Table Flips Ep 10. Greylune

Ep 9 cross fire: This week on CNN's Crossfire Gaming Edition. Ha takes. Yeah, halfway through Sky Team, I just said let crash.
In-Person: This week on CNN's Crossfire Gaming Edition Ha takes Yeah, halfway through Sky Team, I just said let crash. I really think Monkey
Ep 9 cross fire: really think Martin.
In-Person: Autoraces is the best game ever designed. Hands down.
Ep 9 cross fire: Now Dune Imperium is just left-wing populist propaganda. How can you not see that?
In-Person: All the iconography in the rule book? You want all the player aids for every player? Why you're just being a giant baby.
Ep 9 cross fire: You're just being a giant baby. Feed my family for another year? I don't even like them that much. Hey, if you like ticket to ride in Puerto Rico, you're condoning servitude and obsession? Don't even get me started. Don't miss it.
In-Person: Hey, if you like Ticket to Ride in Puerto Rico, you're condoning servitude and obsession. Don't even get me started. Don't miss it. it.
Ep 9 eoisode: Welcome to Table Flips, a podcast by two grown men who do love board games. In spite of what you might hear or believe, we do love board games. We promise.
In-Person: Welcome to Table Clips, a podcast by two grown men who do love board games. In spite of what you might hear or believe, We do love board games. We promise.
Ep 9 eoisode: On today's episode, we'll talk about games we've been playing. I got another game I need to call. Travis is flipping a solid table, concluding with our feature review, Greylon. The beige is back in this game, baby, with a fun take on worker placement that tickles the brain. But is it worth it? Many of us are still having nightmares over the provost when Kalis was released.
In-Person: On today's episode, we'll talk about games we've been playing. I got another game I need to pull. Travis is flipping a solid table, concluding with our future review, Grayland. The beige is back in this game, baby, with a fun take on worker placement that tickles the brain. But is it worth it? Many of us are still having nightmares over the provost when Kalis was released.
Ep 9 eoisode: Should we get involved with another
In-Person: Should we get involved with Another one William Adia's designs.
Ep 9 eoisode: one of William Adia's designs?
In-Person: Blake, what have you been playing? Ooh, Got Five. designed by Johan Levitt in 2026, published by Blue Orange Games. I know we talked about this last week, but I picked this up as well and I played it like ten times since. I even got my family involved. Just a quick recap: Got Five is a deduction type game
Ep 9 eoisode: Wait, what are we even waiting Ooh, Got Five? designed by Yohan Levitt in 2026, published by Blue Orange Games. I know we talked about this last week, but I picked this up as well and I played it like ten times since. I even got my family involved. Just a quick recap Got Five is a deduction type game.
In-Person: where you're trying to guess the number
Ep 9 eoisode: Where you're trying to guess the number of five different color tiles that are in front of you that everyone else can see, but you can't. On your turn, you have two actions that can give you some information and help you eliminate some numbers. Whenever you think you have it all figured out, you scream out, got five. And if you're right and you can name all the numbers, you win. If not, you lose. When you pl when you and I played,
In-Person: Color tiles that are in front of you that everyone else can see, but you can't. On your turn, you have two actions that can give you some information and help you eliminate some numbers. Whenever you think you have it all figured out, you scream out, got five. And if you're right and you can name all the numbers, you win. If not, you lose. When you when you and I played, I would only get like two numbers before you would get all five.
Ep 9 eoisode: I would only get like two numbers before you would get all five. And I thought I would have that same experience when I played with my seven-year-old daughter and get all five before she got one or two. But Travis, I will say I did win, but she was only one round away from winning as well. But with the help of Travis's 3D printer, we took this game to the next level and just in time for spooky season. Tell him about it. Well, Blue Orange announced for 2027.
In-Person: And thought I would have that same experience when I played with my seven year old daughter and get all five before she got or two. But Travis, I will say I did win, but she was only one round away from winning as well. But with the help of Travis's 3D printer, we took this game to the next level and just in time for spooky season. Tell about it. Well, Blue Orange announced for twenty twenty seven that they'll be releasing Got Five Ghost.
Ep 9 eoisode: In Got 5 Ghosts, there are two additions to the Got 5 formula. First, there will be ghosts that can cover the cute bakelight tiles. When setting up the game, you'll set up another player's hand of tiles and place a ghost on each of the end tiles, which are the lowest and highest tiles in the opponent's racked. This means you will only know the relative positions of three of the five color tiles in your hand and have to deduce the end tiles and their color. So the puzzle does get a little bit more interesting that way.
In-Person: In Got 5 Ghosts, there are two additions to the Got 5 formula. First, there will be ghosts that can cover the cute bakelight tiles. When setting up the game, you'll set up another player's hand of tiles and place a ghost on each of the end tiles, which are the lowest and highest tiles in the opponent's rack. This means you will only know the relative positions of three of the five color tiles in your hand and have to deduce the end tiles and their color. So the puzzle does get a little bit more interesting that way. The second addition
Ep 9 eoisode: The second addition, which is definitely welcome, is that once per game you can use the question part of your turn to ask the opponent if a specific tile is a specific number. This helps with some deductions that you might not otherwise have access to with the two primary questions of the base game. So I couldn't wait until 2027, and so I designed ghosts, measured the fit over the tiles, so I can give this try. It doesn't look like it will upon release next year.
In-Person: Which is definitely welcome, is that once per game you can use the question part of your turn to ask the opponent if a specific tile is a specific number. This helps with some deductions that you might not otherwise have access to with the two primary questions of the base game. So I couldn't wait until 2027. And so I designed ghosts, measured the fit over the tiles, so I can give this a try. It doesn't look like it will upon release next year, and I will certainly buy ghost when it arrives.
Ep 9 eoisode: And I will certainly buy Ghost when it arrives, but it does work. You can see these prints in the forums on BGG in both of the game entries. I've already had one person asking STL, it's the first time. Nice. I like what this does. although I don't think it is a requirement or an instabuy when the game arrives next year. the base game delivers on its promise just fine, but I I thought it was fun. Yeah,
In-Person: But it does work. You can see these prints in the forums on BGG in both of the game entries. I've already had one person ask for the STL. That's the first time it's ever happened with me. I like what this does. although I don't think it is a requirement earn instabuy when the game arrives next year. the base game delivers on its promise just fine, but I I thought it was fun. Yeah.
Ep 9 eoisode: we tried it once. Your 3D printer worked like a charm. we'll have it on social media so you can
In-Person: Yeah, so
Ep 9 eoisode: check out those pictures if you're interested. It really added
In-Person: It really
Ep 9 eoisode: a fun spin to the puzzle, making your brain wrap around how in the world are you gonna try to figure out what color is what. Also, what's kind of neat about this is if you rocket the game and other people are still wrapping their heads around it, you can handicap yourself with the ghost expansion and everyone else can just play normally. Yeah, nice little changeup right there. So that was got five with the nice 3D expansion for that.
In-Person: is what. Also, what's kind of neat about this is if you rocket the game and other people are still wrapping their heads around it, you can handicap yourself with the ghost expansion. I didn't think of that. And just play normally, yeah, nice little changeup right there. So that was Got Five with a nice greedy expansion for that.
Ep 9 eoisode: by Yoan Levit in twenty twenty six, published by Blue Orange Games.
In-Person: by Joan Levitz in twenty twenty six, published by Blue Orange Games. I want to talk about Bombastic by Robert Hovakimian. And Bitewing Games
Ep 9 eoisode: Yeah, Bitewing games.
In-Person: published in 2025. Bombastic is a two-player game that's built on a tic-tac-toe system. The game is presented as a portable game in a small zippered hard case, and it contains nine chunky bakelite tiles to form a tactic-toe grid. Four of the tiles are X's, four O's, which are each player, and then there is one bomb. The tiles are shuffled face down and placed in a three by three grid.
Ep 9 eoisode: The game is presented as a portable game in a small zippered hard case, and it contains nine chunky bank light tiles to form a tic-tac-toe grid. Four of the tiles are X's, four or O's, which are each player, and then there's one bomb. The tiles are shuffled face down and placed in a three by three grid, and there's an action deck of 11 cards that are shuffled, and then two cards are dealt face up. On your turn, you choose one of the cards and perform the action.
In-Person: And there's an action deck of 11 cards that are shuffled, and then two cards are dealt face up. On your turn, you choose one of the cards and perform the action, or you can choose to go for it. the actions are typically to peek at tiles or switch them, reveal them to both players, switch them in secret, or something like that. there's one that allows you to flip as many tiles as you want, but if you flip the bomb, you lose. If you choose to go for it.
Ep 9 eoisode: Or you can choose to go for it. The actions are typically to peek at tiles or switch them, reveal them to both players, switch them in secret or something like that. There's one that allows you to flip as many tiles as you want, but if you flip the bomb, you lose. If you choose to go for it, you flip three tiles horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, just like in tic-tac-toe. They're all your tiles, you win.
In-Person: You flip three tiles horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, just like in tic-tac-toe. They're all your tiles, you win. But if doing this causes you to flip the bomb, you lose. As an added wrinkle, two of the cards shuffled in the action deck are alarm cards, which will cause a game resolution. Basically you do this and you win or you lose. there are a couple additions for this game, one of which is a PVC card edition, so it makes it more likely that you can bring this at outdoors to play.
Ep 9 eoisode: But if doing this causes you to flip the bomb, you lose. As an added wrinkle, two of the cards shuffled in the action deck are alarm cards, which will cause a game resolution. Basically, do this, you win, or you lose. are a couple editions for this game, one of which is a PVC card edition. So it makes it more likely that you can bring this outdoors to play. My wife and I actually played this while in our pool. game is very short, five to ten minutes.
In-Person: My wife and I actually played this while in our pool. the game is very short, five to ten minutes. but there's a bit to think. It is definitely intended as a two player filler or just a take with you game. but it delivers on that promise very well, I think. You're right. This is another
Ep 9 eoisode: there's a bit to think. It is definitely intended as a two player filler or just a take with you game. but it delivers on that promise very well, I think. You're right. This is another that you can play with all ages and it delivers exactly what is promised. So let's talk about Trick to the Future by Taiki Shinzawa, published by Gamehead in 2026. I'm just gonna
In-Person: So let's talk about Trick to the Future by Taiki Shinzawa, published by Gamehead in twenty twenty-six.
Ep 9 eoisode: come out and say it. I haven't had this much fun playing a trick taker in a long time. I was laughing my head off and scratching my brain, trying to wrap my head around the scoring, making sure I won enough tricks, but not too many. and the rods. The rods. You want them and you also want to get rid of them at the same time.
In-Person: This much fun playing a trick taker in a long time. I was laughing my head off and scratching my brain, trying to wrap my head around this one, making sure I won enough tricks, but not too many. and the rods. The rods. You want them and you also want to get rid of them at the same time.
Ep 9 eoisode: This starts out like a normal trick taker with a time travel theme that's basically back to the future. There are four suits:
In-Person: This starts out like a normal trick taker with a time travel theme that's basically back to the future. There are four suits.
Ep 9 eoisode: past, present, future, and the trump. Are you ready for this? Is the beyond suit. The cards valued are represented by seven segment LED digital number display, like a microwave number display. You also get a player board with six rods.
In-Person: Past, present, future, and a trump. Are ready for this? Is the beyond. The cards valued are represented by seven segments LED digital number display, like a microwave number display. You also get a player board with six rods,
Ep 9 eoisode: Wooden pieces similar to the road markers and Catan.
In-Person: wooden pieces similar to the road markers in Catan.
Ep 9 eoisode: The leader plays a suit and you must follow. If you can't, then you just play whatever you want. Now every card has a list of numbers on the side that that card can change into, depending on how many rods you want to spend from your personal player board to fill in the missing segments on the digital number.
In-Person: The leader plays a suit and you must follow. If you can't, then you just play whatever you want. Now every card has a list of numbers on the side that that card can change into depending on how many rods you want to spend from your personal player board to fill in the missing segments on the digital number. By adding rods, you can turn a seven into a nine or a two into an eight. Whoever wins the trick also wins all the rods.
Ep 9 eoisode: By adding rods you can turn a seven into a nine or a two into an eight. Whoever wins the trick also wins all the rods that are on cards played, which will equal points at the end of the round and are placed by the trick you won, not back on your player board. So the trick taking part can get crazy wild, crazy fast, and judging how it might play out is half the fun in this game.
In-Person: That are on cards played, which will equal points at the end of the round, and are placed by the tricky one, not back on your player board. So the trick-taking part can get crazy wild, crazy fast, and judging how it might play out is half the fun in this game.
Ep 9 eoisode: At first, I thought this would make the game a little too random, but Travis, I had a blast with this aspect. It scared me at first, I will say that. But each round was super fun trying to judge
In-Person: At first, I thought this would make the game a little too random, but Travis, I had a blast with this aspect. It scared me at first, I will say that. But each round was super fun trying to judge.
Ep 9 eoisode: how I wanted to play my cards and if it was worth spending my rods. Because here's the other twist. In a four-player game, you're gonna have six rods. If you win more tricks than Rod, you have left on your player board, then you're gonna score nada zero points.
In-Person: how I wanted to play my cards and if it was worth spending my rods. Because here's the other twist. In a four-player game, you're gonna have six rods. If you win more tricks than rods you have left on your player board, then you're gonna score nada, zero points. The goal is basically to match the rod you have left with the exact amount of tricks that you win. If you do, it's called a perfect journey and you can wrap the points in.
Ep 9 eoisode: The goal is basically to match the rod you have left with the exact amount of tricks that you win. If you do, it's called a perfect journey and you can rack the points in. There's also a way that you can score a lot of points by winning no tricks.
In-Person: There's also a way that you can score a lot of points by winning no tricks.
Ep 9 eoisode: Yeah, I I thought this was fantastic.
In-Person: Yeah, I th I thought this was fantastic and I immediately ordered a copy. a lot yeah, a lot of trick taking
Ep 9 eoisode: That's so awesome. Yeah, a lot of trick taking
In-Person: games add a lot of stress that can overwhelm the fun. they can get too thinky, which slows down the gameplay. But that just wasn't a problem here. The the trick taking was pretty standard. But the fact that you can change the number IR to win or sometimes lose the trick.
Ep 9 eoisode: slows down the gameplay but that just wasn't a problem here the the trick taking was pretty standard but the fact that you can change the number IR to win or sometimes lose the trick in an effort to match the number of tricks you'll win with the number of rods you have left over on your board was way more fun than stress I thought the game played fast and also felt that you have a lot of control which to me is what I look for in a good trick taking game. You need to give the player some level of control.
In-Person: in effort to match the number of tricks you'll win with the number of rods you have left over on your board was that way more fun than stress, I thought. The game played fast and also felt that you have a lot of control, which to me is what I look for in a good trick taking game. you need to give the player some level of control, especially if you're playing to a bid. also I like trick takers where all the cards are dealt and remembering the cards played helps your outlook. I will say the scoring is a
Ep 9 eoisode: Especially if you're playing to a bid. also I like trick takers where all the cards are dealt and remembering the cards play helps your album. I will say the scoring is a bit obtuse. you especially had little bit with the score. my goodness. If you think of it as you don't want to win more tricks than you have rods left, it isn't too big a deal.
In-Person: Bit obtuse. you especially had a little bit of trouble with the scoring, but it if you think of it as you don't want to win more tricks than you have rods left, it isn't too big a deal unless you were Blake. I have no idea why it was so hard for me to wrap my head around the scoring.
Ep 9 eoisode: I have no idea why it was so hard for me to wrap my head around the scoring. It got me laughing so hard trying to decide if I should spin my rods or not, understanding that if I did spin them and someone else won that trick, then I was giving them
In-Person: Someone else won that trick and I was giving
Ep 9 eoisode: just extra points. But I had a blast. The components aren't much, but you get a dual layer player board to hold your rods. Have you ever heard of a dual layer player board for a trick taking game? The cards are nice and the point tokens are cute.
In-Person: I had a blast. The components aren't much, but you get a dual layer player board to hold your rods. Have you ever heard of a dual layer player board for a trick taking game? The cards are nice and the point tokens are cute. trick taking is constantly winning over my heart. And this one was like a short little party. It rode in on its little DeLorean. We had some fun.
Ep 9 eoisode: trick taking is constantly winning over my heart. And this one was like a short little party. It rode in on its little DeLorean. We had some fun. And the best part again, Travis, when I say with every trick taker, that's good, is it left me wanting more and it did not outstay its welcome. It knew when to leave. It's only three rounds. So you play three hands and whoever has the most points wins. I can't wait to play again.
In-Person: And the best part against Travis, when I say with every trick taker, that's good, is it left me wanting more and it did not outstay its spoken. It knew when the lead. It's only three rounds. So you play three hands and whoever has the most points wins. I can't wait to play again. Yeah, I like I like games that will create a competitive meta as well. One one of my previous groups used to play Lexio every week, which is a Korean climbing and shedding game.
Ep 9 eoisode: Shedding game. We developed a fierce competition that would often involve the throwing of the bakelight tiles across the table at others. I think this has that kind of potential just for how much it was universally appreciated, how quick it was, and how competitive it could be over three hands. That's certainly a keeper, right? I have to be the goat and gloat here, just because this doesn't happen very often. Although I could certainly gloat after our featured review as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
In-Person: We developed a fierce competition that would often involve the throwing of the bakelight tiles across the table at others. I think this has that kind of potential just for how much it was universally appreciated, how quick it was, and how competitive it could be over three hands. That's certainly a keeper. I I have to be the GOAT and gloat here, just because this doesn't happen very often. Although I could certainly gloat after our featured review as well. But I I crushed you guys at this is
Ep 9 eoisode: Certainly rare that I beat one of our regulars at this because he is very good, if not one of the best I've seen at trick taking card games. So much so that if he wasn't in the depths of fatherhood, I would ask him to dip his toes in the competitive bridge. in any case, I think we have a group that knows we will play one trick taker each game night, and so I'm definitely here for it. I think this we'll probably play this one again before we introduce another. So that was Trick to the Future by Taiki Shinzawa.
In-Person: Certainly rare that I beat one of our regulars at this because he is very good, if not one of the best I've seen at trick taking card games. So much so that if he wasn't in the depths of fatherhood, I would ask him to dip his toes into competitive bridge. in any case, I think we have a group that knows we will play one trick taker each game night. And so I'm definitely here for it. I think this we'll probably play this one again before we introduce another. So that was Trick to the Future by Taiki Shinzawa.
Ep 9 eoisode: Ooh, Travis, real quick, is Lexio that one where you have all those chunky bake like tiles that we played a few times? Yeah. Okay. You have to pay penalties all the
In-Person: Yeah. And it's you have to pay penalties to all the other players if you're the last one out. So it could be kinda nasty. Okay, we gotta get back to get that back to the table again. I enjoyed that one. Yeah, that's
Ep 9 eoisode: Okay, we gotta get back to the get that back to the table again. I enjoyed that one. Yeah, that's
In-Person: awesome.
Ep 9 eoisode: Alright, now our Call of the Week. It's Cyclades by Bruno Catholic and Ludwig Maublan, published by
In-Person: Alright, now our call of the week. It's Cyclades by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Mal Blanc, published by Madigo in two thousand and nine. Blake, why are you getting rid of this? Travis.
Ep 9 eoisode: Yeah, wait, where are you getting rid of this? Travis, I know you don't typically like these type of games, but I finally need to say goodbye to Cyclades. I haven't got this played in years, and I don't think I care to bring it out again. I know they revamped this with a later edition, and I haven't played that version, and I don't know if it addresses my concerns with the older version. I don't believe it has though. This game, it's a fun war game mixed with a beautiful auction system.
In-Person: Played in years, and I don't think I care to bring it out again. I know they revamped this with a later edition, and I haven't played that version, and I don't know if it addresses my concerns with the older version. I don't believe it has though. This game is a fun war game mixed with a beautiful auction system that determines your actions. The only way you can take an action like move or get income or attack or
Ep 9 eoisode: That determines your actions. The only way you can take an action like move or get income or attack or add more people to your army is winning an auction. This action selection system mechanic is just beautiful. I really enjoyed it. It had a tight economy and it makes this game very nail-binding. You don't want to bid too much, but if you don't win an auction, you don't get to do any actions.
In-Person: Add more people to your army is winning an auction. This action selection system mechanic is just beautiful. I really enjoyed it. It had a tight economy and it makes this game very nail-biting. You don't want to bid too much, but if you don't win an auction, you don't get to do any actions. The whole point of the game is to control a certain number of areas on the board with your armies. That was the game.
Ep 9 eoisode: The whole point of the game is to control a certain number of areas on the board with your armies. If that was the game, then it might still be in my collection. But then there's this monster deck that is bid on as well. And trust me, I do love my monsters. But gosh, every round there's a new monster that someone can win, and that monster comes with a special action. Some of these are balanced and yeah, they make the game fun.
In-Person: Then it might still be in my collection. But then there's this monster deck that is bid on as well. And trust me, I do love my monsters. But gosh, every round there's a new monster that someone can win, and that monster comes with a special action. Some of these are balanced, and yeah, they make the game fun.
Ep 9 eoisode: Some are totally game breaking. and if you miss that game breaking one, don't worry, 'cause there's another monster you can win that will let you search the discard pile for the game breaking monster. The game makes you feel smart. Winning certain auctions for specific actions to
In-Person: Some are totally game breaking. and if you miss game breaking one, don't worry, because there's another monster you can win that will let you search the discard pile for the game-breaking monster. The game makes you feel smart, winning certain options for specific actions to methodically gain advantage and position over your opponents. But when I played, I then won the game by grabbing a monster with a game-breaking ability and felt cheated by my own.
Ep 9 eoisode: methodically gain advantage and position over your opponents. But when I play, I then won the game by grabbing a monster with a game breaking ability and felt cheated by my own win. So
In-Person: well. So it's it's well known that this monster, the Pegasus, wins a lot of games for me. Yeah, I could just take it out. Or others say that your opponents just need to prepare for it. For me, this game got so close to being a great design
Ep 9 eoisode: it's it's well known that this monster, the Pegasus, wins a lot of games for people. Yeah, I could just take it out. Or others say that your opponents just need to prepare for it. For me, this game got so close to being a great design and and spoiled it with a wild event like deck. I know it's fun to add monsters. I love monsters. I want monsters in my game, but definitely not like this. Travis, did you play this in the past? I I played
In-Person: and swallowed it with a wild event like death. I know it's fun to add monsters. I love monsters. I want monsters in my game, but definitely not like this. Travis, did you play this in the past? I I played Once probably twenty thirteen ish. I actually had
Ep 9 eoisode: once, probably twenty thirteen ish. Actually
In-Person: to remind myself that I own this game at one point. it didn't last long in my collection. I had to look through my trades and went, yeah. I did own that. it was one of the five games I traded for my copy of Antiquity, which is also no longer in my collection. Okay. I think we're talking about two different things.
Ep 9 eoisode: I did on that. th it was one of the five games I traded for my copy of Antiquity, longer in Link Works. Antiquity too is where it's at, Travis. Okay. I think they're talking about two different things. yes!
In-Person: That's antiquity by Splotter.
Ep 9 eoisode: That's antiquity. Hey, that's fun too. That's fun.
In-Person: I I I agree with your assessment. The auction system was fun and what drew me to the game initially. I think if the game breaking monster powers weren't there,
Ep 9 eoisode: I agree with your assessment. The auction system was fun, and what drew me into the game initially, I think if the game-breaking monster powers weren't there.
In-Person: I wouldn't mind having my copy back. I think most players who like Cyclades are those who know that deck, what is possible out of it as their primary way to mitigate it. I think if the game felt faster, I might be okay with that. It's not a long game by most comparisons, but it just kinda felt long. When you have a lot of
Ep 9 eoisode: I think most players who like Cyclades are those who know that deck. What is possible out of it is their primary way to mitigate it. I think if the game felt faster, I might be okay with that. It's not a long game by most comparisons, but it just kind of felt long when you have a lot of
In-Person: auctions, it just kinda feels that way.
Ep 9 eoisode: It just kinda feels that way. I mean, I like in w innovation, but similarly I played it enough to know the traps and how to usually extricate myself. And innovation just feels so much faster by the way it's played. I remember I also wasn't all that thrilled with the game end trigger. I think it was Own Two Metropolises or something like that. It just was often very abrupt and not very interesting if you weren't too involved with who was playing the game in three, so I I don't know. I don't miss it that much.
In-Person: I mean, I like in innovation, but similarly I played it enough to know the traps and how to usually extricate myself. But innovation just feels so much faster by the way it's played. I remember I also wasn't all that thrilled with the game and trigger. I think it was owned to Metropolises or something like that. It just was often very abrupt and not very interesting if you weren't too involved with who was claiming the game victory. So I I don't know. I don't miss it that much.
Ep 9 eoisode: I'd rather get Kemet to the table and earn my monsters and send them into battle with fun stats, not total game-breaking abilities. Winning at
In-Person: When
Ep 9 eoisode: Kemet never made me feel cheated, or I can get my monsters on with Blood Rage or Ankh. Yeah the monsters
In-Person: Or I can get my monsters on with Blood Rage or off.
Ep 9 eoisode: might be powerful, but they aren't gonna allow me to do a game-breaking move that will win the game just because
In-Person: Do a game breaking that will win the game have it.
Ep 9 eoisode: I have it.
In-Person: Yeah, I can't I can't comment. I haven't played Kemet. but you tend to like these types of games. I appreciate your trying to reduce your redundancy also as you buy games at a ten to one pace with the games that you're calling.
Ep 9 eoisode: I appreciate you're trying to reduce your redundancy you buy games at a ten to one pace with the games that you're calling. Hey, I'm trying, I'm trying. What was I thinking of? That Matt Gertz game. Do you know what I'm saying? Antique Antique. Antique two is where it's at. But I also enjoyed Antiquities.
In-Person: Antique. Antique. Antique two is where it's at. Yeah.
Ep 9 eoisode: Actually I think I've only played half that game. Because one of our players forgot to do the woodcutter,
In-Person: They have that game. Because one of our players forgot
Ep 9 eoisode: yeah. now on to table flips. Travis, what are you flipping this week? my table flip this week is board game podcasters and reviewers who rarely deliver
In-Person: do the woodcutter. So now on to table flips. Travis, what this week? my table flip this week is board game podcasters and reviewers who rarely deliver a negative comment about a game. Some might say that we're just a podcast that hates everything. I don't think that's true. Most of what we review, we do so either because we like the game.
Ep 9 eoisode: Some might say that we're just a podcast that hates everything. I don't think that's true. Most of what we review, we do so either because we like the game or the game is popular right now. I think we're around fifty-fifty, don't you think, Blake? Like educating games? I think that's reasonable. Definitely. Personally that's higher than I like out of the games I play.
In-Person: Or the game is popular right now. I think we're around fifty fifty, don't you think, Blake? Liking and hating games? I think that's reasonable. Personally, that's higher than I like out of the games I play. And part of that is because the hobby is oversaturated right now. But first I want to make a distinction that I think there is a difference between a game being good and liking a game. Just as there's a distinction between a game being bad and not liking a game. For instance, my other hobby is classic film.
Ep 9 eoisode: And part of that is because the hobby is oversaturated right now. But first I want to make a distinction that I think there is a difference between a game being good and liking a game. Just as there's a distinction between a game being bad and not liking a game. For instance, my other hobby is classic film. And people will ask me what my favorite movie is, and I ask them, do you want to know my favorite movie or what I think the best movie ever made is?
In-Person: And people will ask me what my favorite movie is, and I ask them, do you want to know my favorite movie or what I think the best movie ever made is? Because this is two different questions with very different answers. I mean, I could watch Dumb and Dumber every day for a month and not get bored, but is it a well-made film? No. Now ask yourself the reverse about Lawrence of Arabia, for example. I do want to get to a place where I make a similar distinction with games. Although gaming is an interactive hobby more than movies.
Ep 9 eoisode: Cause this is two different questions with very different answers. I mean I can watch Dumb and Dumber every day for a month and not get bored, but is it a well-made film? No. Now ask yourself the reverse about Lawrence of Arabia, for example. I do want to get to a place where I make a similar distinction with games, although gaming is an interactive hobby, more than movies, and as such our opinions have a wide array of inputs. Later in the episode we'll talk about Greyloon. I like it.
In-Person: And as such, our opinions have a wide array of inputs. later in the episode, we'll talk about Greylon. I like it,
Ep 9 eoisode: But I will still talk about its problems. By stating where those issues lie, I think people can draw some conclusion about whether they will or won't like a game. I think there's power in doing that.
In-Person: but I will still talk about its problems. By stating where those issues lie, I think people can draw some conclusion about whether they will or won't like a game. I think there's power in doing that.
Ep 9 eoisode: In my opinion, most games are not good games, and many others are okay, but pale in comparison to other games in the market or games that were released some time ago.
In-Person: In my opinion, most games are not good games, and many others are okay, but pale in comparison to other games in the market or games that were released some time ago. I've seen some estimates lately at say six thousand or seven thousand games are released each year. Yeah, and for me, I would venture guess only ten percent of those are worth playing, meaning I think there are a lot of bad games. in a year, maybe I'll only play thirty percent of the remainder, and I may only like about
Ep 9 eoisode: I've seen some estimates lately to say 6,000 or 7,000 games are released each year. my goodness. Yeah, and for me, I would venture guess only 10% of those are worth playing. Meaning I think there are a lot of bad games. in a year, maybe I'll only play 30% of the remainder. And I may only like about 20% of those. And that may be a different 20% from what I consider are good games. For instance, last year I played Galactic Cruise.
In-Person: 20% of those. And that may be a different 20% from what I consider are good games. For instance, last year I played Galactic Cruise. I think Galactic Cruise is a good game with some small innovations as a high-class puzzle. But I don't really like the game. partly for its length, but it wasn't the game that I wanted from all the elements when they were put together. there are also games that I like that may not be the best designs. I know some people will say.
Ep 9 eoisode: I think Galactic Cruise is a good game with some small innovations as a high class puzzle. I don't really like the game. partly for its length, but it wasn't the game that I wanted from all the elements when they were put together. there are also games that I like that may not be the best designs. I know some people say someone's trash is another one's treasure. That's true. But some people's trash is also other people's trash. I don't want to be negative all the time, but if I play Avalon the
In-Person: Someone's trash is another one's treasure. That's true. But some people's trash is also other people's trash. I don't want to be negative all the time, but if I play Avalon the Rivenvale and I think the game is a bad exemplar of its genre, I'm going to say so. I think, however, that some podcasters and reviewers feel an obligation to be as positive as possible to the games they review. Now that may be because they have a relationship with the publisher. Maybe they want to have a relationship with the publisher.
Ep 9 eoisode: And I think the game is a bad exemplar of its genre, I'm going to say so. I think, however, that some podcasters and reviewers feel an obligation to be as positive as possible to the games they review. Now that may be because they have a relationship with the publisher, maybe they want to have a relationship with the publisher, or they want to appeal to a greater audience. It's a weird form of payola. I mean, how does this help the hobby?
In-Person: Or they want to appeal to a greater audience. It's a weird form of paola. I mean, how does this help the hobby? Positive reinforcement of saturating the market with abject garbage is not good for consumers. And I don't think it's good for the designers or the developers of games either. Also, I think it makes the public a bit skeptical of your opinion. And they're I've stopped downloading certain podcasts because they give glowing reviews to games that certainly don't deserve them.
Ep 9 eoisode: Positive reinforcement of saturating the market with abject garbage is not good for consumers. And I don't think it's good for the designers and developers of games either. Also, I think it makes the public a bit skeptical of your opinion. And there I've stopped downloading certain podcasts because they give glowing reviews to games that certainly don't deserve them. I'm not an expert on game design,
In-Person: I'm not an expert on game design.
Ep 9 eoisode: if there is such a thing, but I like to think I can remove all the fluff and mechanical overlays to reach in and grab a game's heart like molar om and tell you what doesn't work within a game. I just wish I heard this more from the popular podcasts that are out there right now. I don't want to call out certain podcasts and reviewers by name, but you can tell when they're holding their tongue.
In-Person: If there is such a thing. But I like to think I can remove all the fluff and mechanical overlays to reach in and grab a game's heart like Molarom and tell you what doesn't work within a game. I just wish I heard this more from the popular podcasts that are out there right now. I don't want to call out certain podcasts and reviewers by name, but you can tell when they're holding their tongue or saying they like a game when there's no possibility on earth that they will ever play that game again.
Ep 9 eoisode: Or saying they like a game when there's no possibility on earth that they will ever play that game again. Such a great table flip. You know, it does boggle my mind as well. I'm not here to yuck
In-Person: Yeah.
Ep 9 eoisode: someone's yum, and I don't even like that phrase. But I feel like the community just has gotten scared of calling a game not good. and that's okay to do. Now, are game critiques subjective? Yes, but one can be subjective and give detailed examples.
In-Person: Do. Now, are game critiques subjective? Yes, but one can be subjective and give detailed examples
Ep 9 eoisode: Of their opinion to back up their claim. Just like Travis mentioned, it's through hearing these detailed opinions that the consumers can decide if they don't mind that critique and might still like the game. For example, for some reason, I like Abomination. That game. I don't know why. Do I think it's a good game? No, there's a lot of
In-Person: of their opinion to back up their claim. Just like Travis mentioned, it's through hearing these detailed opinions that the consumers can decide if they don't mind that critique and might still like the game. For example, for some reason, I like Abomination. That game. I don't know why. Do I think it's a good game? No, there's a lot.
Ep 9 eoisode: mechanics in that game that I despise.
In-Person: Mechanics in that game that I despise.
Ep 9 eoisode: It's a hardcore Euro that's two and a half, almost three hours long, that has a lot of luck in it, and take that. And my goodness, the theme just draws me in and it's so beautiful, especially during spooky season. Are we here to tell you what to buy or not to buy? Absolutely not. Are we here to say that you're dumb or silly for liking or not liking a certain game? Absolutely not.
In-Person: It's a hardcore Euro that's two and a half, almost three hours long, that has a lot of luck in it, and take that. And my goodness, the theme just draws me in, and it's so beautiful, especially during spooky season. Are we here to tell you what to buy or not to buy? Absolutely not. Are we here to say that you're dumb or silly or liking or not liking a certain game? Absolutely not.
Ep 9 eoisode: Unless you hate Tiger Cinephrades, then maybe. No.
In-Person: Unless you hate Tigris and Euphrates, then maybe. No. We just want to be honest with our opinions, state our reasoning, and maybe it'll be of interest.
Ep 9 eoisode: We just want to be honest with our opinions, state our reasoning, and maybe it'll be of interest.
In-Person: now on to our featured review Grey Loon
Ep 9 eoisode: featured review pretty.
In-Person: by William Adia, published by Sorry We Are French in 2026. We're doing a lot of sorry we are French games.
Ep 9 eoisode: We're doing a lot of sorry, we are French games. This is exciting. This game is a re-implementation, redesign of Spirium
In-Person: This is exciting. guys. This game is a re-implementation redesign of Spirium.
Ep 9 eoisode: from 2013. A new theme and some additional gameplay mechanics. Yeah, I still.
In-Person: From twenty thirteen. A new theme and some additional gameplay mechanics. Yeah, I still own Spirium and I would gladly sell it for three dollars at this point. I and my game group in twenty thirteen were big on Kalis, and so playing the new William Addy game, almost a decade after Kalis, was a thrill. we played Spirium probably four or five times. the main drawback with Spirium was it was dry, abstract.
Ep 9 eoisode: and my game group in 2013 were big on Kalis. And so playing the new William Addy game almost a decade after Kalis was a thrill. We played Spirium probably four or five times. The main drawback with Spirium was it was dry, abstract for the things you did in the game. There was just lacked a real theme. It was just some sort of steampunkish factory theme. But in reality, you were just gathering things.
In-Person: For the things you did in the game, there was just lacked a real theme. It was a some sort of steampunkish factory theme. But in reality, you were just gathering resources and turning resources for points. the mechanics were there, but the level of interest on repeated plays just does not hold against the competition and the broader game market of 2026. I'm interested to see how other Astari games from that time period would perform in today's market. I know Assyria was reprinted.
Ep 9 eoisode: Resources and training resources for points. The mechanics were there, but the level of interest on Repeat of Plays just does not hold against the competition and the broader game market of 2026. I'm interested to see how other Astari games from that time period would perform in today's market. I know Assyria was reprinted, which I wasn't a fan of on the first release, but Micorinos has gone to Kickstarter, and I'm awaiting my copy of that.
In-Person: Which I wasn't a fan of on the first release, but Micorinos has gone to Kickstarter, and I'm awaiting my copy of that.
Ep 9 eoisode: East Bahan is one that I'm surprised hasn't been re-released, especially since there's so many dice drafting games out there right now. an East that's Y S East is another that could be dressed up also. It's a very simple blind bidding game that I was fond of for a while.
In-Person: East Bahan is one that I'm surprised hasn't been re-released, especially since there's so many dice drafting games out there right now. an East. That's Y S. East is another that could be dressed up also. It's a very simple blind bidding game that I was fond of for a while. I think there are many of these games that could be given a new life, especially with how
Ep 9 eoisode: I think there are many of these games that could be given a new life, especially with how
In-Person: Now Grey Loon takes place in a fantasy
Ep 9 eoisode: successful Grey Loon could be for Pandasaurus. Now Grey Loon takes place in a fantasy world where you manage a group of villagers by placing them in the village to recruit companions, grab
In-Person: Maybe it's
Ep 9 eoisode: special items, or interact with buildings. You then go on quests and experience different encounters, but don't forget to tell the story about your adventuring at the local pub or tavern to even gain more points.
In-Person: You then go on quests and experience different encounters, but don't forget to tell the story about your adventuring at the local pub or tavern to even gain more points. The game is played over five years and each year is divided up into four seasons. Winter, well that's just setting up the round, and autumn at the end of the year is just the cleanup for each round. Location curves and events are replaced each year. Spring and summer are where you take your actions.
Ep 9 eoisode: The game is played over five years and each year is divided up into four seasons. Winter, well that's just setting up the round, and autumn at the end of the year is just the cleanup for each round. Location cards and events are replaced each year. Spring and summer are where you take your actions, but you can only do certain actions depending on what season you're in and when you choose to move from spring to summer is a very, very important decision.
In-Person: But you can only do certain actions depending on what season you're in and when you choose to move from spring to summer is a very, very important decision. So this is a worker placement slash tableau engine building game. You begin with three workers on your player. In spring,
Ep 9 eoisode: So this is a worker placement slash tableau engine building game. You begin with three workers on your player board. In spring, You're placing these workers out in a three by three grid of nine cards called the village area. You don't place the workers on the cards, but between them on their edges, so your worker is always connected to two cards. It's not until you switch to summer.
In-Person: You're placing these workers out in a three by three grid of nine cards called the village area. You don't place the workers on the cards, but between them on their edges, so your workers always connected to two cards. It's not until you switch to summer, which you can do at any time, can you decide to activate the locations in the village with your workers? Now, when you activate a location with a worker, which could be to buy a companion or an item.
Ep 9 eoisode: Which you can do at any time. Can you decide to activate the locations in the village with your workers? Now, when you activate a location with a worker, which could be to buy a companion or an item or just interact with the building, you have to pay the price that's on the card and one coin for every other worker present. That can add up and money can be tight in this game. This makes the worker placement portion of this game.
In-Person: Or just interact with the building, you have to pay the price that's on the card and one coin for every other worker present. That can add up and money can be tight in this game. This makes the worker placement portion of this game
Ep 9 eoisode: Very interactive, and I personally hadn't seen it before. I know you have, Travis. Spaces just don't get blocked in this game, but depending on where your opponents place their workers can really raise the cost of certain locations. So it's all about timing.
In-Person: very interactive. And I personally hadn't seen it before. I know you have, Travis. Spaces just don't get blocked in this game, but depending on where your opponents place their workers can really raise the cost of certain locations. So it's all about timing.
Ep 9 eoisode: Do I want to rush to summer to quickly activate a location before someone else does, or before someone else makes it too expensive for me? Some locations can only be activated a certain number of times and
In-Person: Do I want to rush to summer to quickly activate a location before someone else does or before someone else makes it too expensive for me? Some locations can only be activated a certain number of times, and some locations like companions or items are bought and then taken and placed into your personal tableau. So someone can switch to summer and buy that companion before you, spoiling your plan. Within your tableau, you can hold only three companions.
Ep 9 eoisode: Some locations like companions or items are bought and then taken and placed into your personal tableau. So someone can switch to summer and buy that companion before you, spoiling your plan. Within your tableau, you can hold only three companions. They might give you special actions by tapping them once per year or special in-game scoring points. You can also only have three items, which might give you other actions or improve your actions.
In-Person: It might give you special actions by tapping them once per year or special in-game scoring points. You can also only have three items, which might give you other actions or improve your actions. Yeah, most of what you've stated to this point is true of Spirium.
Ep 9 eoisode: Yeah, most of what you stated to this point is true of spirit of You place workers within a three by three card grid, which makes those cards more expensive to take or activate, but to either take to your tableau, use for their effect, or use to get money. Aspirium also had the round phases, so you have to stop playing to the grid in order to take or activate cards. That timing was as pivotal as it is with trailer. Asperium had factories and patents that you would keep to the left and right of your tableau.
In-Person: You place workers within a three by three card grid, which makes those cards more expensive to take or activate, but to either take to your tableau used for their effect or use to get money. Aspirium also had the round phases, so you have to stop playing to the grid in order to take or activate cards. That timing was as pivotal as it is with Greylon. Aspirium had factories and patents that you would keep to the left and right of your tableau instead of companions and items. But I don't think there was a limit. They were just increasingly expensive.
Ep 9 eoisode: instead of companions items. But I don't think there was a limit. They were just increasingly expensive. I think this is one of the simplifications that helps this game be more successful. And so also during summer, you can go on an adventure and send your horse meeple gallivanting around the kingdom to interact with encounters or quests. These encounters might require you to pay money or have certain attributes, and if you meet these requirements, you get the encounter card or you put a token by the quest
In-Person: I think this is one of the simplifications that helps this game be more successful. And so also during Sun, you can go on an adventure and send your horse meetle gallivanting around the kingdom to interact with encounters or quests. These encounters might require you to pay money or have certain attributes. And if you meet these requirements, you get the encounter card or you put a token by the quest
Ep 9 eoisode: For endgame points. The encounter cards go on the left side of your player board,
In-Person: for end-game points. The encounter cards go on the left side of your player board.
Ep 9 eoisode: which will give you certain bonuses, but they will also have a book symbol on the top of the card numbered from zero to three. Now the last main action is to tell your story. This could be at a certain location in the village or on your player board, and you grab a number of event cards with books that do not exceed more than three books. And then you're just gonna move them.
In-Person: Which will give you certain bonuses, but they will also have a book symbol on the top of the card numbered from zero to three. Now the last main action is to tell your story. This could be at a certain location in the village or on your player board, and you grab a number of event cards with books that do not exceed more than three books. And then you're just going to move them
Ep 9 eoisode: Over from the left side of your player board to your right side of your player board.
In-Person: over from the left side of your player board to your right side of your player board.
Ep 9 eoisode: I know not very thematic there. This will get you different bonuses for where you told that story and typically a lot of points. This is where greatly massive
In-Person: I know I'm not very thematic there. This will get you different bonuses for where you told that story and typically lot of points. And this is where Greylon massively improves on the original and only took 13 years. Instead of gathering money in Spirium
Ep 9 eoisode: Instead of gathering money and script
In-Person: and then looking in the last rounds to spend it as efficiently as possible to gather points, you feel like you're doing something with the things you've gathered. Companions give you actual effects instead of just having factories for conversion.
Ep 9 eoisode: You feel like you're doing something with the things you gathered. Companions give you actual effects instead of just having factories for conversion. Items give you once per round or one-off abilities that change the way the game is played. Some are discarded but are worth points, so there's some strategic tension there as to whether you'll spend it for that one-off bonus or keep it for the points. Sturium had a weird investment thing going on where you would get a residence and you would decide whether you would
In-Person: Items give you once per round or one off abilities that change the way the game is played. And some are discarded but are worth points. So there's some strategic tension there as to whether you'll spend it for that one off bonus or keep it for the points. Sperium had a weird investment thing going on where you would get a residence and you would decide whether you would go up a track or take the points of your position on the track. But now your investment is how you can move around the adventure board.
Ep 9 eoisode: go up a track or take the points of your position on the track. But now your investment is how you can move around the adventure board and take income improvements or tell little stories that give other benefits. game space has really exploded in way.
In-Person: and take income improvements or tell little stories that give other benefits. the game space has really exploded in that way.
Ep 9 eoisode: I'm gonna say wow, Travis, I I really had fun with this. I was skeptical going into this game. The game is like Kalis and Rezarkana had a baby. Or if Rezzar kinda had a worker placement element as well. It's like it's like you say that because with Sperium I felt like Furnace killed that game. The bending was a different direction. Resource conversion was as dialed in as a resource conversion game could be. And it played faster than Sperium. interesting, I feel like Grey Loon reminded
In-Person: And it's funny it's funny you say that because with Spirium, I felt like Furnace killed that game. The bidding was a different direction, but the resource conversion was as dialed in as a resource conversion game could be. And it played faster than Spirium. interesting, I feel like Greylon reminds
Ep 9 eoisode: you of what made Spirium an innovative design, which is the worker placement mechanic. But made that mechanic outshine the ancillary resource conversion game. It was almost as if William Adia said, okay,
In-Person: you of what made Spirium an innovative design, which is the worker placement mechanic, but made that mechanic outshine the ancillary resource conversion game. It was almost as if William Adia said, okay.
Ep 9 eoisode: Furness killed Spirium for its less interesting parts, so now I will just make what made Spirium good into very much more interesting game. That's so interesting.
In-Person: Furnace killed Spirium for its less interesting parts, so now I will just make what made Spirium good into a very much more interesting game.
Ep 9 eoisode: Now I really enjoyed Kalis and I love how William Adia made a cutthroat worker placement game. That could punish you with that provost. Greylon's worker placement is more gentle than Kayless, but it's still very interactive and it's still punishing. Like instead of slapping you across the face, it's more of a gentle backhand slap.
In-Person: is more gentle than Kayla's, but it's still very interactive and it's still punishing. Like instead of slapping you across the face, it's more of a gentle backhand slap.
Ep 9 eoisode: Other people's placements of their workers greatly increase the cost of certain spots, annoying the hell out of you. But you can also choose to remove that worker to collect money. And if you do that, you choose a card your worker is connected to.
In-Person: Other people's placements of their workers greatly increases the cost of certain spots, annoying the hell out of you. But you can also choose to remove that worker to collect money. And if you do that, you choose a card your worker is connected to,
Ep 9 eoisode: And you get a coin for every other worker that's adjacent to that card. So you're still going to get something, but you're gonna have to change up your plan.
In-Person: and you get a coin for every other worker that's adjacent to that card. So you're still going to get something, but you're gonna have to change up your plan. Kayless is a game of timing like Greylon, but it sort of manifests in a different way. And Kayless is
Ep 9 eoisode: Kalus is really the original worker placement game. And it feels like it. You have five workers and 20 action spots. What is the order I take those actions? What is the most important thing to me? Then what is the next most important thing to me? What am I willing to just live with getting away with, you know? The worker placement game of Greylon is not as pivotal in the order.
In-Person: really the original worker placement game and it feels like it. You have five workers and 20 action spots. What is the order I take those actions? What is the most important thing to me? Then what is the next most important thing to me? What am I willing to just live with getting away with, you know? The worker placement game of Grey Loon is not as pivotal in the order that you place your workers, but when you decide to start doing things with those workers.
Ep 9 eoisode: your workers, but when you decide to start doing things with those workers. I think in certain circumstances this can be just as harsh as chaos. Yeah. In our last game I had things I wanted from the board, but you bailed into summer in the last round
In-Person: I think in certain circumstances, this can be just as harsh as Kalis. In our last game, I had things I wanted from the board, but you bailed into summer in the last round very quick and started snatching up all the things I wanted on the adventure board. So it was almost like reverse Kalis. So the game was saying to me, What are you willing to live with first? knowing that the timing of the system meant you wouldn't get your full plan fulfilled.
Ep 9 eoisode: Very quick and started snatching up all the things I wanted on the adventure board. I had to. So it was almost like reverse tailess. The game was saying me, What are you willing to live with first, knowing that the timing of the system meant you wouldn't get your full plan fulfilled. Now Rezarcana had that fantasy theme with a lot of symbols and you're building a tableau with a good engine to win the game. That tableau was very important. Now Grey Loon has a lot of iconography, but not as much as Rez Arcana. But you're also trying to build a tableau, but with only a few cards to get a nice engine going to help you gain income and go on those quests. I love how you're trying to do a lot, but only with a few cards so you're not overwhelmed with possibilities. Each year, new cards are gonna come out that make up the village, and new encounter cards are gonna go out, so you have a decent amount to take in, not too much, and you know you're only going to be selecting a small few of these actions.
In-Person: To get a nice engine going to help you gain income and go on those quests. I love how you're trying to do a lot, but only with a few cards, so you're not overwhelmed with possibilities. Each year, new cards are gonna come out that make up the village, and new encounter cards are gonna go out so you have a decent amount to take in, not too much, and you know you're only going to be selecting a small few of these actions.
Ep 9 eoisode: to help build your engine or to see how your engine is going to interact with certain encounters the best. So small tableau building, but a very important decision making on what you're going to decide to put in that tableau. Deciding when to switch from one season to the next, that's a huge factor.
In-Person: To help build your engine or to see how your engine is going to interact with circuit counters the best. So small tableau building, but a very important decision making on what you're going to decide to put in that tableau. Deciding when to switch from one season to the next, that's a huge factor.
Ep 9 eoisode: you might be enjoying placing your workers out and all of a sudden your opponent doesn't place all theirs out like I did with Travis.
In-Person: You might be enjoying placing your workers out, and all of a sudden your opponent doesn't place all theirs out like I did with Travis, and on their next turn decides to rush to summer and still the companion you were eyeing the whole turn. Ouch. Or you might rush to go on an adventure or do an encounter in summer while everyone else is still in spring. Deciding when to rush forward and when to linger back was an enjoyable dance. Travis, I I don't know.
Ep 9 eoisode: And on their next turn, decides to rush to summer and steal the companion you were eyeing the whole turn. Ouch. Or you might rush to go on an adventure or do an encounter in summer while everyone else is still in spring. Deciding when to rush forward and when to linger back was an enjoyable dance. Travis, I I don't know why I love a good beige game. Why is that? Why is beige just comforting and
In-Person: Why I love a good beige game. Why is that? Why is beige just comforting
Ep 9 eoisode: Cozy to me and beige, I tell you what, it looks great on Greylon. It also has some great artwork. The box is beautiful and the cards are pretty, your meeples are all different. Nothing bad to say there.
In-Person: and cozy to me? And beige, I tell you what, it looks great on grayling and also has some great artwork. The box is beautiful and the cards are pretty. Your meeples are all different. Nothing bad to say that. Well, being colorblind, I like beige. I like a beige game. It it fits its time and place. It makes you feel like you're
Ep 9 eoisode: I like a man's game. It it fits its time and place and makes you feel like
In-Person: playing a medieval game. but the beige background gives you Contrasts. I think the more colorful parts of the art design stand out. The paint and printed player pieces are great. I really do like the art design of this game. I don't look to play fantasy themed games really, but when I do, I want them to look like this. It is interesting that people with great color vision would look at a game like this, or maybe Galileo, and say, Boy, that game is beige. And I look at Galileo and I see a colorful game.
Ep 9 eoisode: Of the art design stand out. The paint printed player pieces are great. I really do like the art design of this game. I don't look to play fantasy theme games really, but when I do, I want them to look like this. It is interesting that people with great color vision would look at a game like this, or maybe Galileo, and say, Boy, that game is beige. And I look at Galileo and I see a colorful game because
In-Person: 'Cause the Inquisitors stand out and they're bright red and the dice colors stand out against the beige background.
Ep 9 eoisode: the Inquisitors stand out and they're bright red, and the dice colors stand out against the beige background.
In-Person: So I I kinda like that. Now the I can aren't defeating I will say what's
Ep 9 eoisode: So I I kinda like that. Now the iconography, I will say, was frustrating. On the encounter cards, it was difficult to know if I just had to have something to meet the requirement to get the card, or did I need to spend it? I heard someone complain about the score tracker, and that was not that big of a deal, but I saw their point. you do need to take some time to understand the iconography. It's not heavy, it really isn't, but it's not intuitive, and that was the problem.
In-Person: To meet the requirement to get the card, or did I need to spend it? I heard someone complain about the score tracker, and that was not that big of a deal, but I saw their point. you do need to take some time to understand the iconography. It's not heavy, it really isn't, but it's not intuitive, and that was the problem.
Ep 9 eoisode: I'll give them credit that every card is explained in the book. That was nice. It would be nice if there was a player aid menu for all players,
In-Person: I'll give them credit that every card is explained in the book. That was nice. It would be nice if there was a player, a menu for all players.
Ep 9 eoisode: so we aren't passing the rule book back and forth. And yes, I'm sure that would raise the price point of this game, which Travis is a still. Most games these days are what, $50 to $80. This game is only $40, and it's a lot of game for $40.
In-Person: So we're passing the rule book back and forth. And yes, I'm sure that would raise the p the price point of this game, which Travis is a still. Most games these days are what? Fifty to eighty dollars. This game is only forty, and it's a lot of game for forty dollars. I I agree, the iconography is an issue here. I mean, do does this card mean I have to spend a villager and from where? Does this card get discarded or do I just tap it? Do I need to spend money or just have money? I also have a bone to pick with just the footprint of the game. I mean, I appreciate the price point of the game. I kind of like the the box size, but the central board could just be bigger to fit a real score track. There's no need for the left side of the board to remind you how to make a three by three grid of cards. Use this space more effectively to improve the playability of the game.
Ep 9 eoisode: Or do I just tap it? Do I need to spend money or just have money? I also have a bone to pick with just the footprint of the game. I mean, I appreciate the price point of the game. I kind of like the box size, but the central board could just be bigger to fit a real score trap. Yeah. There's no need for the left side of the board to remind you how to make a 3x3 grid of cards. Use the space more effectively to improve the playability of the game. The other problem I have with the game is one that I kind of had with spiriting, and that that last round is just a huge portion of the game. You're building up to make those big conversions in the last round, and you're really just point salad shooting is what the game is, but it's about pacing, which I think could be just a bit more deliberate.
In-Person: The other problem I have with the game is one that I kind of had with Spirium, and that that last round is just a huge portion of the game. You're building up to make those big conversions in the last round, and you're really just point salad shooting is what the game is, but it's about pacing, which I think could be just a bit more deliberate. I mean, all players are on the same trajectory, just are timing out how to eke those round five points out.
Ep 9 eoisode: I mean all players are on the same trajectory, just are timing out how to eke those round five points out. It might have been a bit better to give players a chance to cash in a bit more heavily on certain things in the previous rounds, knowing that there would be a trade-off with point scoring opportunities in the fifth round. I don't know. It's just
In-Person: It might have been a bit better to give players a chance to cash in a bit more heavily on certain things in the previous rounds, knowing that there would be a trade-off with point scoring opportunities in the fifth round. I don't know. It's just an engine game that is disguised kind of as something else. It still makes you feel, as Sperium does, that you want to know all the cards in that round five deck. So you know exactly what you're shooting for as you go through the game. Definitely. So Greeley, the year's not over, but sure.
Ep 9 eoisode: An engine game that is disguised kind of as something else. It still makes you feel, as Prime does, that you want to know all the cards in that round five deck, so you know exactly what you're shooting for as you go through the game. Definitely. So Greyloon, the year's not over, but you're high on the list for one of the best this year is for me. Yeah, overall I agree that this is in the discussion. There's something about this game system that's just so inviting and puzzling. I had to upgrade.
In-Person: Yeah, overall I agree that this is in the discussion. There's something about this game system that's just so inviting and puzzly. I had to upgrade. I like it. Is it perfect? No, but I had a really good time with it.
Ep 9 eoisode: I like it. Is it perfect? No, but I had a really good time with it. Yeah, and so that is Grey Loon by William Adia, published by Sorry We Are French in 2026. That will do it for this week. Thanks for joining us on Tableclips. Now get out there and play some games.
In-Person: Well that will do it for this week. Thanks for joining us on Table Flips. Now get out there and play some games.
Ep 9 eoisode: Bye. Bye.
In-Person: Bye.