Vox Republica: Podcast of The Cardboard Republic
This is the home of the Vox Republica, the podcast of The Cardboard Republic
Episode 164: The End
Length: 39:28
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: All good things must come to an end. And that happens to include the Vox itself. This week, Erin and Ryan explain the decision to bring this project to a close and then share some of their favorite episodes of its nearly five year run.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 163: Reskins - The Good, The Bad, And The Formerly Ugly
Length: 56:28
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: There are themes and then there are themes. And then there are themes. But...what if those are all the same game? This week, Erin and Ryan talk about reskinning games. When is it worth it and when is it a money grab? Can it be both?
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:28):
- Clans of Caledonia by Karma Games (BGG Link)
- Otys by Pearl Games / Asmodee (BGG Link)
- Merlin by Queen Games (BGG Link)
- The North Sea Runesaga (Shipwrights, Raiders, and Explorers of the North Sea by Garphill Games / Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (17:28):
- We discuss our thoughts on the second multi-day Granite Game Summit, a local convention with plenty of good things going for it.
FEATURED TOPIC - (23:10):
- A reskin is when you take an existing game and either change the mechanics very little (or not at all) but give it a new setting, theme, etc. We parse through several areas of their existence, including areas such as?
- Why are reskins even a thing? Are there any equivalents in other industries?
- What’s the difference between adaptation and reskin?
- Why do publishers reskin a game?
- When is a reskin worth it and when is it a cash grab?
- What about reskins that bring a game in line with an existing IP?
- How do consumers feel about reskins generally?
PLUGS - (55:09):
- The 2017 Laurel Nominees are in full swing! We even have a couple of contests going on for the Socializer and Striker winners announced so far (and probably a third by now). Check them out!
- We’re also raffling off a copy of Draconis Invasion to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 162: Without a Fight: Aggressive Games
Length: 57:49
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: In gaming, there's conflict and then there's conflict. This week, Erin and Ryan talk about why some competitive games are more aggressive than others, and what to do when a game demands a level of intensity that you don’t want to give to it.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:28):
- Concordia by Rio Grande Games (BGG Link)
- The Last Garden by One Thousand XP (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (13:24):
We discuss the recent drama around the cancellation of Deep and what that those kinds of public dust-ups mean for the industry.
FEATURED TOPIC - (23:10):
- Competition can get more heated at some times than at others. But what is it about one kind of game versus another that causes those reactions. Areas we dive into include:
- The notion of conflict versus combat
- How some games ruin friendships and some games build them
- What makes competition friendly? And how do you tell when it’s not?
- How do you react to un-friendly competition?
PLUGS - (56:56):
- The 2017 Laurel Nominees have been announced! Check out who made the list!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 161: The Asmo-daze
Length: 1:05:01
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Well, we didn't even get six weeks in before Asmodee announced its first major company purchase of 2018. Just like previous purchases, the reaction from the community is varied and wide-ranging. This week, Erin and Ryan take a deep look into some of those various areas of discussion.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:57):
- Pandemic Iberia by Z-Man Games (BGG Link)
- Smile by Z-Man Games (BGG Link)
- Rialto by Tasty Minstrel Games (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (20:43):
- Asmodee has become a common name in the board gaming world due to their continued purchases of well known board gaming companies, with the most recent being Mayfair Games and Lookout Games. This sort of move always causes a wide variety of responses, and so we decided to finally sit down and parse through what these kinds of decisions mean for the hobby, be it from the publisher, retailer, or consumer's point of view.
PLUGS - (1:04:01):
- The 2017 Laurel Nominees will be announced on February 15th. Check out the site to see all the games recognized!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 160: Escape the Podcast
Length: 1:25:52
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: 2018 may only be a month old, but that doesn't mean the hobby hasn't found itself stumbling over a couple notable mistakes by the publisher CMON. This week, Erin and Ryan dive into those issues, and gush about Charterstone, before diving into a lengthy discussion about what makes an escape room game challenging and memorable.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:27):
- Charterstone by Stonemaier Games (BGG Link)
- Five Seals of Magic by Mayfair Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (16:14):
- Within weeks of each other, noted publisher Cool Mini or Not found itself on the receiving end of two PR messes pertaining to two of their games. The first revolved around the inclusion of some tasteless tiles in their recent HATE campaign, while the second is an embarrassing (and abject) lesson to not rely on Wikipedia for all your research information, as has happened with their Rising Sun game.
FEATURED TOPIC - (32:48):
- It should come as no surprise to anyone at this point...but Erin loves escape room games. We've talked about it in passing a couple times already. But with well over a dozen titles in the small but growing genre, we decided to sit down and parse out what makes them so special. Topics include:
- What makes a fun escape room game (i.e. difficulty, player size, theme, etc.)
- The limitations of an escape room game as they currently exist
- What can break the experience
- How to get started with escape rooms
- How we'd like to see the genre row
PLUGS - (1:23:56):
- We recently reviewed Charterstone! (Spoiler Free)
- We’re raffling off a copy of Kokoro to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 159: Gaming Predictions (And Omens) for 2018
Length: 1:10:27
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: A new year means different things to different people. For us, aside from running screaming from 2017, it means it's time for Erin and Ryan to sit down and make some predictions for what lies in store in 2018 regarding games and the games industry!
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (1:19):
- Altiplano by dlp games / Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link)
- Alien Artifacts by Portal Games (BGG Link)
- Deckscape - Test Time by DV Giochi (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (18:59):
- It’s 2018, which means it’s time for all sorts of annual predictions and prognostications about games and the gaming industry. Are they wild guesses or educated methodical extrapolations of notable trends in the industry? We’ll see! But both Erin and Ryan dive into what some of those may be.
- We also recap our 2017 predictions (see Vox episode 133 for the full rundown) to see how close we came during what can only be described a garbage fire of a year personified.
PLUGS - (1:09:22):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Kokoro to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 158: What Even Is A Game?
Length: 58:09
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: They say time flies when you're having fun, right? Well we must've been having a ton of fun, because 5 years have passed in a flash. That's right - The Cardboard Republic is now 5 years old! And this week, Erin and Ryan reflect on that fact, sharing some thoughts about the era when the started and what they hope for gaming in the future.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:48):
- Unlock! The Nautilus' Traps by Space Cowboys / Asmodee (BGG Link)
- Charterstone by Stonemaier Games (BGG Link)
- Bargain Quest by Jonathan Ying (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS - (19:38):
- We briefly expound on this being the final Vox episode of 2017 and some quick programming announcements.
FEATURED TOPIC - (20:26):
- What is the difference between a game and an activity? When it comes to deconstructing what makes a game a game, be it as a mental exercise, a means of categorizing one's free time, or a healthy discussion of game theory, there has to be a way of creating a clear definition. At least, in theory.
- In truth, it's not actually that simple.
- Erin and Ryan each share their own criteria on how to determine if something is a game or not and compare where they overlap.
- They also address potential situations where such distinctions can actually have ramifications for certain players.
PLUGS - (56:37):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Harvest Dice to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 157: Five Years Of Cardboard
Length: 1:15:13
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: They say time flies when you're having fun, right? Well we must've been having a ton of fun, because 5 years have passed in a flash. That's right - The Cardboard Republic is now 5 years old! And this week, Erin and Ryan reflect on that fact, sharing some thoughts about the era when the started and what they hope for gaming in the future.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:54):
- Harvest Dice by Grey Fox Games (BGG Link)
- Professor Evil and the Citadel of Time by Passport Game Studios / Funforge (BGG Link)
- Pulsar 2849 By Czech Games Edition (BGG Link)
- Through The Desert by Z-Man Games / Asmodee (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (25:42):
- The CR turned 5 years old last month. In a lengthy retrospective, Erin and Ryan reflect on what the industry was like when we first launched and the numerous ways it has changed: the good, the bad, and everything in between. We then crack open the mailbag and answer some of your questions!
PLUGS - (1:14:37):
- We’re raffling off a copy of the aforementioned Harvest Dice to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 156: BGG Recap & Game Gifts For Non-Gamers
Length: 1:05:40
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Game nights may have been lacking lately, but Ryan returns from BGGCon to make up for that with plenty to spare! In this episode Erin and Ryan recap some of the highlights of this years's BGGCon and then pivot into the holidays by suggesting some games you can offer up at holiday events filled with adults who may not have touched a game since Monopoly.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (1:11):
- None! Because of BGGCon!
QUICK TOPICS - (1:11):
- BGGCon! Ryan discusses - at length - a number of game highlights, as well as his favorite part of the convention.
FEATURED TOPIC - (34:13):
- Rather than rattle off our own version of a holiday gift guide, we take a different angle going into the holiday season talking about games to bring to events that will appeal to a wide crowd - be they gamers or not.
- The best Yankee Swap games are abstract, accessible, and easy-to-learn.
- This leads to suggestions ranging from some classic non-gamer games (like LCR) to some great Gateway level alternatives, like Splendor.
PLUGS - (1:04:57):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Rocky Road to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 155: Charitable Gaming
Length: 46:47
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Gaming can sometimes be seen from the outside as a childish or selfish pastime. Contrary to that thought, however, the hobby is actually known for charitable acts both large and small. On the heels of one such event, this week Erin and Ryan discuss Extra Life and a few other board game charity events that take place this time of year. For donation links, please check down below!
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:35):
- Lisboa by Eagle-Gryphon Games (BGG Link)
- Flamme Rouge by Stronghold Games (BGG Link)
- Downforce by Restoration Games (BGG Link)
- That's A Question by Czech Games Edition (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS - (20:37):
- We recap our annual Extra Life charity marathon held at CR headquarters!
FEATURED TOPIC - (30:46):
- Continuing the topic, we also chat about a number of charitable efforts in the hobby, including:
PLUGS - (45:37):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Rocky Road to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 154: Escape Rooms, Essen Picks, and BFIG Expansions
Length: 1:14:36
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's convention time! This week Erin and Ryan are joined by Caroline Murphy, CEO of the Festival of Indie Games, to discuss the past, present, and future of Boston’s home-grown indie convention. Before that, though, Ryan walks us through his Essen picks for 2017.
GUESTS: Caroline Murphy
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:56):
- Exit: The Abandoned Cabin by Thames & Kosmos (BGG Link)
- Unlock! The Formula by Space Cowboys (BGG Link)
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle: Monster Box of Monsters by USAopoly (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS - (19:28):
- Ryan runs down five games worth checking out at Essen 2017 that aren't currently bound for the US, as well as his guess at a convention sleeper.
FEATURED TOPIC - (45:01):
- Caroline Murphy joins us to talk about the Festival of Indie Games, and where it’s headed. This is one of our favorite game events - it’s local, it focuses on indie creators, and it’s just a lot of fun. She’s leading the team in trying to do some great things for gaming and community in Boston and beyond!
PLUGS - (1:13:55):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Major General to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 153: Cardboard Noir
Length: 1:00:30
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about the eclectic mix of recent games that made it to the table. Then they talk to Evan Derrick of Van Ryder Games about his new title Detective: City of Angels - a game adding a new take on an old genre!
GUESTS: Evan Derrick
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:26):
- Xia: Legends of a Drift System by Far Off Games (BGG Link)
- Festival of Thousand Cats by Fukuroudou (BGG Link)
- AVES by Play With Us Design (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (18:51):
- In this episode's interview, we talk Detective: City of Angels with designer Evan Derrick, which has recently launched on Kickstarter. The game is a thematic take on noir…which means Erin goes on an L.A. Noire tangent almost immediately. No but really, the conversation covers Detective: City of Angels and what makes it so different compared to other one-and-done narrative-driven games, but they also discuss the role of noir in the current political climate, the way that designers balance difficulty for players of all skill levels, and how hard it is to drive in LA.
PLUGS - (59:59):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Major General to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 152: The Business of Gaming
Length: 1:05:34
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about the business side of gaming. Is the board game industry really so different from other industries? It feels like it sometimes. Why is that and where do we think it’s going?
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:00):
- Hellapagos by Gigamic (BGG Link)
- Mansions of Madness by Fantasy Flight Games (BGG Link)
- Overlords of Infamy by Obscure Reference Games (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (23:32):
- Whether you consider board games to be art or not, the idea that designers make poor business people persists in the board game industry. Why is this? And why do fans tend to react poorly when game companies grow and become more professional? This week, we’re talking about all that, plus the idea of companies from other sectors coming into the board game world.
PLUGS - (1:05:02):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Go Nuts For Donuts to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 151: A Qwixx Episode
Length: 48:54
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan recover from their giant Gen Con episode by reviewing…probably one of the smallest games they have - Qwixx! They also talk about BFiG and some prototypes!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:53):
- The Networks: Executives by Formal Ferret Games (BGG Link)
- Cerebria by Mindclash Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (21:48):
- The Boston Festival of Indie Games is coming up on September 23rd. We’ll be there playing games and presenting an award. If you’re in the Boston Area, swing by and say hello!
REVIEW - (26:16):
- Qwixx is a small, speedy roll-and-write game from Gamewright. Over the course of about 15-20 minutes, 2-5 players take turns rolling dice and crossing numbers off their player sheets, but there’s still a bit of strategy involved. A little bit. If you choose the wrong numbers to scratch out, you’re doomed to lock yourself out of valuable options down the road. If you play too conservatively, though, you’re going to struggle to keep up. We build up a consensus on who this accessible, portable dice chucking game and who should roll on to other things instead.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
A standard Qwixx scorepad, with Red and Yellow in ascending numerical order and Blue and Green in descending order
With this dice roll, any player may choose to cross out a six on any of their four tracks
The active player chooses to pair the 2 white die with the blue die and crosses out Blue 6
A player's final score of 88 points
PLUGS - (48:22):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Go Nuts For Donuts to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode Special 01: Gen Con 2017
Length: 1:43:42
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: In our first episode out-of-normal-schedule special Vox, Erin and Ryan go into the details of their adventures at Gen Con 2017
FEATURED TOPIC
- Erin and Ryan were on hand for Gen Con 50! In this episode special, they detail their activities over each of the game's four days, and then wrap up by listing some of their biggest surprises, favorite moments, and why not having a marquee game at the con was actually a good thing.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 150: Escapewolf
Length: 1:03:56
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about a few post Gen Con games that made it to the table and then interview Juliana Patel and Ariel Rubin, the creators of Escape Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment.
GUESTS: Juliana Patel & Ariel Rubin
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:19):
- Champions of Hara by Greenbrier Games (BGG Link)
- Stop Thief! by Restoration Games (BGG Link)
- Mountains of Madness by IELLO Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (00:36):
- Stay tuned next week for a special bonus Vox episode focusing solely on Gen Con 2017!
FEATURED TOPIC - (29:56):
- We speak to the creator’s of Escape the Room: The Werewolf Experiment about bringing physical escape rooms to the table. We talk a bit about what separates this game from other escape room games, and about the design and playtesting process going into such games. Julianna and Ariel also provide some insight into the current state of the board game industry and reflect on what it’s like to be extremely competitive people designing an extremely cooperative game.
PLUGS - (1:03:14):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Unlock to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 149: Card Crafting With John Clair And Gen Con 50
Length: 1:15:18
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about a few games they managed to get played, announce some Gen Con plans, and Ryan tries to guess the Gen Con sleeper hit. Then they interview designer John Clair on his innovating Card Crafting system.
GUESTS: John Clair
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:24):
- Qwixx by Gamewright Games (BGG Link)
- Macroscope by Mayday Games (BGG Link)
- Saga of the Northmen by Minion Games (BGG Link)
- Valley of the Kings: Last Rites by AEG (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (13:11):
- We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardboard Quills: A Written Reviewer Roundtable - a written reviewer Q&A. (If you can't make it, feel free to still leave a question you'd like asked and we can see if we can get it answered!)
- We list our five Gen Con games of personal note that aren't going to make many Top Ten Gen Con lists. Then Ryan tries to postulate on the sleeper hit of the con.
FEATURED TOPIC - (32:53):
- We speak to John Clair about Mystic Vale, Edge of Darkness, and Custom Heroes regarding his creative and innovative 'Card Crafting System', where you upgrade the abilities of cards in the game by use of card sleeves. We ask him about several avenues of this including:
- How the idea originated
- Why Edge of Darkness has taken so long to come to market (and maybe when it's finally going to...)
- Where you can play Edge of Darkness during Gen Con
- And more!
PLUGS - (1:14:37):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Unlock to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 148: Combating The Pile of Shame
Length: 56:07
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan go into detail on a few of the games they've had the pleasure of trying out, chat about some Gen Con plans, and then pivot into a discussion about the significance - or lack thereof - to a person's To Be Played game list (often called their pile of shame). Turns out it's only as significant as you want it to be. Who knew?
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (04:51):
- Caverna: Cave vs Cave by Mayfair Games (BGG Link)
- Sidereal Confluence by WizKids (BGG Link)
- Nemo's War by Victory Point Games (BGG Link)
- Lisboa by Eagle-Gryphon Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (26:27):
- We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardboard Quills: A Written Reviewer Roundtable - a written reviewer Q&A. (If you can't make it, feel free to still leave a question you'd like asked and we can see if we can get it answered!)
- We announce the title of the next Board Game Club!
- Reflecting a cruel case of tragic irony, we briefly talk about the recent fire affecting the European backer copies of Lisboa.
- Also, unboxing videos?
FEATURED TOPIC - (30:07):
- One of the most frequent conversations in gaming (or reading) is how to manage the list of titles that you haven’t played yet. Whether referred to as a bucket list, a to be played list, or as it's often called, your pile of shame, we parse out what that means - or doesn't - to your gaming experience overall. In this we cover:
- Game play shaming on both sides of the equation.
- Pushing back on the idea that such lists somehow depict a sign of your dedication to the hobby.
- One in, one out policies
- Time-delayed policies
- Austerity Pledges
- Logging Plays
- Spreadsheets
- And more!
PLUGS - (55:25):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Unlock to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 147: Sea Captains And Solo Games
Length: 1:10:37
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan go into detail on a few of the games they've been playing, then discuss the lingering stigma of solo board gaming. Then they cap it off by having on a pair of folks who know a thing or two about solo games: Chris Taylor and Alan Emrich, the minds behind solo game hit Nemo's War!
GUESTS: Chris Taylor and Alan Emrich
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:36):
- TIME Stories: Expedition: Endurance by Space Cowboys (BGG Link)
- Visitor in Blackwood Grove by Resonym (BGG Link)
- Pirates Vs Dinosaurs by Jolly Roger Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (19:21):
- Branching largely off of the recent article around solo gaming stigmas by the site Gaming for Justice, both Erin and Ryan reflect on their own opinions on solo gaming, its place in the hobby, and whether or not it has any appeal to them personally - and why.
FEATURED TOPIC - (33:02):
- And then since it ties in so darn nicely, we sit down with Chris and Alan of Victory Point Games to discuss the 2nd Edition of Nemo's War, our July Indie Spotlight game. A solo game based on Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, you captain the infamous Nemo and the Nautilus around the world going on adventures, fighting imperial ships, and exploring the natural world. We talk about a range of topics on the game, including:
- How they chose the theme of the game
- What made them want to make a 2nd edition
- What prompted them to use Kickstarter over their traditional on-demand model
- Their opinion on the source material itself
- And some exclusive info on what may lie in store for more Nemo-based adventures down the line!
PLUGS - (1:10:37):
- We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardboard Quills: A Written Reviewer Roundtable - a written reviewer Q&A. (If you can't make it, feel free to still leave a question you'd like asked and we can see if we can get it answered!)
- We’re raffling off a copy of Rolling America (plus a surprise!) to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 146: Outside Trends
Length: 57:39
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan mention a certain Gen Con panel, recap some games that hit the table recently, ponder over the latest Monopoly hype, talk about the progress made (and still needed to go) with diversity in gaming, and then discuss at length outside influences that affect trends within the gaming industry.
Phew! Did we miss anything?
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (03:36):
- Tau Ceti by Out Limit Games (BGG Link)
- Leaders of Euphoria by Overworld Games (BGG Link)
- Exit: The Game - The Pharaoh's Tomb by Thames & Kosmos (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (17:49):
- Monopoly Gamer is a new Nintendo-themed version of Monopoly that was just released, and is being sold exclusively through GameStop for the first month. There was also a bunch of social chatter about it immediately upon release. We chat about both the game and the oddly-sudden hype around it.
- A recent article appeared titled "A Seat at the Table: Board Gaming is for Us Too", reflects on board gaming as a member of a minority group, both in terms of why African-American and Latino youths often avoid board games over video games and how even though board gaming is making overtures towards progress of diversity and inclusion, it still has a ways to go from an outside perspective.
FEATURED TOPIC - (28:44):
- Video games, pop culture, and, more recently, live action games/activities are just a few examples of areas that have had a huge impact on the board game industry. Which had us wondering: where exactly do gaming trends come from outside the traditional mold of publishers and designers. We look at a few areas, such as:
- Video games
- Live action activities such as escape rooms
- The impact of influencers
- The relationship between small but engaged communities with the ability to control game designs and publications
- And of course, society as a whole
PLUGS - (57:06):
- We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardboard Quills: A Written Reviewer Roundtable - a written reviewer Q&A. (If you can't make it, feel free to still leave a question you'd like asked and we can see if we can get it answered!)
- We’re raffling off a copy of Rolling America (plus a surprise!) to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 145: Breaking Into Origins
Length: 59:29
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan chat about their experiences from their first trip to the Origins Game Fair. They discuss things they saw, things they played, what they liked, and what they wished they had done differently. If you're an Origins regular, how did their time in Columbus compare to yours? And if you've never been, does their conversation make you want to? Just wondering...
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:22):
- Avenue by Aporta Games (BGG Link)
- Honshu by Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link)
- Shahrazad by Osprey Games (BGG Link)
- Exoplanets by Greater Than Games (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (16:42):
- Erin and Ryan discuss the rather unexpected news about the popular gaming furniture company Geek Chic going out of business.
FEATURED TOPIC - (23:19):
- We were Origins bound this year! Marking Erin and Ryan's first trip to Origins - albeit not at the same time - they cover a number of things pertaining to how they thought about the convention going up to it, what they did while they were there, and their thoughts of attending in retrospect. Areas included:
- Reasons for attending
- Attendance numbers for 2017
- Highlights of various games played and seen
- Events we got to partake in while at Origins
- Pros and cons of the convention
- and yes, even an inordinate amount of travel woes
PLUGS - (59:02):
- You can check out Ryan's written recap of his first Origins experience here!
- We’re raffling off a copy of Honshu to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 144: The Magic of PoSplo
Length: 1:03:56
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's one look forward and another look back. With the summer convention scene vastly approaching, Erin and Ryan discuss their expectations for visiting Origins for the first tine. Then they dive into a review of Potion Explosion to reiterate just what makes the game so darn entertaining.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:22):
- The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire by Minion Games (BGG Link)
- Armageddon by Queen Games (BGG Link)
- Honshu by Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (19:47):
- Origins is, like, super soon! And the CR is going! For the first time! We lay out what some of our expectations are and what we hope to do what we get there. If you're going here's hoping our paths cross!
REVIEW - (25:39):
- Based off the "Match 3" style of video games, Potion Explosion is all about making potions and causing explosions...hence the name. In this short 2-4 player game, each person is an apprentice wizard gathering ingredients to fill a series of potions, which is done by removing one or more marbles from the game's eye-catching dispenser tray. Completed potions are worth a variable number of points - depending on how difficult it is to complete - as well can be used to generate a number of different one-time effects throughout the game. Originally released by Horrible Games and subsequently picked up by Cool Mini or Not, Potion Explosion rose to rapid popularity in part because of an ideal blend of casual gameplay and tactile marble-plinking enjoyment. Tapping into both a person's desire for socializing through gaming and an innate love of pattern recognition, Potion Explosion delivers so well as a casual game as to have been one of the 2016 Socializer Laurel nominees. That said, as we elaborate, its magic won't work on everyone.
- Also, you can check out Ryan's simple Potion Explosion trick for tray storage here.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (1:03:07):
- Speaking of Honshu, we’re raffling off a copy of it to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 143: Dominant Strategies
Length: 1:04:35
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Big money, big money, big money - stop! Nearly every game invokes some kind of strategy, and, generally, the more complicated the game, the deeper and more varied those strategies may be. Most of the time, this is all part of the game's appeal. But...what happens when not every strategy is created equal? What do you do when one particular path is so much better than the rest that it warps the entire experience. This week, Erin and Ryan discuss dominant (aka broken) gaming strategies, and what you can do about them.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:28):
- Yokohama by Tasty Minstrel Games (BGG Link)
- Zephyr: Winds of Change by Portal Dragon (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS – (19:30):
- Erin reflects on why it is she finds it so hard to play new games of late, and how that can be compounded by things such as the pressure of content creation, the added mental energy of learning new systems constantly, and even the paradox of having too many options to choose from.
FEATURED TOPIC - (33:08):
- Some games, try as they might to offer a wide variety of strategies, run into a problem of having one path to victory that wins a disproportionate amount of the time. We deconstruct what this may mean for that game, and for games overall. Areas of discussion include:
- Is it still a dominant strategy if you can beat it?
- Are they a flaw or a feature of a game?
- How does this differ from, you know, a normal strategy?
- Are there any upsides to their existence in a game?
- What can a designer do to correct these imbalances? What about a publisher? Or a player for that matter?
PLUGS - (1:58:37):
- We previewed Path of Light and Shadow, as well as Ursa Miner!
- We’re raffling off a copy of ZooScape to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 142: Gaming Speculation
Length: 59:17
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's one thing to excitedly find a rare or popular game in a thrift store. But have you ever bought one there with the sole purpose of turning around and selling it? It's capitalism at its most basic, but what are the possibilities and pitfalls of going down the road of gaming speculation? This week Erin and Ryan dive into flipping games for profit.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:28):
- Yokohama by Tasty Minstrel Games (BGG Link)
- Zephyr: Winds of Change by Portal Dragon (BGG Link)
- Path of Light And Shadow by Indie Boards & Cards (BGG Link)
- New Angeles by Fantasy Flight Games (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC - (22:13):
- You've probably heard of people flipping houses - buying them for one price in the plans of reselling them for a higher price later on. But people resell items all the time, including games. We investigate various ethical areas (and problems) revolving around game reselling and game speculation. Areas we explore include:
- thrift store / yard sale finds
- how to price out games
- games to look for if you want to make a profit
- capitalizing on the window between Kickstarter fulfillment and retail distribution
- taking advantage of Kickstarter exclusives
- review copy flipping
- and more!
PLUGS - (58:37):
- We previewed the aforementioned Path of Light and Shadow, as well as Ursa Miner!
- We’re raffling off a copy of ZooScape to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 141: Science Is Your Friend
Length: 1:06:45
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Science is your friend! With Earth Day and the unprecedented March For Science taking place recently, this week Erin and Ryan talk about science in gaming and recommend some titles that do an excellent job conveying real world scientific concepts.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:05):
- Ursa Miner (Coming Soon!)
- The Big Book of Madness by IELLO (BGG Link)
QUICK TOPICS - (07:42):
- When is the best time of the year for gaming? As New Englanders our snap reaction almost always is winter time, what with it being cold and snowy outside. But...is it really the best time of the year? We discuss.
FEATURED TOPIC - (13:38):
- Science! It's fun! It's informative! And it's essential to understanding more about how the world works, from the cells in our bodies to the molecules in a distant star, as well as pretty much everything in between. Like many, we've noticed in recent years the odd rise of science dismissal (and even denial) on the rise, culminating in the recent March for Science in D.C, where scientists the world over felt the need to demonstrate in defense of the very notion of science and scientific pursuit.
These are strange times...
In honor of that, our focus topic in this week is to celebrate and highlight specific games that do an excellent job teaching real science concepts while also being fun. There's a whole bunch out there, but we provide some suggestions that you should check out in areas such as:
- Aerospace
- Biology & Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Physics
- Zoology
- And more!
PLUGS - (1:05:08):
- Dann reviewed the digital version of Paperback!
- We’re raffling off a copy of Overseers to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 140: On The Case!
Length: 1:09:09
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's been a busy and chaotic month or so, between new digs, new gigs, local conventions, and localized pathogens. But we're making up for that now! This episode Erin and Ryan discuss the Granite Game Summit and review Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (02:01):
- Terraforming Mars by Stronghold Games (BGG Link)
- Sagrada by Floodgate Games (BGG Link)
- The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire by Minion Games (BGG Link)
- World Monuments by Queen Games (BGG Link)
- Mexica by Super Meeple / IELLO (BGG Link)
- Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures by Space Cowboys (BGG Link)
FEATURED TOPIC – (18:54):
- April 2017 saw the first multi-day attempt of the Granite Game Summit in Nashua, NH, and we were front and center for attending! Yes, after a couple one-day events in 2016, the troupe at G2S decided to try their hand at a 3-day con. We recap our thoughts and experiences from the inaugural event.
REVIEW - (30:22):
- The original Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective first burst onto the gaming scene in 1981 and has circulated in some form ever since. Yet an updated reprint in the last couple years gave rise to renewed interest in the classic game by a whole new generation of gamers. This recent standalone expansion (Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures) is a continuation of that trend. It contains six updated cases from the original West End Adventures expansion, as well as four brand new cases in the form of the Jack the Ripper series, which unlike any past cases, are all tied together and have a cap on how many actions you can take.
- In this narrative-driven game of mystery solving, each playthrough consists of a single case upon which players must collectively solve. To do this, everyone takes turns moving about Victorian London gathering story clues, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting crime scenes, all in the hopes of figuring out the whodunnit before Sherlock does (at least in theory). Prepare to be taken all over London as you chase leads and deal with dead ends, each of which is represented by storybook elements read aloud that correspond to the people and places you decide to visit. The combined effect is a co-op based literary puzzle that will appeal to those who love solving mysteries or those who appreciate a well-executed thematic setting (though not necessarily both groups at the same time). With an abundance of flavor and plenty to explore, Consulting Detective provides ten story-centric sleuthing experiences definitely worth checking out, even if playthroughs can take longer than advertised, can ony be played once, and can be a little clunky on exposition in some instances. Well, so long as you just give up on trying to best Sherlock and enjoy the world it presents to you at your own pace.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (1:08:24):
- We’re raffling off a copy of Overseers to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 139: Con Budgets
Length: 51:22
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Gaming conventions are pretty fun. But not every con is for every gamer. With an ever-growing list of conventions to attend and only so many resources to devote to attending them, how do you decide which conventions to devote your efforts to? This week, Erin and Ryan explore how you can properly prepare to attend them while comparing and contrasting their approaches to con budgeting.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (03:38):
- Defenders of the Last Stand by 8th Summit
- Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures by Space Cowboys
QUICK TOPICS - (13:42):
- We spoke last time of convention season beginning in earnest, so we thought this time around we'd share a reminder of which cons we're definitely going to be at over the rest of 2017.
FEATURED TOPIC - (19:24):
- How do you budget for attending a game convention? Just like taking a vacation, there's only so much time, money, and effort to devote to conventioning. To that end, we dive into a number of topic areas, including:
- How do you figure out cost?
- What are the benefits of booking a hotel through the convention? What are the downsides?
- How far ahead do you book?
- How do you decide if it’s worth it?
- Why you don't need to go to every convention
- Determining the type con that’s right for you! (We go into length at this one in Episode 74)
- Tips for budgeting and monitoring your cash flow
PLUGS - (48:03):
- Be sure to check out the website to celebrate all of the 2016 Laurel winners!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of The Blood Of An Englishman to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 138: Havens Of Gloooooom
Length: 58:46
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Laurel season is in full swing. Yet somehow we manged to fit in a bunch of new games and a trip to PAX East to kick off convention season. Ryan recaps his PAX trip, and then he and Erin sit down for an enlightening chat with Gloomhaven designer Isaac Childres to learn some interesting tidbits on what it took to make such a massive game.
GUESTS: Isaac Childres
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:27):
- Gloomhaven by Cephalofair Games
- Explorers of the North Sea by Garphill Games
- Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures by Space Cowboys
- Planetarium by Game Salute
QUICK TOPICS - (18:16):
- Con season has begun in earnest! Ryan recaps his experience at PAX East 2017.
FEATURED TOPIC - (26:51):
- What does it take to make a fully immersive fantast-based legacy-style dungeon crawler? That alone sounds tiring. But that's Gloomhaven in a nutshell. We sit down with sole designer Isaac Childres to find out how did this mammoth game came to be. Topics included:
- How it was decided what went into a 21 pound game box
- The inspiration behind creating the world of Gloomhaven
- Where in the design process the legacy aspect was added
- Whether Issac was the kind of kid who held the page of a CYOA book or not
- The lessons learned of running such a massive Kickstarter game and how it differed from his first game.
- How he went about the extensive playtesting necessary for a game of this size
- What's next for the world of Gloomhaven
- And more!
PLUGS - (58:12):
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of The Blood Of An Englishman to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 137: Award Season
Length: 1:14:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's award season all over the place, including in the game world. Which, naturally, includes our own - second only to the Oscars, really. To kick that process off, this week Ryan and Erin chat about gaming awards and discuss the nominees for the 2017 Laurels! We also mention a handful of notable games played and an example of gaming news in the real world.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:19):
- Freedom: The Underground Railroad by Academy Games
- The Oracle of Delphi by Tasty Minstrel Games
- Escape the Room: Secret of Dr. Gravely's Retreat by ThinkFun
- Tin Goose by Rio Grande Games
QUICK TOPICS - (22:31):
- Calling back to that whole idea of gaming not pretending the outside world doesn't exist, we briefly mention the latest stunt by the Cards Against Humanity crowd, involving Secret Hitler and Congress.
- No gaming awards would be complete without discussing the Golden Geek awards. We briefly provide our thoughts on the 15 Game of the Year titles and make our predictions on who we think will win.
FEATURED TOPIC - (30:37):
- Continuing the talk about gaming awards, our featured topic this episode focuses on the 2016 Laurel nominees. We delve into how each of the games ended up as an archetype nominee and why they fit their category so well. You can check out the full list here.
PLUGS - (1:13:23):
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of The Blood Of An Englishman to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 136: Creating A Gaming Cafe
Length: 1:02:45
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: What does it take to create a board game cafe? It's something many of us dream about doing, but aside from the desire to do it and a lot of hard work, what else is required to get such a dream off the ground? This week, Erin and Ryan invite on Kathleen Miller of the upcoming House Rules Cafe to get the details. There may also be some talk about games and the 2016 Laurels.
GUESTS: Kathleen Miller
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:46):
- New York Slice by Bezier Games
- Islebound by Red Raven Games
- Ponzi Scheme by Tasty Minstrel Games
- One Deck Dungeon by Asmadi Games
QUICK TOPICS - (16:22):
- It's that time of the year again. We are happy to announce the nominees for the CR's 2016 Laurels - our nominees for the 2016 games of the year. You can check out the full list here, and stay tuned in a couple weeks when start rolling out the winners!
FEATURED TOPIC - (18:40):
- Kathleen Miller and her crew are in the process of creating House Rules Cafe in Hudson, New York, deciding to take the brave steps that so many gamers dream about doing. We explore not only why she wanted to take on this endeavor, but what she plans to make this gaming cafe as accommodating as possible. Topics include:
- How her background in the service industry prior to creating the cafe shaped her planning
- The central tenants she insists for her cafe with regards to openness and inclusivity
- How nebulous the whole definition of a 'gaming cafe' can be
- What products and services she plans to offer and how it compares to other gaming cafes
- Her current Kickstarter perks being offered to future potential patrons
- Who she hopes to entice into her store and why she isn't planning to cater solely to gamers for her business
- The difference between a milkshake and a frappe. (Such things are important.)
- And more!
PLUGS - (1:02:13):
- We reviewed the digital version of Colt Express!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Grifters to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 135: Gaming Difficulty
Length: 1:03:41
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan dive into some recent game nights, talk about whether non-gaming topics that affect gamers are legitimate discourse, and then debate the differences in what difficulty means in regards to board games.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:14):
- Meduris by HABA
- Quartz by Passport Game Studios
- Stronghold by Portal Games
- Dark Gothic by Flying Frog Productions
- Morocco by Eagle-Gryphon Games
QUICK TOPICS - (20:08):
- We briefly address the notion that's been circulating on whether or not gaming conversation should include topics that affect gamers in the real world. That is, should gaming talk only be about games.
FEATURED TOPIC - (24:36):
- Difficulty in a game is a term thrown around regularly, but while it seems like an obvious definition at first glance, it isn't as universal once you start parsing it out. We dive into the various components that may go into what makes a game 'difficult', including
- Iconography
- Strategy depth
- Complexity
- Time Committment
- Player Size
- Theme
- How much of the idea of difficulty is subjective?
- What are our preferred difficulty levels?
- Can difficulty change over time?
- And, ultimately - does the quality of a game coincide with its difficulty?
PLUGS - (1:02:37):
- We previewed Trickster. No fooling!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Grifters to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to one or two - or all of them if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 134: Teeny Santorini
Length: 1:01:47
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan recap some of their lighter games played and address some positive feedback for the hobby before being joined by Gordon Hamilton, the designer of Santorini.
GUESTS: Gordon Hamilton
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:40):
- Ra by Windrider Games
- Monsters in the Elevator by Yaya Play Games
- Talisman by Fantasy Flight Games
- Cable Car by Queen Games
- Tokaido by Funforge / Passport Game Studios
QUICK TOPICS - (20:12):
- We address the recent troubles surrounding Crash Games founder Patrick Nickell, including the reasoning behind recent Kickstarter efforts to keep the company solvent and the hobby community's reaction to his heartfelt personal explanation for said troubles.
FEATURED TOPIC - (27:05):
- What is Santorini, and how did it come to be? We sit down with the game's designer Gordon 'Gord' Hamilton, to ask all about Santorini's past, present, and future ambitions. We cover certain areas, including:
- How long it actually took to get published
- What the game's origins were
- What surprised him about the game's Kickstarter campaign
- How his day job as a mathematician affect his design ideas
- The other themes (or lack thereof) that the game almost became instead of Santorini
PLUGS - (1:00:55):
- Did we mention we previewed Monsters in the Elevator? We did!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Evolution: Climate to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 133: Gaming Predictions For 2017
Length: 56:30
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: A new year means different things to different people. For us, it means it's time for Erin and Ryan to sit down and make some predictions for what lies in store in 2017 regarding games and the games industry!
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:49):
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle by USAopoly
- Taluva by Ferti
- Arkham Horror LCG by Fantasy Flight Games
- The Goonies: Adventure Card Game by Albino Dragon
FEATURED TOPIC - (19:21):
- It’s 2017, which means it’s time for all sorts of annual predictions about games and the gaming industry. Are they wild guesses or educated methodical extrapolations of notable trends in the industry? We’ll see! But both Erin and Ryan dive into what some of those may be.
- We also recap our 2016 predictions (see Vox episode 108 for the full rundown) to see how close we came during what can only be described as an unpredictable year.
PLUGS - (55:25):
- We reviewed Karuba!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Evolution: Climate to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 132: Seven Dragons And A Treasured Year
Length: 1:03:28
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: The end of 2016 is fast approaching - not that we're complaining mind you. This week, after recapping some of the games we managed to play between the holiday rush, we briefly look back at how the CR has fared over the last year...and maybe drop a couple minor announcements about what lies in store for us next in 2017. After that we pull out the 2011 card game Seven Dragons for review. Because, well, dragons!
Production Note: Apologies on the audio quality for this episode - it appears to have recorded on the backup mic by mistake!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:36):
- Colony by Bezier Games
- SeaFall by Plaid Hat Games
- Karmaka by Hemisphere Games
- Queen's Architect by Queen Games
- Centauri Saga by Vesuvius Media
FEATURED TOPIC – (27:42):
- 2016 site recap! The CR has seen a number of aspects to the site added or changed over the last year, and since it's the end of the year and all, we figured now is as good a time as any to talk briefly about what those changes entailed, including:
- New faces at the CR
- A new review subset
- The launch of our Patreon
- A podcast collaboration
- What the first few tasks may be for 2017
REVIEW - (42:00):
- Seven Dragons is a 2011 color-matching card game by Looney Labs. In this simple game, players take turns drawing and playing cards to a sprawling communal tableau, with every card placed containing 1-4 panels of different colored dragons. The goal in the game is to create a series of seven connected dragon panels all of the same color, while, of course, trying to prevent your opponent from doing the same thing. The end result is a simple game that's quick to play and even easier to teach, all while leaving a colorful dragon-laden mosaic on the table at the end each playthrough. That said, while it definitely works as a casual end of the night style game, it's probably not going to be the most memorable game for many players as a result. Seven Dragons may not be flashy or complicated - it could easily be billed as a card-based color dominoes with some action cards thrown in- yet we argue that it still has merit in the right settings.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (1:02:49):
- We reviewed Cash N Guns!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Speechless to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 131: Online Communities
Length: 58:47
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: A primary reason that board gaming is such an entertaining hobby is that it fosters and encourages socializing with other people. To that end, this week Erin and Ryan talk about this year's BGG Con, then discuss some of the many online communities available to gamers.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:34):
- Fuju Flush by Stronghold Games
- Terraforming Mars by Stronghold Games
- Honshu by Lautapelit / Renegade Game Studios
- Ave Roma by A-Games
- Flamme Rouge by Lautapelit
FEATURED TOPIC - (20:30):
- This week is all about board gaming communities within the board gaming world, including the positives and negatives they each offer to the hobby. The primary ones :
- BoardGameGeek
PLUGS - (57:57):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 130: Gaming Slumps
Length: 52:55
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: The world has been a bit topsy-turvy of late, and that has us a bit distracted from our normal love of gaming. So, this week we talk about the idea of gaming dry spells, where other interests or other factors pull you away from gaming regularly - and why that's not necessarily a bad thing.
GUESTS: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:45):
- Ice Cool by Brain Games
- Mare Nostrum by Academy Games
- Dice City by AEG / Artipia Games
- Covert by Renegade Game Studios
- Joraku by Moaideas Game Design
QUICK TOPICS - (22:11):
- In light of a recent publisher snaffu, we dissect the sometimes nebulous role of gaming media in relation to publishers in terms of ethical boundaries of journalist versus marketer.
- We reflect the recent uptick in digital board game ports.
FEATURED TOPIC - (34:37):
- Most invested board gamers will inevitably go into periods where they go into a gaming slump. We explore (especially of late) some of the reasons why that happens and why it's also entirely normal.
- How external factors can cause this, from time to energy to other things vying for your attention.
- Why it's healthy to consider other activities or hobbies during these slumps.
- Why you shouldn't feel guilty for having to step back now and then.
- How Erin and Ryan are addressing their own genuine current board game slump.
- As well as them musing on ways people can rekindle interest in games after such slumps.
PLUGS - (52:02):
- We're raffling off a copy of AssassinCon to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 129
Length: 44:01
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's our Extra Life special! In this episode, Erin and Ryan talk about their Extra Life 2016 gaming charity marathon efforts, including some of the more notable games played and the unique challenges running it this year brought.
GUESTS: None*
*Although scheduled to include a small handful of live interviews during the Extra Life marathon taping, a series of unfortunate events prevented said people from attending. Alas.
FEATURED TOPIC - (1:37 / 32:01):
- Every year the CR participates in Extra Life, an annual 24 hour gaming charity marathon to raise money for sick kids within the Children's Miracle Network - in our case those at the Boston Children's Hospital. We discuss aspects of this effort, including:
- Why we participate every year and how it helps both the cause and the gaming hobby as a whole.
- How we plan it every year and keep it a manageable effort, including successes and where we can improve.
- How people can donate to the cause.
- Some of the 'events' we run during that 24 hour period.
- Why we keep it to a rather modest campaign size.
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (05:12):
- Betrayal At House On The Hill: Widow's Walk by Avalon Hill
- Evolution: Climate by North Star Games
- The Blood of An Englishman by Renegade Game Studios
- Inis by Matagot / Asmodee
- Papa Paolo by Quined Games
PLUGS - (43:25):
- To celebrate the fall convention season, we're raffling off a copy of AssassinCon to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 128: America & Atmosphere
Length: 59:26
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's October, which means Halloween! Which means spooky things! Which brings us to the idea of gaming atmosphere. Why is it that exactly that board games struggle so hard to generate feelings of dread? What makes this medium, as opposed to movies, books, and even RPGs, so much more difficult? This week, Erin and Ryan parse over the possibilities behind it. Then, they venture back to the early American Frontier with a review of the dice allocation game Discoveries.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:39):
- Strife: Shadows & Steam by V3G
- Ahead in the Clouds by Button Shy Games
- Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation by Fantasy Flight Games
FEATURED TOPIC – (13:15):
- It's rare for a horror themed game to make you feel afraid, upset, or otherwise creeped out. Why is it that board games as a form of entertainment fare so much better at causing that to happen as opposed to movies, TV, or even classic RPGs? Some things we discuss to that end include:
- What is it about them inherently makes this difficult
- The difficulty of being surprised when you know what can happen
- Outside influences such as lighting, music, and even scents can help set the mood
- How whole genres of board games avoid theme as a primary goal to begin with
- How app-enabled games may help going forward
QUICK TOPICS - (22:59):
- Erin makes an announcement about her participation in a new positive launching soon that'll focus on the positive things board gaming offers.
REVIEW - (25:35):
- Discoveries is a 2015 dice placement and dice manipulation game by Ludonaute & Asmodee Editions. Designed to be a lighter experience to their heftier title Lewis & Clark while maintaining a similar theme, this game does exactly that. In this dice rolling adventure, each player is a member of the famed Lewis & Clark Expedition. Their goal was to venture across the American Frontier through unexplored lands (to the Europeans anyway) and take note of everything they experienced, from the plants and animals, to interactions with the various American Indian tribes, to mapping out the land itself. This is represented by each player having access to a handful of resource dice that are rolled periodically.
Through a series of turns, players allocate dice results to different actions as a means of befriending tribes as to claim their cards for more powerful action abilities, and / or complete journal cards to score VP. The goal is to essentially have the most complete (i.e. valuable) journal at the end of the game. With excellent artwork, simple rules, and a uncommon theme, Discoveries does a decent job conveying this game's purpose. That said, as we explore it, it's evident that much like the Expedition, Discoveries runs into its own share of obstacles.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (58:50):
- We reviewed The Guardians: Explore!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Tides of Madness to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 127: This Funny Dude From Poland
Length: 1:17:11
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week we return from our fall mini-break refreshed and ready to go. We start off by chatting about a small handful of the many games played recently, chat about our recent past and future convention plans, and then sit down with Ignacy Trzewiczek, head of Portal Games, to talk about the processes he goes through when designing games.
GUESTS: Ignacy Trzewiczek
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:49):
- Clank! by Renegade Game Studios & Dire Wolf Digital
- Inis by Asmodee Editions / Matagot
- The Guardians: Explore by Reihon Games
- Roll Player by Thunderworks Games
QUICK TOPICS - (26:06):
- We chat about the next Granite Game Summit in a few weeks - Halloween Edition. If you're in the area, consider coming on down!
- Ryan explains The Pantheon of Meeples.
- Oh, and there's our first meeting of Board Game Club!
- We recap some of the highlights from the 2016 Boston Festival of Indie Games, including memorable games and our presentation of one of the Figgie awards.
FEATURED TOPIC - (38:32):
- With a dozen or so memorable, well-received games under its belt and a self-assured designer at the helm, it's crazy to think that Portal Games is less than a decade old. The biggest reason for their success rests with the fundamental design philosophy of Ignacy Trzewiczek that board games should be an experience when played. He's stated numerous times in public and on his own blog the importance of this focus in everything they create. Today we sit down with him to go into that idea in more detail, include areas like:
- How important Robinson Crusoe was to Portal's initial success and instant reputation.
- Why theme for him always comes before mechanics.
- And where that philosophy came from
- The purpose of his Board Games That Tell Stories blog
- Both his first and second books emerged from it
- How his background in GMing RPGs influenced First Martians
- Why he keeps a journal on most games he play
- What his two most influential games are on his design process
PLUGS - (1:16:16):
- To celebrate Ignacy's participation and the Halloween season, we're raffling off a copy of Tides of Madness to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 126: The Art Of The [Preorder] Deal
Length: 1:03:20
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Attempting to get back to a normal length podcast after August's heavier episodes, this week Erin and Ryan talk about some recent Patreon happenings - including an announcement about it - and then they dive into a discussion on how much you need to know about a game before you order it. After that, the days is rounded out by a review of Avalanche at Yeti Mountain.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:43):
- Codenames: Pictures by Czech Games Edition
- Looting Atlantis by Shoot Again Games
- Prospectus by Mr. B Games
- Discoveries by Ludonaute / Asmodee Editions
QUICK TOPICS - (24:12):
- We chat about a couple of our recent Patreon happenings, including our past milestone goal progress and our plans for the next one.
FEATURED TOPIC – (27:08):
- How much do you need to know about a game before you buy it? With Essen approaching, it's not uncommon for people to purchase games from limited markets with little or no information about them. We ponder some of the implications of this approach including:
- The scale from impulse purchasing to meticulous research, and how there's room for both
- Why sometimes it can be difficult to do research ahead of purchasing it
- How do preorders fit into one's game planning?
- Where impulse buying really thrives
REVIEW - (41:33):
- Avalanche at Yeti Mountain is the latest title from Green Couch Games, a company who focuses on engaging little games that are visually appealing and as portable as they are easy to teach. In this snow-capped expedition for 1-5 players, a number of crazy engineering students decided that what skis were really missing to make them ultra cool were rocket boosters. So they went out and made some. Unfortunately, all of the rocket noise from their testing has attracted the wrong kind of attention, both in the form of the mountain's resident yeti, and a pending avalanche. Your goal is to either be the first one to the bottom of the hill by playing a card each round to speed yourself along, or simply being the last one to survive the avalanche. It's a quick and chaotic game with an amusing premise, but we look at whether that's enough.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (1:02:07):
- We reviewed Dark Dealings!
- We’re also also raffling off a copy of Flag Dash to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 125: The Impact Of Large Scale Media
Length: 1:51:00
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week we turn the lens inward on gaming media itself. After discussing the philosophy behind how often someone should play a game before judging (or reviewing) it, Erin and Ryan then invite on veteran reviewers Michael Fox (Little Metal Dog Show) and Jonathan Wolf (islaythedragon) to chat about the 800 pound Kotaku in the room. As gaming continues to grow, it's attracting attention from non-traditional hobby gaming sites to cover games. With scopes of coverage dwarfing even that of The Dice Tower, we examine the positives - and negatives - that such newcomers have on gaming media and the hobby on the whole.
GUESTS: Michael Fox & Jonathan Wolf
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:36):
- Vast: The Crystal Caverns by Leder Games
- Agility by Two Lanterns Games
- Potion Explosion by Cool Mini Or Not
- Mystic Vale by Alderac Entertainment Group
- Mansions of Madness: Second Edition by Fantasy Flight Games
QUICK TOPICS - (38:23):
- How many times do you have to play a game before being able to render a verdict on it? Erin and Ryan discuss what they feel their ideal number is, both for gamers and for reviewers.
- Ryan also floats his idea for a new vlog.
FEATURED TOPIC - (54:39):
- As the gaming hobby continues to expand, it seems that some entities with sizable readership have decided to get in on the fun. To figure out what that means for the hobby and hobby media, we decided to round up a couple and chat about it. Together with Michael Fox of Little Metal Dog Show and editor Jonathan Wolf of islaythedragon, we dive into how it affects those of us on the content creation side. Topics include:
- Why are larger entities taking more of an interest in gaming lately?
- Was this a natural progression due to growth of the hobby?
- What the positive implications that their involvement can have on the hobby itself
- How their presence impacts 'hobbyist media' and how entities should adjust/cope with that impact
- Are there any serious detriments to this increased interest from large outlets?
PLUGS - (1:51:00):
- We reviewed Quadropolis!
- We're also raffling off a copy of August Indie Spotlight game Vast!
- We're also also raffling off a copy of Avalanche at Yeti Mountain to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 124: Gen Con 2016
Length: 1:51:44
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan, between bouts of fatigue, talk all about the mega gaming convention known as Gen Con 2016, including all the highlights and a few disappointments.
GUEST: None
FEATURED TOPIC - (1:54):
- It's Gen Con! With tons to see and do on each of the four days, we recap games of note that we saw, those we played, events we participated in, and all the excellent people we interacted with. It's roughly broken down by day:
- Thursday - (03:17)
- Friday - (37:49)
- Saturday - (58:04)
- Sunday - (1:19:58)
- Favorite Parts of Gen Con 2016 - (1:31:54)
- Least Favorite Parts of Gen Con 2016 - (1:40:36)
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 123: The Undead Viking Goes Pro
Length: 1:29:57
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about the recent Asmodee acquisition announcement, the new Mansions of Madness news, and Gen Con. They're then joined by Lance Myxter, the Undead Viking himself, for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of board game media.
GUEST: Lance Myxter
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:11):
- Dark Dealings by Nevermore Games
- Total Rickall by Cryptozoic Entertainment
- Scythe by Stonemaier Games
QUICK TOPICS - (17:22):
- Asmodee is at it again, announcing they are planning to acquire F2Z Entertainment (including Z-Man Games, Plaid Hat Games, and Pretzel Games). We tackle what that does - and doesn't - mean for the industry.
- Fantasy Flight announced they will be doing a 2nd Edition of Mansions of Madness, replacing the GM-styled Keeper player with an AI-driven app instead. We give our reactions to that change.
FEATURED TOPIC - (26:35):
- Lance Myxter (more commonly known as Undead Viking) has been a presence in the gaming hobby for nearly a decade. From his being an early adopter of video reviews to his new employment as a member of publisher Tasty Minstrel Games, he has worn many (hopefully viking-themed) hats. He's also been around to watch the hobby change and explode in recent years. We sit down to hear his thoughts on how gaming and gaming media has changed in his time. Areas of discussion include:
- How he got into reviews and how he became Undead Viking
- His thoughts on the explosion of new gamers to the hobby
- Reflections of forays of incorporating technology into games
- The difficulties of having standout games nowadays and the challenge of finding them in today's era
- Negative reviews
- The transition from reviewer to also an employee of Tasty Minstrel Games
- Also plenty of tangents, such as:
- Good v Evil alignments in MMOs
- D&D Go
- How we as hobby gamers overestimate the reach of BGG
- Why he largely switched form published to pre-published game reviews
PLUGS - (1:27:20):
- We'll be at Gen Con very soon. Let us know if you'll be there too!
- Also, if you are going to Gen Con, be sure to check out www.indiecavalcade.com and follow #IndieCavalcade to see where the indie games will be found during those four days.
- Did we mention the site's new Instagram already? Pretty sure we haven't.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 122: Roll For Self-Care
Length: 1:00:12
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It's been an eventful few weeks, both within - and especially outside of - the gaming world. And that has an impact. So, in this episode the Vox is all about self-care. We ponder the question "What games do you play to make yourself feel better when the world gets you down?" We then round out the week on a more upbeat tone by talking about The Castle, a new gaming cafe in our region and then review the crazy and chaotic dice fight for the West known as Boomtown Bandits.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:15):
- Arkwright by Capstone Games / Spielworkxx
- Avalanche at Yeti Mountain by Green Couch Games
- Escape the Room: Mystery at the Stargazer's Manor by ThinkFun
- Kodama: The Tree Spirits by Action Phase Games
- Sushi Go Party by Gamewright
QUICK TOPICS - (25:50):
- It's no huge secret that the real world has been hard for many of us lately, and it’s important to take time to breathe. This isn’t to say that you should disengage or bury your head in the sand, but self-care is important. We address how games factor into that process.
- Ryan ventured to The Castle in Beverly, MA, a new gaming cafe in the region. We touch briefly on his reaction to the latest gaming cafe in our area.
REVIEW - (40:54):
- Boomtown Bandits is a 2015/2016 release from Breaking Games for 2-5 players of chaotic dice-chucking entertainment. In this 30 minute game, players have stumbled into a boom town in the Old West, and everyone is trying to ransack the town for the most loot. Through a series of short rounds, each player allocates their three gunslingers to different town locations, and then each of those places is resolved via real-time dice rolling. You want to be the first to land a successful hit result - and the the first to call it out loud - in order to secure that location's card. These cards both grant one-time effects as well as count as your money for the end of the game. It's quick, energetic, and though it certainly functions best at higher numbers, the game works well for 3-5. Today we strap on our six-shooters and visit the dusty town to see why that is. We investigate which aspects make this rowdy casual game so enticing, and which could use a little polish.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (59:19):
- We reviewed Millennium Blades, the CCG simulator in a box.
- We're continuing the Gen Con Indie Cavalcade effort - a list of all the indie games available at Gen Con. Check it out, and share it around!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 121: Meeples (And Humans) Included
Length: 1:17:26
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Diversity and Inclusion in the gaming hobby has been a common topic of late, both on the design side and on the content creator side. This week, after traveling through time and becoming CCG masters, Erin and Ryan the issues of female representation on box cover art and then have on Marguerite Cottrell (aka Maggibot), creator of the new inclusivity-minded Meeples Included gaming content site.
GUEST: Marguerite Cottrell
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:35):
- Millennium Blades by Level 99 Games
- Signorie by What's Your Game?
- T.I.M.E. Stories: The Marcy Case by Space Cowboys / Asmodee Edition
QUICK TOPICS - (15:10):
- This week Erin has written up an article on the gender diversity of box cover art among BGG's top ranked board games - or lack thereof.
FEATURED TOPIC - (18:57):
- Marguerite Cottrell (more commonly known as Maggibot) has been a figure in the board gaming for some time, both as a big fan of the hobby as well a content creator in various forms. Recently she launched Meeples Included, a new gaming content site with a mission statement of including more diversity focus in gaming. We look into how that came about and what she hopes to get out of it. Areas of discussion include:
- The inception of Meeples Included overall
- How she got into gaming in the first place
- The organic nature of the MI contributors
- The challenges of bringing diversity into the hobby
- Has that changed from a few years ago?
- Different obstacles that arise because of those attempts
- And what it was like to reinvent his own game
- What drives them to keep moving forward even with the invisible barriers that may exist
- What lies next for the MI group
PLUGS - (1:15:47):
- We have a newsletter now! If you sign up before the end of June, you have chance to win Isle of Skye. Don't delay!
- Did we mention the site's new Instagram already? Pretty sure we haven't.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 120: The Art Of The Con Game
Length: 34:01
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: It seems that summer convention season has begun, which is always a chaotic and exciting time. Of the many things you can do to prepare for that experience, one of them is deciding which games get thrown into your bag. This week, Ryan and Erin go over their (albeit paltry) short list of games they've been playing and then dive into some of their particular favorites to bring on the road. We also share what some of our remaining 2016 con schedule looks like.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:19):
- Rise to Power by APE Games
- Imhotep by KOSMOS
QUICK TOPICS - (8:12):
- Ryan briefly talks about our latest Kickstarter preview for Tim Fowler's newest game, Fugitive.
- We briefly go over which conventions the CR will guaranteed to be making an appearance at in the latter half of the year.
FEATURED TOPIC - (16:51):
- Most of the time game conventions are associated with bringing new games home with you. Ask most regular con goers, however, and you'll quickly find that most have a shortlist of games that are often squirreled away that they bring to them, whether it's because of their portability, accessibility, or something else entirely. We share some of our particular favorites, including interesting tidbits such as:
- What our most common travel games are
- Why we usually have at least one two-player game
- Why we often don't bring social bluffing games like Werewolf or Coup
- The common traits of a good travel game
- How often we actually pull these games out to use on any given trip
PLUGS - (33:14):
- Did we mention the site's new Instagram already? Pretty sure we haven't.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 119: The Evolution Of A Pandemic
Length: 1:06:22
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week Erin and Ryan ponder over the Spiel des Jahres nominee choices and then settle in to to talk all about the history of disease with Patient Zero - Matt Leacock, designer of Forbidden Island and the Pandemic game series.
GUEST: Matt Leacock
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:27):
- T.I.M.E Stories by Asmodee Editions
- Onitama by Arcane Wonders
- World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games
- Mice & Mystics by Plaid Hat Games
QUICK TOPICS - (20:05):
- We didn't have time for a full preview, so instead we briefly chat about Trick of the Rails, now on Kickstarter.
- We've officially launched our Cardboard Republic Instagram account and monthly site newsletter!
- We look over the three Spiel and Kennerspiel nominees for 2016 and give our thoughts. Tell us who you think will win!
FEATURED TOPIC - (32:42):
- We've traced Pandemic to the source by isolating designer Matt Leacock. We know that his name is synonymous with one of the most successful game franchises to date, but to understand how we got here, we dive into the patient's history to see what it took to make it to this point. These include areas of discussion such as:
- How he got into the design process in the first place
- The inspiration behind the creation of Pandemic
- And what it was like to reinvent his own game
- His thoughts on the success of the Pandemic line overall
- The valuation of quality design
- Why he has a fondness for designing cooperative games
- What white boards has to do with his latest game, Knit Wit
PLUGS - (1:05:12):
- Did we mention the site's new Instagram already? Pretty sure we haven't.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 118: A Quarriors Qretrospective
Length: 1:02:54
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Fresh off attending a new local game convention, Erin and Ryan talk about the excitement that surrounds the foundation of a new con. Then, after talking about a few of the many games played lately, they move from the present to the past by doing a retrospective review on the innovative dice drafting game Quarriors. Is it still good now? Was it good then? Let's find out!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:15):
- Scoville Labs by Tasty Minstrel Games
- Dr. Eureka by Blue Orange Games
- Powerpuff Girls: Saving The World Before Bedtime by Hasbro
- Lords of Waterdeep by Wizards of the Coast
- Anachrony by Mindclash Games
QUICK TOPICS - (20:27):
- We attended the inaugural launch of the first Granite Game Summit, a new New England-based gaming convention!
REVIEW - (27:13):
- Quarriors is a 2011 release from WizKids for 2-4 players that focuses on the idea of 'dice drafting'. Set in a fantasy world, you play as warriors who must ready spells and summon creatures to fight for you on the field of battle. You do this Each turn by drawing six dice from your bag and rolling them. From there you spend your rolled resources assigning on assigning monsters and buying new recruits. It’s essentially a deck-building game in dice form, so you spend a lot of the game attempting to get more dice to improve your rolls. Innovative when it first came out, we take a look back and see if it holds up today - and whether it ever did in the first place.
(Note: if you don't see pictures below, you can view them via the RSS feed or clicking this link.)
PLUGS - (1:02:07):
- We previewed Anachrony, the time-traveling worker placement game, currently on Kickstarter
- We reviewed Apotheca, the light set-matching tile game.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 117: Gil Hova Needs Sleep
Length: 56:48
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Fresh off of TableTop Day (also known as Saturday), and back from PAX East, Erin and Ryan settle in talk to designer and publisher Gil Hova of Formal Ferret Games about the ups and downs of running your own game company.
GUEST: Gil Hova
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:23):
- Colt Express by Asmodee Editions
- Blood Rage by Cool Mini Or Not
- Above And Below by Red Raven Games
- Nippon by What's Your Game? / Asmodee Editions
- Ninja Camp by Action Phase Games
QUICK TOPICS - (23:41):
- We recently attended PAX East and briefly touch upon a few of the major aspects of the convention. For a more comprehensive look at PAX East 2016, check out our convention recap.
FEATURED TOPIC - (25:47):
- Today we feature designer, publisher, and podcaster Gil Hova of Formal Ferret Games. We take a wide angle view at what it takes to make your own games and the process of attempting to turn game publishing into an occupation. These include areas of discussion such as:
- How he got into designing board games in the first place
- The experiences of revisiting his first published game, Prolix
- The unique difficulties of game design versus development versus publishing
- How game design resources have changed since he first started doing it
- The inspiration behind the launch of his podcast Breaking Into Games, which looks at the challenges of starting in the board game world today
- We also touch briefly upon his newest title, Bad Medicine: Second Opinion, an expansion for pitch game Bad Medicine, which just launched on Kickstarter, as well as what his next game idea on the horizon may be
PLUGS - (58:02):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 116: North Wind (Is Totally Not A Pirate Game)
Length: 1:18:17
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan review the game North Wind - which is absolutely not a pirate game. They also dive into the cesspool that is sexism in gaming, but then shine some positive light on the hobby with a discussion of a recent gaming charity event!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:03):
- Apotheca by Knapsack Games & Renegade Game Studios
- Odin's Ravens by Osprey Games
- Mottainai by Asmadi Games
- ETI: Estimated Time to Invasion by Eye-Level Entertainment
- The Grizzled by Cool Mini Or Not
QUICK TOPICS - (24:45):
- We address the recent ongoing issues regarding harassment in gaming. Hold on to your hats.
- But to make up for it, we recap our time at the Home Away Boston gaming charity day. There is hope!
- Plus we mention our next convention appearances.
REVIEW - (43:25):
- This week we wade right in to the lightweight but super visually-appealing sailing game North Wind by Z-Man Games. In this 2-4 player game, each person is the admiral of a ship - who are totally not pirates - looking to help a trio of pirate-ransacked islands get back on their feet. Each island comes with its own set of needs, from money and wine, to basic foods, to the capturing of the very pirates responsible for their plight. Your goal is to be the first ship to successfully complete 8 or 10 tasks, depending on player size. To do this, you take turns sailing around the waters of these different islands (each represented by a stack of randomly assigned tiles). Each tile allows you to buy and sell the game's five basic resources or purchase equipment to upgrade your 3-D ship with more crew, faster sails, and more cannons - all of which fit right on the ship itself. Of course, you can also run into the pirates themselves, which results in a battle of a few success/fail dice roll. With excellent component quality, striking table presence, straightforward rules, and copious replayability, we dive into why North Wind is such a successful hour of casual gaming entertainment.
PLUGS - (1:17:23):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 115: What IS Indie?
Length: 59:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Indie gaming. Chances are you've heard this term casually mentioned throughout the gaming world. But...what does that mean exactly? Erin and Ryan break down the term “indie.” What qualities does an indie game or company have to have, and when does an indie turn into a small publisher, big publisher, or mega-hit?
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:13):
- Hearts Blazing by Games By Play Date
- Pandemic Legacy by Z-Man Games
- Takenoko by Asmodee Editions
- Quadropolis by Days of Wonder
- Green Deal by Karma Games
QUICK TOPICS - (23:14):
- Privateer Press has announced on the heels of the Asmodee changes to its distribution rules that it too will be limiting distribution to online retailers.
- The CR will be participating in the Home Away Boston gaming charity event being hosted by the gang at The Cardboard Jungle podcast to raise money for cancer patients while undergoing treatment. It's for a good cause and they'll be giving numerous games away as prizes. Best part: you don't have to attend to participate. Consider making a donation today!
FEATURED TOPIC - (30:34):
- The term 'indie' is used pretty freely in board gaming, and the intention is well understood. At least, until you try to define it. So we decided to sit down and hammer out what some of that criteria may be. What IS indie? What is the line between indie and mainstream publisher?
- We consider some of the following criteria:
- The size of the publisher
- How long has the publisher been around
- The designer of the game
- Print run size
- Production model of the game (i.e. factory made, self-publisher, Game Crafter, etc.)
- Marketability of being indie
- Cultivation of an 'indie' brand
- Also, we ponder if the idea of 'indie-ness' is still useful as a term at all.
- We consider some of the following criteria:
PLUGS - (58:02):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 114: The Staying Power Of Codenames
Length: 58:04
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan cover a whole slew of topics, including some GAMA news, our first annual Laurel awards, and Snakes & Ladders: the video game. Then we dive into a brief review of the super popular social game Codenames.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:36):
- Paradox by Split Second Games
- Fury of Dracula by Fantasy Flight Games
- Warehouse 51 by Passport Game Studios
- The King Is Dead by Osprey Games
QUICK TOPICS - (22:22):
- With the 2016 GAMA gaming convention coming to a close, Ryan shares a handful of news bits that caught his attention.
- For reasons that baffles everyone, someone has decided to make Snakes and Ladders into an FPS-style computer game.
- The Daily Worker Placement gamer survey results continue! We look into some of their most recent findings.
- We have unveiled The Laurels, our first annual Games of the Year Awards!
REVIEW - (38:53):
- This week we wade right in to the heavy-hitting social game Codenames by Czech Games Edition. Since it's unassuming debut, Codenames has taken the party/social game category by storm, quickly becoming a fan favorite and making its way to many gamer's shelves. In this word association game, two teams of players, each led by a Spymaster, seek to beat the other team by finding all of their team's words from among those on the board. Using single world clues from the Spymaster, their team must guess their leader's intended word choices without accidentally aiding their opposition - or stumbling onto the game-ending assassin. Simple but engaging and with copious replayability, we explore why Codenames still has staying power in the months since it came out.
PLUGS - (57:16):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 113: Sentinels of the Kickstarterverse
Length: 54:49
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: Sometimes to move forward, it pays to look back. To tie in with the campaign for the final Sentinels of the Multiverse expansion, this week, Erin and Ryan perform a retrospective on Kickstarter's evolution through the lens of one of gaming's early success stories of the platform. And who better to do that with than with Greater Than Games themselves!
GUEST: Christopher Badell
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:00):
- 7 Wonders Duel by Asmodee Editions
- Strife: Legacy of the Eternals by V3G
- Retreat to Darkmoor by Action Phase Games
QUICK TOPICS
- None
FEATURED TOPIC - (12:30):
- We welcome Christopher Badell to the table, one of the co-creators of the massively successful Sentinels of the Multiverse game right on the heels of the game's final expansion. They've been
- What was the first Sentinels Kickstarter experience like?
- And how they really feel about their early Kickstarter videos
- How Kickstarter expectations have changed since 2011/2012 for both publishers and designers
- The evolution of Kickstarter campaigns in general
- The pros and cons of those changes
- What surprises them about said changes
- Why Kickstarter isn't a zero sum enterprise
- Would the original Sentinels Kickstarter actually be successful in 2016?
- What was the first Sentinels Kickstarter experience like?
PLUGS - (54:05):
- We recently reviewed the gothic co-op deckbuilder The Shadow Over Westminster.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 112: Veni, Vedi, Vici
Length: 1:00:35
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 45 minutes long.
Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today!
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan are happy to get back into the swing of gaming, talk about the impact of the sale of Catan, and review the two player quilting game Patchwork. Oh, and we talk Patreon too.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:29):
- Shadow Over Westminster by CounterClockwork Games
- Fog of Love by Hush Hush Projects
- Xenon Profiteer by Eagle-Gryphon Games
- SOS Titanic by Ludonaute
- Blood Rage by CMON Games
- Orleans by Tasty Minstrel Games
- Caravan by Z-Man Games
QUICK TOPICS - (14:20):
- We try to ascertain our feelings of the announcement of Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu
- A recent Eurogamer article had us thinking about the psychological effect that the number of Kickstarter project backers has
- We dig through the initial results of the Daily Worker Placement gamer survey
- Ryan recaps his annual trip to Totalcon
REVIEW - (35:02):
- This week we step on to the field of battle of Vici by Game Salute. This is a fairly light tactical board game for two players, wherein each person seeks to conquer their opponent's city. In this Chess-like game, both players take turns recruiting and deploying handfuls of units onto the battlefield. When two opposing units face off against one another, dice are rolled to determine who lives and who dies. These pitched battles continues over a span of about 30-40 minutes until inevitably one side emerges the victor. We explore where Vici's blades shows some prowess as well as where they miss the mark.
PLUGS - (59:43):
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 111: Time To Get Bamboozled
Length: 1:13:27
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Welcome to Clone Club! This week, Erin and Ryan dive into their recent game night experiences before chatting with the Bamboozle Brothers themselves about design, Kickstarter, and their latest Oprhan Black card game.
GUEST: Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:29):
- Steam Time by Thames & Kosmos
- Biblios by IELLO
- Odyssey: Wrath of Poseidon by Ares Games
- Arboretum by Z-Man Games
- Best Treehouse Ever by Green Couch Games
- Roll For The Galaxy by Rio Grande Games
- Codenames by Czech Games Edition
- DragonFlame by Minion Games
- Pandemic: Legacy by Z-Man Games
QUICK TOPICS
- None
FEATURED TOPIC - (20:18):
- We welcome Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim, collectively known as the Bamboozle Brothers to discuss their game designs, including their newest title, Orphan Black: The Card Game.
- The inspiration behind doing an Orphan Black game and the decision to make it a social deduction game
- How the characters were chosen
- The advantages and disadvantages of doing a licensed game
- how an IP license gets chosen
- why you shouldn't chase an IP when designing a game
- the usefulness of reskinning
- Why designing for diverse player types is worthwhile
- The Bamboozle Brothers' "MVP" steps for designing games
- Their 2016-2017 games releases
- The inspiration behind doing an Orphan Black game and the decision to make it a social deduction game
PLUGS - (1:12:55):
- The Cardboard Republic Patreon has gone live! If you like what we do here, be it the written content, our video series, or this podcast here, consider supporting us!
- We recently reviewed the wizard poker styled game Hocus.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 110: Pandemic, Patchwork, and Patreon
Length: 50:43
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan are happy to get back into the swing of gaming, talk about the impact of the sale of Catan, and review the two player quilting game Patchwork. Oh, and we talk Patreon too.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:27):
- Pandemic: Legacy by Z-Man Games
- Hocus by Hyperbole Games
- Betrayal at House on the Hill by Hasbro
- Between Two Cities by Stonemaier Games
- Funemployed! by IronWall Games
- RYU by Asmodee Editions
- Isle of Skye by Mayfair Games
- Moonquake Escape by Breaking Games
QUICK TOPICS - (17:04):
- We parse the implications of Mayfair selling the English rights of Catan to Asmodee
- We discuss our first impressions of the long-standing Boston-area geek convention Arisia and their first attempt at incorporating a tabletop showcase
REVIEW - (26:59):
- This week we stitch together our findings of Patchwork by Mayfair Games. This is a light game for two players all about quilting. It mixes a rondel-style purchase process for acquiring quilt pieces with a very Tetris-like placement process. Through this you are trying to create the most efficient 10x10 quilt grid possible, as holes in quilts are generally a bad thing. Over a span of about 30 minutes, players (usually) alternate turns attaining buttons - the game's currency - and then use them to snatch up useful quilt squares. Like any quilt, we explore which parts of Patchwork are particularly inspiring and which suffer from rather poor stitchwork.
PLUGS - (48:45):
- Remember how we said we had changes in store? Well, we're happy to finally announce another one of those! In the very near future, the CR will be launching its own Patreon! Keep an eye on the site for our formal announcement for what we have in store and how you can help us continue doing what we do!
- We recently reviewed the dragon-worshiping resource game RYU.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 109: Planning Conspiracies With Shoot Again Games
Length: 36:08
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: The lizard people are real and are putting mind control drugs in the water! Or...are they?!? We can't say for certain, so we've brought in an expert. This week Erin and Ryan talk to Diane Sauer of Shoot Again Games about Conspiracy!, her upcoming Kickstarter card game.
GUEST: Diane Sauer
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Pandemic: Legacy by Z-Man Games
- Tiny Epic Western by Gamelyn Games
- Dirigible Disaster by Letiman Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- None
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We welcome Diane Sauer of Shoot Again Games to discuss their company and their games library.
- How and why they pick the themes of games that they do at Shoot Again
- How Shoot Again Games came to exist
- Lessons learned from publishing several games to date
- Talk at length centered about the upcoming card game Conspiracy!
- How theme and mechanics tie together
- How they came about the contents and premise of a game around conspiracies
- Their fascination with cryptozoology and how Conspiracy! evolved in part from their earlier game Legends and Les
PLUGS:
- You can check out our full preview of Tiny Epic Western here.
- We also reviewed Star Trek: Five Year Mission.
- The CR has hit three years! Keep an eye on all manner of changes to the site over the first few months of 2016!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 108: 2016 Predictions
Length: 35:39
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: It's a brand new year! This week, Erin and Ryan look back at some of their gaming predictions of 2015 to see how close they came (or not) to guessing gaming trends of the year, and then make some new predictions for 2016.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- None. No, really. Not a single one. We are super sad. Silly holidays and togetherness and whatnot.
QUICK TOPICS:
- We give a brief recap of the recent Asmodee announcement regarding their consolidation of their business side of the US side of Asmodee, Fantasy Flight Games, and Days of Wonder into Asmodee North America. We briefly explain what their changes to logistics and distribution means for consumers, if any.
- It appears the years-long feud over the rights to Brass between designer Martin Wallace and Eagle-Gryphon Games has come to a conclusion.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- It's 2016, which means it's time for all sorts of 2016 predictions. Are they wild guesses or educated methodical extrapolations of notable trends in the industry. We'll see! But we dive into what some of those may be.
- We also recap our 2015 predictions (see Vox episode 67 for the full rundown) to see how close we came to seeing how the year panned out.
PLUGS:
- If you were curious on the Brass/Lunarchitects parallels article, you can find it here.
- The CR has hit three years! Keep an eye on all manner of changes to the site over the first few months of 2016!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 107: Getting Tricky With Trickerion
Length: 51:15
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan gush about Pandemic: Legacy and recount the big news about Gen Con 2016 before sitting down for an in-depth chat with the designers of Trickerion
GUEST: Viktor Peter and Richard Amann
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Pandemic: Legacy by Z-Man Games
- Monarch by Mary Flanagan LLC
- Heroes Wanted by Action Phase Games
- Viceroy by Mayday Games
- Ghost Stories by Asmodee Editions
- DragonFlame by Minion Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- Gen Con recently announced that starting in 2016 both the expansion of the convention into the nearby stadium and that the hotel lottery system is here to stay. We touch upon the implications of both.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- It's time to get tricky! As part of our month-long look at the magician-centric Euro Trickerion, we sit down with the co-designers of the game to get all sort of neat info about it, including:
- Where the idea behind the game came from
- The development process to reach the state we see in the final version
- Lessons learned from Kickstarter
- Its release at Essen
- And more!
PLUGS:
- The CR has hit three years! For the remainder of 2015 and beyond keep an eye on all manner of changes to the site. Case in point: the aforementioned logo.
- We recently reviewed the tableau-builder Monarch, and Rob inspects the latest Game Crafter game Crazier Eights.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 106: BGG Con And Solo Conventioning
Length: 46:11
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about BGG Con and what it's like to attend a convention all by yourself - for better or for worse. Then we get all messy in reviewing the food-fight game What The Food?!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Pandemic: Legacy by Z-Man Games
- Caverna by Mayfair Games
- Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit by Hasbro
- Cockroach Poker by Drei Magier Spiele
QUICK TOPICS:
- The Vox has a new podcast logo! Tell us what you think!
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We return from the holiday break and Ryan returns from BGG. This was his first time at the convention and his first time going to a convention solo. We chat about it's like to attend such a convention by yourself.
- Ryan wrote his first impressions of BGG Con itself previously.
- What are the limitations of going to a convention solo? Requirements?
- Is it intimidating to go alone? How does BGG help with this?
- Was going alone a positive experience? A negative one?
- How to acclimate to traveling solo.
- Favorite game of the convention.
REVIEW:
- Food fight! This week we look at What The Food?! by Squirmy Beast. This is a light social and programming card game about a bunch of school kids who get into a food fight and strive to emerge at the end of it the most unscathed. Played over a series of rounds until one person is too humiliated to continue, we dive into the charming parts of this schoolyard fracas, as well as the areas where it may be easier to just take a pie in the face.
PLUGS:
- The CR has hit three years! For the remainder of 2015 and beyond keep an eye on all manner of changes to the site. Case in point: the aforementioned logo.
- We recently reviewed the tile-laying game Cacao!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 105: Low Down Dirty Cheaters
Length: 47:43
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about Extra Life efforts and the games that made the table before diving into the idea of what actually constitutes cheating in a game. Then we review One Night Ultimate Werewolf.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Captains of Industry by Tasty Minstrel Games
- Dominion by Rio Grande Games
- Euphoria by Stonemaier Games
- Robinson Crusoe by Floodgate Games
- Scoville by Tasty Minstrel Games
- FATE Core by Evil Hat Games
- Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
- Saboteur by Mayfair Games
- Magic: the Gathering by Wizards of the Coast
- Codenames by Czech Games Edition
- Rhino Hero by HABA Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- The Vox is switching to a bi-weekly format. We explain why.
- We also recently participated in Extra Life, the 24 hour gaming marathon to help raise charity donations to aid sick children. The CR did its part, hosting an entire 24 hour event that raised hundreds of dollars, all for a good cause.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Cheating in games. On the surface it seems like it should be a pretty black and white issue, but as it turns out, it's not that simple.
- What IS cheating classified as, anyhow?
- How do you handle cheating in games when it happens?
- Is one form of cheating more forgivable than another?
- Breaking the rules of the game versus the spirit of the game
- Where and how does kingmaking, metagaming, interpersonal relationships, and table politics fit in on the cheating spectrum?
REVIEW:
- Fresh after seeing repeated use during Halloween and Extra Life, the CR tackles the light hidden role and social deduction game One Night Ultimate Werewolf, by Bezier Games. Condensing a classic game of Werewolf/Mafia into one round, we look at what the game has going for it, and where it may come up a little short.
PLUGS:
- The CR has hit three years! All month long, be sure to check out the website for industry quotes, site changes, and more. This also includes the announcement of our winner of the 100th episode contest!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 104: You Can't Resist Us
Length: 54:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week, Ryan and Erin discuss the nature of episodic game content release models before having on the talkative folks of Cardboard Fortress and their little game called Resistor.
GUEST: Anthony Amato and Nicole Kline
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games
- Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress
- Vault Wars by Floodgate Games
- Ghost Stories by Asmodee Editions
- Entropy by Rule & Make
QUICK TOPICS:
- The recent week saw a wide array of responses after word that T.I.M.E Stories planned on releases quarterly episodic scenario content while only having one within the base game. We debate what it means for the hobby.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- It's Resistor time! We have on the designers of the October Spotlight game and get a little carried away discussing topics including:
- The early days of Resistor and the changes that went into it
- How it caught the attention of Level 99 Games
- What lies next for Cardboard Fortress
- Their reflections on Resistor's campaign to this point
- And more!
PLUGS:
- Our 100th episode celebration ends on Halloween! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
- Something you like about the podcast and / or
- Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
- If that's not enough, we're also running a giveaway for Resistor, our October Indie Spotlight game, ending on 10/30!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 103: Spooky Gaming
Length: 55:40
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: It's almost Halloween, and for many, that means spooky game sessions. We dive into the pros and cons of horror in gaming, including some of our own horror-based games of choice.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Viceroy by Mayday Games
- Cacao by Z-Man Games
- Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress
- Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games
- New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- After seeing it discussed a few times, Erin and Ryan navigate through the often-tricky topic of expectations and distractions and how to handle them when planning a game day.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Halloween, more than any other holiday, always gets gets a big reception from the gaming community, in no small part because of the level of horror games out there. We explore that relationship, including:
- What does - and doesn't - qualify as a horror game
- Why zombies claim the vast majority of horror game themes
- Some of our personal favorite games amongst various horror categories
- The inherent difficulty of making a board game truly scary
- And more!
PLUGS:
- Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
- Something you like about the podcast and / or
- Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
- If that's not enough, we're also running a giveaway for Resistor, our October Indie Spotlight game!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 102: Gaming On A Budget
Length: 25:23
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: These days, you can't turn a corner before hearing about some great new game title, but most of us can't simply buy every single one that catches our interest. Luckily there are alternatives. Erin and Ryan talk about how to find games when you're on a tight budget.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Vault Wars by Floodgate Games
- Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
- New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- Game conventions and gaming news used to go hand-in-hand. Not anymore. We reflect on why this has happened and why it may actually be a good thing overall.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Compared to most hobbies, board gaming is fairly cheap, but it can still add up. We explore ways you can play and attain games without breaking the bank, including:
- Sales, auctions, thrift stores, and to a lesser extent, conventions
- Game trades, swaps, and shared libraries
- Game Crafter, Print on Demand, and Print-and-Play sites
- Giveaways and contests
- And more!
PLUGS:
- Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
- Something you like about the podcast and / or
- Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 101: We've Been Sabotaged!
Length: 41:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Vox Republica 101. Has a nice ring to it, no? In this lesson, we recount our recently played games before chatting briefly about the Essen games convention and the release of Pandemic Legacy. Then, we launch our first audio review segment with the hidden role game, Saboteur.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
- Nevermore by Smirk and Dagger Games
- Steampunk Rally by Roxley Games
- Saboteur by Mayfair Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- In case you missed it, Essen 2015 is in full swing by now. We aren't able to go, but Ryan did a guest spot on the Whose Turn Is It Anyway podcast talking about three games he'd check out if he were there, and one he feels will be overrated. (You can hear him around the 38:43 mark.)
- It's the end of the world as we know it! Today also marks the launch of Pandemic Legacy: Season 1. We go over the appeal of having a permanently pockmarked game.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We've been sabotaged! Well, ok, no, not really. But we do chat all about our first podcast review of small games. In this case, it's the hidden role game Saboteur by Mayfair Games.
- 22:09 The discussion begins
- 31:45 The Archetypes rundown of the game
PLUGS:
- Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
- Something you like about the podcast and / or
- Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
- Our preview of the latest Seal of the Republic recipient, The Great Dinosaur Rush by APE Games, is live!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 100: The Big One Oh Oh
Length: 33:13
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: It's crazy to think, but 100 episodes! Whoo hoo! To celebrate, Ryan and Erin talk a bit about some recent games played before diving into a mailbag of questions from all of you! Thanks for all the support! To celebrate, we're giving away a game!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Barony by Asmodee Editions
- Outer Earth by Paul Tseng
- Volt by Nazca Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- None
FEATURED TOPIC:
- 100 episodes! We strap on the party hats and open up the mailbag to answer questions from you, the listeners! These include topics like:
- Comparing the early episodes to now - and to the future
- Lessons learned and experience gained
- Our favorite moment(s) of being at the CR
- And more!
- Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, we are doing a games giveaway, and we've made it super easy to participate. Simply visit the any one of the "Official Giveaway" threads on Facebook, Our BGG Guild, or Google+ or find us on Twitter, and leave a comment for us telling us either a) something you like about the podcast and / or b) something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward. (One entry per person).
- And you have the entire month of October to enter! At the end, we will pick a winner, and they will have the option of choosing between a brand new copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan. Not bad for 30 seconds of effort!
PLUGS:
- Our preview of World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games is live!
- Oh yeah, if you didn't catch that above. We have a BGG Guild now. Come subscribe and chat away with us!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 099: The Spirit Of Spirit Island
Length: 35:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin touch base about the games they've busted out lately before bringing in R. Eric Reuss, designer of the reverse colonialism game Spirit Island. He walks us through the evolution of Spirit Island, from the initial concept through the version we see today.
GUEST: R. Eric Reuss
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Baseball Highlights 2045 by Eagle & Gryphon Games
- Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games
- Portal by Cryptozoic Entertainment
- The Great Dinosaur Rush by APE Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- Not two weeks after the announcement that Fantasy Flight announced the acquisition of Legend of the Five Rings, word has come out that they will be discontinuing their own LCG, Call of Cthulhu.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We are guided by the creator of Spirit Island on the game's creation and development.
- How he came up with the idea of a reverse colonialism co-op game
- Which mechanics survived the early stages to the version we see now
- The thematic origins of the game's spirits and colonists
- The effect of the Greater Than Games team on streamlining the game
- What sort of room is there room for Spirit Island expansions?
PLUGS:
- Coincidentally, our latest review is Sentinel Tactics, another title of Greater Than Games.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 098: BFIG, The Big Friendly Indie Giant
Length: 29:33
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: We're back from our hiatus! We jump right in to the major news about the sale of L5R before heading on down to our recap of this year's Boston Festival of Indie Games!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games / Renegade Games
- Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games
- Trambahn by Lookout / Mayfair Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- It was recently announced that AEG is selling Legend of the Five Rings to Fantasy Flight Games. We share our reaction and what we know so far.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We made our annual trek to the Boston Festival of Indie Games.
- Notable changes and growth of BFiG 2015
- Our favorite pick of the convention
- Some of the more innovative games at the show
- Games we got to play while in attendance
PLUGS:
- On Thursday, September 17th at 9PM Eastern, we will be hosting a livestream Q&A with Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games as we celebrate the release of his book about Kickstarter. Come, watch, and have your questions asked!
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 097: Going Gaga for HABA
Length: 36:54
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Before disappearing for our annual two week Vox break, Erin and Ryan briefly chat about some upcoming games we're previewing before sitting down with Lea Culliton of HABA USA. Yay HABA!
GUEST: Lea Culliton
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- The Networks by Formal Ferret Games
- GemPacked by Pencil First Games
- Mysterium by Portal Games
- Mysterium: Motive Cards by Portal Games
- Everything Except Air by Caroline Berg
QUICK TOPICS:
- We touch upon the news that due to legal issues and geographical limitations, Martin Wallace's Treefrog Games will stop distributing games directly.
- The Vox will be taking its annual two week hiatus after this week, but we'll be back soon. We promise!
FEATURED TOPIC:
- We sit down with HABA USA President Lea Culliton and chat about a host of topics, including
- HABA's presence in the US - past, present, and future
- The process by which HABA games are chosen for the US market
- Lea's reflections on getting more involved with the games division of the company
- HABA USA's current challenges
- and more!
PLUGS:
- Watch the site on September 1st for not one but two game previews.
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 096: Big Box, Big Problems
Length: 27:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about Vassal's Law and the myriad troubles that come with running extra long games.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Codenames by Czech Games Edition
- Mysterium by Portal Games
- Mascarade by Asmodee
- Shadowrift by Game Salute
- Forbidden Stars by Fantasy Flight Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- We briefly address the topic of 'Vasel's Law'
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Massive, expansive and lengthy Big Box games can be a lot of fun...but they’re also a lot of commitment, in time, energy, and table space. We over up some tips on how to make your giant game day run smoothly, including:
- Plan ahead. Give yourself a solid block of time to run them without other schedules. Include extra time for pauses in game and to teach new players.
- Make sure everyone knows ahead of time what they’re getting into in terms of length of the game, genre of the game, difficulty of the game (co-op vs not), etc.
- Have a board game 'GM', or a player who knows the game really well and can guide everyone else through it. Designate them as the game arbiter for clarifications to keep the game moving.
- Take breaks. It helps to refocus people. Too long of a break, however, can have the opposite effect.
- Give it a dedicated focus. Make an event of it. Don't try to squeeze it in between other things.
PLUGS:
- We reviewed Mysterium
- As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening, though we've given our copy of Exodus away. There could be more in the future though, so subscribe!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 095: The CR At Gen Con 2015 – Part 2
Length: 1:19:52
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: The Cardboard Republic goes to Gen Con! In part two of a two part series, Erin, Ryan, Dave, and Sean talk about what the hyped games and sleeper hits of Gen Con were, a rundown of various publisher info we saw, indie games of note, and what our favorite game of Gen Con 2015 was.
GUEST: David Gordon and Sean McNamara
QUICK TOPICS:
- A quick topic in a Gen Con recap? Don't be silly. Move along.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- The CR goes to Gen Con 2015! Here is a breakdown of the topics being discussed in Part Two:
- 00:41 The New Hotness Games of 2015
- 07:45 The Sleeper Hits of the convention
- 21:07 Our mega recap of various publishers' new and upcoming games we saw first-hand in the hall
- 1:04:43 Indie / upcoming games we checked out at Gen Con - plus a few we missed that you should keep an eye on anyway
- 1:18:00 Ryan & Erin's favorite games of Gen Con 2015
- 1:19:53+ Sleep
PLUGS:
- We are giving away a copy of NSKN's 4X game Exodus: Proxima Centauri and the Edge of Extinction expansion! From now through August 14th, check out the latest Cardboard Republic YouTube video to find out how to enter and win.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 094: The CR At Gen Con 2015 - Part 1
Length: 54:13
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: The Cardboard Republic goes to Gen Con! In part one of a two part series, Erin, Ryan, Dave, and Sean talk about general Gen Con experiences, tabletop games of note, and what we got to demo.
GUEST: David Gordon and Sean McNamara
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Mysterium by Portal Games
- Codenames by Czech Games Edition
- Sheriff of Nottingham by Arcane Wonders
- Telestrations After Dark by USAopoly
- L5R Siege Clan War by AEG
QUICK TOPICS:
- A quick topic in a Gen Con recap? Don't be silly. Move along.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- The CR goes to Gen Con 2015! Here is a breakdown of the topics being discussed in Part One:
- 00:30 Games We've Been Playing
- 06:59 Gen Con 2015's growing attendance, the pros and cons of increased scope, and the first impressions from a Gen Con newcomer
- 15:44 Tabletop games of note at Gen Con, including L5R Siege War, First Contact, Shayo, Polaris 3rd Edition, Clockwork: Dominion, Fading Suns, and Baker Street
- 28:20 The Gen Con auction house (and how Kickstarter will eventually play into it)
- 31:42 Games We Demoed (and the trials of doing so)
PLUGS:
- We are giving away a copy of NSKN's 4X game Exodus: Proxima Centauri and the Edge of Extinction expansion! From now through August 14th, check out the latest Cardboard Republic YouTube video to find out how to enter and win.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 093: Ready Player Two
Length: 26:47
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk Gen Con, Gen Can't, and the pros and cons of two-player games.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Ninja Camp by Action Phase Games
- Stockpile by Nauvoo Games
- Heroes of Metro City: Sidekicks & Storylines by 3Some Games
- Ghost Stories by Asmodee
QUICK TOPICS:
- Not going to Gen Con? You're not alone. Get involved with the GenCan't movement! It's a fan-made celebration of gaming for all those unable or unwilling to attend the convention. This is complete with a number of contests and prizes. We're even donating to it ourselves with a King of Tokyo Draccus promo monster! Check out the GenCant website and follow the Twitter hashtag #gencant to follow along!
- For those who are heading to Gen Con, our Indie Cavalcade is going strong! If you’re at the convention, check it out and find some great games from up-and-coming designers.
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Two-Player games get a lot of hype, and for good reason. They’re accessible and a great option for couples and families, and they can help gamers hone skills that come up in bigger games.
- They’re also tricky for groups, though, and it’s usually not great when a game tacks on a two-player variant.
PLUGS:
- Our Stockpile giveaway is almost over! Don't miss out on a chance to invest in this game.
- Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening! Subscribe! You may even be rewarded for doing so...hint hint.
- Also at Gen Con, Ryan will be part of the Battle of the Board Game Networks event. If you're around Friday night, come watch him and other gaming media folks make fools of themselves for your benefit - and maybe win some games!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 092: Can I Make A Suggestion?
Length: 41:28
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about suggesting games for other people. What factors are important when you’re recommending a game to someone for the first time? And...what happens if they don’t like it?
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Elder Sign by Fantasy Flight Games
- Stockpile by Nauvoo Games
- Darkrock Ventures by Gamelyn Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- The new Magic: the Gathering board game
- The launch of our new YouTube channel
FEATURED TOPIC:
- When you play enough games, people starting asking you for recommendations. How can you make ones that they will enjoy?
- How to make good game suggestions?
- Our quiz can help!
- What factors to consider when making your recommendation?
- Length
- Weight / Type
- Theme
- Rules
- Audience
- Experience
PLUGS:
- We now have a Cardboard Republic YouTube channel! Feel free to subscribe!
- For those heading to Gen Con, we're spearheading the Indie Cavalcade, a thorough list of where you can find games to try by people who don't have their own booths.
- Also at Gen Con, Ryan will be part of the Battle of the Board Game Networks event. If you're around Friday night, come watch him and other gaming media folks make fools of themselves for your benefit - and maybe win some games!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 091: Arkham’s Finest - An Interview with Richard Launius
Length: 48:20
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk via phone to Richard Launius, the designer behind Arkham Horror, Elder Sign, Defenders of the Realm, and more.
GUEST: Richard Launius
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Suburbia by Bezier Games
- North Wind by Z-Man Games
- Darkrock Ventures by Gamelyn Games
- Seven7s by Eagle-Gryphon Games
- Francis Drake by Eagle-Gryphon Games
- Thunder Alley by GMT Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- This week's review is Hyperborea by Asmodee
FEATURED TOPIC:
- Richard Launius talks about designing Arkham Horror, the pitfalls of being a designer on Kickstarter, and ways the game industry has changed since he first publishedgy no longer line up?
- Special shout out to Ravenwood Castle in there, too!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 090: Min Maxing Vs Thematics
When you sit down to play a game, is your first instinct to find the most optimal strategic path to winning, regardless of what the game is thematically attempting, or do you try to play within the spirit of the game?
Length: 42:26
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about the adventurous idea that is 504, the most recent wave of game industry controversies, their light week of gaming before going into the hands-on philosophy of playing with, versus playing against, the game.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Murano
- North Wind
QUICK TOPICS:
- Much ado about nothing regarding a poorly researched Telegraph article about gaming
- The announcement of 504
- Board Gaming Financial Turmoil Troubles
- We reviewed Lift Off!
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Breaking A Game Vs The Spirit Of The Game
- Not always mutually exclusive
- AKA the Min/Maxer vs The Roleplayer
- Similarities to RPG tendencies
- They each have their strengths and weaknesses
- What happens when theme and strategy no longer line up?
- What does the happy medium look like?
- Many parallels to traditional Euros Vs Ameritrash
- Who is drawn heavily to one side or the other?
- Designers compared to developers?
- Strikers or Tacticians compared to Socializers or Immersionists?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 089: Eduardo Baraf
The focus on our June Indie Spotlight game, Lift Off, continues to roll on. And what's better to that end than hearing about how the game came to be straight from the designer himself.
Length: 53:13
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This week's episode has Ryan sit down with Lift Off and Siblings Trouble designer Ed Baraf to discuss how the game was created, the experience of getting it made, and what lies in store next for Pencil First Games. Before that, though, we get a little reminder about the relative complexities of Gateway Games.
GUEST: Eduardo Baraf
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- 7 Wonders
- Lift Off!
- Loop, Inc.
QUICK TOPICS:
- Just a few days left in the Lift Off game giveaway
- Also, there's our written Q&A with Ed as well.
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Interviewing Ed Baraf
- What led to the creation of Lift Off?
- Its inspirations and challenges
- The coining of 'alieneeple'
- Lessons learned of a new designer
- Designer focal points
- Retrospectives on self-publishing
- Future plans for Pencil First Games
- The announcement of design on GemPacked
- Is there potential for second printing and / or Lift Off Expansion?
- What led to the creation of Lift Off?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 088: Con Season Anticipation
We're smack dab in the middle of summer convention season, and lots of new games are everywhere. Which ones have caught our attention? Let's find out.
Length: 27:49
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: From Unity to Essen, PAX East to BGGCon, convention season is a year-round endeavor. Yet we're smack dab in the middle of the most active part of the year, with dozens upon dozens of new games being unveiled. With Origins behind us and Gen Con ahead of us, Erin and Ryan share some of their top games they want to check out this summer.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Lift Off!
- Loop, Inc.
- Baseball Highlights 2045
QUICK TOPICS:
- We reviewed Samurai Spirit
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- The new games of summer 2015
- Which games of conventions prior had a game or two of note?
- Which games of Origins and Gen Con 2015 are on our radar.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 087: The Problem With New Hotness Hype
The new hotness. It's a very real effect in the gaming hobby, and it has exploded right alongside the interest in gaming. But what type of effects does it truly have, and who is driving it?
Length: 33:50
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: After recapping a handful of the 2015 Origins winners, Ryan and Erin discuss whether the positives and negatives of gaming hype, including the inherent issues of new hotness blindness and how diversifying game coverage can help.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Cash N' Guns
- Yggdrasil
- Suburbia
- Tzolk'in
- Lanterns
QUICK TOPICS:
- We go over a few of the Origins 2015 winners
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- The nature of 'new hotness' hype
- Are there positive aspects? If so, what are they?
- What factors drive the new hotness effect?
- The effect on the normal consumer
- Gaming media's role in driving hype
- What are our motivations behind hyping games?
- Do we have an obligation to cover more than the top titles?
- Why does media have a tendency to focus on such a small percentage of games?
- Is this good or bad?
- The lack of diversification (in multiple ways)
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 086: MegaGames
Imagine a game that's one part model UN, one part LARP, and one part classic tabletop RPG. That's pretty much what you get with a MegaGame. We recently took part in one, and we're here to tell you all about it.
Length: 42:40
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin start off with a recap some of their more recently played games before they and guest Mackenie Cameron to dive into the world of MegaGames. Mack recently ran one in Boston called Watch The Skies, which Erin got to partake in. Combining elements of simulation games, wargames, LARPing and pen & paper RPGs, they and 50 or so other people gathered for the event. We share what it took to get that off the ground and how it all turned out in the end.
GUEST: Mackenzie Cameron
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Watch The Skies
- Volt
- Suburbia
- Magic: The Gathering - Modern Masters 2015
- Mascarade
- Castles of Burgundy
QUICK TOPICS:
- We reviewed Modern Masters 2015
- Our June Indie Spotlight game is Lift Off!
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Attending a MegaGame
- What even is a MegaGame?
- How does it function, and ware the requirements for participating?
- How Watch The Skies differs from other MegaGames
- What it takes to run a MegaGame
- How Mack got involved with them
- The level of preparation required
- Lessons learned from the inaugural run
- Determining the amount of leeway for players
- How to encourage dynamic storytelling
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 085: Going Inside L5R Card Design
The Legend of the Five Rings CCG has long been known for including player input in its game development, tying its community together in a unique way. This week we go behind the scenes to see what that design process entails.
Length: 42:50
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin talk briefly about Erin's experience with a 'mega game' and other recent games before Ryan and Dave sit down with L5R player-turned-designer Chris Medico to chat about what goes into designing a card game with a 20-year history.
GUEST: Chris Medico and Dave Gordon
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Watch The Skies
- Sentinels of the Multiverse
- Cash N' Guns
- Inkognito
- Cthulhu Gloom
QUICK TOPICS:
- What is a 'mega game'?
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Designing cards for Legend of the Five Rings CCG
- Chris's history with L5R as a player before joining the design team
- How did that happen, and how long has he been at it?
- What goes into the process of designing a card
- Some personal favorite cards or mechanics?
- How L5R balances story with mechanics and overall card development
- How exactly does the game incorporate player input into game design
- The impact and influence of a game being 20 years old
- Current and upcoming information of L5R sets and events
- Chris's history with L5R as a player before joining the design team
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 084: Terra Nova Games
There are so many small gaming publishers in existence that it can be difficult keeping track of them all. Luckily, in this week's episode, we're only focusing on one - Terra Nova Games. Coincidentally, they just happen to be the folks publishing Ophir, our May Indie Spotlight game!
Length: 29:33
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin talk briefly about bringing our legacy-style review of Tuscany online and more about Ophir, then they launch into an in-depth chat about the past, present, and future of Terra Nova Games with co-founder Justin Schaffer.
GUEST: Justin Schaffer
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Ophir
- Tuscany
- Witness
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
- Mysterium
QUICK TOPICS:
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Learning all about Terra Nova Games
- Justin's gaming background and interests
- What led to the creation of the company?
- How Terra Nova got founded
- co-founders in separate states
- Kickstarter experiences
- Ophir's effect on Terra Nova
- What's next?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 083: Gaming Outdoors
Now that we're no longer buried under six feet of snow and remember what the color green looks like, it's once again safe to go outdoors. But what if we want to bring a game or two outside with us? Which kinds of games lend well to not being at the kitchen table?
Length: 39:54
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin discuss playing games outside. Now that it's spring and the weather's so nice, it seems like a good time to move your game day to the back yard. They also talk about Cards Against Humanity and the a number of games they've been playing lately.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Versailles
- Ophir
- The Siblings Trouble
- Sentinels of the Multiverse
- Android: Infiltration
QUICK TOPICS:
- Cards Against Humanity was a topic of conversation again
- We Reviewed King's Forge
- Ryan was a recent guest on the Whose Turn Is It Anyway podcast, discussing the role of board game media
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Most tabletop games can be problematic trying to play outdoors
- How often is this even done?
- Dealing with the elements of temperature, rain, lighting, etc.
- Lack of even surfaces and wind are huge for choosing game
- Common traits of games we don't mind to bring outdoors
- Some of our personal suggestions to be able to bring out into the sunlight
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 082: Things We Hate About Games We Love
Regardless of how endearing or entertaining a game is to us, it's sometimes hard to ignore a thematic element or rule that doesn't quite make sense. Yes, it's almost a guarantee that even our favorite games still have something that keeps it just shy of perfection for one reason or another, and this week we share a few our ours.
Length: 38:28
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin are joined by Sean McNamara from our playtest group to discuss what they hate about the games they love. Gaming pet peeves aren't uncommon, but what aspect of your favorite game just irks you? We dig into a few of ours.
GUEST: Sean McNamara
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Viticulture & Tuscany
QUICK TOPICS:
- A legacy-style review?
- Ophir by Terra Nova Games is May's Indie Spotlight Game
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- No game is perfect, and even the best games can still cause hangups in one or two areas
- When mechanics don't mix with the theme
- Issues of iconography / rules interpretations / ease of accessibility
- Setup vs Time ratios
- Min/Maxing as optimal play
- Solvable games
- "The slow death"
- And more!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 081: Games Ain't What They Used to Be
For many of us, the appreciation of today's games result from the games of our past. Many of those games pale by today's standards, and yet we often have fond memories of them. We look at what effect, if any, that nostalgia has on gamers and the hobby in general.
Length: 41:49
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin explore games of the present before diving into their past. This week is all about nostalgia in games. Plus, we also dive into the Origin and Dice Tower Award nominations.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Samurai Spirit
- Viticulture
- Abyss
- Hyperborea
- Camel Up
- Disaster Looms!
QUICK TOPICS:
- Origins & Dice Tower award nominations
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- How nostalgia applies to gaming overall and how nostalgia has different effects
- Nostalgia for our youth
- Pixel art and 8-bit style games
- Nostalgia for theme exists, but does nostalgia for mechanics?
- Nostalgia for the earlier eras of modern gaming
- Throwback to the 70s and 90s
- Overlap with nostalgia for youth, depending on age
- Nostalgia in general
- Idealized versions of the past color appreciation of past gaming experiences
- Is popularity of games set in certain historical eras due to nostalgia?
- You don't see too many modern farm games
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 080: The Instabuy Effect
What makes a game an automatic purchase? Curious what factors go into making something a Number One grab for people? Then this episode is an instalisten for you!
Length: 42:36
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about what makes a game an "instabuy", or the type of game you grab off the shelf no matter what. They also discuss what they’ve been playing lately and go into their views on invitation only conventions.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Penny Press by Asmadi Games
- Champions of Hara
- Hyperborea
- Alchemy
QUICK TOPICS:
- Invitation-Only Conventions
- Penny Press Contest
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- What exactly makes a game an auto-buy?
- Known designers or publishers?
- Themes?
- Specific Mechanics?
- Player count?
- Price?
- Popularity?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 079: Lord of the Games
Erin and Ryan are back! Having just returned from the picturesque shooting location of Middle-Earth known as New Zealand, they've decided to celebrate that fact by talking all about Lord of the Rings games.
Length: 34:12
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Tolkien's Middle-Earth setting has lent itself to dozens upon dozens of games over the last few decades. With myriad games embodying the tales of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (or simply borrowing the theme), Erin and Ryan look at the good and the bad of Tokien-based games over the last 40ish years.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Does trying not to go crazy after being on planes for 20 hours count as a game?
QUICK TOPICS:
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit games have been around since at least 1970
- Common themes of Tolkien games
- Earlier games revolved around hex-based wargame or Roll And Move mechanics.
- Newer games are more diverse.
- Most of them were designed and released around movie releases
- How much of that was coincidence and how much was deliberate?
- The difference in quality between licensed and book-based games.
- Common themes of Tolkien games
- What are the best games based in Middle-Earth?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Note: Podcast hosts Erin and Ryan are currently enjoying a holiday away. They offer their episode from last season's recorded episode for Couch2Con, originally posted on 8/12/14.
Episode Couch2Con: How To Pitch Your Game [Repost]
In Erin and Ryan's Couch2Con episode, they talk to Cory Jones, Jason Tagmire, and Makenzie Cameron about pitching games at conventions.
Length: 31:50
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: This special episode was recorded for the Couch2Con project, used as a means to get people into walking practice for convention season. Erin and Ryan talk to a number of industry folk about pitching games at conventions.
GUEST: Cory Jones of Cryptozoic Entertainment, and game designers Jason Tagmire, and Makenzie Cameron.
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- N/A
QUICK TOPICS:
- Couch2Con
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Being a designer looking to pitch at a larger convention.
- Which approaches work to catch the attention of publishers? And which don't?
- Are there any helpful organizations for up-and-coming designers?
- Are conventions even necessary for designer success?
- Red flags to avoid in a pitch.
- How to maximize your pitch's effectiveness.
- Being a publisher being pitched to at a convention.
- What qualities they look for when designers approach them.
- The difference between a scheduled and unscheduled pitch.
- Does a publisher's personal game preferences impact your odds of success?
- The three essential questions a designer has to be able to answer in a pitch.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Note: Podcast hosts Erin and Ryan are currently enjoying a holiday away. They offer one of their more popular episodes from the Vox Vaults, originally posted on 7/10/14.
Episode 048: Video Games For Board Gamers [Repost]
Erin and guest Sean McNamara have drummed up lists of five video games every board gamer should try for one reason or another.
Length: 33:12
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Sometimes the best ways to learn about the influence of board games is to approach it from the outside. After coming back from the Fourth of July break, Erin and Sean dive in to chat about ten different video games every analog gamer should try.
GUEST: Sean McNamara
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- See below
QUICK TOPICS:
- Potato Salad
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- The nature of what video games can teach board gamers and why.
- Sean's Five Video Game Suggestions:
-
Final Fantasy Tactics
-
Guns of Icarus Online
-
Orcs Must Die
-
Civilization 5
-
Hearthstone
-
- Erin's Five Video Game Suggestions:
-
Plague, Inc.
-
The Guild series
-
The Tropico series
-
X-COM: Enemy Unknown
-
FTL
-
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 078: Have Games, Will Travel
Erin and Ryan talk about the criteria and logic of choosing games to travel with, the recent HABA Games announcement, and the unfortunate news of the shuttering of 5th Street Games.
Length: 26:29
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Games have a wonderful knack of being capable of being played anywhere, whether it's at home, on the go, or even in line waiting for something else. Since they're about to do some traveling of their own, Erin and Ryan talk the pros - and cons - of traveling with games.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- None. No, really. Not a one. We are quite ashamed.
QUICK TOPICS:
- HABA Games gets a widespread US distributor.
- The demise of 5th Street Games.
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Gaming on the Go: bringing games with you on a trip.
- Are there down sides to bringing them with you?
- Does the type of trip matter?
- Deciding on the types of games to bring.
- What criteria should be considered. Is one style better than another?
- The role that classic and digital games have in the conversation.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 077: Indie Game Funding
Kickstarter is the current go-to location of many small and independent game publishers, but as rewarding as it has been for the hobby, Kickstarter isn't the only option for getting your new game published. Contrary to popular thought, you do have options...
Length: 38:40
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Glenn Given of Games By Play Date joins Erin and Ryan to chat about the release of their new game that addresses a delicate issue before diving into the topic of crowdfunding options for small publishers and independent designers. We look into some other models you could consider besides just assuming Kickstarter is your only recourse.
GUEST: Glenn Given
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Patchwork by Mayfair Games
- Loot and Recruit by Swarm of Dice
- Thornwatch by Penny Arcade
QUICK TOPICS:
- Games by Play Date releases Bad Habit
- Using a game for cause awareness
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Glenn expands on his experiences with Kickstarter, Patreon, traditional funding, and more.
- Are all of these models created equal? How do you tell which could work for you?
- What is the unofficial report card of Kickstarter?
- What works, and what could be done better?
- Is who it's aimed for matching who is using it?
- Offering some recommendations to new designers or publishers regarding getting your game published.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 076: The Giant PAX East 2015 Recap
Pax East has come and gone, bringing with it a whirlwind of games and emotions. We parse through our collective experiences over the three-day expo to see what was a hit - and what wasn't.
Length: 1:00:38
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: The entirety of the CR crew descended on Boston recently to attend PAX East 2015, the largest gaming convention in the Northeast. Like many, we went on this yearly gaming pilgrimage and found host of things to experience upon getting there. We share the ups and downs - and games - of that trip, as Ryan, Erin, and Dave recap PAX East.
GUEST: David Gordon
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Adorable Pandaring by Asmadi Games
- Bad Medicine by Formal Ferret Games
- Bottom of the 9th by Dice Hate Me Games
- Burgle Bros. by Tim Fowers
- Cards: The Attackening by Wanton Walrus Productions
- Castle Assault by TJ Dunbar
- Find It & Bind It by Cray Cray Games
- Interregnum by Aviary Games
- The Shadow Over Westminster by CounterClockwork Games
- Skiptrace by Tom Sellers
- Ten Candles by Stephen Dewey
- Truths Too Terrible by Protean Games
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- PAX East 2015
- Games, Games, and more Games! What caught our attention?
- What things did PAX do better this year? What did it do worse?
- We share some thoughts about PAX's future.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 075: Con Salvation
Pax East looms large before us, and it brings up a good point: larger conventions can be maze of events, scheduling, logistics, and sensory overload. We share some of the things we do - or try to do - when staring down so many possibilities on how to spend our time.
Length: 32:57
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan discuss how to get the most out of your friendly local gaming convention, including tips for making it through the day and figuring out what to see. They also talk Pax East and what they’ve been playing lately.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Vault Wars by Floodgate Games
- Five Fingered Severance by Minion Games
- Vanished Planet by Vanished Planet Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- We head to PAX East!
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- How to get the most from a convention
- Going to cons is a huge part of gaming for many.
- How can you decide what to do?
- What’s worth your time - and what isn’t?
- We offer some of our personal methods for navigating them.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 074: The Small Con
Games are a great way to bring people together, and conventions are a great way to play games. So, what do game conventions help offer audiences, and how do the smaller ones differ than large ones?
Length: 30:47
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan discuss the value of little, local conventions. We also go over what we’ve been playing on all these snowy days, the Catan movie announcement, and TotalCon.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Splendor by Space Cowboys
- Ascension by StoneBlade Entertainment
- Hyperborea by Asmodee
- Imperial Harvest by Broomstick Monkey Games
- The Great Heartland Hauling Co by Dice Hate Me Games
- Mysterium by Portal Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- Catan Goes To Hollywood: The Catan movie
- TotalCon XXIX
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- The value of small gaming cons
- What do small conventions offer compared to larger ones?
- Are small cons dying out?
- If so, what are the reasons for that?
- If not, what makes them special?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 073: How Not To Be A Board Game Evangelist
Gaming is a pretty awesome thing. It can be challenging, social, and entertaining all at the same time. It's natural we want to share that experience with others. But where do you draw the line between being enthusiastic and pushing it on someone?
Length: 36:07
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Rhiannon Ochs joins Erin and Ryan to discuss whether or not you should encourage non-gamers to join the table. We also talk Ghostbusters and Spooning Meeples.
GUEST: Rhiannon Ochs
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Progress: Evolution of Technology by NSKN Games
- Friday by Rio Grande Games
- Royals by ABACUSSPIELE
QUICK TOPICS:
- Changes come to Spooning Meeples
- The Ghostbusters Kickstarter
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Should you evangelize games?
- What are some good - and not so good - ways of reaching new potential game players?
- How to you foster an openness to gaming without being forceful about it?
- It is OK for someone to not like gaming.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 072: Going Negative
Is it good to be bad? Are negative reviews worthwhile for the hobby, and if so, who benefits? That's the question on the table this week.
Length: 37:03
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about the value - or lack thereof - of negative reviews. There aren't a lot of them out there. We chat about why that is and whether that's a good thing or not. They also discuss the immortal popularity of Fury of Dracula and the success of UnPub.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
QUICK TOPICS:
- Why is Fury of Dracula so sought after?
- The usefulness of UnPub
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- The value of negative reviews
- Recent observation is that people don't like negative reviews and don't generally want them. Is this true?
- Is there worth in a hate read?
- What other form of design / criticism / creation shies from negative reviews?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 071: Cardboard Devotion
How long is long is long for you to commit to a game? Two hours? Six? Day-long Risk battles? How about playing in a D&D setting that's been around for a decade, or playing a CCG for even longer...
Length: 29:30
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan discuss the wonders (and pitfalls) of long-term gaming. Ryan’s been playing Magic with roughly the same group for over 12 years. How does he stay focused? How does the group keep interest? They also discuss the differences between long-term CCGs and long-term RPGs. Also on the docket are a couple of recently-played games!
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Fallen by Watchtower Games
- The Great Heartland Hauling Co by Dice Hate Me Games
- Trickerion
- Magic: the Gathering - Fate Reforged
QUICK TOPICS:
- There's Now A Transgender Magic Character
- Ryan's Dwindling Love Affair With Star Realms
- Pretense
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- How to stay focused on a game over the years
- How does Ryan still enjoy Magic after 20 years?
- How to keep a group invested
- How are long-term RPGs different than long term CCGs?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 070: Change Is Good
They say that change can do you good. Well, the Vox Republica is taking that idea to heart, undergoing some long-awaited changes to its layout, both inside and out.
Length: 29:07
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.
DESCRIPTION: Erin talks about some changes to Vox, then she and Ryan dive into the latest gaming headlines, including the Cones of Dunshire Kickstarter campaign and the latest Dominion expansion. Plus, they delve into the anticipated fallout of Asmodee’s recent acquisitions.
GUEST: None
RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:
- Scoville by TMG
- Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress
- The Kingswood by Alan Wong
- Mice & Mystics by Plaid Hat Games
QUICK TOPICS:
- Scoville is our January game of the month, and we’re still running a contest (but not for much longer!)
- Spate of semi-serious "Swag Games" on Kickstarter
- Deluxe Cones of Dunshire is up by Mayfair Games
- Exploding Kittens is up by The Oatmeal
- A new Dominion Expansion titled Adventures was announced, due out in 2015
LENGTHY TOPIC:
- Asmodee was thought to have bought two new game companies, but that info has since clarified. Still, what do such acquisitions mean for the hobby?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.
Episode 069: Researching Gamers with Jason Tocci
Gaming may be a niche topic, but that doesn't mean it isn't being studied. Join us where we chat with bonafide gaming researcher Jason Tocci to look at the academic side of gaming.
Length: 29:11
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Geek, Nerd, or Gamer? Which do you identify yourself with? Does it even matter? What does it take to research gaming? We have on gaming researcher and former professor Jason Tocci who spent several years looking into these subgenres we love so much. From video games to Larping, he's come across it all, and he was gracious enough to share some of his insight with us this week.
We can at least promise you won't be quizzed on it.
For additional research into these topics some of the suggested reading from the episode includes:
- Jason's own site
- Adrienne Shaw's research on gamer identities
- Diane Karr's study on gaming and gender preferences - (Abstract) and (Abridged) links
- Nina Huntemann on women in gaming (Also here) (Or just Google her)
- Rules of Play by Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 068: Spicy Talk With Ed Marriott
As part of our January Spotlight on Scoville, we welcome designer Ed Marriott back to chat about this hot new product.
Length: 23:09
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
You know what's hot? Scoville. That's what. This game about growing and breeding peppers was our choice for the January Indie Spotlight, and interest in it is burning up! So we thought it'd be fun to have back the master planter himself.
When we last spoke with designer Ed Marriott, the game was about to launch on Kickstarter. This week, he returns to chat with Ryan about his game, lessons learned from running a crowdfunding campaign, and some of his design philosophies.
For more interest in Scoville, stay tuned for its review later this month! To hear more of Ed's thoughts on gaming and design, you can find him on his site, Boards and Barley.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 067: Gaming Predictions For 2015
2015 lies before us. Join us as we offer our predictions on what the year holds for the gaming hobby!
Length: 28:01
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
The end of the one year means the beginning of another, and there's no time to predict the future quite like the present!
Like every field, board games have their share of trends, fads, advancements and setbacks. This week, we dive headlong into some of the things we think are in store for the hobby. From the role of Kickstarter to which mechanics will rise and fall, we offer our predictions on gaming in 2015.*
*We were going to include "More Munchkin clones" as a prediction, but that's about guaranteed as the sun rising at this point. So, you know...
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 066: 2014 Games of the Year
Come join us as we announce our picks of the best game of the year for each gamer archetype!
Length: 32:06
Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
The end of the year approaches, and that can only mean one thing - Game of the Year announcements!
(Really, it's practically compulsory for people in our positions.)
Yes, with 2014 winding to a close soon, we take the time to look back at the games of 2014. However, rather than do a simple top 10 list like we've done previously, this year we're taking a different approach. One that is more in line with our site philosophy. So pull up a chair as we discuss the top games for each of the gamer archetypes: Architects, Tacticians, Socializers, Daredevils, Immersionists, and Strikers.
If you aren't sure which type that best describes you, don't worry; we'll explain a bit in the episode. Though you can also take our quiz here...
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 065: Licensed RPGs
Length: 31:59
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
It's one thing to pull your sword defiantly from your scabbard and face down a band of orcs in your friend's latest D&D setting, but it's a different experience entirely when that gritty scene is actually happening in Middle Earth. That is the allure of licensed RPGs.
Licensed intellectual property games are nothing new in the tabletop world, and they continue to exist alongside the ever-growing original RPG settings. Whether it's the X-Files, Doctor Who, Firefly, Star Trek, or a fan-created version of almost any TV show, movie, comic book, or literary setting that generates enough gamer interest, licensed RPGs continue to be part of our collective gaming consciousness.
What does it take to be a successful licensed RPG, though? Are they any better or worse than more original settings? And what kind of response do they get from gamers in general? We decided to have Dave step in to help us work through some of these questions.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 064: Rules Tutorial
Length: 23:05
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
From the simplest Roll and Move classcs through marathon sessions of Twilight Imperium, every game comes with some degree of rules to them. Some games can be explained in minutes, while for others take so long you made need a cup of coffee to go with them.
How rules are crafted, then, and how they are conveyed to players new and old is pivotal to both understanding and enjoying the game in front of you. This week, Ryan offers some tips for explaining game rules to new and experienced gamers alike. Whether it's sample turns, using tutorial videos like Watch it Played, or even just sitting in front of your players and explaining the rules in detail, we find out: is there a best method? And how should you proceed?
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 063: In-Flight Repairs
Length: 29:26
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
In the world of tabletop gaming, not all RPGs are created equal. For every fantastic and insightful system, there are a dozen with glaring issues of one kind or another. Are the mechanics off? Is the worldview too disjointed? How do you handle blatant balance issues? And do these issues mean that any game with flaws is not worth your time?
Well, we're about to find out! Dave joins us this week to discuss bad RPG rules and how to handle them.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 062: TEK Takeover!
Length: 32:02
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Whether it's a temporary coup or a well deserved respite, we won't say, but in any case, this episode has Ryan filling in as the host. He didn't take the task lightly either - he planned a full TEK Takeover!
With him this week to discuss our November Indie Spotlight game Tiny Epic Kingdoms are none other than designer Scott Almes and Gamelyn Games publisher Michael Coe. They talk of things big in small in the Tiny Epic and Gamelyn universes. Tune in to hear what's in store!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 061: Unconventional RPG Materials
Length: 27:04
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Did you know that RPGs exist that use other materials to tell stories other than dice? Lately, especially among the indie tabletop community, games have started to creep up that break the traditional RPG mold that we know so well. This week Dave and I dive into some of those, including Dread, Project Dark, and more.
Then, Ryan and I discuss our site's impending anniversary. We're now officially two years old! Woo! Go us. And thanks for listening!
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 060: Gaming in Mainstream Media
Length: 32:06
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
First off, we wanted to thank everyone who participated in our (or anyone's Extra Life events of the previous weekend. A lot of money was raised for a good cause!
In this week's episode, we dive into the idea of board gaming coverage in mainstream media. Whether it's the NY Times or The Guardian, articles from more widespread organizations about board games are on the rise. Yet do they really get to the heart of the hobby? Are they accurate in their depictions of gamers, and are those assessments fair? We discuss a host of reasons that, while this overall is a good thing, we still have a ways to go to see widespread appreciation in major media forms.
Oh, and we may have slid in mention of the free edX class on game design that just started up.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 059: Fresco Big Box Variations
Length: 29:24
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
First up this week, we wanted to point out (like so many others) that this weekend is the annual Extra Life charity gaming marathon, and yes, we will be partaking in the events as well. Click here to find out more. If you'd like to help out our modest efforts this time around, then be sure to consider a donation. We'll be giving a couple small games away to those who do too, so it's win win all around.
Also, be sure to check out #StarDrive14 for Ryan's Star Realms themed donation challenge.
Then, we dive into a reader-inspired question about the different ways to enjoy the Fresco Big Box expansions. Which expansions are good for a family pacing? What about a more strategy gamer setting? So, we're offering up some suggestions.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 058: White Wolf & Onyx Path
Length: 35:09
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
If Dungeons & Dragons is the middle-aged adult of the RPG world, then White Wolf Publishing was its long-suffering teenage emo child who went through some really awkward years and then reinvented themselves the following decade as the slightly more grown up Onyx Path Publishing. We dive into the World of Darkness and the New World of Darkness.
(And yes, there is a big difference.)
Join us, as we have Dave on to chat about Vampire, Werewolf, Wraith, Mage, Demon, and all the other things that go bump in the night over twenty years of the World of Darkness.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 057: D&D Settings Guide
Length: 33:53
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Dungeons & Dragons. Yep. We're talking about it again. Because it's just that impacting on the roleplaying genre. With a game that's been around for decades, campaigns large and small have graced countless gaming tables. Some of these stories came out of the imaginations of your local GMs, and some came from large-scale settings. We decide to look at the latter.
To that end, we have have Dave on to first chat about the "Big Three" of iconic settings: Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, and Dragonlance.
Then he mentions some of his personal D&D favorite settings, such as Ravenloft, Eberron, Planescape, and Spelljammer, and we ponder if any of them beyond Forgotten Realms will ever see new life in 5th Edition...
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 056: Getting Into A CCG
Length: 30:30
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Collectible Card Games, or CCGs, tend to be a polarizing aspect of gaming culture, though many players have had experience with them at some point. Some, like our guest Ryan, has had them be an integral part of their gaming portfolio, while others have never touched them at all. We talk with Ryan about CCG - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Are they worth getting into? What are the traps to be careful of? And are they ultimately worth it? Here's what he has to say.
For this week's gaming bulletin, check out our Crowdfunding Corner.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 055: Worker Placement Longevity
Length: 28:38
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Worker Placement games have exploded in recent years, and they don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Is that good for the hobby? We explore the positives and negatives of this uptick of the worker placement mechanic, including why they originated the way they did, how they diversify themselves in the market of today, and what the future may hold for it.
For this week's gaming bulletin, check out our Crowdfunding Corner.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 054: Glenn Given & BFIG 2014
Length: 35:40
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
From one convention to the next! This week we have on Glenn Given, a designer of Games by Play Date and the Tabletop Coordinator for the upcoming Boston Festival of Indie Games 2014. He shares with us a number of changes that are coming to BFIG this year, his team's criteria on how they selected this year's entries, and his thoughts on some of the over forty indie games people will be able to stop and check out in the very near future!
Well, that, and we sort of go on a tangent about digital video games, philosophy, the video game Majestic, and snowmobiles. It all ties in together, we swear!
For this week's gaming bulletin, check out our Crowdfunding Corner.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 053: Gen Con 2014 Recap
Length: 47:28
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Gen Con 2014 has come and gone. We have returned to the real world, caught up on some sleep, and are already looking forward to the next thing around the corner.
We couldn't possibly include all of what we experienced in one podcast, however. Instead Ryan put together an incredibly comprehensive list in The Big Damn Recap of 2014, and you should check it out when you can!
To accompany that, this week's has us chatting about some of our cherrypicked highlights and misses of the con. These include a couple Kickstarters like Lift Off! and Heifer Heist, along with games from:
- AEG
- APE Games
- Asmodee Games
- Bezier Games
- Catalyst Games
- Cryptozoic Entertainment
- Dice Hate Me Games
- Eagle & Gryphon Games
- Fantasy Flight Games
- Floodgate Games
- Foxtrot Games
- Game Salute
- Gamelyn Games
- Greater Than Games
- IDW Publishing
- Iello Games
- Jasco Games
- Lamp Light Games
- Level 99 Games
- Passport Games
- Portal Games
- Privateer Press
- Stronghold Games
- Tasty Minstrel Games
- V3G Games
- Z-Man Games
For the light gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 052: The Most Interesting Choice
Length: 27:45
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We post new episodes every Thursday, and each episode aims to be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Games help us socialize and interact with other people, take us to distant and mythical places, and force us to use those squishy brains of ours to solve complex problems.
Yes, games are many things to many people, and the vast majority demand or ask of us to make choices of one kind or another. This week, we look at what some of those favorite choices are in games. Hidden information, teamwork, player elimination? Here are our thoughts. Tell us what some of yours are!
Note: There is no news bulletin this week due to our entire crew being at Gen Con, but expect some big recaps in the weeks to come.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 051: Open-Ended RPGs
Length: 32:36
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
While many tabletop roleplaying games have finite stories to tell and promptly end after its tale has completed its course, one of the most well-known traits of RPGs are those whose stories can go on and on for as long as the players wish.
But did you know that there are other open-ended tabletop games of note besides the most obvious choices of Dungeons & Dragons (or Pathfinder)? It's true!
This week, we have Dave on to talk about a few of them, inlcuding Wraith: the Oblivion, Shadowrun, Exalted, Legend of the Five Rings and more.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 050: CONNNNNNNN!! Part Two
Length: 33:48
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
The countdown has begun! Were less than a month out from Gen Con, and that means we're starting our pre-convention coverage.
The thing is, there's a lot to cover, and we can't do it all in one episode. So we're breaking it up into two parts.
This week we wrap up the second leg of our Gen Con previews with Ryan and his 20 or so games he's particularly interested in.
(He also apologizes for around 21:24 when he misspoke by implying Antoine Bauza created Level 7. He meant 7 Wonders. His punishment was to play back-to-back solo runs of Ghost Stories. He died of course. Probably due to a lack of sheep minion armies.)
Which games that we talked about have your interest for Gen Con? Which ones didn't we mention? Be sure to let us know!
For the light gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 049: CONNNNNNNN!! Part One
Length: 34:44
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
The countdown has begun! Were less than a month out from Gen Con, and that means we're starting our pre-convention coverage.
The thing is, there's a lot to cover, and we can't do it all in one episode. So we're breaking it up into (at least ) two parts.
This week we begin by having on Dave Gordon to talk about what lies in store for the tabletop RPG arena and what in particular he's excited for.
What sort of RPGs is Dave looking forward to, and do they line up with yours? Be sure to let us know your selections!
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 048: Video Games For Board Gamers
Length: 33:12
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
We're back from our Fourth of July break and we're jumping right back into our board game podcast to talk about...video games.
No, really.
I and my guest Sean McNamara have drummed up lists of five video games every board gamer should try for one reason or another.
Lastly, I talk about the latest Kickstarter controversy. Yep, I talk about Potato Salad.
For reference, here are the video game choices we made
Erin's List includes:
5. Plague, Inc.
4. The Guild series
3. The Tropico series
2. X-COM: Enemy Unknown
1. FTL
Sean's List includes:
5. Final Fantasy Tactics
4. Guns of Icarus Online
3. Orcs Must Die
2. Civilization 5
1. Hearthstone
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 047: Mythology
Length: 29:27
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
How much do you know about Zeus and Loki, Shiva and Quetzalcoatl? What does it mean to undergo the hero's journey, and what can this all teach us about tabletop storytelling? Well, in the first part of this week's episode, we have Dave on to discuss exactly that.
Then, in the Historical Precedent segment, Erin regales us with the tale of Sadie the Goat: thief, pirate, and product of her less-than-reputable environment.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 046: Penny Press
Length: 29:51
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Stop the presses! This week we've managed to scoop Matt Golec and Robert Dijkman Dulkes, the two designers behind the upcoming board game Penny Press, currently up on Kickstarter.
Penny Press is a Euro game about turn-of-the-century newspapers, and it was one of the 16 finalists on the first Cards Against Humanity run Tabletop Deathmatch contest. They did so well, in fact, that they are one of the co-winners! You can find all of the videos here, or just watch theirs directly.
Here, they talk about the experiences of making the game, participating in TTD, and even provide a small exclusive announcement regarding some extras for their Kickstarter! We first saw Penny Press at BostonFIG, and since BFIG is our June focus, it's win-win all around.
(Also, Ryan makes no apologies for what happens at 14:01.)
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 045: L5RPG
Length: 34:48
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
We promised we'd come back to it, and we stuck to it! This week, Dave returns to actually talk about AEG's Legend of the Five Rings tabletop RPG. We go over a lot of the basics about it here, but feel free to also read his review about it here as well.
Then, in the Historical Precedent segment, Erin goes over the poorly executed Astor Expedition and its many, many failures, as well as the one woman who pretty much kept the whole thing together.
This is an off-week for weekly gaming news bulletin. Check back next week for a full post-Origins recap!
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 044: A Golden Age of Board Games?
Length: 29:37
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
You may have heard some claim that we're currently residing in a Golden Age of Board Gaming. What does that mean? What is a Golden Age? How does it apply to board games, and are we in one or not? We discuss that topic this week with Ryan as well as Rhiannon Ochs of Spooning Meeples fame.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 043: GenCon 2014 Events
Length: 26:04
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week was supposed to be all about one of contributor Dave Gordon's favorite game settings, Legend of the Five Rings. We started with that, but it quickly became all about GenCon events and cultural implications in games instead. (We'll come back to L5R later on.)
Then Erin brings you another historical segment on the Fox Sisters.
If you plan on attending some of the mentioned GenCon events yourseld, or would like to recommend others to us, be sure to drop us a note!
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 042: Havok & Hijinks
Length: 34:46
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week, we continue looking at our May Indie Spotlight game, Havok & Hijinks. We sit down and chat with creator Adam Ferrel about his game (chock full of ridiculously cute dragons), game design, and Kickstarter in general.
Speaking of H&H, did you know you can win a copy of it just by entering the contest??
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 041: Pacing
Length: 32:16
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Are your players pulling out their phones when you're running a tabletop adventure, or are their heads spinning because they can't keep up with what's happening? Then you have an issue of pacing your players.
Well, this week, that's what's on the docket. We have Dave Gordon on to discuss pacing in RPGs and how you can control your game's tempo at just the right level.
Then, Erin introduces us to another historical tidbit for your tabletop gaming. This time, she talks about Clingstone mansion.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 040: Gaming Group Politics
Length: 34:29
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
First, Erin gives us her thoughts on two recent previews we did, Transylvania: Curses & Traitors, and Evolution.
Then, Ryan stops in to talk about the meta-gaming of, well, gaming. He hits on three key areas about the politics of gaming groups:
- The need to plan events ahead of time.
- Acknowledging that not everyone in your gaming group will always like the same kinds of game, and how you can address that.
- Accepting that the preferences of you and your friends very likely may change over time, as well as why that isn't inherently bad.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our social media, on iTunes, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 039: PC Death
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week is all about the topic of losing characters in tabletop RPGs. Whether it's a case of self sacrifice, meaningless encounters, or a capricious GM, it's a delicate topic that is fundamental to many game narratives. We look at it from multiple angles, with the help of our resident tabletop maven, Dave Gordon.
Then, Erin introduces us to a new segment on real life historical events and how those examples can be incorporated into interesting story arcs for your own tabletop games.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 038: Plot Hooks for RPGs
Length: 30:14
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week is about hooks, hooks, and more hooks. Plot hooks that is. This week, Dave talks to us about how to go about encouraging player interaction with RPGs. Then, Erin breaks out a new Meta Review segment about how indie board games are lagging behind video games by not breaking into innovative idea territory.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 037: Gaming Canon Part II
Length: 46:39
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
When we last left our intrepid adventurers, Dave and Ryan were discussing what constitutes the qualifications for a game to become canon. Is there such a thing? Who gets to decide? And so on. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you can do so here.
In the second half of this conversation, they discuss specific game titles that they feel embody what it means to be a canon game. Which ones are chosen? Let's find out!
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 036: Pleasant Dreams
Length: 34:46
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
We're back from hiatus! Go us! Welcome to Season Two of Vox Republica.
We've preempted our own podcast this week about Part II of gaming canon to instead share an interview we had at our TableTop Day event with Aerjen Tamminga. Aerjen is a Boston-area game designer, Director of BostonFIG, and he is currently running his first Kickstarter for the game Pleasant Dreams, which is going on right now!
In this episode, we talk about his game (naturally), but also about various communities and resources that help when diving into being a first-time designer.
Some of the groups mentioned are:
Game Maker's Guild Resource List
Kickstarter Best Practices Facebook Group
Jamey Stegmaier's Kickstarter Lessons
Aerjen also recommends checking out some communities for playing and testing video games as well, because they too can foster good relationships and even teach tabletop designers a thing or two. These include:
OK, now we're off to PAX East!
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 035: Gaming Canon
Length: 29:07
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 034: TotalCon 2014
Length: 28:52
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week marks the official end of Season 1 of Vox Republica. The show will take a short break and return in a few weeks, hopefully better than ever!
Topic-wise Ryan is on to recap his day trip to TotalCon 2014 experience where it's explained the allure of this iconic New England convention, along with some of the new things he's seen.
Editor's Note: Ryan mentions the Dice Tower presence at Total Con was Ryan Metzler. He mixed Metzler and Eric Summerer mixed up. Although he feels bad, he has been put into the town stocks for a day as a result anyhow.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 033: Dave Boostrom
Length: 28:58
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week, Ryan commandeers the mic once again and sits down with Dave Boostrom of 3Some Games, co-creator of the Heroes of Metro City deckbuilder. We chat about the game, the current expansion, and Kickstarter in general.
Feel free to check out our review of the base game, our preview of the expansion, or you can skip right on over to the Kickstarter campaign itself.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 032: Crowdfunding RPGs
Length: 34:06
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
A few episodes back (Episode 28), we discussed tips for backing games on crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter. Tabletop RPG, though, have different sets of criteria. This week our senior tabletop writer Dave Gordon is on to walk us through his tips and tricks that he uses when selecting games to back.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 031: Deck Builders
Length: 23:22
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
This week we introduce the Meta Review segment, where we'll occasionally talk about behind the scenes aspects of what we (and many others like us) go through in order to talk about games open and honestly with you all.
After that, a member of our review group, Sean McNamara, stops by to chat about the deck builder and tableau genres of games.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 030: Convention RPGs
Length: 23:44
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
As many people can attest, playing tabletop RPGs can be a fantastic use of time, not only to bring life to characters, but to socialize with fellow gamers. Conventions prove to be a double edged sword for them though. On the one hand, they're a great resource to try out other games and interact with other gamers, but it isn't always as ideal as many players are used to. This week, Dave Gordon talks about some tricks and tips players and GMs can use for making tabletops more successful at convention settings.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 029: Diversity in Indie Gaming
Length: 30:21
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Games are known to be a lot of fun, but does that mean that they can't also tackle serious topics? Some indie video games do it. What about tabletop games? This week, Ryan LaFlamme is on to help parse this difficult issue.
For the gaming news bulletin, check out our Weekly Roundup.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 028: Tips for Backing A Game
Length: 30:34
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Choosing a crowdfunding project to donate your money to can be a difficult decision if you have a lot of options. This week, Ryan LaFlamme is on to help discuss some general tips to consider when you're digging through all of your possible choices.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 027: Hosting a Game Night
Length: 20:17
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
We start off this week talking briefly about our January Indie Spotlight game, Empires of Zidal, and what makes it so interesting.
Then, Erin provides a number of very handy common sense tricks and tips for when you're hosting game nights, ensuring that you and your guests will enjoy themselves even more!
And finally, we talk about some of this week's gaming-related news, including a couple big happenings in the world of Magic: the Gathering, and a pair of Kickstarters that have been making some waves.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 026: Con Survival Tips
Length: 26:29
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
We’re back at posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode will be about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Ryan LaFlamme is back this week, and we’re discussing tips and tricks to get you through the convention season. Cons are fun, but they aren’t without their own set of challenges.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.
Episode 025: 2013 In Review
Length: 1:48:05
Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!
Also, we're doing a donation drive from now until January 9th to help fund the site. Every donation of $3 or more will be entered into a contest to win a copy of our December game Eons! You can read our post about keeping the lights on here.
Now, normally we posting new episodes every Thursday, and each episode is about 20 - 30 minutes long...except for this week.
Ryan and Dave join me this week to discuss everything noteworthy from the last year in gaming. This includes wonderful new games, of course, but also conventions, dice, designers, and more.
Given the amount of material, this show is longer than most. Don’t worry - we’ll be back to our half hour format next week.
Here’s a summary of the Ryan’s and Dave’s topics:
10 - Increasing Number of Gamers in Pop Culture
9 - Increasing Diversity in Gaming
8 - Thanks for Supporting Us!
7 - What We’ve Learned From Convention Time
6 - Magic: the Gathering’s 20th Anniversary
5 - Popular Game Mechanics
4 - Crowdfunding Failures
3 - Notable Major Gaming Successes - Mostly Kickstarters
2 - Top 10 Non-Crowdfunded Games
1 - Top 10 Crowdfunded Games
Dave:
10 - Miniatures Games
9 - Diceless Systems
8 - More Science Fiction RPGs
7 - Boston FIG
6 - Systemless Settings
5 - Fate Core
4 - Onyx Path
3 - D&D Next Open Playtest
2 - Pathfinder is Industry Leader
1 - Rise of Crowdfunding for RPGs
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave feedback in our forums, or via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach me on Twitter or BoardGameGeek.
Audio Credits: Intro music track is "8-Bit Brawl" by DJ Cutman featuring S&CO., used with permission.