Mile High Game Guys: Boardgaming Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 19 - The Return of Jeff's Bloody Minute and Mechs Vs Minions Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

Sorry for the delay, unfortunately show notes were also lost in the computer crash so this week won't have any. Thanks again to all of our awesome listeners for their patience!!! I hope you enjoy the episode and that it proves worth the wait.

Cheers, Adrian

Episode 18 - Isle of Skye and Theme vs Mechanics Nov 02, 2016

Show notes

Today our hosts are once again joined by Guest Host Megan, and the episode begins with more plays of Terraforming Mars and how they finally found time to try out Mech vs Minions and the Pillars of Eternity Game. Some more developments in active kickstarters are mentioned, including Bears vs Babies Stretch goals, and how Tiny Epic Quest’s tiny box will be stuffed to the brim with content. In recent news, Jeff talks about Hero realms and some new Agricola mini expansions are announced. In the review section, our hosts figure out if Isle of Skye is as great as the Germans think it is. After the review, the discussion of Theme vs. Mechanics begins. What is more important in a game? What gets you interested? What keeps you coming back? Can one exist without the other? Answers to these and more! Ending the episode is a response from our first contest winner, MHGGhater! 00:00:37 - Banter!! Feasturing: Recent plays, Seattle, Video Games, Broncos, Season 3 of Jeff's Bloody Minute. 00:18:15 - Kickstarter and News 00:18:24 - Bears Vs Babies 00:21:36 - Chariot Race 00:22:10 - Tiny Epic Quest 00:29:11 - Wiz Kids Agricola Expansions 00:34:26 - Terra Mystica App by DigiDiced 00:36:14 - MHGG Review: Isle of Skye 00:36:45 - Rules Overview 00:41:31 - Initial Thoughts 00:43:20 - Components 00:45:39 - Rules/Gameplay 00:49:55 - Strategy 00:54:27 - Final Thoughts 1:00:45 - Discusion of the Day: Theme Vs Mechanics 01:25:32 - Episode wrap-up, emails, contact info

Episode 17 - Quadropolis and Pacing in Board Games Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

In this week's episode, Zach immediately zones out as Jeff and Adrian discuss Civ 6 and snowboarding, two things he couldn't care less about. He is awakened when the off topic discussion shifts to Red Dead Redemption following the release of the new trailer. Eventually the 3 hosts manage to end up discussing boardgames as they recap the last week of gaming before launching headlong into news and kickstarter discussions. Building on the already solid foundation laid up until this point, the three of them take to reviewing the city building game Quadropolis before working their way into a discussion of pacing in boardgames. The show wraps up as Zach and Adrian recount meeting a fan and then Jeff's true identity is revealed in an email. As always, thanks for listening and ENJOY!!! 00:00:20 Bantering Banter 00:21:31 News and Kickstarter Roundabout Roundup 00:21:35 Bears Vs Babies 00:23:39 Mansions of Madness expansion - Beyond the Threshold 00:27:21 Matt Leacock's Chariot Race 00:28:52 Deep Madness 00:30:51 Medici the Card Game 00:32:50 MHGG Review: Quadroplis 00:33:16 Rules Overview 00:34:25 Initial Thoughts 00:38:38 Components 00:40:04 Rules 00:41:00 Gameplay 00:44:36 Final Thoughts 00:45:36 Discussion of the Day: Pacing in Boardgames

Episode 16 - Terraforming Mars and the Kickstarter Effect Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

Terraforming Mars and the Kickstarter Effect

Opening up the episode, our hosts mention a couple of newly played and finished games, Joking Hazard and Pandemic Legacy Season 1, and Jeff shows his excitement for his upcoming Blood Bowl season. Some interesting news from Essen is talked about, including Pandemic and Ludicreation’s Steal this Game!. Jeff starts our Terraforming Mars review with a rule overview and then they dive into the components, gameplay, and “required” variants.The hosts then move onto our discussion topic, Kickstarter. When did we start using it? Do we still use it? Is it good for the industry? What about kickstarter exclusives? These questions and more lurk within. Finally, we announce the winner of our Giveaway! As always thanks for listening and enjoy!!

00:00:20 - Banter Begin! 00:12:50 - News and Kickstarters!

00:13:51 Pandemic: Legacy Season 2
00:18:33 Feast for Odin
00:19:21 Pandemic: Iberia
00:21:31 Steal This Game Kickstarter

00:23:43 MHGG Review: Terraforming Mars!

00:24:37 Rules Overview
00:25:57 Initial Thoughts
00:35:04 Component Review
00:38:39 Rules and Rulebook Review
00:41:55 Gameplay Review
00:52:48 Final Thoughts

00:58:28 Discussion of the Day: Kickstarter! 01:32:36 Contest Results!!

Episode 15 - Essen, The Networks, and Randomness vs Skill Oct 12, 2016

Show notes

The Networks and the Bitter Rivals: Luck and Skill

The hosts unload a vast treasure of new played games into the opening banter, including Terraforming Mars, Quadropolis, and Twilight Struggle. Then, instead of a regular news and Kickstarter, they discuss Essen Spiel 2016 and some of the games they are looking forward to the most, lack of info be damned. In the review section, they discuss another Essen release, The Networks, and how great it is the run your own TV Network. The discussion of the day is Luck vs Skill. What is better? Can games be fun without a combination of both? Which is more important? These questions and more are answered to the best of our (limited) ability.The episode closes out with a reminder of our first ever Giveaway.

00:00:20 Banter! Handegg! Weekend gaming! Lots and lots of games! Networks, Quadropolis, Terraforming Mars, Imperial Settlers, Twilight Struggle, The Others: 7 Sins, and Pandemic: Legacy 00:25:58 Essen Preview!

00:27:03 - Zach's picks: Raise Your Goblets and Dreams
00:31:46 - Jeff's picks: RONE: Races of New Era, Great Western Trail, and Power Grid: The Card Game
00:34:31 - Adrian's picks: Cottage Garden and A Feast for Odin

00:39:06 MHGG Review: The Networks

00:39:27 Rules Overview
00:40:57 Initial Thoughts
00:42:59 Components
00:46:16 Rules and Rulebook
00:49:17 Gameplay
00:54:20 Final Thoughts

00:56:56 Discussion of the Day: Skill vs Randomness 01:16:50 Contest Reminder and contact stuff!

Episode 14 - Scythe and the Beauty of Great Games Oct 05, 2016

Show notes

Scythe and the Beauty of Great Components

The hosts open the episode with the newly patented Banter section where they recap some newly played and acquired games. The News and Kickstarter section this week features a new Eldritch Horror expansion and a 2nd version of Dominion along with a couple interesting kickstarters; Pathogenesis and Druids. Zach then gives you another Rule Breakdown for this week’s Game Review: Scythe. As we Move from rules to game discussion, we each Produce our initial feelings of Scythe, we Trade some insights into different player counts, before Bolstering our Final Thoughts, which includes Jeff’s opinion on the solo version. The discussion topic today is all about components, including art, graphic design, and game pieces/minis. Lastly the guys announce our first ever Giveaway! As always, thanks for listening and ENJOY!!!

00:00:00 Banter! Featuring Oregon Trail the Board Game, More Captain Sonar, Oceanos, and Red Dragon Inn. 00:14:58 News and Kickstarters! 00:15:02 New Eldritch Horror: Dreamlands 00:18:05 Seafall Tracking Update 00:20:16 Dominion 2nd Edition 00:27:52 Scythe Expansion 00:29:57 Pathogenesis Kickstarter 00:32:13 Druids Kickstarter 00:35:51 MHGG Review: Scythe 00:36:37 Rules/Gameplay Overview 00:37:53 Initial Thoughts 00:39:47 Components 00:43:07 Rules and Rulebook 00:44:45 Gameplay 00:52:45 Final Thoughts 00:58:08 Solo Play 01:04:01 Discussion of the Day: Component and Art Quality in Boardgames 01:30:54 1000 Total Downloads Celebratory Contest!!! 01:xx:xx That's a wrap!!

Episode 13 - Mansions and the Madness of New Editions Sep 28, 2016

Show notes

The Jury is Still out on Editions

Our Hosts, trying out the new “established” format, execute the prescribed Off-Topic Intro Banter, before entertaining themselves with some recently played games. They bring a couple news items to light, like Scythe’s Return policy, as well as mention a few Kickstarters that could be interesting. Moving into the Game of the Week, Zach gives us a Rules Breakdown of Mansions of Madness 2nd edition and then the group follows up with many, many opinions, including comparisons to first edition and the price point . The review smoothly transitions into our topic of the week, Game editions. Whether it's a rule shake-up, component upgrade, or money grab, we discuss what we look for in new editions. A listener email closes out the show. Enjoy!

00:01:00 - 00:21:39 Banter! Featuring beer, Jeff not knowing famous people, Captain Sonar, Scythe, Risk and Pandemic Legacy, Pillars of Eternity, Le Havre, and soap operas! Hooray!

00:21:15 News! Massive Darkness pledge manager goes live, Hanjin has stranded boats and people can't get games, Jamey Stegmaier discussed his 100% money back guarantee, Jeff creeped on the aforementioned Mr. Stegmaier. 00:27:39 Kickstarters! Mars 4:45, Heroes of Normandie Tactical Card Game 00:31:04 MHGG Reviews: Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition! 00:32:48 Rules and Game Overview 00:35:01 Components review 00:37:31 App discussion 00:49:50 Comparing 1st Edition vs 2nd Edition 00:56:30 Cost Analysis 01:01:03 Final Thoughts 01:02:25 Discussion of the Day: Reprints, Re-releases and New Editions! 01:29:20 Emails! 01:33:17 Episode Wrap!

Episode 12 - Captain Sonar and Gamenight Games Sep 21, 2016

Show notes

As the episode numbers climb further into double digits the guys decide to change up the show format one more time. Back is a looser banter section where they talk about what fun things they've been up to and briefly chat about a few games they've played recently. From there your intrepid hosts set out on a new quest: To provide a more specific game review section!

The target of this weeks quest is the team vs team game of submarine warfare: Captain Sonar! To start this new section, Zach runs through a loose description of the rules, then all 3 hosts chat about their experiences playing the game, and finally they all give their final verdict!

Following the shiny new review section comes a welcome bit of familiarity with a Kickstarter Round-Up and Industry News section featuring Thornwatch and Mechs vs Minions.

And last, but in no way least, is the discussion of the day where the hosts follow up on last weeks episode about gamenights by discussing what they look for in a "gamenight game"

Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Banter

00:42 New Equipment
01:23 Show Notes! These ones!
02:29 Football! The Hand-egg version!
- 03:25 Adrian was @ Broncos vs Colts!
04:11 Adrian learns Le Havre
05:46 Games that have sat on our shelves for a while
07:50 Jeff hasn't played anything lately
08:34 What is ISK?
09:23 Zach has played: Stockpile, Race for the Galaxy
10:06 Jeff has been reading rulebooks
11:23 Adrian got a new copy of Risk: Legacy
13:39 Our new plan to play more games
14:10 Zach unleashes one of his greatest weapons
14:23 Discussing new episode format

Weekly Review: Captain Sonar

15:32 Intro
16:16 How to play
22:57 Our experiences
31:58 Final thoughts

Kickstarter Round-up and Industry News

37:50 One Night Ultimate Alien - Less than 1 week to back!
39:19 Jeff's missing Kickstarter
40:45 Thornwatch
47:09 Mechs Vs Minions
52:32 Robinson Crusoe (Last time, probably, maybe, hopefully)

Discussion of the Day: Gamenight Games, a follow up

54:42 Intro
55:06 Zach's Criteria with examples
58:16 Jeff's Criteria and examples
01:00:26 Adrian's Criteria examples
01:02:33 Zach shares a good idea from Tom Vassel
01:08:00 Zach reiterates a plan to play more games

Episode Wrap-up 01:09:16

Episode 11 - The Gamenight Cast Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

Fresh off a post-Top 10 high, the hosts catch back up on what they've been able to get to the table. Jeff starts by leading an expedition into Caverna then taking a toss at Roll for the Galaxy. Zach tries to steal the show with Thieves Market but is soon distracted when Adrian lights the room with Lanterns.

With pleasantries out of the way, it's time for Jeff to mourn the split between Games Workshop- Fantasy Flight only to be comforted with news of a revamped version of Robinson Crusoe. New Kickstarter game Endangereds Orphans leads to a revelation for Jeff while Adrian and Zach double up on backing Unfair. Jeff and Zach also throw money at the Expansion for Tiny Epic Galaxies along with the entire known world.

Actual fan mail leads perfectly into this week's discussion topic where Jeff and Zach help Adrian share what little knowledge he has about organizing a large-scale gaming group in order to help you Organize a Game Night!

Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Banter and Recently Played

02:15 - Jeff leads us deep into Caverna
11:37 - Jeff gives Roll for the Galaxy a roll
12:06 - Zach sells us on Thieves Market
17:24 - Adrian lights up Lanterns
19:31 - Adrian and Zach beat Jeff to Scythe

Gaming News and Kickstarter Round-up

21:49 - Games Workshop splits from Fantasy Flight
31:04 - Robinson Crusoe gets a new edition
33:32 - Endangered Orphans of Condyle Cove KS launched and funded
35:30 - Unfair KS Funded and 1 day left!!
36:18 - Tiny Epic Galaxies: Beyond the Black KS launched and funded

Discusion of the Day: Organizing a Game Night Meetup

39:58 - Topic Intro
40:05 - Relevant Fan Mail
43:09 - Review of our Gamenight Group
47:46 - Determine Why you want to start a gamenight
49:32 - Figure out Where you want to meet
54:04 - Find When works best for your new group
56:10 - Make sure you know Who is coming to your gamenight
58:53 - Do What you can to keep people aware of your events
01:00:09 - Time to HOST!
- 01:00:58 - Make sure people coming have a way to find YOU
- 01:06:19 - Have games available
- 01:07:38 - Be sociable, be a good host, get people involved
01:09:24 - Following up your first event
01:09:59 - Problems can/will arise over time - Deal with them (literally)
- 01:10:23 Inter-personal problems
- 01:11:36 Organization problems
01:13:43 All the hard work pays off
01:15:09 Q&A from the earlier fan mail
- 01:15:39 Q1) Does the group trend towards Regulars or New Attendees?
- 01:17:39 Q2) Do people come in knowing about hobby boardgames?
- 01:19:18 Q3) Do you end up playing a lot of easier, lighter games or do you get to try out new stuff on a regular basis?
- 01:21:01 Q4) Do you guys have a place where you post your Wednesday Meetup locations?

Episode Wrap-Up

01:22:43 Another Email!

MHGG Review: Pandemic Legacy - the first 6 months. Sep 12, 2016

Show notes

This episode is chock full of spoilers for the first 6 months Pandemic Legacy, as such we won't be doing time stamps/ a detailed episode description. We highly recommend listening only if you have completed Pandemic Legacy through June or if you don't particularly care about spoilers for this game.

If you listen just be fully aware of spoilers throughout the episode and enjoy!

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