#230: Best of 2024

Ben, Paul, and Trey discuss first impressions of two big games: Moon Colony Bloodbath and Endeavor Deep Sea. Somehow, we all got mad at each other in each game. Fun!We also chat about recent game plays of Dune Imperium and Wavelength, and extra bonus: the return of Games on the Brain!00:00 Intro00:57 Game Rooms08:05 Dune Imperium21:44 Wavelength33:49 Ito41:37 Landmarks of the Lost Atlas51:40 Oranges & Lemons53:00 Barcelona: The Rose of Fire54:06 Cargo Empire01:03:11 Moon Colony Bloodbath01:34:51 Endeavor Deep Sea

Ben, Paul, and Jordan go deep on the color-coded agony machine that is Asian Tigers.  Plus, chatter about Ito, We All Take From the River, and Elder Scrolls.00:00 Intro05:21 Elder Scrolls12:59 Ito33:13 Rail on the Hill38:19 Founders of Gloomhaven41:55 Mr. Pai Pai44:17 Gibberers53:06 We All Take From The River01:05:53 Guards of Atlantis, Land and Freedom updates01:07:33 Asian Tigers review

Ben, Trey, and Jordan review the 2025 space tourism game Galactic Cruise.  Plus initial impressions of Molly House, Gibberers, and Land and Freedom.  Jordan also gives an update on 5 v 5 Guards of Atlantis, and Trey has fresh thoughts on Dune Imperium, Keyflower, and Avalon.

Stefan Feld's epic kitchen sink game Civolution was one of the biggest releases of 2024. With an hour teach, a million mechanics, and a wild theme, does this beast crumble under its own weight or triumph in maximalist glory?  Ben, Paul, and Jordan discuss.Plus, the three weigh in on the March Meepleness Bracket and share thoughts on recent plays of Guards of Atlantis II, Galactic Cruise, and Eternal Decks.00:00 Introduction02:01 March Meepleness analysis30:50 Guards of Atlantis II37:00 Galactic Cruise40:18 Eternal Decks47:02 Shatterpoint50:29 Civolution Review

It's two episodes for the price of one.  Come join for a double header of Table Scraps.  First, Ben and Paul talk about what pity cards you can and can't play at game night:  the "bad day" card, the "I've been out of town" card, and so many more.Then we get down to the real pressing questions: if games were sushi, what sushi would they be?  Be sure to subscribe to Table Scraps on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@table-scraps00:00 Intro01:29 Playing the Pity Card: When Guilt Almost Wins—But Not Quite42:36 If board games were sushi, what sushi would they be?

Ben, Trey, and special guest Chris dive deep with the rotating space hotness SETI.  Plus, talk about a marathon session of 1817.00:00 Intro12:10 181725:09 Railways of the Lost Atlas30:50 Whistle Mountain33:04 SETI

In this episode of Game Brain, Ben and Paul dive deep into the ancient world with a full review of Men-Nefer, exploring its mechanics, strategy, and whether it’s an  classic Egyptian Euro (oxymoron?) in the making. But that’s not all—we also break down Mind MGMT, Serenissima, and DroPolter, dissecting the mind games, economic battles, and dexterity highjinks within these standout titles. Plus, we check in on The Traitors on Peacock—what does this season tell us about our gaming hobby?02:00 - Guards of Atlantis II03:32 - Galactic Cruise07:20 - Stroganov12:29 - Mind MGMT20:29 - Traitors31:56  - Serenissima42:40 - Landmarks44:42 - DroPolter49:43 - We Need To Talk51:28 - Hooky56:59 - Men-Nefer Review

Ben and Paul talk about punctuality and game night: what do you do when you're running late?  When is it okay to run late?  What do we owe those who are late?  And what about showing up too early?  It's all about timing and game night.

Matt, Paul, Trey, Tom, Jordan, and Ben convene to discuss their top games of the year.  Plus, awards in categories such as "Best New To Me Game," "Biggest Disappointment," and "Best Expansion."We had a variety of audio issues in this episode; so apologies in advance for the not amazing sound quality. Drew Conley Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-drew-dcon-rebuild-after-eaton-fire-loss

Ben and Paul discuss their favorite gaming sessions of 2024. Then, in advance of  a future Game Brain top 10 episode (or something in that mold), Ben shares his favorite non-top 10 games of last year, specifically #25-#11.  This list will make some listeners angry, and Ben apologizes in advance.Please help our friend Drew recover from the devastating wild fires here in Los Angeles. Find his GoFundMe here:  https://gofund.me/bce5bc67  Every little bit helps.00:00:00 Intro00:09:46 Best gaming experiences of 202400:34:24  Ben's 2024 10x5 challenge00:38:19  Ben's top games of 2024: #25-#11