Normale Ansicht

Published — 27. Januar 2026 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 369: Cthulhu Dark Providence, The Gilded Realms, Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends, Campy Creatures

Von: Pickaxe
27. Januar 2026 um 13:18

00:00:40 Intro
00:15:30 Portal Games
00:17:00 Cthulhu: Dark Providence
00:38:30 Campy Creatures
00:44:15 The Gilded Realms
01:13::00 Miniature Market
01:14:00 Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends
01:20:00 Outro

A long time ago, we got to play the game A Study in Emerald, so we were very interested in the reimplementation. Cthulhu Dark Providence plunges players into a tense, investigative struggle against cosmic dread, blending noir‑style mystery with the creeping inevitability of Lovecraftian horror. The game uses the combination of tight resource decisions, escalating threats, and growing insanity that make every choice feel like a step deeper into the abyss. But is it better than what we remember, take a listen to find out.

Campy Creatures and Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends offer a wildly different moods, each with its own charm. Campy Creatures is a fast, clever bluffing game where you command classic movie monsters to outwit rival mad scientists. Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends adds mythic flair to the beloved combo‑building formula, letting players craft powerful hands inspired by gods, heroes, and legendary artifacts. Together, these games form a vibrant spectrum—from spooky pulp fun to grand fantasy world‑building—each scratching a different strategic itch.

The Gilded Realms blends city‑building with a clever, almost puzzle‑like tableau system that evolves every round. Cards you place steadily march downward through your tableau, and when they reach the bottom, they convert into precious resources—fuel for expanding your kingdom, unlocking card abilities, or mustering an army before the looming invasion arrives. That slow, predictable cadence creates a satisfying rhythm: every placement is an investment, every advancement a small payoff, and every turn a chance to set up something bigger.

Interaction is light, with only the occasional skirmish to break the solitude, so most of the tension comes from managing your own tight economy. Resources never feel abundant, and the game constantly nudges you toward tough, meaningful decisions about what to prioritize and what to sacrifice. If you enjoy kingdom builders that reward planning, efficiency, and a touch of long‑term foresight, The Gilded Realms is absolutely worth exploring.

Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it.

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Published — 13. Januar 2026 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 368: Night Soil, Mini Express, Tulip Bubble, Ichor

Von: Pickaxe
13. Januar 2026 um 06:01

00:00:40 Intro
00:05:50 Movie Talk
00:08:15 Holiday Games
00:12:30 Things in Rings
00:15:30 Blood on the Rails
00:16:45 Ichor
00:19:00 PSA Time
00:23:00 Miniature Market
00:25:00 Night Soil
00:41:00 Tulip Bubble
00:57:30 Portal Games
00:58:30 Mini Express
01:11:00 Outro

Every so often, a set of games lands on the table that feels like a curated journey through time and that is what we got in this episode. First up is Night Soil where we are basically poop pushers through the streets of London in the 15th century. This game cleverly challenges players with a worker placement style of game that can fill both rewarding and frustrating at the same time.

Then comes Tulip Bubble, which flips the tone entirely. Gone is the damp, stinky sewers—now you’re in the bustling markets of 17th‑century Holland, chasing fortunes in the most famous economic bubble in history. The game thrives on timing, speculation, and reading your opponents as much as the market itself. Prices rise, collapse, and ricochet with emotional volatility, and every round feels like a miniature psychological standoff. It’s fast, sharp, and deliciously stressful in the best way.

Rounding out the games are Mini Express and Ichor, two games that couldn’t be more different yet both deliver rich strategic tension. Mini Express is a lean, elegant rail game built on shared incentives: every track you lay and every share you take strengthens someone else as much as you. It’s a puzzle of timing, tempo, and subtle positioning. Ichor, on the other hand, plunges players into a Greek mythology world where asymmetric power challenges players in an Othello style game. Its resource‑driven push‑and‑pull creates a brooding atmosphere, rewarding ambition while constantly reminding you that brillant flashes of strategy can suddenly disappear before your next turn. Together, these four games form a wonderfully varied journey each offering its own flavor of tension and delight.

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Published — 30. Dezember 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names
Published — 16. Dezember 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 367: Sanctuary, Operation Barclay, Scope Panzer, Neko Syndicate

Von: Pickaxe
16. Dezember 2025 um 06:01

00:01:40 Happy Anniversary
00:06:30 Miniature Market Contest
00:11:15 AI makes RDTN better
00:12:30 Passing of a Legend
00:16:30 Toy Hall of Fame Revisit
00:17:45 Family Games
00:27:30 Taste Buds
00:32:45 Miniature Market
00:33:45 Operation Barclay
00:40:00 Sanctuary
00:58:30 Portal Games
00:59:30 Scope Panzer
01:05:00 Neko Syndicate
01:09:30 Outro

This year marks our 13th anniversary in the world of play, as board games continue to cement their place in our lives. Anniversaries often invite reflection, and it’s remarkable to see how games that once felt like simple pastimes have evolved into celebrated traditions like gaming with friends, family members asking “So, what are we playing?”, or a gateway to conversation with people you meet. These moments remind us that board games are more than cardboard and dice—they’re shared memories that endure across generations.

Board games themselves have become a bridge between nostalgia and innovation, and their recognition in the National Toy Hall of Fame underscores their cultural significance. Titles like MonopolyScrabble, and Clue have already earned their place among the Hall’s inductees, standing alongside toys like the Rubik’s Cube and LEGO. It’s a reminder that the Hall isn’t just about toys—it’s about honoring the timeless rituals of play.

Thanks to all that continue to listen to us, we really appreciate it.

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Published — 09. Dezember 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Bonus Episode: The Resurgence of TCGs

Von: Pickaxe
09. Dezember 2025 um 06:01

We got into the tabletop hobby through TCGs (trading card games). For ten years we invested and played many card games. But when the TCG bubble popped, we got out.

However, in the past 5 years, there has a resurgence in TCGs with an influx of new cards games.

To discuss they reasons of why this happening and where will it end up, we have two special guests. Dan Green of Main Deck Games and the owner of To The Table Game Store, Mike Benson.

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Published — 02. Dezember 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 366: Ayar, Bretwalda, Baseball Card GM, Temple Code

Von: Pickaxe
02. Dezember 2025 um 12:35

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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Published — 18. November 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 365: Covenant, D&D Edge of Realms, Enthrone, Beasts, Isle of Cats Duel

Von: Pickaxe
18. November 2025 um 06:01

00:01:30 Intro
00:04:00 Home Repair Hints
00:09:00 Arkham Horror LCG Spoiler
00:13:30 Star Wars Store Event
00:15:00 Finding Mr. Christmas
00:17:00 Secret Squirrel
00:19:30 Just a Deck of Cards
00:22:30 The Grinch Flip 7
00:23:30 Taste Buds
00:31:30 Enthrone
00:39:00 Portal Games
00:40:00 Beasts
00:47:30 Covenant
01:10:30 Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms
01:15:00 Miniature Market
01:16:30 The Isle of Cats Duel
01:22:00 Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

We’ve got a fresh lineup of reviews in this episode, plus a few handy home repair tips sprinkled in. While board games are our bread and butter, we love showing off our other skills too—because this podcast is about more than meeples and dice.

First up is Covenant, a new strategic euro game from Devir. The premise is straightforward: rebuild the dwarves’ ancestral mountain of Karrak-sur-Kazar. The mechanics are easy to grasp, but the real joy comes from chaining together clever combos that feel deeply satisfying when they click.

Beasts shifts gears into cooperative card play. Here, players manipulate a shared three-digit number by playing suits, each move pushing the total higher. The tension spikes when Beast cards appear, blocking suits and forcing quick adaptation. With communication restricted, every rising number adds to the suspense and challenge.

Then there’s Enthrone, a two-player abstract deduction game brimming with intrigue. Each player secretly commands one of eight fantasy pawns—King, Priestess, Knight, Assassin, and more—while trying to uncover their opponent’s identity. Victory can come through elimination, political maneuvering, or seizing the throne. At 20–30 minutes, it’s a sharp contest of hidden roles and bold strategies.

Finally, Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms takes us to Faerûn, where players explore magical terrain and landmarks through tile-laying. Everyone plays simultaneously, keeping the pace lively and accessible, though interaction between players remains light. It’s a breezy way to capture the spirit of D&D exploration in board game form.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to drop by our Discord server to share your thoughts on these games—or just to hang out with the community.

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Published — 04. November 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 364: Dust & Dirt, Railroad Tiles, Magical Athlete, Hood

Von: Pickaxe
04. November 2025 um 06:01

00:01:30 Intro
00:04:30 BooBQ Event
00:07:00 Snake Charmers
00:15:00 Magical Athlete
00:22:45 Star Wars Tournament
00:28:30 Guests at BoooBQ
00:31:30 Taste Buds
00:36:30 Portal Games
00:38:00 Dirt & Dust
00:51:00 Railroad Tiles
00:57:00 Miniature Market
00:58:30 Hood
01:10:00 Umami
01:16:30 Outro

Another year and another BooBQ is in the books. It was a great time and we had the opportunity to play a bunch of group games, eat a ton of food, and test our Halloween knowledge through Wits and Wagers, what a classic. We even got the chance to do a local constructed deck Star Wars Unlimited tournament that sucked in a bunch of new players. So, in a way, we were like a bunch of vampires and brought them into the fold

Magical Athlete is a riotous racing game where fantasy characters with wildly asymmetric powers compete in unpredictable sprints. It’s light, fast, dice rolling game that will have hilarious moments throughout the game—perfect for groups who love a bit of chaos. Dirt & Dust, by contrast, is a deck builder that leans into the solitaire play with players trying to solve their own challenges while not really being impacted by others. Then there’s Railroad Tiles, a spatial puzzle that rewards clever planning and route optimization. It’s a satisfying blend of tactical tile placement and long-term strategy, ideal for fans of games like Carcassonne or Metro.

Finally, Umami brings a unique twist to the table: a culinary-themed game that’s all about balancing flavors and crafting harmonious dishes. With elegant mechanics and a soothing aesthetic, it’s a game that feels like a warm bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Together, these four titles form a kind of tasting menu for board gamers—each one distinct, memorable, and worth savoring. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, clever puzzles, or thematic immersion, this quartet offers a delicious spread of experiences. Just like the buffet table at BooBQ.

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Published — 28. Oktober 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Bonus Episode: Interview with Arkham Horror Author, Rosemary Jones

Von: Pickaxe
28. Oktober 2025 um 05:01

Marty and Vanessa love the Arkham Horror universe. They play boardgames, card games and read the Arkham Horror novels from Aconyte Books.

In this bonus episode, they get the chance to interview one of their favorite authors, Rosemary Jones. She discusses how she got into writing Arkham Horror novels, the process and talks about her latest book, The Arcane Gamble of Harvey Walters.

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Published — 21. Oktober 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 363: Bohemians, Foundations, Everdell Duo, Punica, Cookie Run

Von: Pickaxe
21. Oktober 2025 um 06:01

00:01:30 Intro
00:03:30 Sports ball Topics
00:14:00 A Carnivore Did It
00:17:00 This Game is Killer
00:22:00 Why did you play that?
00:26:30 Rules Lawyer Time
00:30:30 Taste Buds
00:39:30 Miniature Market
00:40:30 Bohemians
00:59:00 Punica: Rome vs. Carthage
01:07:30 Portal Games
01:08:30 Fountains
01:15:30 Everdell Duo
01:23:00 Cookie Run Braverse
01:29:00 Outro

Halloween is creeping ever closer, ushering in a surge of spooky décor, costume scheming, and sugar-fueled anticipation. Soon, neighborhoods will flicker with jack-o’-lantern grins and haunted house setups, casting eerie shadows perfect for mischief, mayhem, and board games. And yes—Marty’s legendary BooBQ is just around the corner.

Before the festivities kick off, we squeezed in a few two-player gems that pack a punch without hogging the table. Everdell Duo reimagines the beloved woodland world for two, offering competitive, cooperative, and campaign modes that layer strategy with charm. Cookie Run: Braverse transforms the digital Cookie Run universe into a physical trading card game, introducing a clever twist on health tracking that adds surprise and tension to every skirmish. Punica: Rome vs Carthage throws players into the heat of the Punic Wars, where asymmetric tactics and area control drive a brisk, brainy clash—can you succeed where Hannibal failed and bring Rome to its knees?

We also tried a fresh tile-laying release from OP Games. True to form, the components are stellar, but it’s the rondel-style drafting that stole the spotlight, injecting strategic depth and just enough “take that” to keep things spicy.

Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it.

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Published — 14. Oktober 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names
Published — 07. Oktober 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 362: Tianxia, Aeterna, White Castle Duel, Wroth, Neuroshima Hex Battle

Von: Pickaxe
07. Oktober 2025 um 06:01

00:01:40 Intro
00:06:45 Dream Theater: Music Video
00:13:22 Arkham Horror: The Nightmare Quest of April May
00:16:00 MegaMoose Con
00:17:00 SWU Intro Battle Hoth – Starter Box
00:25:30 Taste Buds
00:32:30 Game Toppers LLC
00:34:00 Neuroshima Hex: Battle
00:40:00 Tianxia
01:00:00 Portal Games
01:01:30 White Castle Duel
01:09:30 Aeterna
01:28:45 Miniature Market
01:29:45 Wroth
01:37:15 Toy Hall of Fame

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, fall arrives with its pumpkin spice, lawn maintenance, and Halloween decorations. The season invites cozy gatherings, a time when board games find their way to kitchen tables and living rooms, bringing people together in shared strategy and laughter. It’s the perfect backdrop for diving into rich, immersive games that stretch the imagination and challenge the mind.

This fall, three standout titles offer distinct flavors of strategic depth. Aeterna spans eras, asking players to draft cards and manage resources across shifting historical landscapes, testing tactical foresight. Tianxia, set in China’s Warring States period, blends politics, trade, and tower defense as players vie for prestige while fending off nomadic invaders. It’s a Euro-style game with layered mechanics and historical nuance. Meanwhile, Wroth provides the challenge of area control and alliances that can suddenly turn cold just like the air outside. Together, these games reflect the season’s introspective mood, where complexity and strategy take center stage.

This year’s National Toy Hall of Fame finalists celebrate both nostalgia and innovation for us. From timeless tabletop classics like CatanBattleship, and Trivial Pursuit. Or for those toys that make us scratch our head and say really — thus soft balls of Snow. Iconic toys like Furby and Tickle Me Elmo bring a wave of 90s tech nostalgia for your kids, while Spirograph and Connect Four remind us of our childhoods.

Thanks for listening and be sure to head over to our Discord channel and discuss not board games, but who do you think should be in the Toy Hall of Fame.

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Published — 23. September 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 361: Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, Builders of Baldur's Gate, Leaders, Wondrous Museum

Von: Pickaxe
23. September 2025 um 13:41

00:01:40 Intro
00:06:00 Sport Ball Stuff
00:12:30 El Grande with the family
00:15:00 Lawn Care
00:18:00 Game Toppers LLC
00:20:00 LOTR: Fate of the Fellowship
00:52:00 The Wondrous Museum
00:59:45 Miniature Market
01:00:45 Builders of Baldur’s Gate
01:30:45 Portal Games
01:32:00 Leaders
01:38:00 Outro

A quick search of the word Pandemic as it relates to the board game mentions on this site, you will find a bunch of them. However, back in Episode 5 is when we do this first mention and where our mission on the podcast was to bring awareness to board games beyond those found at big box stores. That was on February 12, 2013.

Time marches on and we find ourselves with a new entry using the Pandemic system with the LOTR: Fate of the Fellowship. Mr. Leacock has done an incredible job with this one. In my opinion, this brings the base goodness of the Pandemic series to the LOTR world and then ramps it up a few notches. To be honest, it might be a little too hard at times. But who cares, play it again and think of the feeling you will have when you destroy the ring.

We also have some slight dissension in the ranks at RDTN where one does like a game as much as someone else and we have a solid discussion on why. This doesn’t mean that the game isn’t good, just that there is a difference of opinion on what some people like versus what others like.

The Wondrous Museum is an engine builder that plays very fast and has solid decision making for which cards to play and how to use the runes that activate the cards. Leaders if a two person duel game that shrinks down the board to where players are using special moves by their champions to allow them to capture the other person leaders. Your champions are never removed from the board, so it is all about positioning while maintaining a solid defense for your leader.

Thanks for listening and be sure to visit the Discord site to tell us about what type of grass is in your area.

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Published — 09. September 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 360: Yokohama Duel, Rival Cities, Twinkle Twinkle, Up or Down, Uninvited Guests at a Wedding

Von: Pickaxe
09. September 2025 um 06:01

00:00:40 Intro
00:05:30 Foot Update
00:09:30 Arkham Horror RPG – Terra Antarctic
00:14:30 Perfect Mismatch
00:19:30 Monster Pit
00:24:00 On the horizon
00:27:00 Miniature Market
00:28:00 Yokohama Duel
00:37:30 Up or Down
00:43:00 Portal Games
00:44:30 Rival Cities
00:54:30 Twinkle Twinkle
00:59:00 Game Toppers LLC
01:01:00 Uninvited Guests at a Wedding
01:08:30 Gwent
01:15:00 Outro

Yokohama Duel is a two-player strategy game set in Meiji-era Japan, where players compete as merchants navigating trade routes and foreign relations. It condenses the original Yokohama into a tighter format, emphasizing tactical movement, resource collection, and contract fulfillment. With modular setup and multiple scoring paths, it offers deep replayability in a compact package that many still trying to find the best way to victory.

Rival Cities pits two players against each other in a historical rivalry between Hamburg and Altona. Through lawsuits, trade, and political maneuvering, players vie for dominance in a tug-of-war of influence and prestige. The game can be quick playing and therefore making each decision impactful and every turn a strategic duel.

Up or Down is a fast-paced card game focused on building ascending or descending sequences, ideal for quick, engaging play. Meanwhile, Twinkle Twinkle offers a peaceful tile-laying experience where players draft transparent tiles to complete star charts and connect constellations. Both games are accessible yet clever, appealing to casual and puzzle-loving players alike.

Don’t forget to enter our contest over in the Discord channel for your chance to win a copy of Uninvited Guests at a Wedding

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Published — 26. August 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 359: Battle of Hoth, Lightning Train, 12 Rivers, General Orders: Sengoku Jidai

Von: Pickaxe
26. August 2025 um 06:01

00:00:00 In Memoriam
00:07:45 Pickle Ball
00:12:30 Plantar Fasciitis
00:20:00 Game Toppers
00:22:10 Battle of Hoth
00:33:15 12 Rivers
00:41:00 Miniature Market
00:42:15 Lightning Train
01:00:00 Portal Games
01:01:00 General Orders: Sengoku Jidai
01:08:00 Outro

Set during one of the most iconic confrontations in the Star Wars universe, Battle of Hoth is a fast-paced miniatures strategy game that plunges players into the icy terrain of Hoth. We are fans of Memoir ’44, so we hoped things hadn’t changed that much in this reimplement. There are 17 scenarios and multi-stage campaigns, so plenty of replayability.

From the designer of Clank! and Dune: ImperiumLightning Train is a bag-building economic game that reimagines classic train games with a modern twist. This game is definitely one that will be in our annual Squirrely Awards show. It does a lot right, but there are some elements that don’t cause the train to go off the tracks, but do need a little help. I think this is one of those games that will require you to help each other out from time to time in order to achieve your own objectives.

12 Rivers is a family weight worker placement game that involves a mechanic which centers around releasing marbles (pearls) down the board, creating a dynamic and tactile experience as players race to gather the most valuable bounties. With alpacas as transport and fairies offering special actions, the game balances whimsy with some light strategic depth.

Thanks for listening as always, we really do appreciate it.

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Published — 19. August 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names
Published — 12. August 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 357: Gen Con 2025

Von: Pickaxe
12. August 2025 um 13:10

00:01:00 Day One
00:01:35 Setting up the Portal Booth
00:03:00 Spill on aisle 2200
00:05:15 Level 99 Kickstarter
00:09:00 Asmodee Press Releases
00:14:15 All Play Releases
00:15:30 Hatchett Releases – Tag Team
00:19:00 Osprey – General Orders Sengoku Jidai
00:24:00 Miniature Market
00:25:15 Day Two
00:27:45 Restoration Games
00:29:45 Thunderworks Games
00:30:15 Asmodee – Did you know this…
00:31:15 Lucky Duck Games
00:33:00 Hatchette Games
00:34:30 UVS Card Games
00:37:30 North Star Games – Nature
00:40:50 Taste Buds – Lime Coke Zero from East Europe
00:44:30 Strike Tournament Results
00:51:00 Portal Games
00:53:20 Day 3
01:00:30 Chip Theory Games
01:02:30 Around the Stump
01:06:30 Dead Alive Games
01:10:30 CGE Meeting
01:16:00 Ares Games
01:23:00 Rift Bound
01:27:00 Capstone – Up or Down
01:28:30 Uninvited Guests at a Wedding
01:31:30 Day 4
01:33:15 Slam Throne – OMG!
01:36:45 Bezier Games
01:41:00 Brotherwise Games
01:41:30 Pandasaurus Games
01:45:15 Devir Games
01:46:30 Luma Imports
01:49:30 Game Toppers LLC
01:51:00 Taste Buds – Jerky

Another Gen Con in the books. The crowds were as thick as ever, but the overall energy felt a bit more subdued this year. Still, there were plenty of solid games to discover and enjoy—even if nothing sparked a mad dash to grab the latest release. We spent much of our time connecting with publishers, hoping to gather insights and highlights to help our listeners spend wisely. And of course, Gen Con wouldn’t be complete without a few surprises—Slam Throne and Battle for Hoth definitely caught our attention in the hall.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped, donated, and participated in this year’s annual Strike Tournament. Whether you rolled dice, cheered from the sidelines, or chipped in behind the scenes, your energy and generosity made it all possible. The success of this event isn’t about the two old guys running it—it’s about the incredible community that shows up year after year. We’re grateful for every one of you who helped make it another memorable tournament.

If you were at Gen Con, love to hear your thoughts over in our Discord channel.

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Published — 29. Juli 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 356: Ofrenda, Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons, Celestia

Von: Pickaxe
29. Juli 2025 um 06:01

00:02:00 Introduction
00:04:30 Superman Thoughts
00:11:30 Summer Movie Results
00:15:00 Horrified D&D
00:18:30 Middle Ages
00:21:30 Agricola
Herd MentalityMonsDRAWsity
00:29:00 Portal Games
00:30:30 Celestia
00:36:00 Ofrenda
00:45:30 Miniature Market
00:51:30 Game Toppers LLC
00:53:30 Outro

Ofrenda and Celestia are on the table for this episode. Each game offers distinct thematic journeys, yet all challenge players to make clever decisions under pressure. Ofrenda is a vibrant card-placement game inspired by Día de los Muertos, where players build altars to honor deceased relatives. The goal is to fulfill each spirit’s wishes by arranging portraits, offerings, candles, and marigolds in just the right configuration—while avoiding family drama from beyond the grave.

Celestia shifts gears into a whimsical airborne adventure. Players board a fantastical aircraft and journey through sky cities, collecting treasures while facing hazards like pirates and lightning storms. Each round, a new captain rolls dice to determine challenges, and passengers must decide whether to trust the captain or jump ship to claim their loot. It’s a push-your-luck game with bluffing and risk assessment at its core, wrapped in dreamy artwork and accessible rules.

Thanks for listening and hope to see you at Gen Con. And a big thanks to everyone coming to the strike tournament.


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Published — 15. Juli 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 355: Barony, Emberleaf, Citizens of the Spark, Positano

Von: Pickaxe
15. Juli 2025 um 06:01

00:02:00 Introduction
00:08:30 Vanessa Returns
00:13:30 Blackmail Tapes
00:15:00 Return of the 80s
00:16:30 Emberleaf
00:31:00 Portal Games
00:33:00 Barony: Royal Addition
00:50:30 Game Toppers
00:51:30 Positano
00:59:00 Miniature Market
01:00:00 Citizens of the Spark
01:11:30 Star Wars Unlimited

Welcome back, fellow board gaming aficionados. Today, we’re diving into titles that embody wildly different flavors of adventure: the dudes on the map chaos of Barony, the whimsical card drafting of Citizens of the Spark and Emberleaf, and the sun-soaked “look what I built” serenity of Positano. All three of these games involve a good bit of strategy, with a good helping of inter-activeness against your fellow players. Well, almost all of them.

But most of all, you can tell that we never really get out of second gear in the episode, so you are blessed to have Vanessa back on the mic to help us get moving.

Enjoy as always, leave comments on the discord server, and thanks for listening


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Published — 01. Juli 2025 Rolling Dice and Taking Names

Episode 354 - Fliptoon, DC Forever, Wizards & Co., Mythical Dice, Tacta

Von: Pickaxe
01. Juli 2025 um 06:01

00:02:00 Introduction
00:16:30 Taste Buds
00:24:00 Portal Games
00:26:00 FlipToons
00:32:00 DC Forever
00:43:00 Game Toppers
00:45:00 Wizards & Co.
00:49:30 Mythical Dice
00:54:00 Miniature Market
00:55:00 Tacta
00:59:30 Movie Reviews with Vanessa

Tony is on vacation, so Vanessa joins more for the classic RDTN intro banter. Plus in the outro, they talk about their favorite movies from the first half of 2025.


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