#366: 7 Empires

Apparently the American custom of the "push present" can trace its roots to the Anglo-Indian tradition of the "baby bauble", although in the latter case jewellery is the more standard gift (instead of, say, boardgames). Can we acknowledge that baby bauble is a much less crude term? Let's try to be classy here, people. There is already enough about childbirth that is fraught.Games Played Last Week:2:07 -Galactic Cruise (T.K. King, Dennis Northcott, and Koltin Thompson, Kinson Key Games, 2025)6:31 -Cerebria: The Inside World (Richard Amann, Viktor Peter, István Pócsi, Frigyes Schőberl, Nick Shaw, & Dávid Turczi, Mindclash Games, 2018)12:53 -Phantom Division (Pete Ruth & Mark Thomas, Phantom Horizon, 2026)23:19 -Space Gits (Mike Hutchinson, Planet Smasher Games, 2025)28:03 -Earthborne Rangers (Andrew Fischer, Brooks Flugaur-Leavitt, Andrew Navaro, Adam Sadler, and Brady Sadler, Earthborne Games, 2023)30:00 -Dro Polter (Paul Schulz, Oink Games, 2023)33:14 -Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon (Fabio Lopiano & Nestore Mangone, Sorry We Are French, 2024)40:56 -TONKS (Apocrypha_Now, Web-published, 2023)News (and why it doesn't matter):43:41 Flurry of Friedemann Friese: Formidable Farm, Fearless, Five Families44:45 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd45:14 Feature Game: 7 Empires (Mac Gerdts, PD-Verlag, 2024)Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Walker's approach to parenting eschews what he sees as the coddling endemic in other families. He believes in competition above all else, where newbs must be pwned and even babies must git gud. "L2P" is his family motto. Some appalled anthropologists tried making a documentary about the Walker household, but they were forced to tone it down and release it as Squid Game.01:21 AYURIS: Through the Desert (Reiner Knizia, KOSMOS, 1998)Games Played Last Week:02:56 -Pocket Paladin (Joe Klipfel, Mythfield Games, 2025)09:44 -7 Empires (Mac Gerdts, PD-Verlag, 2024)21:10 -A Gentle Rain (Kevin Wilson, Incredible Dream Studios, 2024)24:37 -Flip 7 (Eric Olsen, The Op Games, 2024)25:31 -NMBR 9 (Peter Wichmann, ABACUSSPIELE, 2017)27:44 -Earthborne Rangers (Andrew Fischer, Brooks Flugaur-Leavitt, Andrew Navaro, Adam Sadler, and Brady Sadler, Earthborne Games, 2023)31:23 -Everdell (James A. Wilson, Starling Games, 2018)35:12 -Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon (Fabio Lopiano & Nestore Mangone, Sorry We Are French, 2024)40:47 -Animal Upon Animal (Klaus Miltenberger, HABA, 2005)News (and why it doesn't matter):45:16 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd47:38 Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/svwag48:12 Law 96 threatens hobby game stores: https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/hobby-shops-say-it-will-be-game-over-for-their-businesses-due-to-quebecs-language-law/49:49 Topic: Small Box, Big GameOur Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Because of the long-standing mutual enmity between Meany and Brown, Meany was named among the suspects in The Case Of Encyclopedia Brown’s Mangled Corpse. Meany denied the allegations.'It’s true that Detective Brown and I didn’t see eye to eye, but I would never do something so downright dirty rotten as murder him,' Meany said. 'Besides, it’s a matter of public record that, at the time the crime was committed, I was at the North Pole watching the penguins.'"-"Idaville Detective 'Encyclopedia' Brown Found Dead In Library Dumpster", The Onion01:42 AYURIS: Zoo Vadis (Reiner Knizia, Bitewing Games, 2023)Games Played Last Week:4:12 -Sky Team (Luc Rémond, Le Scorpion Masqué, 2023)7:20 -Ofrenda (Orlando Sá & André Santos, Osprey Games, 2025)12:51 -Galactic Cruise (T.K. King, Dennis Northcott, and Koltin Thompson, Kinson Key Games, 2025)20:05 -Twins (Reiner Knizia, Oink Games, 1996)23:59 -Clinic Deluxe Edition (Alban Viard, AVStudioGames, 2019)28:23 -Stationfall (Matt Eklund, Ion Game Design, 2023)37:46 -Great Western Trail: New Zealand (Alexander Pfister, eggertspiele, 2023)40:45 -Schotten Totten 2 (Reiner Knizia, IELLO, 2020)45:18 -Corps of Discovery: A Game Set in the World of Manifest Destiny (Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim, Off the Page Games, 2025)News (and why it doesn't matter):49:13 Balance updates to Fromage50:17 Tianxia by Daniele Tascini & Antonio Petrelli, another "T" game by Board&Dice50:39 Burned by Stone Circle Games will have a crowd sale on The Game Crafter soon51:19 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd51:45 Topic: Pulling LeversOur Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We generally frown on ad hominem here at SVWAG, ensconced as we are in our glass houses. In the case of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (known affectionately as "Ja-Jay" by no one), though, who wrote extensively about proper methods of childhood education, we shall report that he confessed to rather callously sandbagging his lover into abandoning their children (Rousseau claimed there were five of them, though records are tricky). Way to be a douchebag, Jay-Jay.01:47 AYURIS: City of the Great Machine (German Tikhomirov, CrowD Games, 2023)Games Played Last Week:03:36 -River Rats (Mathijs Jansen & Robin Stokkel, Four Suits Studio, 2025)08:08 -The Gang (John Cooper and Kory Heath, KOSMOS, 2024)09:47 -SCOUT (Kei Kajino, Oink Games, 2019)11:47 -Storm Raiders (Shem Phillips, Arkus Games, 2025)13:36 -Tigris & Euphrates (Reiner Knizia, Hans im Gluck, 1997)16:17 -Corps of Discovery: A Game Set in the World of Manifest Destiny (Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim, Off the Page Games, 2025)21:58 -Dogs of War (Paolo Mori, CMON, 2014)25:27 -Stroganov: Turukhan (Andreas Steding, Game Brewer, 2024)32:48 -Veiled Fate (Max Anderson, Zac Dixon, and Austin Harrison, IV Studio, 2022)40:29 -Jekyll & Hyde vs Scotland Yard (Gaëtan Beaujannot, Olivier Cipière, and Geonil, Mandoo Games, 2023)News (and why it doesn't matter):43:56 SEAL Team Flix follow up Phantom Division! Stealth! Tactics! Flicking! on Kickstarter 44:29 Pacific Command, fleet miniatures game, by Osprey and Mike Hutchinson45:41 Agricola Special Edition on Gamefound47:43 Catacombs Alpha, new minimalist Catacombs starter, on Kickstarter48:25 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd49:17 Topic: The Social ContractOur Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I've read several different accounts of the battle of Sekigahara, and I swear there's no mention of Kevin Bacon or anyone bleaching their hair. How am I to know if Pony Boy stayed golden? Games Played Last Week:01:42 -MicroMacro: Kids--Crazy City Park (Johannes Sich, Edition Spielwiese, 2025)04:20 -Good Puppers (Chris Cieslik, Asmadi Games, 2021)07:38 -23 Knives (Tyler J. Brown, Play to Z, 2025)15:13 -TEAM3 GREEN (Alex Cutler & Matt Fantastic, Brain Games, 2019)20:04 -Marabunta (Reiner Knizia, Space Cowboys, 2023)21:28 -Ra (Reiner Knizia, alea, 1999)23:13 -Ra: The Dice Game (Reiner Knizia, Rio Grande Games, 2009)26:16 -Moving Company (Guo Jiahui & Wu Ying, Whales Entertainment, 2025)31:42 -Santorini: Riddle of the Sphinx (James Van Niekerk & Paul Saxberg, Roxley, 2025)37:30 -The Crew: Family Adventure (Thomas Sing, KOSMOS, 2024)42:07 -Hot Streak (Jon Perry, CMYK, 2025)43:42 -Flip 7 (Eric Olsen, The Op Games, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):45:09 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd46:35 Tabletop Tycoon acquires the rights to Eric Lang CMON designs: Blood Rage, Rising Sun, Ankh, Arcadia/Starcadia Quest48:48 Follow-up to SEAL Team Flix: Phantom Division on Kickstarter! (Pete Ruth, Mark Thomas)50:52 Sniper Elite: Operation Kraken on Gamefound52:02 Feature Game: Rumble Nation (Yogi Shinichi, Hobby Japan, 2017)Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Walker and Mark almost come to blows over Flip 7 this week. Their disagreements over the merits of the product (Game? Experience? Way of Life? Sub "Roll a 6, Win a Cookie" distraction?) have long simmered, but the fundamental schism can no longer be ignored or papered over. They finally have it out. 02:27 AYURIS: Knarr (Thomas Dupont, Bombyx, 2023)Games Played Last Week:03:36 -Autobahn (Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone, Alley Cat Games, 2022)06:39 -Scythe (Jamey Stegmaier, Stonemaier Games, 2016)09:47 -Fairy Tale (Satoshi Nakamura, What's Your Game?, 2008) 15:00 -Moon (Haakon Gaarder, Sinister Fish Games, 2023)18:17 -Spots (Alex Hague, Jon Perry, and Justin Vickers, CMYK, 2022)21:13 -ito (326, Arclight Games, 2019)28:06 -Deep Rock Galactic (Ole Steiness, MOOD Publishing, 2022)31:45 -Flip 7 (Eric Olsen, The Op Games, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):35:50 Recall from Alion by Dr. Ø; pseudo-sequel to Revive?38:07 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July 27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd38:40 Topic: What Makes Longer Games Worth It?Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Observers brought attention to [Gritty's] appearance, which could be construed as frightening, while The Guardian described him as an "acid trip of a mascot." Response to Gritty's introduction was immediate and sharply mixed, with many fans on social media expressing bewilderment and some fright at his appearance. Public perception of Gritty became increasingly positive as Gritty's antics, which subverted the cuddly, family-friendly appearance and demeanor of other NHL mascots, gained more attention on social media."-WikipediaGames Played Last Week:00:56 -Can't Stop (Sid Sackson, Playte Games, 2023)04:01 -Tigris & Euphrates (Reiner Knizia, Hans im Gluck, 1997)13:09 -Hansa Teutonica: East Expansion (Andreas Steding, Argentum Verlag, 2010)19:06 -Pandemic: Fall of Rome (Matt Leacock & Paolo Mori, Z-Man, 2018)22:03 -SpellBook (Phil Walker-Harding, Space Cowboys, 2023)24:40 -Skara Brae (Shem Phillips, Garphill Games, 2025)29:52 -Sausage Sizzle (Inka and Marcus Brand, 25th Century Games, 2012)32:07 -Unstoppable (John D. Clair, Renegade Game Studios, 2025)38:41 -Toy Battle (Paolo Mori & Alessandro Zucchini, Repos Production, 2025)40:38 -Leviathan Wilds (Justin Kemppainen, Moon Crab Games, 2024)43:48 -Men at Work (Rita Modl, Pretzel Games, 2019)News (and why it doesn't matter):49:10 Lunar Rush expansion: Innovation49:30 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd49:58 Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship51:18 Please support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/svwag53:32 Feature Game: Hot Streak (Jon Perry, CMYK, 2025)[EDIT] We neglected to disclose that this was a review copy provided by the publisher. We apologize for the omission.Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"gibber--intransitive verb:to speak rapidly, inarticulately, and often foolishly"-Merriam-Webster"gibberer--noun:the hosts of SVWAG"Games Played Last Week:01:17 -Sausage Sizzle (Inka and Marcus Brand, 25th Century Games, 2012)05:22 -Landmarks (Rodrigo Rego & Danilo Valente, Floodgate Games, 2024)09:11 -Skara Brae (Shem Phillips, Garphill Games, 2025)14:20 -Moving Company (Guo Jiahui & Wu Ying, Whales Entertainment, 2025)16:49 -First Rat (Gabriele Ausiello & Virginio Gigli, Pegasus Spiele, 2022)20:47 -Barbecubes (Brett J. Gilbert & Rob Sparks, Alley Cat Games, 2025)24:35 -Unstoppable (John D. Clair, Renegade Game Studios, 2025)29:48 -Battle of Mekaverse (Reiner Knizia, Kids Logic, 2024)34:25 -Dorfromantik: The Board Game (Michael Palm and Lukas Zach, Pegasus Spiele, 2022)37:41 -Toy Battle (Paolo Mori & Alessandro Zucchini, Repos Production, 2025)40:04 -Dungeon Twister: The Card Game (Christophe Boelinger, Asmodee, 2013)46:34 -Rumble Nation (Yogi Shinichi, Hobby Japan, 2017)News (and why it doesn't matter):50:10 SETI expansion: Space Agencies50:46 Flamecraft digital51:28 POGs are coming back? Slam Throne52:02 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd53:53 Feature Game: Gibberers: The Word Game of Language Invention and Civilization Development (Keisei, Hobby Japan, 2024)Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chaka Khan, let me rock youLet me rock you, Chaka KhanLet me rock you, that's all I wanna doChaka Khan, let me rock youLet me rock you, Chaka KhanLet me rock you, 'cause I feel for you-Chaka Khan, "I Feel for You"01:26 AYURIS: Barcelona (Dani Garcia, Board&Dice, 2023)Games Played Last Week:03:10 -Snap Ships Tactics: Swarm Box (Josh Derksen, Snap Ships, 2025) 10:13 -Battle of Mekaverse (Reiner Knizia, Kids Logic, 2024)15:34 -Everdell Farshore (James A. Wilson & Clarissa A. Wilson, Starling Games, 2023)20:19 -Trading Titans (Reiner Knizia, Kids Logic, 2024)25:03 -TAH WARS: Dice Tower Game (Luca Vince Caltabiano, BOARD TO DEATH, 2025)31:06 -Things in Rings (Peter C. Hayward, Allplay, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):35:06 Lifeboat by Jeff Siadek reprint on Kickstarter37:15 Underwater Cities: Data Era expansion38:18 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd39:55 Topic: Tricky Edge CasesOur Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While we pride ourselves in playing more games in a week than many play in a month, when we take a week away from the SVWAG studio we often face a truly herculean backlog of games to discuss. This two-week period is no exception. Rest assured, we would never leave our dear listeners in the lurch, so we will keep you updated so you need not miss a thing.01:00 AYURIS: Race to the Raft (Frank West, The City of Games, 2023)Games Played Last Week:03:40 -Knarr (Thomas Dupont, Bombyx, 2023)06:42 -Quin (Brian Rooney and Taeleen Woodard, Arch & Gravity Publishing, 2024)11:41 -Slay the Spire: The Board Game (Gary Dworetsky, Anthony Giovannetti, and Casey Yano, Contention Games, 2024) 14:47 -Gùgōng: Pànjūn (Andreas Steding, Game Brewer, 2020)22:00 -Skull (Hervé Marly, Asmodee, 2011)24:09 -Space Gits (Mike Hutchinson, Planet Smasher Games, 2025)30:06 -Bad Company (Kenneth Minde, Kristian Amundsen Østby, and Eilif Svensson, Aporta Games, 2021)34:44 -Rebirth (Reiner Knizia, Mighty Boards, 2024)36:48 -Tír na nÓg (Isaac Shalev & Jason Slingerland, Grand Gamers Guild, 2024)38:51 -Let's Go! To Japan (Josh Wood, AEG, 2024)41:52 -Keyflower (Sebastien Bleasdale & Richard Breese, R&D Games, 2012) 42:54 -Altay: Dawn of Civilization (Paolo Mori & Ole Steiness, Ares Games, 2024)47:09 -Abandon All Artichokes (Emma Larkins, Gamewright, 2020)49:58 -Quacks (Wolfgang Warsch, Schmidt Spiele, 2018)52:02 -23 Knives (Tyler J. Brown, Play to Z, 2025)59:15 -Ghost Blitz: Spooky Doo (Jacques Zeimet, Zoch Verlag, 2016)News (and why it doesn't matter):1:03:26 Catacombs Alpha, new entry point in the Catacombs series, on crowdfunding1:04:13 Tariff highlights: Stegmaier lawsuit, CMON, Greater Than Games1:07:15 Open registration for SVWAG Con (July 25th-July27th) on Eventbrite! https://tinyurl.com/25s6p5jd1:07:47 Commands & Colors news: new Memoir '44, Battle of Hoth1:09:08 SVWAG interview with James of One Man Clapping episode #26Our Sponsors:* Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/SOWRONGGAMESAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy