#327: Game Mastery

If you replayed all the published SVWAG episodes back-back, it would take over 355 hours, or almost 15 days. This is not necessarily how we would recommend you spend your time. Indeed, for our purposes, we are equally wrong regardless of whether anyone is there to hear it; while we sometimes engage with Western philosophy due to Mark's academic background, the realm of the koan is beyond our purview. Long story short, feel free to re-download all our episodes to your heart's content. I'm sure it would help us with some algorithm somewhere.01:41 AYURIS: Autobahn (Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone, Alley Cat Games, 2022)Games Played Last Week:05:06 -Harmonies (Johan Benvenuto, Libellud, 2024)11:30 -Valka (Brooke Penrose, Terrible Games, 2024)17:01 -Keep the Heroes Out!: Boss Battles (Luís Brueh, Brueh Games, 2024)21:43 -Undaunted 2200: Callisto (Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson, Osprey, 2024)29:36 -CATAN: Starfarers Duel (Klaus Teuber and Benjamin Teuber, KOSMOS, 2023) 33:38 -Rise and Fall (Christophe Boelinger, Ludically, 2024)40:54 -Martian Dice (Scott Almes, Tasty Minstrel Games, 2011) News (and why it doesn't matter):42:20 International Gamers Awards announce their 2024 winners43:18 German wooden monstrosity: Drachentreppe44:59 David Thompson and Trevor Benjamin Line of Fire: Burnt Moon; in the Undaunted 2200 setting46:12 Topic: ReplayabilityAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I find so many mnemonics to be profoundly disappointing. Unless there's a structural element to tie the components together, a mnemonic will not serve to dispositively disambiguate a dyad. I assure you, that lamentable bit of alliteration was unintentional.For example, "I before E except after C" also works qua slogan as "I after E except before C." There are the ones about beer and liquor, feeding or starving a cold, colour of the sky and sailors' states of mind... I recall the structure, but not which one goes with which. Relatedly, is there a mnemonic to remember how to spell mnemonic?Games Played Last Week:02:27 -The Voyages of Marco Polo (Simone Luciani & Daniele Tascini, Hans im Gluck, 2015)04:52 -Pulsar 2849 (Vladimír Suchý, CGE, 2017)07:29 -Faiyum (Friedemann Friese, 2F-Spiele, 2020)12:01 -MicroMacro: Crime City--All In (Johannes Sich, Edition Spielwiese, 2022)14:45 -Who's the Banana? (Chris Cieslik, Asmadi Games, 2009)17:07 -Rats of Wistar (Simone Luciani and Danilo Sabia, Cranio Creations, 2023)19:29 -Raccoon Tycoon (Glenn Drover, Forbidden Games, 2018)22:05 -Yokohama Roll & Write (Hisashi Hayashi, OKAZU Brand, 2021)24:29 -Gods Love Dinosaurs (Kasper Lapp, Pandasaurus Games, 2020)27:05 -Harmonies (Johan Benvenuto, Libellud, 2024)29:49 -Ratyl (Andy Gallagher, Busy Dad Games, 2023) News (and why it doesn't matter):33:51 Monopoly goes to Flavortown34:38 Zheng He by Greg Engelstein and David Thompson on GMT's P50035:47 Cyberpunk 2077: more promising-looking than CMON's offering39:46 Beyond the Horizon: Dennis K. Chan, Adam Hill, Ben Pinchback, Matt Riddle41:20 Studio Ghibli Othello/Reversi sets: https://boardgamegeek.com/image/8405167/othello43:20 Feature Game: The Vale of Eternity (Eric Hong, Mandoo Games, 2023)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Solidarity, dear listeners, on this most august September Labour Day. Of course, Labour Day is the labour holiday invented for the US and Canada so as to undermine global solidarity. Nearly everywhere else celebrates International Workers' Day instead. One must marvel at the ingenuity of inventing Labour Day so as to undermine global labour solidarity. 02:29 AYURIS: Rolling Heights (John D. Clair, AEG, 2023)Games Played Last Week:06:59 -Harmonies (Johan Benvenuto, Libellud, 2024)09:49 -Flowerfall (Carl Chudyk, Asmadi Games, 2012)11:51 -MicroMacro: Crime City--All In (Johannes Sich, Edition Spielwiese, 2022)12:29 -Who's the Banana? (Chris Cieslik, Asmadi Games, 2009)14:52 -Dodo (Frank Bebenroth and Marco Teubner, MOSMOS, 2020)19:00 -Life in Reterra (Ken Gruhl and Eric M. Lang, Hasbro, 2024)21:48 -Windmill Valley (Dani Garcia, Board&Dice, 2024)25:12 -Ra (Reiner Knizia, alea, 1999)28:28 -River of Gold (Keith Piggott, Office Dog, 2024)33:06 -Spectral (Ryan Courtney, Bitewing Games, 2024)37:07 -Bargain Hunter (Uwe Rosenberg, Valley Games, 1998)41:53 -Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan (Gordon Calleja, Mighty Boards, 2024)45:15 -Heat: Pedal to the Metal (Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen, Days of Wonder, 2022)News (and why it doesn't matter):47:18 Kronologic series: Paris 1920, Cuzco 1450, and Babylon 250048:15 Topic: Game MasteryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Some important editorial notes!-the game walker mentioned is Völuspá, and no we don't know what work those accents are doing;-SVWAG does not engage in the eating of seal meat (no one's thought to offer, really);-we hope that Undaunted 2200: Callisto will follow in Battle of Britain's excellent example of having a badass Sikh pilot.Games Played Last Week:01:02 -Nocturne (David Iezzi, Flatout Games, 2024) 03:24 -Cosmic Encounter (Bill Eberle, Jack Kittredge, Bill Norton, Peter Olotka, and Kevin Wilson, Fantasy Flight, 2008)12:20 -Spectral (Ryan Courtney, Bitewing Games, 2024)15:13 -The Edge: Dawnfall (Michał Oracz, Krzysztof Piskorski, and Marcin Świerkot, Awaken Realms, 2018)22:20 -Darwin’s Journey (Simone Luciani and Nestore Mangone, ThunderGryph Games, 2023)24:50 -Life in Reterra (Ken Gruhl and Eric M. Lang, Hasbro, 2024)28:06 -Undaunted: Battle of Britain (Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson, Osprey Games, 2023)News (and why it doesn't matter):34:55 English Sakura Arms now owned by Japanime Games; third time's the charm?37:03 Res Arcana Duo expandalone 37:48 Natera: New Beginning: cute and only somewhat anthropomorphic38:53 Lords of Heaven from PHALANX: Crusades revisionism or culturally sensitive?40:55 Feature Game: Deep Rock Galactic (Ole Steiness, MOOD Publishing, 2022)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The full title of the Spider Lord is Spider the Third, by the Grace of God of the Unfinished Basement, Canada and His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Subterranean, Defender of the Faith.01:56 AYURIS: Ginkgopolis (Xavier Georges, Pearl Games, 2012)Games Played Last Week:05:02 -Knarr (Thomas Dupont, Bombyx, 2023)08:12 -Primal: The Awakening (Tommaso Mondadori and Alberto Parisi, Reggie Games, 2024)12:55 -Beowulf: The Legend (Reiner Knizia, KOSMOS, 2005)19:19 -Pavlov's House (David Thompson, Dan Verssen Games, 2018)23:26 -Deep Rock Galactic (Ole Steiness, MOOD Publishing, 2022)24:47 -Capital Lux 2: Generations (Eilif Svensson & Kristian Amundsen Østby, Aporta Games, 2020)29:17 -Trolls & Princesses (Pim Thunborg, Game Brewer, 2023)32:21 -Dro Polter (Paul Schulz, Oink Games, 2023)36:47 -Gnome Hollow (Ammon Anderson, Levity Games, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):42:22 Board Game Arena: Gnome Hollow, Orleans, Darwin's Journey43:47 Flickering Stars: sci-fi dexterity by Matt Leacock 44:11 French Republican Calendar from Karate Fight Publishing45:15 Tikal Legendary46:19 Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/svwag46:40 Topic: Collection OrganizationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It is Festivus once again here at SVWAG, where we shall once again vent our collective spleen over features of games that irk us. Sometimes we will assert that our umbrage is righteous and ought to be shared, and other times we will concede we are merely motivated by idiosyncratic pique. Our feelings, in either case, shall not be denied.00:46 AYURIS: Beowulf: The Legend (Reiner Knizia, KOSMOS, 2005)Games Played Last Week:04:21 -Terminus (Earl Aspiras and Tom Volpe, Inside Up Games, 2024)08:53 -For Northwood! A Solo Trick-Taking Game (Wilhelm Su, Self-published, 2021)12:41 -Deep Rock Galactic (Ole Steiness, MOOD Publishing, 2022)15:15 -Harvest (Trey Chambers, Keymaster Games, 2024)20:44 -Assault on Doomrock: Ultimate Edition (Tom Stasiak, Beautiful Disaster Games, 2023)24:46 -Tribune (Karl-Heinz Schmiel, Spielworxx, 2021)29:18 -Charioteer (Matt Calkins, GMT Games, 2022)News (and why it doesn't matter):33:59 Peacemakers: Horrors of War, a promising sequel to Dawn of the Peacemakers35:27 Quartermaster General: South Front36:37 Valiant Defense: Guadalcanal: The Battle for Henderson Field NOT designed by David Thompson 37:53 Topic: Game Design Pet PeevesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who is this Wilmot? What wares is he housing? Few answers are offered. We are merely told, rather imperiously, that we work at his warehouse. Sure, we have weekends off, but on occasion the fickle demiurge Wilmot commands us to speak in monosyllable, or move seats, or hide secrets from our colleagues. One shudders to imagine what terrible fate befalls those foolhardy enough to flout his edicts.Games Played Last Week:00:41 -Terminus (Earl Aspiras and Tom Volpe, Inside Up Games, 2024)10:15 -Hour of Need (Adam Sadler & Brady Sadler, Blacklist Games, 2022)13:40 -Animal Upon Animal (Klaus Miltenberger, HABA, 2005)14:01 -Ghost Blitz (Jacques Zeimet, Zoch Verlag, 2010)14:50 -Green Team Wins (Nathan Thornton, 25th Century Games, 2022)15:45 -Spirit Island: Nature Incarnate (R. Eric Reuss, Greater Than Games, 2023)21:39 -Robinson Crusoe: Collector's Edition (Joanna Kijanka and Ignacy Trzewiczek, Portal Games, 2024)28:29 -Slay the Spire: The Board Game (Gary Dworetsky, Anthony Giovannetti, and Casey Yano, Contention Games, 2024) 34:39 -Deep Rock Galactic (Ole Steiness, MOOD Publishing, 2022)37:04 -Quartermaster General: East Front (Ian Brody, Ares Games, 2023)News (and why it doesn't matter):44:49 Phil Walker-Harding, Dr. Finn, and Devir Game's Cities46:15 Feature Game: Wilmot's Warehouse (Ricky Haggett, Richard Hogg, and David King, CMYK, 2024)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We here at SVWAG take pains to differentiate between two conflated ideas. We say "approachable" for rulesets that are easily learned and internalized, reserving the similar-sounding term "accessible" to refer to games that are usable for people with disabilities.Relatedly, MICHAEL WALKER IS BACK.02:43 AYURIS: Oak (Wim Goossens, Game Brewer, 2022) Games Played Last Week:04:25 -Friday (Friedemann Friese, 2F-Spiele, 2011)07:12 -Fast Sloths (Friedemann Friese, 2F-SPiele, 2019)10:56 -Ghost Blitz Mini (Jacques Zeimet, Zoch Verlag, 2010)12:11 -For Sale (Stefan Dorra, Uberplay, 1997)13:52 -Primal: The Awakening (Tommaso Mondadori and Alberto Parisi, Reggie Games, 2024)18:19 -Corporate America (Teale Fristoe, Nothing Sacred Games, 2013)23:10 -Guards of Atlantis II (Artyom Nichipurov, Wolff Designa, 2022)25:57 -Arcs (Cole Wehrle, Leder Games, 2024)33:00 -Slay the Spire: The Board Game (Gary Dworetsky, Anthony Giovannetti, and Casey Yano, Contention Games, 2024) 35:33 -Combat Commander: Europe (Chad Jensen, GMT, 2006)40:08 -Marshmallow Test (Reiner Knizia, Gamewright, 2020)42:06 -Wilmot's Warehouse (Ricky Haggett, Richard Hogg, and David King, CMYK, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):46:31 Until Proven Guilty: cooperative storytelling46:55 More Root factions: bats and frogs47:35 Planet of the Apes cooperative miniatures game48:24 Barrage legendary box48:38 Great Western Trail El Paso48:55 Liège of Games is Walker's source of news: https://www.youtube.com/c/Li%C3%A8geofGames/videos49:13 Unmatched Adventures: TMNT and cross-license games51:07 Topic: Michael Walker Revolutionizes Physical TherapyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guest host this week is the estimable Mark Besada of the Golden Geek Award-winning podcast, Board Game Barrage! Known as the Green Tank because he is more swole than the Hulk (rumours persist that Lou Ferrigno learned all he knew about bodybuilding from Mark), he nonetheless exudes generosity and hospitality. Unless you throw down in Ghost Blitz, that is. Then it's Go Time.  Games Played Last Week:02:31 -Skytear Horde: Monoliths (Giacomo Neri and Riccardo Neri, Skytear Games, 2024)07:39 -Lords of Scotland (Richard James, Z-Man Games, 2010)11:27 -Slay the Spire: The Board Game (Gary Dworetsky, Anthony Giovannetti, and Casey Yano, Contention Games, 2024) [EDIT: The "Ironclad" character was erroneously referred to as the Ironborn. We apologize for the error and look forward to your many, many correction emails]17:11 -Distilled (Dave Beck, Paverson Games, 2023)21:51 -RelicBlade: Adventure Battle Game (Sean Sutter, Metal King Studio, 2015)30:23 -Sky Team (Luc Rémond, Le Scorpion Masqué, 2023)34:05 -Ghost Blitz Mini (Jacques Zeimet, Zoch Verlag, 2010)39:55 -Arcs (Cole Wehrle, Leder Games, 2024)News (and why it doesn't matter):46:00 Atlantis Exodus has an "apotheosis track"47:18 Please support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/svwag47:36 Feature Game: Captain Flip (Remo Conzadori and Paolo Mori, PlayPunk, 2024) and the Spiel des Jahres1:18:14 SVWAG Presents Masterpiece Theatre: RipleyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our next guest host during Michael Walker's recovery is Efka Bladukas, half of No Pun Included! Efka is an internationally-renowned board game critic and dog enthusiast, known for his detestation of whimsy and tireless tolerance of Mark's yammerings. He once split a mountain in twain with his bare hands while simultaneously inventing cold fusion, but he's so humble he'll probably deny it--which is proof positive that it's all true.Games Played Last Week:01:37 -Captain Flip (Remo Conzadori and Paolo Mori, PlayPunk, 2024)08:30 -In the Footsteps of Darwin (Grégory Grard and Matthieu Verdier, Sorry We Are French, 2023)13:31 -It’s a Wonderful World: Corruption & Ascension (Frédéric Guérard, La Boîte de Jeu, 2020)17:34 -Cascadero (Reiner Knizia, Bitewing Games, 2024)22:03 -Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Scrawlers--Heroes of Waterdeep (Vangelis Bagiartakis and Konstantinos Karagiannis, WizKids, 2023)27:27 -Power Vacuum (Kaleb Wentzel-Fisher, Keen Bean Studio, 2024)39:03 -Leviathan Wilds (Justin Kemppainen, Moon Crab Games, 2024)43:32 -Primal: The Awakening (Tommaso Mondadori and Alberto Parisi, Reggie Games, 2024)53:38 -Dune: Imperium (Paul Dennen, Dire Wolf, 2020)News (and why it doesn't matter):57:55 Walker continues to recover and is doing well58:32 Leviathan Wilds expansion and reprint soon on Gamefound; uncertainty as to possible fixes59:22 Flickering Stars by Matt Leacock and Josh Cappel; another sci-fi flicking boardgame1:00:34 Feature Game: Slay the Spire: The Board Game (Gary Dworetsky, Anthony Giovannetti, and Casey Yano, Contention Games, 2024)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy