This week Shelley and I chuck dice and fill in rows in

Clickety Clack by Ralf zur Linde from NSV

then we head to Japan and strategically place our ronin figures into cities to do actions & funfill contracts in

Ronin by Emanuele Ornella from Queen Games

Remember 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

This week Shelley and I create our own little ponds and populate them with frogs and insects in

Pondscape by Tomas Holek from Pink Troubadour and Capstone Games

then we build a canal-side city and place buildings for majority scoring in

Tolleno by Gilles Turbide from Sit Down!

Thanks As always to our sponsor Bezier Games - check out their store at www.beziergames.com

You can support the podcast and our YouTube 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 are traveling through our games this week, heading first to France to bike around the countryside in

Postcards by Eric Dubus and Simon Kayne fron Synapses Games

then we check out the northern part of our own continent in

Photo Tour North America by Oleg Meleshin, Eugene Timashov and Yury Yamshchikov from Timashov Publishing

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games, and check out their web store at www.beziergames.com!

You can sponsor this poscast and our video series 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

Now that it's ACTUALLY 2026, we can look ack on 2025 and run through our Top 10 games that we first played in 2025. If you want to go back and listen to our list from the first 1/2 of the year, head here:

EPISODE 1000:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1000.1.mp3

Here are our lists, including the Honorable Mentions, as well as the episode and possible video links for each game:

Doug's List

Honorable Mentions (5)

• Please Don't Burn This Village by Simon Weinberg from Fireside Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1023.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/XVTUakC54gk
• Everdell Silverfrost by James and Clarissa Wilson from Starling Games & Tabletop Tycoon
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1010.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/wI5I9rLtOYs
• Looot by Charles Chevallier and Laurent Escoffier from Gigamic
  • Audio:https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames997.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/Gu971L2ZeAs
• Draft and Write Records by Bruno Maciel from Inside Up Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames981.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/5EQswvbj5fc
• Viva Catrina by Fred Boulle and Gregory Grard from The Flying Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1016.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/ldc8TfR3ztk

Top 10

• Aquaria by Tomas Holek from Delicious Games and Capstone Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1022.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/YuErHyNbVzU
• Up or Down? by Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling from Capstone Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1022.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/RFNCJRc7c9E
• Llama Llama by Kaya Miyano from Allplay
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1024.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/OU0o4ywLdFA
• Bone Wars by Wim Goossens from Game Brewer and Cranio Creations
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames999.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/BLA5KvMhGUI
• MySeven (or Double Seven) by Michael Schacht from Schmidt Spiele
  • Video: https://youtu.be/qn2cfsPe3Lo
• Sanctuary by Mathias Wigge from Capstone Games and Feuerland Spiele
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1024.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/UWU6UFP8NEA
• Meister Makatsu by Reiner Knizia from AMIGO
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1020.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/i4LE8SgJR4w
• Pondscape by Tomas Holek from Pink Troubadour and Capstone Games
  • Audio: Upcoming
  • Video: Upcoming
• Orloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock by Abraham Sanchez Hermida & Paloma Pascual from Perro Loko Games & Devir
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1021.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/SsGUQAowwS8
• Fromage by Matthew O'Malley & Ben Rosset from Road to Infamy Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames981.mp3

Shelley's List

Honorable Mentions (5)

• Biddle by Carsten Rohlfs & Ralf zur Linde from AMIGO
• Viva Catrina by Fred Boulle and Gregory Grard from The Flying Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1016.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/ldc8TfR3ztk
• Up or Down? by Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling from Capstone Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1022.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/RFNCJRc7c9E
• Flip 7 by Eric Olsen from The Op Games
• MySeven (Double Seven) by Michael Schacht from Schmidt Spiele
  • Video: https://youtu.be/qn2cfsPe3Lo

Top 10

• Meister Makatsu by Reiner Knizia from AMIGO
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1020.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/i4LE8SgJR4w
• Aquaria by Tomas Holek from Delicious Games and Capstone Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1022.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/YuErHyNbVzU
• Resafa by Vladimir Suchy from Delicious Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames982.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/NnkHwK1PxCc
• Ofrenda by Orlanda Sa & Andre Santos from Osprey Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1003.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/S5Z31sBTdRk
• Sanctuary by Mathias Wigge from Capstone Games and Feuerland Spiele
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1024.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/UWU6UFP8NEA
• Everdell Silverfrost by James and Clarissa Wilson from Starling Games & Tabletop Tycoon
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1010.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/wI5I9rLtOYs
• Kathmandu by Stefan Feld from Queen Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1009.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/BcCEw7CICLo
• Fromage by Matthew O'Malley & Ben Rosset from Road to Infamy Games
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames981.mp3
• Pondscape by Tomas Holek from Pink Troubadour and Capstone Games
  • Audio: Upcoming
  • Video: Upcoming
• Orloj: the Prague Astronomical Clock by Abraham Sanchez Hermida & Paloma Pascual from Perro Loko Games & Devir
  • Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/garrettsgames/GarrettsGames1021.mp3
  • Video: https://youtu.be/SsGUQAowwS8

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

GG&G 1024! This week Shelley and I check out two mini-box games from Allplay

Llama Llama by Kaya Miyano

For the Emperor by Whitney Loraine

Then check out a bigger game, which is actually the smaller cousin of Ark Nova

Sanctuary by Mathias Wigge from Capstone Games and Feuerland Spiele

Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games!

Remember you can support the podcast and our video series (for which we have editions for each of these games) 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

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