GG&G 1023! Shelley and I build gardens and bribe dragons this week in two great family-weight games

The Hanging Gardens by Gregory Grard and Matthieu Verdier from Gigamic

and

Please Don't Burn My Village by Simon Weinberg from Fireside Games

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

Remember that you can support the podcast by heading over 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 we bring you a quick review from BGG.con of the building-placement game

Dewan by Johannes Goupy and Yoann Levet from Space Cowboys

then we build our respective aquariums in

Aquaria by Tomas Holek from Delicious Games

Remember 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 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

UPDATE - WE GOT ONE RULE WRONG ON DRAGONARIUM, MAKING THE GAME HARDER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN!

We SAID that you were supposed to move your assistant and ONLY place a gem on the FINAL spot where the assistant stopped. THE REAL RULE is that you place a gem on a spot in EACH COLUMN OR ROW you get to as you move. That makes the game less difficult and opens up the chances to gain more dragons, which is a VERY good thing!

This week we check out a fun card game, and then preview a very cool puzzle game with dragons!

First up is Meister Makatsu by Reiner Knizia from AMIGO where each player had their own deck and you're tryin gto avoid taking points.

Then we place domino-style tiles and hope to birth dragons in

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

Remember to SUBSCRIBE!

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 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