-rUspGTRKWL8Ewui6xBpl&si=dgzjoycu3kY0a-gF
• Con of the Rings 2025 Talk
• AMA
• Soliloquy

💾

In this relaunced update podcast I take you through a week in 5G4D.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.

Support the show here

💾

This week we make a quick correction of our review last week because we missed a rule in

Dragonarium by Wei Chang and Kuan Chen from Wonderful World Board Games

then we discuss our highlight game from BGG.con

Up or Down by Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling from Capstone Games

and end with a BIG title from Essen

Orloj: The Prague Astronomincal Clock by Paloma Pascual and Abraham Sanchez from Perro Loko Games and Devir

Remember to check out our video channel at www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames!

You can 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

💾

Rick Hammerle and Katherine Rosland join the show to chat about our experiences at the world's largest game fair, plus a side quest to Scotland.

💾

Website Copy: On this free-flowing episode of the Shut Up & Sit Down Podcast, Tom and Matt are chatting about competitive marble-pilfering simulator 12 Rivers, as well as a double-bill of absurd racing games in Hot Streak and Magical Athlete!

You may be expecting that this podcast thumbnail would show the promised board of 12 Rivers (which you can find here) and instead shows a picture of Hurley - the not-a-hotdog from Hot Streak. This is intentional, and important.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Timestamps:

01:14 - 12 Rivers

12:43 - Hot Streak

26:41 - Magical Athlete

💾

Now these are getting good. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.

Support the show here

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Ambie and Crystal interview Blaž Urban Gracar, the designer of All is Bomb, LOK, Abdec, LOK Digital, Workworkwork, and Herd! Check out all his games on his website Letibus Design. Herd figurines designed by Vojta Karen.

0:00-Intro
0:36-Interview with Blaž
31:08-Outro
32:03-Bloopers

Join our discord

Support us directly at https://ko-fi.com/boardgameblitz
Or shop at our merch store or our Amazon Storefront

This episode was sponsored by Grey Fox Games. Use the code "BLITZ10" to get 10% off your entire cart.

Consolidated Links

For the full show notes visit our site at http://www.boardgameblitz.com/posts/425

💾

Somehow Ghost Turkey returned. And you never saw it coming! That might be because we forgot to remind people that it's Thanksgiving, but never mind that, the important thing is you're fools. Not us though, we're back with yet another juicy, cranberry soaked list of bird gaming goodness. Gobble gobble!

00:00 - ???

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In today's episode, the guys talk about their recent plays and review Lightning Train! Help support the podcast on Patreon! www.patreon.com/punchboardparadise Join our Discord! discord.gg/4FrZ8S3yCv Check out the Website! punchboardparadise.com Need a new shirt? www.punchboardparadise.threadless.com Music by HookSounds

💾

Jamie and Don, freshly back from PAX Unplugged 2025 in Philadelphia, have been getting into some board, card, and dice rumbles lately, and they wanted to dig into the many styles of combat systems in board games. Deterministic versus random, complex versus streamlined, dice versus cards - there’s a lot of ground to cover. Also, our yearly fundraiser is currently running on Kickstarter! Support us now at https://www.thesecretcabal.com/kickstarter

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