72. Extended Banter: Board Game Retreat 2025, Part 1

Send us a textNew year, new show format! Every so often, we'll take a break from reviewing games to just talk about more stuff we've been into lately. In this inaugural "Extended Banter" episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey treat you with the usual personal updates and then spend some time reflecting on the games we got to play, both new and old, at our game group's annual Board Game Retreat earlier this month.FOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textTwas the day before Christmas, and all round the world, the gamers awaited, the adults, boys, and girls. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but no brief, tiny games have yet been stuffed there. When what to my wondering ears should appear, came a new Christmas episode full of gems, joy, and cheer!FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Intro & Banter00:30:52 Christmas Trivia00:47:25 Tetrix (Mosaics)01:07:42 R. Eco.01:34:27 Roll Through the AgesMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Trivia: "Everlasting Yule", Home for the Holidays; "Pizzicato Dance", Howard Harper-Barnes; "A Holly Jolly One", Arthur BensonTetrix: "Virtual" - AGSTR. Eco: “Absolutely Sure”, North SphereRoll Through the Ages: “New Civilization”, Wendel SchererFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a text"A" is for... alchemist? Another series begins! Will we ever finish it? Who knows! but this episode we start our alphabetically-themed episodes with the letter "A". Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they dig for more gems.FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Intro & Banter00:22:46 Abandon Ship00:45:00 Alchemist01:09:39 Age of ComicsMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Abandon Ship: “Little Sailor”, LeimotiAlchemist: “With Every Note”, Etienne RousselAge of Comics: “On the Bike”, Golden Age RadioFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textIt's time for another cheesy skit, more Halloween trivia from Chris and a bunch of horrifying takes on a bunch of dusty, spooky games. What could be scarier?! Join the full crew: Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney and Cameron Lockey as they bring you three ghoulish reviews of unusual, forgotten, and under-appreciated Halloween-themed games in this 2024 episode of Hidden Gems!FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Sketch: Chapter I00:05:52 Intro & Banter00:26:05 Halloween Trivia Game Show00:46:10 Sketch: Chapter II00:52:30 Igor01:27:43 Sketch: Chapter III01:34:25 Wicked Witches Way02:09:15 Sketch: Chapter IV02:15:27 Run, Fight or DieBGG GEEK LIST:https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/289922/hidden-gems-podcast-game-ratingsSTORY CREDITS (Sketch):"I Is For Ice": Iain Rob Wright (with permission)MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS - courtesy of https://epidemicsound.comI Is For Ice Score:   "Arbitrary Treatment" - Prozody   "Antagonist" - Spectacles Wallet and Watch   "An Obsession" - Dayon   "The Cost of Fear" - Jon Björk   "Mind Reading" - Edward Karl Hanson   "Dead Bodies" - Experia   "Rain G'azing" - Red Dictionary   "You Are Not Afraid" - Jon Björk   "Incandescence" - Silver Maple   "Impasse" - Silver Maple   "Closure of Things" - Cobby Costa   "Colossal Terror" - Jon Björk   "Strange Interference" - Cobby Costa   "Lost in Space" - Cobby Costa   "I Hear Voices" - Experia   "Mystery Potion" - KikoruHidden Gems Intro Theme - "Spooky Gems", Travis Lockey, Royalty FreeGame Show Theme - "Trail of Crumbs", Martin LandstromIgor - "Uninvited Guests", Etienne RousselWicked Witches Way - "The Friendly Ghost", Arthur BensonRun, Fight or Die - "Zombie Raiders", Wave SaverFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textIn this episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, and Bill Arney jump back into the delightful world of Dorra, exploring three more games by this esteemed designer.FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Intro & Banter00:31:32 Amazona01:00:17 Pergamon01:36:21 SalamancaMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Amazona: “Jungle Awakening”, Rune DalePergamon: “A King's Ransom”, Bonnie GraceSalamanca: “Imber”, Christoffer Moe DitlevsenFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textAre the claims on the game box about playtime length accurate? In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley and Cameron Lockey hold things down while Bill and Jason are away on vacation as they put three games claiming to take 30 minutes or less to the test and share their thoughts on these unusual, forgotten, and underappreciated games.FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Intro & Banter00:35:09 Cities01:01:59 Great Wall of China01:35:07 Nyet!MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Cities: “The Cafes of Paris”, Joe E. LeeGreat Wall of China: “The Road to Tibet”, Karl HansonNyet!: “Pest March”, Jon BjorkFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textThe Spiel series continues with a new installment of nominees from 2011! Dig in with you hosts Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff as they take a look at another bunch of award-nominated, yet strangely overlooked games -- listen in to hear our thoughts on the Spiel judges' decisions!FEATURED GAMES:00:00:00 Intro & Banter00:37:42 Mondo01:06:18 Uluru01:27:57 Sun, Sea & SandMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Mondo: “The Call of the Wild”, Victor LundbergUluru: “The Red Soil”, Saira RidleySun, Sea & Sand: “Turtle Beach”, Oakwood StationFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textIt's summer in NC and that means sweltering heat, sweet tea and lots of travel. The guys have been all over the place, but have finally returned to the table for more gaming. Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they take on a trio of gem candidates from revered duo of designers Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling.FEATURED GAMES:00:00 Intro & Banter00:31:10 Einauge sei Wachsam!00:56:33 Asara01:24:54 MaharajaMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Einauge sei Wachsam!: “Over Dark Waters”, Bonnie GraceAsara: “El Khalil”, Rymdklang SoundtracksMaharaja: “Ganges Blues”, Banaras Baba & Kolkata KidFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textWill the supply of game designs from Reiner Knizia ever run out? It's doubtful, so the guys have much more exploring to do of the designer's epic catalog. We bring you part IV of that exploration. Will we find more gems? Or are these games lesser-known for a reason? They can't all be good... right? Find out on this episode with your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff.FEATURED GAMES:00:00 Intro & Banter00:33:17 F.I.T.S.00:57:49 Zombiegeddon01:27:13 QinMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):F.I.T.S.: “My Children”, Martin KlemZombiegeddon: “Zombie Front Line”, MantellQin: “Hiding Shadows”, Josef FalkensköldFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.

Send us a textChris is back from Asia, so what better way to welcome him back to the crew than covering 3 possible gems from Asian designers? Find out how they fare along with the latest banter topics on this episode with your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff.FEATURED GAMES:00:00 Intro & Banter00:37:13 Chronicle01:00:55 Dadaocheng (2nd Edition)01:28:58 Airship CityMUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com):Chronicle: “We Are Giants”, Silver MapleDadaocheng: “What Lao Tse Told Me”, Christian AndersenAirship City: “Covering New Grounds”, Jon BjörkFOLLOW US:Email: [email protected]: https://hiddengems.gamesPatreon: https://patreon.com/hiddengemspodcastInstagram: @hiddengems.gamesFacebook: @hiddengemsboardgamepodcastTwitter: @hiddengemsboardYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8wU2vjV2RJ7C6iRuq2WcABGG Guild #: 3874Discord: https://discord.gg/aXThh3N5KjHidden Gems: A Board Game Podcast was produced and edited by Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey, and Jason Yanchuleff in Raleigh, NC.