This week we go exploring! First we head north and take photos of wildlife in

Borealis: Arctic Expeditions by Dariusz Mindur from Lucky Duck Games

(order the game directly here: https://quack.at/garretts-games-borealis)

then we head down into the depths with Captain Nemo and crew in

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Alberto Millan from Looping Games

You can support 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

This week Shelley and I build cities and fight to regain our daraven homeland. First we check out the 2-player

Timber Town by Ryan Boucher from Alley Cat Games

then we go BIG as we attempt to gain the most prestige as dwarves in

Covenant by German Millan from Devir

You can also check out our VIDEO overview of Covenant at our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

Sponsor this podcast and our video series 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 check out two small-box games that provide a much bigger experience than their boxes might suggest.

First up is Allplay's tableau builder released earlier this year

Oddland by Dan Schumacher

then we check out a brand new Essen 2025 release

1975: White Christmas by Albert Reyes

Remember you can support this podcast and our video series 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

Remember to SUBSCRIBE!

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

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!

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 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 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

This week Shelley and I get into the WAY BACK machine and play a couple of titles from the beginnings of our gaming careers

Alhambra and Atlantic Star both by Dirk Henn from Queen Games

and then look back at one from Spiel Essen 2024

Stephens by Rola and Costa from Pile Up Games and Capstone Games

And the other games we mentioned as highlights from last year's Essen 2024:

Atlantis Exodus

Zero to Hero

Steam Power

Resafa

Sparks

Tivoli

Bone Wars

Galileo Galilei

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel so you're ready for all of our Essen 2025 videos: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

Thanks to Bezier Games for their continued support

You can sponsor the podcast directly 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 here:

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

This week on Episode 1010 Shelley and I head back to the Everdell universe, and then deal with our social anxiety while settling down to a good book!

Everdell Silverfrost by James A and Clarissa A Wilson from Starling Games and Tabletop Tycoon

A Place for All My Books by Alex Cutler and Michael Mihealsick from Smirk and Dagger Games

Thanks as always to out sponsor Bezier Games!

We have VIDEO reviews of Everdell Silverfrost AND A Place for All My Books as well - Check out THE FORMER and THE LATTER and make sure to Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

We will be at Spiel Essen in October, putting up video content EVERY DAY, so be sure to subscribe and ring the bell over there so you don't miss any of our fun times and the views of new titles!

This week on Garrett's Games: Shelley and I head into the North with our mechs to deal with corruption and save previous explorers in

Expeditions by Jamey Stegmaier from Stonemaier Games

Then we head East and make a journey with our trusty yaks to

Kathmandu by Stefan Feld from Queen Games

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games

You can sponsor the the podcast directly 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

On Garrett's Games this week, Shelley and I attempt to kill Hitler, and then build the universe!

First off it's Valkyrie: A Black Orchestra Game by Philip duBarry from Tabletop Tycoon

Then we head out into the void of space and collect atoms to build nebulae in Crafting the Cosmos by David Gordon and TAM from Office Dog

Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their support.

You can sponsor the podcast directly 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

This week on Garrett's Games Shelley and I make some booze and admire a garden. First up is

Floriferous by Steve Finn and Eduardo Baraf (with art by Clementine Campardou) from Pencil First Games

then we play competing distillers in

Distilled by Dave Beck from Paverson Games

Thanks as always to Bezier Game for their sponsorship.

You can support the podcast and our video series 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

Last week on Episode 1005, we made it through the first 6 RULES that Joe ranted about. This week we delve into Rules 7-14 with much discussion, wine, etc. As Joe Huber and Tom Lehmann lead the way!

It's Garrett's Games' Meeplefest Roundtable! This week after a quick discussion of some favorite games played, we take a deep dive into a Rules For Games list that Joe Huber fashioned on a mailing list. I couldn't let the opportunity to discuss his comments pass by, and everyone gets a chance to chime in for a lively and opinionated discussion.

Let us know what you think over on BGG or any of our social media sites!

Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their sponsorship.

You can support the podcast directly 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 spend some time with dragons after playing a couple of cute card games.

Wyrmspan by Connie Vogelmann from Stonemaier Games

Boo to the Goose by Wolfgang Kramer and Mandred Reindl

Zookini by Peggy Brown from Piatnik and AMIGO

Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their support

You can check out our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames

Sponsor the podcast directly 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 HERE: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

This week on Garrett's Games we check out two fun little card games from Amigo and Piatnik, then plan shrines to lost relatives

First up is

Double Donkey by Michael Modler from Piatnik and Amigo

follow by

Zero Hero by Klaus-Jurgen Wrede and Ralf zur Linde from Piatnik and Amigo

then we look to a bigger-box game with

Ofrenda by Orlando Sa and Andre Santos from Osprey Games

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games

You can support the podcast directly 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 here:

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

Shelley and I join AWESOME rock bands and attmept to make it big (and not eat too much "candy") in

Rock Hard 1977 by Jackie Fox from Devir

then we get disappointed in a small-box dice fest from a company who has done some excellent games in the past

Charidice by Jurgen Adam from NSV (buy either The Mind or The Game instead!)

Oh, and the theme-infused older game I mentioned at one point is

Punk Sucht Lady by Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich (yes, the team that brought us El Grande and Princes of Florence!)

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games

You can sponsor the podcast directly 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 journey down into the ocean's depths, then to the moon!

First we check out fish species in various segments of the ocean in

Finspan by David Gordon and Michael O'Connell from Stonemaier Games

then we head to the moon and work with various companies to exploit its resources in

Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone from Pandasaurus Games.

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

You can sponsor the podcast directly 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 here:

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

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

This week we celebrate making it to EPISODE 1000!!!

Thanks to Bezier Games for their support.

Thanks to Bezier, AMIGO, and Pandasaurus for their sponsorship with games for the contest!

You can sponsor the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettgames 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

First we talk Kennerspiel des Jahres - which do we want to win, and which do we think WILL win?

Then we GIVEAWAY SOME GAMES to three lucky winners/viewers! Be sure to contact me at garrettsgames@gmail.com if you're a winner!

Finally, we spend some time reflecting on the year so far, picking our TOP 10 GAMES of the first part of 2025.

Doug's Top 10 for first part of 2025:

1. Fromage by Matthew O'Malley, Ben Rosset from Road to Infamy Games - Episode 981

2. Draft and Write Records by Bruno Maciel from Inside Up Games - Episode 981

3. Bone Wars by Wim Goossens from Game Brewer & Cranio Creations - Episode 999

4. Looot by Charles Chevallier, Laurent Escoffier from Gigamic - Episode 997

5. Explorers of Navoria by Meng Chunlin from Qiling Games & Dranda Games & GaGa Games Episode 990

6. Castle Raisers by Erwan Le Minous, Anthony Perone from Wonderful World Board Games - Episode 997

7. Cargo Empire by Alexander Bogdanovsky, Pini Shekhter from Moaideas Game Design - Episode 978

8. Sparks by Adrian Adamescu, Kristian Amundsen Østby, Florin Purluca, Kjetil Svendsen from Alion – by Dr Ø - Episode 985

9. Endeavor: Deep Sea by Carl de Visser, Jarratt Gray from Burnt Island Games, Grand Gamers Guild and Cranio Creations - Episode 996

10. Azul Duel by Michael Kiesling from Next Move Games - Episode 993

Honorable Mentions:

Only Murders in the Building by Aaron Donogh, Prospero Hall, David Iezzi from Funko Games and Goliath Games - Episode 987

3 Chapters by Joe Hout from Amigo - Episode 991

Faraway by Johannes Goupy, Corentin Lebrat from Pandasaurus Games and Catch Up Games - Episode 995

Shelley's Top 10 for the first part of 2025:

1. Fromage by Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset from Road to Infamy Games - Episode 981

2. Atlantis Exodus by George Halkias, Konstantinos Karagiannis from dlp games - Episode 986

3. Resafa by Vladimir Suchy from Delicious Games - Episode 982

4. Looot by Charles Chevallier, Laurent Escoffier from Gigamic - Episode 997

5. Barcelona with the Passeig de Gracia Expansion by Dani Garcia from Board&Dice - Episode 994

6. Bone Wars by Wim Goossens from Game Brewer & Cranio Creations - Episode 999

7. Calcada by Vangelis Bagiartakis and Konstantinos Karagiannis from Piatnik - Episode 983

8. Castle Raisers by Erwan Le Minous, Anthony Perone from Wonderful World Board Games - Episode 997

9. Azul Duel by Michael Kiesling from Next Move Games - Episode 993

10. Only Murders in the Building by Aaron Donogh, Prospero Hall, David Iezzi from Funko Games and Goliath Games - Episode 987

Honorable Mentions:

Faraway by Johannes Goupy, Corentin Lebrat from Pandasaurus Games and Catch Up Games - Episode 995

River of Gold by Keith Piggott from Office Dog and KOSMOS - Episode 998

Big Easy Busking by Joshua J Mills from Weird Giraffe Games - Episode 976