162 - Game Spotlight: Unlock

It's a very bittersweet moment. Dylan and Bill have sadly decided it's time to step away from the podcast—possibly forever, or perhaps just for a time. In this extended final episode, the innkeepers look back on the last four years, and how The Innkeeper's Table has affected their lives. A special, special thanks to all of you listeners. You've made it worthwhile, and we've loved having you along for the ride. Keep in touch, please. Even if we're not posting new episodes, we'd love to hear from you any time at [email protected].   ...Seriously. Thank you.

Do you have a favorite game that, somehow, no one else seems to have ever heard of? That's what this week's Top 3 list is about! In this episode, the innkeepers discuss their top 3 "hidden gems" games—the games that, in spite of being good, somehow have missed the public eye. What games fall into this category for you? Let us know at [email protected].

First, we start off with a big announcement. After the announcement, though, we move into our discussion of one of Dylan's favorite games, Terra Mystica. It's filled with halflings, dwarves, elves, witches, and other mystical creatures who are all just trying to carve out a place in this enchanted world. Have you ever played Terra Mystica? What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts at [email protected]!

"What's a pirate's favorite letter?" Most people immediately say "Arrrrr!" but actually, his first love will always be "the C." Pirates are a great theme—from pieces o' eight to mighty buckswashlers on the open seas! And wouldn't you know? Some game designers have been designing some games upon the bounding main! In this episode, the innkeepers talk about their favorite pirate-themed games. --------------- What's your favorite pirate-themed game? Let us know at [email protected].

Dune. The Desert Planet. The only source of Spice in the universe, completely overrun by inhospitable deserts and deadly sandstorms. Whether you're a fan Frank Herbert's masterpiece or of hefty board games where you're battling for conquest, Dune: War for Arrakis is probably right up your alley. In this episode, Bill and Dylan discuss the newly-released game and what makes it so epic. ----------------------- Have you gotten a chance to play Dune: War for Arrakis yet? What did you think? What board games would you like us to discuss in the future? Let us know at [email protected].

Sometimes, a game doesn't need a fancy story or illustrations or any sort of theme. For some games, gameplay is everything. In this episode, the Innkeepers are taking a look at abstract strategy games—games where it's just the players, the pieces, and the board between them. Some of these games go WAAAAY back. ------- Do you have a favorite abstract strategy game? We'd love to hear about it! What Top 3 list would you like us to try in the future? We'd love to know that, too! Let us know at [email protected].

Who was the mysterious woman about whom many of Shakespeare's sonnets are written? In this episode, Dylan tells Bill about a game about that very question. And not only is the theme interesting and unique—it's made specifically for solo play. How shall we play it? Let us count the ways... -------- Have you ever played Black Sonata? What was your experience like? What similar games would you suggest? And what games would you like us to spotlight in future episodes? Let us know at [email protected].

Do you like maps? Do you like moving little dudes around on those maps? Then you probably like Dudes On a Map games! These are games where you're moving units around, conquering territories, and making strategic plays to defeat your denemies. In this episode, Dylan and Bill break down their favorite games in this genre. Dude. ------ What are your favorite Dudes On a Map games? What Top 3 list would you like The Innkeepers to take on in the future? Let us know at [email protected]!

With the cold spell that's been sweeping the United States lately, we thought it might be a good idea to discuss a cozy game all about making nice, warm quilts! Have you played Patchwork? What did you think of it? What game would you like us to spotlight next? Let us know at [email protected].

There's just something satisfying about starting with a very basic deck of cards (or pool of dice, or bag of tokens, etc...) in a game, then gradually building it to be a powerful collection of tools. In this episode, Dylan and Bill discuss their favorite games that use this simple but elegant mechanic. Do you enjoy deckbuilders? What are some of your favorites? What Top 3 list would you like us to make in the future? Let us know at [email protected]!