Table Flips Ep 9. Emberleaf

Ep 9: And am I saying that right? Layers? I always pronounce it. You have an accent. Pronounce it for me. Layers? Layers. I wouldn't do layers. Layers?
In-Person: Am I saying the right layers? You have an accent. Layers? Layers? I I wouldn't do layers. Layers I'm gonna go to layers. I would just say layers. Layers. Yeah, I don't know. You you
Ep 9: I'll just say layers. Layers. I Okay. Layers.
In-Person: Okay. Layers. Yeah, I would do that. Okay,
Ep 9: so funny for
In-Person: Layers we're gonna play layers.
Ep 9: Joshua Capel's Welcome to Table Flips, a podcast hosted by two grown men who have somehow developed more opinions about the thickness, texture, and structural integrity of cardboard than any well-adjusted adult reasonably should. On this week's episode, we'll be talking about games we've been playing, discuss a recent board game call, flip a very annoying table, followed by our featured review, Emberleaf. A fun game to dance with, but is it too loose on the dance floor?
In-Person: Welcome to Table Flips, a podcast hosted by two grown men who have somehow developed more opinions about the thickness, texture, and structural integrity of cardboard than any well-adjusted adult reasonably should. On this week's episode, we'll be talking about games freedom playing, discuss a recent board game poll, flip a very annoying table, followed by our feature review, Emberly. A fun game to dance with, but is it too loose on the dance floor? Alright, so first up is Pitchcar. this was designed by Jean Dupont, published by Fardy and released by Eagle Griffin Games in the US.
Ep 9: Alright, so first up is Pitchcar. this was designed by Jean Dupol, published by Fardy, and released by Eagle Griffin Games in the US. So this is something that's been on my wish list since I've gotten into the hobby, Travis. It's been out of print for so long. Randomly I was out of town going to a concert with my wife, and we had a mix-up on the tickets. In other words, she forgot to get me a ticket for the first half. So I had some time to kill. And what's the best thing to do when you have time to kill?
In-Person: Upon the tickets. In other words, she forgot to give me a ticket for the first half. So I had some time to kill. And what's the best thing to do when you have time to kill? Go to a board game store. Now I heard they were reprinting pitchcard, and this store got some early copies. I ended up getting the base game with just two expansions. Yeah, I remember when this game
Ep 9: Go to a board game store. Now I heard they were reprinting Pitchcar, and this store got some early copies. I ended up getting the base game with just two expansions. Yeah, I remember when this game
In-Person: was called Karabandi. it's been around since the mid-90s. it wasn't until maybe two thousand three or two thousand four that you could get this game in the US
Ep 9: Get this game in the US.
In-Person: without really a heavy import charge. I think this was about forty dollars when it was released in Germany in the nineties, which is like ninety dollars today. plus a shipping charge. the when it became pitch car and was available in the US, I think the game became better production. so it ended up being just as expensive. Yeah, it's good to see it when you walk into a game store now.
Ep 9: was up forty dollars when it was released in Germany in the 90s which is like 90 today plus a shipping charge when it became pitch car and was available in the US I think the game became better production so it ended up being just as expensive it's good to see it when you walk into a game store now
In-Person: I have more money now, although I have a similar lack of desire to purchase
Ep 9: I have more money now although I have a similar lack of desire to purchase it
In-Person: it at that price. I definitely hear that. Now now the base game it comes with eight cars, which are just wooden discs.
Ep 9: I definitely hear that. Now now the base game, it comes with eight cars, which are just wooden disc and some tracks to make a a decently fun race. Now the expansions I got added jumps, a fast turn that you can loop through with some speed. You can also create tunnels, Making the track twice as long, twice as hard, and twice as fun. It's such a simple game. Create a track.
In-Person: Decently fun race. Now the expansions I got added jumps, a fast turn that you can loop through with some speed. You can also create tunnels, Making the track twice as long, twice as hard, and twice as fun. It's such a simple game. Create a track
Ep 9: With the pieces you have, there are straightaways, curves, and jumps. The pieces are all wood and with smooth flat surfaces for the cars to glide on. Now,
In-Person: with the pieces you have. There are straightaways, curves, and jumps. The pieces are all wood and with smooth flat surfaces for the cars to glide on. Now some of the pieces have rails that are these red plastic bits that stick into the wood. I hear some people glue them in so they don't pop out. If you do, then storing everything, well it's gonna be a little bulkier.
Ep 9: some of the pieces have rails that are these red plastic bits that stick into the wood. I hear some people glue them in so they don't pop out. If you do, then storing everything, well, it's gonna be a little bulkier. This game can be played up to eight people. Eight would be tight with a lot of wrecks, which could be really fun.
In-Person: This game can be played up to eight people. Eight would be tight with a lot of reps, which could be really fun.
Ep 9: And so all you do on your turn is you start your car on the start line and you flick it. If it goes off the track, you place your car back to where it was and it's the next person's turn. If your car flips over, well, that's called a wreck. And on your next turn, you flip it over and that's your whole turn. So you don't want to wreck either.
In-Person: And so all you do on your turn is you start your car on the start line and you flick it. If it goes off the track, you place your car back to where it was and it's the next person's turn. If your car flips over, well that's called a wreck. And on your next turn, you flip it over and that's your whole turn. So you don't want to wreck either.
Ep 9: If you knock someone else off the track, well, they go back to where they were, and so do you. It's like you went off the track. So you just take turns flicking and navigating the track.
In-Person: If you knock someone else off the trap, well, they go back to where they were, and so do you. It's like you went off the trap. So you just take turns flicking and navigating the trap. It's a flicking blast. See what I did there? it's awesome. I played this with my kids, and the first day we played it eight to ten times. My wife enjoys this. Hobby gamers enjoy this. You have to just hate fun to not like this game or get some enjoyment out of it.
Ep 9: It's a flicking blast. See what I did there? It's awesome. I played this with my kids, and the first day we played it eight to ten times. My wife enjoys this. Hobby gamers enjoy this. You have to just hate fun to not like this game or get some enjoyment out of it. I can't wait to try this with eight. I immediately, I will say this, Travis. I probably shouldn't. I'm a glutton for punishment, but I immediately pre-ordered two more expansions.
In-Person: I can't wait to try this with eight. I immediately I will say this channel is I probably shouldn't. I'm a glut for punishment punishment, but I immediately pre-ordered two more expansions. boy. One of the expansions creates a flipping second level. I can't wait for that. Now, a fun rule is that if you get a crazy good shot where you jump over and you bypass no more than two tracks, it still counts.
Ep 9: One of the expansions creates a flipping second level. I can't wait for that. Now, a fun rule is that if you get a crazy good shot where you jump over and you bypass no more than two tracks, it still counts. If you bypass
In-Person: pass more than that then it's considered like you went off the track and you just go back to where you start or where you were. I also love how you decide who goes first. No freaking time lapse.
Ep 9: more than that, then it's considered like you went off the track and you just go back to where you start or where you were. I also love how you decide who goes first. You do a freaking time lapse.
In-Person: That's just you going around the lap once and whoever goes around with the fewest flicks goes first. Kinda like an actual race. There's nothing bad to say about this game itself. The only negative which you brought up about this game is definitely the price tag. The base game is at least a hundred bucks, and you'll definitely want at least one or two expansions which will drastically raise the price tag. I will say
Ep 9: That's just you going around the lap once, and whoever goes around with the fewest flicks goes first. Kinda like an actual race. There's nothing bad to say about this game itself. The only negative which you brought up about this game is definitely the price tag. The base game is at least a hundred bucks, and you'll definitely want at least one or two expansions, which will drastically raise the price tag. I will say, everything is solid.
In-Person: Everything is solid
Ep 9: And it should last a long time. Nothing is going to easily break in this game. I got this game over two weeks ago, and it's still set up on the dining room table, and my wife hasn't complained about it yet. Well, it's flicking large. You see what I did there? I think I think this is a good game for you because you have that 12 foot long Montgomery Burns dining gaming table. It is big.
In-Person: and it should last a long time. Nothing is going to easily break this game. I got this game over two weeks ago and it's still set up on the dining room table and my wife hasn't complained about it yet. Well it's flicking large. You see what I did there? I think I think this is a good game for you because you have that twelve foot long Montgomery Burns dining gaming table.
Ep 9: that's really the perfect footprint for this. I never bought this game b mostly because of the price tag. I mean I had fun when I played it before, but just not enough fun spend a car payment to obtain it and all the expansions. I like dexterity games quite a bit. there are plenty of those games though in the thirty dollar range that I enjoy just as much. because of the footprints, I don't have a Montgomery Burden stacking table.
In-Person: that's really the perfect footprint for this. but I never bought this game b mostly because of the price tag. I mean I had fun when I've played it before, but just not enough fun to spend a car payment to obtain it and all the expansions. I like Dexterity games quite a bit. there are plenty of those games though in the thirty dollar range that I enjoy just as much. because of the footprints, I don't have a Montgomery Burns dining table.
Ep 9: Yeah, in fact, I think the game is generally better with a lot of players. I kind of see this as a convention game. Very good point. Also, it has that racing game problem that other racing games kind of have, like Formula D or Robo Rally, which is the game gets better the longer it is, but the longer it is, the less fun it is. So as far as the game games go, it's it's up there with the best. I do find more enjoyment though with a nice crokenal board.
In-Person: And the fact that I think the game is generally better with a lot of players, I kind of see this as a convention game or a party game. Also, it has that racing game problem that other racing games kind of have, like Formula D or Robo Rally, which is the game gets better the longer it is, but the longer it is, the less fun it is. So as far as flicking games go, it's it's up there with the best. I do find more enjoyment though with a nice crokinole board.
Ep 9: I still need to play that. So I think overall if it's a very specific set of circumstances, which I think you have. You have a big table and you have four plus dedicated players. but if I'm a large gaming get together, I'll always play this if it's around.
In-Person: So I think overall if it's a very specific set of circumstances, which I think you have. You have a big table and you have four plus dedicated players. but if I'm a large gaming get together, I'll always play this if it's around. So
Ep 9: Nice. so yeah, so that was pitch cutter.
In-Person: so yeah, so that was Pitch Car.
Ep 9: let's move on to dot five. This is by Johan Levit and Blue Orange Games, published in twenty twenty six.
In-Person: let's move on to Got Five. This is by Joan Levitt and Blue Orange Games, published in 2026.
Ep 9: so Got 5 is my family's latest game obsession. I've talked in previous episodes about our love of deduction games, and Got 5 distills all that deduction fun of like sleuth or clue to a 20-minute game.
In-Person: so got five is my family's latest game obsession. I've talked in previous episodes about our love of deduction games, and got five distills all that deduction fun of like sleuth or clue to a 20-minute game.
Ep 9: in Got 5, you have 60 Bakelight tiles. They're numbered one to 60 in five colors. and they're reminiscent of the ghosts and Pac-Man to me. I don't know if they bring up any sort of association view, but that's what I.
In-Person: and got five. You have 60 bakelight tiles. They're numbered one to sixty in five colors. and they're reminiscent of the ghosts and Pac-Man to me. I don't know if they bring up any sort of association to you, but that's what I got out of it. I will piece of this. They have eyes on one side and the
Ep 9: Definitely. Our little pieces of candy. They have eyes on one side and then
In-Person: number with one to three pips on it. each player is given a dry erase board with all the tile numbers from one to sixty listed on it so that you can take notes on what you see and what you know.
Ep 9: Pips on Each player is given a dry erase board with all the tile numbers from one to sixty listed on it so that you can take notes of what you see and what you know. The tiles are placed numbered side down and shuffled, and then each player will take a tile on each color without seeing the numbered side, and we'll have the other players arrange those tiles on their personal board in sequential order. Then the star player will flip into the pool one tile each color, and your goal is to figure out first.
In-Person: the tiles are placed numbered side down and shuffled, and then each player will take a tile in each color without seeing the numbered side, and we'll have the other players arrange those tiles on their personal board in sequential order. Then the star player will flip into the pool one tile of each color, and your goal is to figure out first what your tiles are. So you will first cross out all the tiles in the pool and then the other players' boards. Then on your turn, you'll flip a tile into the pool.
Ep 9: what your tiles are. So you will first cross out all the tiles in the pool and then the other players' boards. Then on your turn, you'll flip a tile into the pool each player's personal board has notches in it so the other players can easily show where the tile fits in your line. Or you choose a tile from the pool and place it over a tile in your hand and ask the other players if the tile has the same number of pips as the tile you've chosen. A simple yes or no answer. The tile you choose in either case will stay on your board, so you can always refer to it in case you make a mistake. Once you figure out what your tiles are, even
In-Person: each player's personal board has notches in it so the other players can easily show where the tile fits in your line. Or you choose a tile from the pool and place it over a tile in your hand and ask the other players if the tile has the same number of pips as the tile you've chosen. A simple yes or no answer. The tile you choose in either case will stay on your board, so you can always refer to it in case you make a mistake. Once you figure out what your tiles are. Even if it's not your turn, you say got five
Ep 9: if it's not your turn, you say got five.
In-Person: and if you're right, you win. If you're wrong, you're out.
Ep 9: And if you're right, you win. If you're wrong, you're out. And my gosh, Travis, I can't believe that you got five before I even got two or three of mine. I'm still trying to figure out how to do all that deduction as fast as you.
In-Person: Well, I'm I'm really good. That's how I did it. I mean the the game is not definitely not sleuth complexity. what it does do is introduce deduction to a younger audience while giving a good quick puzzle to adults. And I really like the tactile, clicky,
Ep 9: I mean the the game is not definitely not smooth complexity. what it does do is introduce deduction to a younger audience while giving a good quick puzzle to adults. And I really like the tactile, clicky.
In-Person: clacky bake light tiles. And I like games with dry erase boards, so it just enhances that kids game sort of feel. But it makes the game so attractive, functional, and approachable.
Ep 9: And I like games with dry eraseboards. It just enhances that kids game sort of feel. But it makes the game so attractive, functional, and approachable.
In-Person: the deduction is good, but it also feels like an optimization game, also, where you have to find the right tile to eliminate as much of your board as possible. It also it kind of reminds me of guess who in that regard. That's exactly is. That's exactly it feels like. Yeah, I I've played with two and
Ep 9: the deduction is good. But it also feels like an optimization game, also, where you have to find the right tile to eliminate as much of your board as possible. It also c it kinda reminds me of Guess Who. my gosh. That's exactly right. That's exactly what it feels like. Yeah, I I played with two of
In-Person: three. I haven't played with four, but it was filmable two and three. I think I would like the four player game because you s you get a lot more information on the other players' turns. And that's kind of the problem.
Ep 9: I think I would like the four-player game because you s you get a lot more information on the other players' turns. And that's kind of the problem. The only problem I see with this one is you don't really get a whole lot by what the other players are doing. It doesn't enhance your deduction at all. The only thing that really happens is maybe the players will choose a tile on their turn that you haven't eliminated and you can cross it off. But I mean it plays so quick that that doesn't bother me very much. playing with two players, you have
In-Person: The only problem I see with this one is you don't really get a whole lot by what the other players are doing. It doesn't enhance your deduction at all. the only thing that really happens is maybe the players will choose a tile on their turn that you haven't eliminated and you can cross it off. But I mean it plays so quick that that doesn't bother me very much. when playing with two players, you have five to seven turns with three players. You have to really figure it out within five turns, I think. I do need to play with four to see how that pacing
Ep 9: Five to seven turns with three players, you have to really figure it out within five turns, I think. I do need to play with four to see how that pacing goes and how many turns it would take to get the right answer.
In-Person: goes and how many turns it would take to get the right answer.
Ep 9: my gosh, you're so right. How this is just a more complex guess who. That is a perfect way to describe this.
In-Person: Guess That is a perfect way to involve this.
Ep 9: Wow. So that was
In-Person: Yeah, so that was Got Five by Blue Orange.
Ep 9: Up next is Layers by Josh Capell and Christopher Westmos. Published by KTGB. And
In-Person: Up next is Layers by Josh Capell and Christopher Westmas, published by KTGB. And I
Ep 9: I I don't think it's needed, Travis, but I'm gonna say spoiler warning here. If anyone doesn't want to listen about stuff in the expansion, with the way they put it. I don't think it's a spoiler, but there's your warning. That would be really dumb. Yeah.
In-Person: I don't think it's needed, Travis, but I'm gonna say spoiler warning here. If anyone doesn't wanna listen about stuff in the expansion, the way they put it. I don't think it's a spoiler, but there's your warning. Yeah, that would be really dumb.
Ep 9: I was excited about this game, Travis. Imagine a dungeon crawler game for two players played like the classic Battleship game. At the start, each player builds a dungeon on their board.
In-Person: I was excited about this game, Travis. Imagine a dungeon caller game for two players played like the classic battleship game. At the start, each player builds a dungeon on their board.
Ep 9: You have 20 walls to place, 3 traps, 3 treasure chests, and 3 monsters. You also decide where the start is and the exit is. There are already walls surrounding the dungeon, so you don't have to worry about that. Whoever finishes building first goes first. And going first is an advantage in this game, but also making a good dungeon is important. There are player shields covering the dungeons, and each player has a paper grid of the dungeon. On your turn,
In-Person: You have 20 walls to place, 3 traps, 3 treasure chests, and 3 monsters. You also decide where the start is and the exit is. There are already walls surrounding the dungeon, so you don't have to worry about that. Whoever finishes building first goes first. And going first is an advantage in this game. But also making a good dungeon is important. There are player shields covering the dungeons, and each player has a paper grid of the dungeon. On your turn,
Ep 9: You're going to be taking actions by moving cubes
In-Person: you're going to be taking actions by moving cubes on your player board that will allow you to creep around your opponent's dungeon to find treasure, avoid traps, fight monsters, and eventually get out Travis. As you move around the dungeon, you're going to fill out what you find on your dungeon map. Once you peek into a room or move into it, the other player tells you about the walls connected to the room and if there's anything in
Ep 9: on your player board that will allow you to creep around your opponent's dungeon to find treasure, avoid traps, fight monsters, and eventually get out. Travis, as you move around the dungeon, you're going to fill out what you find on your dungeon map. Once you peek into a room or move into it, the other player tells you about the walls connected to the room and if there's anything in it.
In-Person: it. Now the way you take actions is by moving action cubes on your player board. They all start in a brush box.
Ep 9: Now the way you take actions is by moving action cubes on your playboard. They all start in a fresh box. And when you spin them, they go to a are you ready for this? Spent box. If you get hurt, they go into a fatigue box. Once all the cubes are spent or fatigued, or you choose to save a cube for future rounds, your turn ends.
In-Person: When you spin them, they go two-way and run to this spent box. If you get hurt, they go into a fatigue box. Once all the cubes are spent or fatigued, or you choose to save the cube for future rounds, your turn ends.
Ep 9: Certain monsters and traps can hurt you by making you put your actions cubes in the fatigue box, making it harder to take actions
In-Person: Certain monsters and traps can hurt you by making you put your actions cubes in the fatigue box, making it harder to take action.
Ep 9: on later turns. Now the action cubes can be white, which are normal ones, or they could be a certain color like blue or red or orange, and you can do more powerful actions with them. Throughout the game, you're gonna gain treasures and junk cards. Treasures will give you points, and junk cards might give you bonus awesome actions that you can take throughout the game.
In-Person: On later turns. Now the action cubes can be white, which are normal ones, or they can be a certain color like blue or red or orange, and you can do more powerful actions with them. Throughout the game, you're gonna gain treasures and jump cards. Treasures will give you points, and jump cards might give you bonus, awesome actions that you can take throughout the game.
Ep 9: When someone exits and you can only exit when you have a certain combination of treasures or defeated monsters, then the other player has one last turn, and then you
In-Person: When someone exits and you can only exit when you have a certain combination of treasures or defeated monsters, then the other player has one last turn and then You count your points. Travis, what'd
Ep 9: count your points. Travis, what'd you think?
In-Person: you think? boy. Overall,
Ep 9: Cooper Hall.
In-Person: I was just meh I mean the idea of a head to head dungeon
Ep 9: I mean th th the idea of head to head dungeon
In-Person: crawl is is interesting, I guess. But the way this game is just arranged, there's just so much parody between the two players that you don't feel like you're doing anything different from the other player. You're just doing it in a different order.
Ep 9: This game is just arranged, there's just so much parody between the two players that you don't feel like you're doing anything different from the other player. You're just doing it in a different order. Because the players were using the same monsters and the same traps, and you see those from the beginning of game, there's just nothing to discover. And you have an adventurer, but nothing really happens to that adventure.
In-Person: Because the players were using the same monsters and the same traps, and you see those from the beginning of the game, there's just nothing to discover. And you have an adventurer, but nothing really happens to that adventurer. Uncovering the dungeon with different action types was also just not that interesting. You're shuffling cubes around different boxes, and you're dealing with fatigue with your cubes was so unfulfilling. You didn't feel like
Ep 9: Uncovering the dungeon with different action types was also just not that interesting. You're shuffling cubes around different boxes and you're dealing with fatigue with your cubes. It was so unfulfilling. You didn't feel like you're you're getting fatigued, or you're you know, feeling like you can't do certain actions. Especially since most of the actions you just use any two cubes. It wasn't like you needed a specific action cube. Very true.
In-Person: You're you're getting fatigued or you're, you know, feeling like you can't do certain actions. Especially since most of the actions you could just use any two cubes. It wasn't like you needed a specific action cube.
Ep 9: And your game, your adventure, he doesn't get any ad adverse effects. So there's no interesting things like collecting alternate items that you can craft and make different actions or ways to attack or potions to help you. It's just
In-Person: And your game your adventure, he doesn't get any adverse effects. So there's no interesting things like collecting alternate items that you can craft and make different actions or ways to attack or potions to help you. It's just
Ep 9: there's so much territory that could have been explored with a design that just wasn't at all.
In-Person: There's so much territory that could have been explored with a design that just wasn't at all.
Ep 9: So true. And so if you like dungeon
In-Person: So if you like
Ep 9: crawlers, this is very It's a very interesting take for a two-player game where you're slowly learning about a dungeon that the other player builds for you. I will say I had fun blindly roaming around and trying to find stuff faster than my opponent. I like battling the monsters or trying to decide if I should spend time to defuse a trap. The junk cards give you special powers and you can get different ability cubes that will help you find more junk cards around the dungeon if you want to focus on that. And so throughout the game
In-Person: It's a very interesting take for a two-player game where you're slowly learning about a dungeon that the other player builds for you. I will say I had fun blindly roaming around and trying to find stuff faster than my opponent. I like battling the monsters or trying to decide if I should spend time to defuse the trap. The jump cards give you special powers and you can get different ability cubes that will help you find more jump cards around the dungeon if you want to focus on that. And so throughout the game,
Ep 9: You can kinda customize your abilities that you want to focus on. I also enjoyed it when my opponent was taking their turn and they were blindly roaming around the dungeon that I built for them. I'm hoping the whole time that they're gonna go down a certain hallway where I played a nasty trap and a monster back to back that I know will wreak havoc on them, really slowing them down, hopefully. It was fun describing to your opponent what they'll run into. and seeing the disappointment when they think they're entering a room that holds treasure,
In-Person: You can kinda customize your abilities that you want to focus on. I also enjoyed it when my opponent was taking their turn and they were blindly roaming around the dungeon that I built for them. I'm hoping the whole time that they're gonna go down a certain hallway where I played a nasty trap and a monster back to back that I know will wreak havoc on them, really slowing them down, hopefully. It was fun describing to your opponent what they'll run into. and seeing the disappointment when they think they're entering a room that holds treasure.
Ep 9: Only to describe a big empty room to them. That was fun. But it was missing something, Travis. I think you're right about that, and it was missing a lot of somethings. I felt like we only played this at half its strength. Because well, we only played like half the game. We played the full game, but truly only half of what the game offers.
In-Person: Only to describe a big empty room to them. That was fun. But it was missing something, Travis. I think you're right about that. It was missing a lot of something. I felt like we only played this at half its strength. Because well, we only played like half the game. We played the full game, but truly only half of what the game offers.
Ep 9: Why is that? Well, when you get the base game, you only are playing a very dumbed-down version of this game. The base game comes with only three of the same monsters, three of the same traps for each player. So you get one type of monster and one trap. You only have a few special actions you can do with your cubes. For example, you might creep, peek, and hustle. That's it. Now you have a player shield.
In-Person: Why is that? Well, when you get the base game, you only are playing a very dumbed-down version of this game. The base game comes with only three of the same monsters, three of the same traps for each player. So you get one type of monster and one trap. You only have a few special actions you can do with your cubes. For example, you might creep, peek, and hustle. That's it. Now you have a player shield.
Ep 9: Which is your player aid, and you will notice with the base game that only like one fourth, maybe if I'm being nice, one third is filled out. And so there's all this blank area, meaning you need the expansion to stick on with stickers almost three-fourths of available actions. So the base game is very, very lacking. Like it might be fun for half the game.
In-Person: Which is your player aid, and you will notice with the base game that only like one-fourth, maybe if I'm being nice, one-third is filled out. And so there's all this blank area, meaning you need the expansion to stick on with stickers almost three-fourths of available actions. So the base game is very, very lacking. Like it might be fun for half the game.
Ep 9: Then you will feel like something, a lot of something is missing. Now the Adventure Pack, which is the name of the expansion that completes the game, is divided into four boxes. Again, spoiler warning, you can treat it like a legacy game, which would be dumb, I think, but up to you. You do whatever you want to do.
In-Person: then you will feel like something, a lot of something is missing. Now the adventure path, which is the name of the expansion that completes the game, is divided into four boxes. Again, spoiler warning, you can treat it like a legacy game, which would be dumb, I think, but up to you. You do whatever you want to
Ep 9: Now, when Travis and I played, I only had time to open two of the four boxes. I'm glad I decided to open at least a few before our first game, because it would have barely been in game without them. The expansion gives you more colored cubes, so you have more special actions you can do throughout the game. You get a lot more monsters and a lot more traps, more than you will ever need. You even get a big boss monster in the last box. In other words,
In-Person: Now when Travis and I played, I only had time to open two of the four boxes. I'm glad I decided to open at least a few before our first game, because it would have barely been a game without them. The expansion gives you more colored cubes, so you have more special actions you can do throughout the game. You get a lot more monsters and a lot more traps, more than you will ever need. You even get a big boss monster in the last box. In other words,
Ep 9: You get a complete game that to me kinda looks fun. Haven't played the whole game yet. I hope to soon. But why, Travis? Why release a game like this?
In-Person: You get a complete game that to me kind of looks fun. Haven't played the whole game yet. I hope to soon. But why, Travis, why release a game like this? Yeah, I don't know. It's rough. I I I hate to be a
Ep 9: It's rough. I I hate to be a
In-Person: broken record, but I think this is just another game that doesn't understand what it wants to be or what swim
Ep 9: What's
In-Person: lane it's in. I think this is kind of a big thing for me
Ep 9: I think this is kind of a big thing for me.
In-Person: when evaluating games and their production. Or in certain circumstances, their design. this is a case I think that falls in the production camp. For instance, I mean we just talked about Got 5. It's a blue orange game. Blue Orange doesn't veer from its formula very much. If I buy a blue orange game, I know what I'm getting. It'll be a 20-minute family game. It'll have cute pieces, and it'll be a little bit of a puzzle. With KTBG, I I really don't know what I'm getting.
Ep 9: This is a case I think that falls in the production can. For instance, I mean we just talked about GON5. It's a blue orange game. Blue orange doesn't veer from its formula very much. If I buy a blue orange game, I know what I'm getting. It'll be a 20-minute family game. It'll have two pieces and it'll be a little bit of puzzle. With KTBG, I really don't know what I'm getting. All their game covers kind of look the same,
In-Person: All their game covers kind of look the same.
Ep 9: but they aren't the same level of game. I owned a Creature Comforts at one point, for instance, and similarly it was too long and complex in some areas to be a family game, but the art and some of the mechanics definitely suggested that it wanted to be a family-oriented game. So true. For a gamer, that unevenness just doesn't work. And for Lairs, you you're not producing two different games by releasing it this way.
In-Person: But they aren't the same level of game. I owned a creature comforts at one point, for instance. And similarly, it was too long and complex in some areas to be a family game. But the art and some of the mechanics definitely suggested that it wanted to be a family-oriented game. For a gamer, that unevenness just doesn't work. And for Lairs, you you're not producing two different games by releasing it this way. Just give everybody all the content up front because you
Ep 9: Just give everybody all the content up front because you've gone past that family-oriented cute cuddly game. It's no longer that. So with this theme, you know, when you told me about this game, my mind went two directions. Is it a 30-minute build and destroy game or is it, you know, a hundred and fifty-minute intense outwit, outplay, two-player tactical game? But what you get is something in the middle.
In-Person: Gone past that family-oriented, cute, cuddly game. It's no longer that. So with this theme, you know, when you told me about this game, my mind went two directions. Is it a 30-minute build and destroy game, or is it, you know, a hundred and fifty-minute intense outwit, outplay, two-player tactical game? But what you get is something in the middle that's neither one of those things. You get a 90-minute bland, boring kind of slog.
Ep 9: That's neither one of those things. You get a ninety minute bland, boring kind of slog. It doesn't play fast enough to be the one and it's not interesting enough out of the box to be the other. I guess my my thing is decide what game you're trying to make and make that game.
In-Person: It doesn't play fast enough to be the one and it's not interesting enough out of the box to be the other. I guess my my thing is decide what game you're trying to make and make that game.
Ep 9: So true. And so I have concerns that with the full game, things still might play out a little samey. Meaning,
In-Person: Mean
Ep 9: why do both players have to have the same monsters and traps? why not draft your monsters? And we each have different monsters and traps, so you don't know what you might run into. That would be kind of interesting. Maybe that's a variant, and I don't even know it yet. I definitely want to play this game at full strength. And I want to try a lot of the components in the deeper dungeon expansion. Yes, that's the next expansion.
In-Person: Each have different monsters and traps, so you don't know what you might run into. That would be kind of interesting. Maybe that's a variant, I don't even know it yet. I definitely want to play this game at full strength, and I'm gonna try a lot of the components in the deeper dungeon expansion. Yes, that's the next expansion.
Ep 9: there's a three verse one where you have this one dungeon maker and three dungeon crawlers.
In-Person: there's a three verse one where you have this one dungeon maker and three dungeon crawlers.
Ep 9: That looks interesting. You can also add unique walls and different abilities with challenging puzzles. Again, making the game a lot longer. and you can also add player powers, and each player gets certain items that's more customizes your crawler. So while I'm hesitant, I I'm also
In-Person: That looks interesting. You can also add unique walls and different abilities with challenging puzzles. Again, making the game a lot longer. and you can also add player powers and each player gets certain items that more customizes your crawler. So while I'm hesitant, I'm also a little excited and kind of want to keep trying it just a little bit to see where it goes. I don't.
Ep 9: little excited and kind of want to keep trying it just a little bit to see where it goes. But again, why release a game like this? Why not release the base game with the expansion?
In-Person: Why release a game like this? Why not release the base game with the expansion? Yeah, I I I d I don't understand. If we if we played the full game, would it be more interesting? I to be honest, the game has already shot itself in the foot. So I wasn't interested in the basic game enough to see really what was else was there. Now, as a grown up, if you gave me all the modules and I could pick and choose what kind of game I wanted and could jump right to that.
Ep 9: If we played the full game, would it be more interesting? I to be honest, the game's already shot itself in the foot. So I wasn't interested in the basic game enough to see really what once was there. Now, as a grown-up, if you gave me all the modules and I could pick and choose what kind of game I wanted and could jump right to that, that
In-Person: That would be something, but this game's not going to get that chance of me. You're to have to play with somebody else.
Ep 9: would be something. But this game's not going to get that chance with me. You're to have to play with somebody else. As far as what I was looking for in this genre, I think there are better games that hold up in kind of a similar thematic way, I guess. Stone Spire Architects is a good one. I really like Dungeon Lords, although it's not a two-player game. You kind of get the same sort of feeling there. I really like Dungeon Twister. It's a two player heads-up
In-Person: As far as what I was looking for in this genre, I think there are better games that hold up in kind of a similar thematic way, I guess. Stone Spire Architects is a good one. I really like Dungeon Lords, although it's not a two-player game. You kind of get the same sort of feeling there. I really like Dungeon Twister. It's a two-player heads-up.
Ep 9: just dash for things in a you know, a maze like dungeon. I just think those are
In-Person: just dash for things in a you know a maze like dungeon. I just think those are better options. Well last time you suggested better options I got
Ep 9: Better options. Well, last time you suggested better options, I got Karuba and really enjoyed that. So I'm definitely gonna have to try some of those. And I think I'm gonna make this my table flip this week.
In-Person: I think I'm gonna make this my table clip this week.
Ep 9: And this company i i it's not the only one who does this. Okay. Other companies have split games up where the expansion either fixes the game or completes it. And and I don't just want to accuse companies of greed or doing a money grab, but it's hard not to see it that way. If you're releasing a game, release the whole game, a full game.
In-Person: no. It's not the only one who does this. Okay, other companies have split games up where the expansion either fixes the game or completes it. And I don't just want to accuse companies of greed or doing a money grab, but it's hard not to see it that way. If you're releasing a game, release the whole game, a full game.
Ep 9: Layers, the base game can barely be called a game. I guess they're trying to market, like you said, to a more family-friendly
In-Person: Layers, the base game, can barely be called a game. I guess they're trying to market, like you said, to more family. friendly version, but the base game is why I left mass market games. Cause they're usually not good. If I just bought the base game and knew nothing about the expansion, fixing the game or completing the game, I would have no desire to go out of my way
Ep 9: version, but the base game is why I left mass market games. Cause they're usually not good. If I just bought the base game and knew nothing about the expansion, fixing the game or completing the game, I would have no desire to go out of my way. And by the expansion. You know, I kind of heard this a little bit, you know, with viticulture versus Tuscany expansion or
In-Person: and buy the expansion. You know, I kind of heard this a little bit, you know, with viticulture vs Tuscany expansion or
Ep 9: barrage with the light water expansion. What do you think, Travis?
In-Person: Barrage with the light water expansion. Just slow down, slow down there. I I'm I'm rejecting that. I think barrage with the nations, the officers, the tectiles, the auction, as written in the base rules, is plenty of game. They will infinitely expand it. So like I see your point. As far as viticulture, Jamie Stegmeier seems to be not only a game design tweaker, but is somebody who has this like old
Ep 9: I'm rejecting that. I think barrage with the nations, the officers, the tectiles, the auction, as written in the base rules, is plenty of game. They will infinitely expand it, so like I see your point. As far as viticulture, Jamie Stegmeyer seems to be not only a game design tweaker, but is somebody who has this like old war game philosophy, which is to say.
In-Person: War game philosophy, which is to say, I'm just gonna release this game and it's probably not balanced, but let people play it a thousand times and I'll just correct it. That was done with tapestry, and I think you know the new versions of viticulture have just continued to expand on that. personally, the original viticulture was not good. but with Tuscany, it is good. should that have been figured out before releasing viticulture?
Ep 9: I'm just gonna release this game and it's probably not balanced, but let people play it a thousand times and I'll just correct it. That was done with tapestry and I think you know the new versions of viticulture just continue to expand on that. personally, the original Viticulture was not good. but with Tuscany, it is good. should that have been figured out before releasing Viticulture? I don't know, but is that the problem here?
In-Person: I don't know, but is that the problem here? It
Ep 9: It seems what was attempted with theirs was some sort of learn the rules as you go faux campaign game. I know there are other games that did this faux campaign with maybe more success, like revive comes to mind. That was kind of about discovery and story. I mean, was it was it successful?
In-Person: seems what was attempted with Lair's was some sort of learn the rules as you go faux campaign game. And I know there are other games that did this faux campaign with maybe more success, like revive comes to mind. That was kind of about discovery and story. I mean, was it was it successful?
Ep 9: I don't know, maybe not really. I just went in there and opened everything and were.
In-Person: I don't know, maybe not really. I just went in there and opened everything in Revive and added it to the game. But I mean nobody had any confusion on what kind of game Revive was. I I can remember It's a Wonderful World kinda did this also. Yeah. To be honest, these games are so abstract, nobody is looking for story. So I didn't really get it. Your game is either a campaign game or it isn't. With Lairs, again, there's no story just
Ep 9: into the game. Same. But I mean nobody had any confusion on what kind of game revive was. I I can remember It's a Wonderful World kind of did this also. To be honest, these games are so abstract. Nobody is looking for story, so I didn't really get it. Your game is either a campaign game or it isn't. With Lairs, again there's no story, just discovery and it's hidden content and that's done really poorly.
In-Person: discovery and its hidden content, and that's done really poorly. I'm straining to think of a game that does this as poorly as Layers does. This is kind of next level because that basic game qualifies, I guess, as a game in the broad sense, but it doesn't register as a game to my standards.
Ep 9: I'm straining to think of a game that does this as poorly as Narush does. This is kind of next level, because that basic game qualifies, I guess, is a game in the broad sense, but it doesn't register as a game to my standards. and that isn't even the worst part. And so
In-Person: So
Ep 9: what makes me want to double flip some tables is the two-hour research I had to do to make sure I was actually bought the game that included the adventure pack. So
In-Person: game that included the adventure path. So
Ep 9: I was hearing some fun stuff
In-Person: I was hearing some fun stuff.
Ep 9: about this game because I'm a hobbyist, I knew I needed the expansion. I wanted to give this game its fair shot and wanted to play with the expansion. So they just did a Kickstarter for another expansion called Deeper Dungeon that again turns the game into a three vs one. Looks interesting. There's a bundle where if you get the Kickstarter, you get the base game, deeper dungeon expansion, and ooh, box zero, which is just a small box with a few more traps and monsters.
In-Person: knew I needed the expansion. I wanted to give this game its bare shot and wanted to play with the expansion. So they just did a Kickstarter or another expansion called Deeper Dungeon that again turns the game into a 3v1. Looks interesting. There's a bundle where if you get the Kickstarter, you get the base game, Deeper Dungeon expansion, and box zero, which is just a small box with a few more traps and monsters.
Ep 9: Does it come with the Adventure Pack as well? Does it, Travis? Does it? Who knows? It's not on the description. The place I'm ordering it from doesn't know either. They read the description to me and the company selling me the game cannot confirm or deny if the adventure pack is included. I heard rumors
In-Person: Does it come with the adventure pack as well? Does it, Travis? Does it? Who knows? It's not on the description. I I don't care. The place I'm ordering it from doesn't know either. They read the description to me and the company selling me the game cannot confirm or deny if the adventure pack is included. I heard
Ep 9: that the adventure pack comes with the original Kickstarter. Does it come with the deeper dungeon Kickstarter as well? Does it? So I'm paying for a game.
In-Person: That the adventure pack comes with the original Kickstarter. Does it come with the Deeper Dungeon Kickstarter as well? Does it? So being for day
Ep 9: That I don't even know if I'm getting the expansion that actually makes the game playable. Sorry, that actually makes the game decent. I spend another hour searching just for the adventure pack expansion, which is really hard to find right now. I find
In-Person: that I don't even know if I'm getting the expansion that actually makes the game playable. Sorry, that actually makes the game decent. I spend another hour searching just for the adventure pack expansion, which is really hard to find right now.
Ep 9: one copy, buy it, then after another hour of researching, I find a thread in a form that says if you buy the Kickstarter version, that it comes with the Adventure Pack. But the company selling me the game doesn't know for sure. So what?
In-Person: Buy it, then after another hour of researching, I find a thread in a forum that says if you buy the Kickstarter version, that it comes with the adventure pack. But the company selling me the game doesn't know for sure. So what do I do? What do I believe? In the end, it did come with it. So now I have a standalone adventure pack expansion that I have to spend more money to return back to the other company I bought from. What
Ep 9: Do I do? What do I believe? In the end, it did come with it. So now I have a standalone adventure pack expansion that I have to spend more money to return back to the other company I bought it from. What a freaking struggle just to buy this game. Luckily, yes, I did get a ding and dent version with 20% off, but Travis, buying a game should not be this complicated. Why was there not a good description about what you get on the company's site?
In-Person: Freaking struggled just to buy this game. Luckily, yes, I did get a ding and dent version with 20% off, but Travis, buying a game should not be this complicated. Why was there not a good description about what you get on the company's site?
Ep 9: I don't wanna have to read the original Kickstarter and all the updates just to understand if I'm getting what I need. The site listed everything, base game, deeper dungeon expansion, box zero expansion, but nothing
In-Person: I don't want to have to read the original Kickstarter and all the updates just to understand if I'm getting what I need. The site listed everything. Base game, deeper dungeon expansion, box zero expansion, but nothing.
Ep 9: about the adventure pack expansion. I don't wanna have to work this hard to make sure I get a game, the whole game, so I can play a game the way it was intended to be played.
In-Person: About the adventure package range. I don't want to have to work this hard to make sure I get a game, the whole game, so I can play a game the way it was intended to be played. Did you know Lairs has an eight point one rating on BGG? What the reason
Ep 9: What? That's one of the reasons why I thought it was gonna be good.
In-Person: I I mean that whole struggle you speak about is that's pretty bad.
Ep 9: I mean that whole struggle we speak about is that's pretty bad. But I mean it's the age of Kickstarter, so I mean it really Kickstarter is made secondhand buying really different. It's is likely that the game you would have kick started if you hadn't missed being an early adopter is different than what other people would choose as their add-ons.
In-Person: But I mean it's the age of Kickstarter. So I mean it really Kickstarters made secondhand buying really difficult. Is different than what other people would choose as their add ons. And some of those add ons won't be printed again. So to even identify your exact configuration of the game you would want on the second hand market can be next to impossible.
Ep 9: And some of those add-ons won't be printed again. So to even identify your exact configuration of the game you want on the secondhand market can be next to impossible. I mean, even worse for me, speaking of expansions, are those games that just release frivolous expansions so you no longer know how to play the best version of that game. Queen Games is notorious for this. I've fallen victim to both the Alhambra and the Kingdom Builder big boxes to just never
In-Person: I mean, even worse for me, speaking of expansions, are those games that just release frivolous expansions so you no longer know how to play the best version of that game. Queen Games is notorious for this. I've fallen victim to both the Alhambra and the Kingdom Builder big boxes to just never
Ep 9: really rare from the base game. And in fact it makes the base game harder to play because now you have to find all those components in the big box. And it takes the game
In-Person: really veer from the base game. And in fact, it makes the base game harder to play because now you have to find all those components in the big box. And it taints the game
Ep 9: from being a classic, which really those two games should be thought of as classics.
In-Person: From being a classic, which really those two games should be thought of as classics. like Kark's own. I mean, even Dominion has jumped the shark. everything past prosperity is just really a struggle to justify, if not for having more kingdom cards. I I like the extra cards, but most of the extra rules are just really unnecessary. But
Ep 9: Like Park's own. I mean even Dominion has jumped the shark. But everything past prosperity is just really a struggle to justify. If not for having more kingdom cards. I I like the extra cards, but most of the extra rules are just really unnecessary. yeah, Queen Games, Amerikesh. Travis, which Americash should I buy? Aren't there three or four or five versions of that game? Exactly.
In-Person: Yeah, exactly. I'm sure I bought the wrong one. So I already have a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to this game. But this game does
Ep 9: I already have a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to this game. But this game does. Yeah, it seems fun. I want to keep playing and try more of the neat toys. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment, but don't punish me, publishers, like this. This does not
In-Person: it seems fun. I wanna keep playing and try more of the neat toys. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment, but don't punish me publishers like this. This does not
Ep 9: welcome people to our hobby. This scares people away. Tabled flipped. And again, that was because of Lairs by Josh Capell and Christopher Westmas, published by KTGB.
In-Person: Welcome people to our hobby. This scares people away. Table flips. And again, that was because of Layers by Josh Capell and Christopher Westmas, published by KTGB.
Ep 9: So now we come to that blessed time of the episode where we purge our soul and we decide to give up
In-Person: So now we come to that blessed time of the episode where we purge our soul and we decide to give up.
Ep 9: another game to make room on ourselves. So Travis, what are you calling this week? Well, it's
In-Person: Another game to make room on ourselves. So Travis, what are you calling this week? Well, it's sad, but my call of the week this week is the Mage Knight board game from Vlada, Chivado, and WizKids released in
Ep 9: Next week is the Mage Knight board game from College Model and WizKids released in
In-Person: 2011. I had the second edition of this game, and I'm not talking about the ultimate edition. Unlike many though, I'm not selling this to upgrade my copy.
Ep 9: Unlike many though, I'm not selling this to upgrade my copy. I'm just letting this go. From the get go, I saw this game as a solo game, and I think most people would agree with that assessment. Amen. I am not a fantasy gamer generally, although there are games mechanistically that are so good I entertain the fantasy theme. But that thing aside, the solo game just didn't grab my attention like other solo games that have been released since when I
In-Person: I'm just letting this go. from the get-go, I saw this game as a solo game, and I think most people would agree with that assessment. I am not a fantasy gamer generally, although there are games mechanistically that are so good I entertain the fantasy theme. But that theming aside, the solo game just didn't grab my attention like other solo games that have been released since when I did play this one, it was very slow.
Ep 9: This one. It was very slow, very plotting. It wasn't the easiest to set up. I just I can't imagine playing this with two players. I know this is in the top 40 on BGG, and there are people that love this game. I'll always go to bat for it. I just see it as a game that represents a different age gaming that I just don't really exist in anymore.
In-Person: Very plotting. It wasn't the easiest to set up. I just I can't imagine playing this with two players. I know this is in the top 40 on BGG, and there are people that love this game. They'll always go to bat for it. I just see it as a game that represents a different age of gaming that I just don't really exist in anymore. Perhaps it was Gloomhaven, kinda killed this game for me, but this game has moved several times with me over the years and I just
Ep 9: Perhaps it was Gloomhaven, kinda killed this game for me, but this game has moved several times with me over the years, and I just I should have sold it a long time ago. probably would have made more money. hopefully the new owner enjoys it. Have fun storming the castle. I think this is
In-Person: I should have sold it a long time ago. I probably would have made more money. so hopefully the new owner enjoys it. Have fun storming the castle. I think this is one of those games where the idea is greater than the sum of its parts. I can't tell you how many people in conversation about this game have said, Mage Knight, yeah, that looks great. I hope to play my copy someday. so that was my call of the week, the Mage Knight board game.
Ep 9: One of those games where the idea is greater than the sum of its parts. I can't tell you how many people in conversation about this game have said, Mage Knight, yeah, that looks great. I hope to play my copy someday. so that was my call of week, the Mage Knight board game. Travis, I think I'm one of those gamers who just texted you that when you told me that that was gonna be your call of the week. didn't they just come out with another expansion for this game last year? I'm still trying to find time to learn this game. I think there's a good five-part video series on YouTube to help them learn this game. I think I made it through three of them, set up the game, but that was it. I don't know why this game is so hard to sit down and learn. I don't know if it's hearsay from others that has gotten to me, or if it really is just difficult to learn. I might hold on to my copy a little longer.
In-Person: game. I think there's a good five-part video series on YouTube to help them learn this game. I think I made it through three of them, set up the game. That was it. I don't know why this game is so hard to sit down and learn. I don't know if it's hearsay from others that has gotten to me or if it really is just difficult to learn. I might hold on to my copy a little longer. I gotta try it at least once, but
Ep 9: I gotta try it at least once, but I don't blame you, Travis. I really don't. part YouTube series? You can learn
In-Person: I don't blame you, Travis. I really don't. A five part YouTube series? You can learn quantum mechanics with a five part YouTube series. Probably faster than learning
Ep 9: Probably faster than learning yeah, mage night. So let's move on to our feature review, Emberleaf by James Tomlin and Frank West, published by The City of Games. Travis, another game
In-Person: So let's move on to our feature review. Emberleaf by James Tomlin and Frank West, published by The City of Games. Travis, game.
Ep 9: about cute wooden creatures. If we haven't had enough of those. You are a heroic Emberling calling out your kin to rebuild
In-Person: You are a heroic imberling calling out your kin to
Ep 9: the forest after Lord Vesh's army scorched their groves.
In-Person: Who's Lord Vesh?
Ep 9: Who the hell knows? The whole point of the game. Is strategically playing
In-Person: is strategically
Ep 9: cards on your player board to build buildings and fight leftover armies. You claim trophies by defeating armies and completing the last building spot on different groves. And once the last trophy is claimed, the game ends. So you're gonna begin the game with a handful of cards and a player board with a grid of six spaces to play these cards. Also on your player board, you have five rabbits, rats, owls, and frogs that you will house on the main gaming board.
In-Person: You claim trophies by defeating armies and completing the last building spot on different groves. And once the last trophy is claimed, the game ends. So you're going to begin the game with a handful of cards and a player board with a grid of six spaces to play these cards. Also on your player board, you have five rabbits, rats, owls, and frogs that you will house on the main gaming board.
Ep 9: There are also five personal buildings that you were able to build on the game board
In-Person: There are also five personal buildings that you're able to build on the game board.
Ep 9: to unlock more symbols or spaces on your player board. You're going to take actions by playing cards onto your personal board. you have to decide where to play these cards on your personal board because one of the actions you can take later on in the game is to not play any cards, but choose to slide your cards.
In-Person: To unlock more symbols or spaces on your player board. You're gonna take actions by playing cards onto your personal board. you have to decide where to play these cards on your personal board because one of the actions you can take later on in the game is to not play any cards but choose to slide your cards.
Ep 9: They call it card dancing, Travis.
In-Person: They call it card dancing chess.
Ep 9: I like this name. That's a fun name for a mechanic. You're gonna slide them from left to right. Certain cards will give you certain actions when they slide. You might be able to move your hero on the main board, build, fight, or gather resources. Certain cards will have good actions only when they slide off your player board. Also, when they slide off,
In-Person: I like this name. That's a fun name for a mechanic. You're gonna slide them from left to right. Certain cards will give you certain actions when they slide. You might be able to move your hero on the main board, build, fight, or gather resources. Certain cards will have good actions only when they slide off your player board. Also, when they slide off,
Ep 9: They go back to your hand.
In-Person: they go back to your hand.
Ep 9: Now, playing cards on your board also adds more symbols, which are located on the top of your cards. It might show food, wood, or foot or sword. Each symbol corresponds to an action. You might get a card that says, you may fight with one power for every sword symbol, or you can walk for every foot symbol you have on your board, So
In-Person: Now playing cards on your board also adds more symbols which are located on the top of your cards. It might show food, wood, or foot or a sword. Each symbol corresponds to an action. You might get a card that says you may fight with one power for every sword symbol, or you can walk for every foot symbol you have on your board, So
Ep 9: The order that you play your cards along with their position on the player board become important. I might want to play a card with hat which has a lot of swords on them before I play my card that allows me to attack to make sure I can attack for a greater power. the main board has different clearings or groves that you want to move to to build buildings from your player board or shared buildings.
In-Person: The order that you play your cards along with their position on the player board become important. I'm not going to play a card with that which has a lot of swords on there before I play my card that allows me to attack to make sure I can attack for a greater power. The main board has different clearings or groves that you want to move to to build buildings from your player board or shared.
Ep 9: pool of buildings. When you take that action, you place the building tile in the grove and then you're gonna take one of your animals, frogs, owls, rabbits, or rats and place it on the building. Now here's the fun part. This might unlock more symbols on your player board or allow you to grab a hero from the market of cards on the side. This is how you can add more cards to your hand to play later, Travis. These hero cards, they're more powerful, they have more symbols
In-Person: pool of buildings. When you take that action, you place the building tile in the grove and then you're gonna take one of your animals, frogs, owls, rabbits, or rats and place it on the building. Now here's the fun part. This might unlock more symbols on your player board or allow you to grab a hero from the market of cards on the side. This is how you can add more cards to your hand to play later, Travis. These hero cards, they're more powerful, they have more symbols
Ep 9: And some allow you to attack more or build better or faster. Now, in between these groves might be dangerous area tokens that require double the movement to move through. You can also fight these tokens, which allows you to claim rewards by moving down the trophy board. The further it goes down, the better the reward, like more food or stone or wood. If you're at the end of the track, you claim a trophy. These trophies give you
In-Person: And some allow you to attack more or build better or faster. Now, in between these grows might be dangerous area tokens that require double the movement to move through. You can also fight these tokens, which allows you to claim rewards by moving down the trophy board. The further it goes down, the better the reward, like more food or stone or wood. If you're at the end of the track, you claim a trophy. These trophies give you
Ep 9: Either a lot of points or a lot of resources, and sometimes even helps out your opponents. Once all the trophies are taken, the game ends. You're gonna get points throughout the game through building buildings and clearing dangerous area tokens and winning certain trophies.
In-Person: either a lot of points or a lot of resources and sometimes even post out your opponents. Once all the trophies are taken, the game ends. You're gonna get points throughout the game through building buildings and clearing dangerous area tokens and winning certain trophies.
Ep 9: At the end of the game, you also have your in-game scoring cards that you can grab throughout the game. There's a huge deck of in-game scoring cards that help you focus on certain aspects of the game, like get three points if you have three buildings in a certain grove, or get five points if you house exactly three frogs. They're huge points at the end. And then that's it. Now we'll say Travis, I love the dancing card mechanic.
In-Person: At the end of the game, you also have your in-game scoring cards that you can grab throughout the game. There's a huge deck of in-game scoring cards that help you focus on certain aspects of the game. Like get three points if you have three buildings in a certain grove, or get five points if you house exactly three frogs. There are huge points at the end. And then that's it. Now we'll say shots. I love the dancing card mechanic.
Ep 9: You really need to figure out what cards you want to play
In-Person: You really need to figure out what cards you want to play.
Ep 9: in what specific order to get the most out of each action. But make sure you arrange them in a way that if they slide in the correct order, you'll get exactly what you want. That was fun. I enjoyed that. I really did. I also loved the little deck building in this game. I will say the little deck building in this game. Adding the hero cards to your hand. You're not going to be adding a lot of cards throughout the game. I believe it's like.
In-Person: in what specific order to get the most out of each action but make sure you arrange them in a way that if they slide in the correct order you'll get exactly what you want. That was fun. I enjoyed that. I really did. I also loved the little deck building in this game. I will say the little deck building in this game. Adding the hero cards to your hand. You're not going to be adding a lot of cards throughout the game. I believe it's like four or five cards. These four or five additional cards are really important.
Ep 9: Four or five cards. These four or five additional cards are really important, and I felt like the market you choose from is pretty dynamic. Also, a card you want might not be there when your turn comes around, but you will most likely see a good variety throughout the game. I enjoyed that you're not truly just focusing on deck building. You're not adding like 10 or 20 cards, but just four or five throughout the game. I think it makes these decisions more crucial.
In-Person: And I felt like the market you choose from is pretty dynamic. Also, a card you want might not be there when your turn comes around, but you will most likely see a good variety throughout the game. I enjoyed that you're not truly just focusing on deck building. You're not adding like 10 or 20 cards, but just four or five throughout game. I think it makes these decisions more crucial
Ep 9: And it helps you shape the way you want to play this game. Do I want to focus more on buildings or fighting or maybe a little
In-Person: and it helps you shape the way you want to play this game. Do you want to focus more on buildings or fighting or maybe a
Ep 9: bit of both?
In-Person: Card dancing, huh? This this this game makes me feel like I'm back in fourth grade and the gym teacher's making a square dance. I I never wanted
Ep 9: dancing huh this this this game makes me feel like I'm back in fourth grade and the gym teacher's making a square dance. Did you like to lead I I never wanted
In-Person: stomach flu more in my life. That's kinda how this game makes me feel. Okay. I'll say so I'll say something nice about this game. I mean it's not the first game to have a rotating personal card tableau to kind of determine your actions or your action strength, but it
Ep 9: I'll say something nice about this game. I mean, it's not the first game to have a rotating personal card tableau to kind of determine your actions or your action strength, but it
In-Person: It really is probably one of the better implementations of this mechanism that I've seen. there's a lot of head down planning that you have to do to figure out the order and placement of all the cards to maximize their use. And then you got a plan for it to drop off your board, which grants its own bonuses.
Ep 9: really is probably one of the better implementations of this mechanism that I've seen. There's a lot of head-down planning that you have to do, figure out the order and placement, all the cards, to maximize their use, and then you got a plan for it to drop off your board, which grants its own bonuses.
In-Person: the addition of heroes to your fellowship deck, that's vitally important. it presents more divergence from the other players, kind of solidifies your overall strategy.
Ep 9: the addition of heroes to your fellowship deck, that's vitally important. presents more divergence from the other players, kinda solidifies your overall strategy. I agree with you that I I appreciate that this isn't really a deck building game, because it would be too much to handle, it would actually kind of make the game more random.
In-Person: I agree with you that I I appreciate that this isn't really a deck building game 'cause it'd be too much to handle and would actually kind of make the game more random.
Ep 9: At first I thought I was going to be frustrated with the in-game scoring deck, but I I randomly I wasn't. You need to keep an eye on it and try to grab cards quickly and early on. And if they line up to your goals or if you think you can come close to completing them, then do it. If you don't complete them, there's no penalty. That was nice. There's a lot of cards and that market will constantly be refreshing. So you definitely always want to keep an eye on those goals and see which ones are doable. It won't always be about getting lucky, as long as you keep your eye on those cards and don't forget about them.
In-Person: If they line up to your goals or if you think you can come close to completing them, then do it. If you don't complete them, there's no penalty. That was nice. There's a lot of cards and that market will constantly be refreshing. So you definitely always want to keep an eye on those goals and see which ones are doable. It won't always be about getting lucky as long as you keep your eye on those cards and don't forget about them.
Ep 9: If you choose not to and to only focus on them at the end of the game, then yeah, you're gonna be left behind and feel like you're being punished. Yeah, I to say this is where the game starts.
In-Person: If you choose not to and only on them at the end of the game, you're gonna be left behind to like you're being fine. Yeah, I I have to say this is where the game starts to veer off the rails for me. I I don't like when games
Ep 9: Don't like win games.
In-Person: have you acquire your in game bonus goals from a rotating deck of cards, especially when they're this variable.
Ep 9: Goals from a rotating deck of cards, especially when they're this variable. I'd rather be given what I need to score for at the beginning of the game or have goals displayed that all players score for or race for. The favor completion makes up roughly 30% of your score, so it's a considerable chunk for this one mechanic. Definitely. You likely acquire
In-Person: I'd rather be given what I need to score for at the beginning of the game, or have goals displayed that all players score for or race for. the favor completion makes up roughly 30% of your score. So it's a considerable chunk for this one mechanic. you'll likely acquire, I don't know, six or seven of these during the game. So the game seems really weighted to accomplishing this best. more than say homing villagers
Ep 9: six or seven of these during the game, so the game seems really weighted to accomplishing this best. more than say homing villagers or
In-Person: or
Ep 9: unlocking bonuses or trophies. I mean I think the only thing that rivals it really is clearing the dangerous areas.
In-Person: Unlocking bonuses or trophies. I mean, I think the only thing that rivals it really is clearing the dangerous areas.
Ep 9: Very true. And Travis, I feel like this game is dead on
In-Person: David's dead on
Ep 9: with their 85% rule. I really enjoyed a lot about this game. I love the card mechanics. I love the player boards and and how they were engaging.
In-Person: GG.
Ep 9: I loved building buildings on the main board, but the main board it needed more. I think you pointed this out to me and you were dead right. There was not much engagement in building buildings. I want to compare this to a completely different game, but Terra Mystica was more dynamic and engaging when you built your buildings. You wanted to block people. You also got discounts when you built next to people
In-Person: It needed more. I think you pointed this out to me, and you were dead right. There was not much engagement in building buildings. I want to compare this to a completely different game, but Terra Mystica was more dynamic and engaging when you built your buildings. You wanted to block people, you also got discounts when you built next to people.
Ep 9: You're fighting for spots. Emberleaf was more open. At times you can try to block people,
In-Person: You're fighting for spots. Emberleaf was more open. At times you can try to block people.
Ep 9: but that was not usually possible. I I wanted these building placements to be more dynamic or get more bonuses when you built. I wanted it to be tighter, not as open. And some of the in game cards help with this, but definitely not enough. Yeah, exactly. My general impression
In-Person: But that was not usually possible. I I wanted these building placements to be more dynamic or get more bonuses when you build. I wanted it to be tighter, not as open. And some of the in game cards helped with this, but definitely not enough. Yeah, exactly. my general impression is that the game had a great idea, but fumbled on the goal line in the design. Again it's
Ep 9: Again, it's it's what gets put into that last 15% that ties the game together and can turn it from completely forgettable to a classic. the tableau building was great, the crafting of your fellowship was really good, the development of the personal player boards was good.
In-Person: It's what gets put into that last 15% for me that ties the game together and can turn it from completely forgettable to a classic. the table building is great. The crafting of your fellowship is really good. The development of the personal player boards was good. But what you do with those is kind of a bunch of throwaway mechanics. The board play is dull as dishwater. There's not really interaction amongst the players on the board, except
Ep 9: But what you do with those is kind of a bunch of throwaway mechanics. The board play is dull as dishwater. There's not really interaction amongst the players on the board, except you know, racing to clear engaged areas or points. To be honest, the main board doesn't even really need to exist. It could have been an area majority game, playing tokens onto cards and moving between cards costs you additional movement points. The board doesn't need to be there.
In-Person: you know, racing to clear dangerous areas for points. To be honest, the main board doesn't even really need to exist. It could have been an area majority game. Playing tokens onto cards and moving between cards costs you additional movement points. The board doesn't need to be there. That's a good point. That's a good
Ep 9: That's a good point. That's a good point. It it also outstays its welcome. I would want it to be 30 minutes shorter. In the
In-Person: I would want it to be thirty minutes shorter in the
Ep 9: end, it drags out. At one point, I thought I might be in the lead, so I tried to hurry up and actually end the game. Yeah, the the playtime is the worst part of this game. And really the mechanics end the game into a corner. It's going to be long by nature of the card dancing. In order to get the most out of that mechanic.
In-Person: Yeah, the the playtime is the worst part of this game. And really the mechanics painted the game into a corner. It's going to be long by nature of the card dancing. In order to get the most out of that mechanic, you have to give the players ample opportunity to interact with it.
Ep 9: You have to give the players ample opportunity to interact with it.
In-Person: But that makes the game really, really long. Here though, I wouldn't mind if the game were longer, if the board play was something really fantastic. I mean, I hate to keep harping on the idea of swim lanes and game design and production and
Ep 9: But that makes the game really, really long. Here though, I wouldn't mind if the game were longer, if the workplay was something really fantastic. I mean I hate to keep harping on the idea of s swing lanes in game design and production, but it seems as if this game wanted to ride that fine line between cut and cuddly and strategic or tactical depth. And what got presented was neither of those. It just it's just rarely a line you can walk, in my opinion. I I can count
In-Person: But it seems as if this game wanted to ride that fine line between cute and cuddly and strategic or tactical depth. And what got presented was neither of those. It just it's just rarely a line you can walk, in my opinion. I I can count
Ep 9: On one hand those games that manage to complete that task. The lack of tactical workplay gives the players such a letdown that the game just s becomes a slot to
In-Person: on one hand those games that manage to complete that task. The lack of tactical board play gives the player such a letdown that the game just becomes a slog.
Ep 9: the point where you no longer care what you're doing on your main board. So true.
In-Person: To the point where you no longer care what you're doing on your main board.
Ep 9: So Emberleaf, you're cute, you're fun, but I need your main board to pull me more into the game. You're fun to dance with, but tighten up your moves a bit.
In-Person: dance with but tighten up your moves a bit. Alright, calm down there. Well thank you for joining us on Tablicks. Now get out there and play some games. Bye.
Ep 9: Well thank you for joining us on TableFlips. Now get out there and play some games. Bye.
In-Person: Bye.