In-Person: This podcast interruption has been brought to you by Gloat. You are the GOAT when you gloat.
Gloat: This podcast interruption has been brought to you by Gloats. You are the GOATs, wouldn't you, Gloats?
Ep5: Welcome to Table Flips, where two grown men realize they never grew up and still play with toys, and that's okay. It's okay. Yeah, my mom thinks I'm cool. On this week's episode, we'll talk about games we played this week. A new fun segment followed by what flips your table, concluding with a featured review or Lloy, the Prague Astronomical
In-Person: Welcome to Table Flips, where two grown men realize they never grew up and still play with toys, and that's okay. It's okay. Yeah, my mom thinks I'm cool. On this week's episode, we'll talk about games we played this week. A new fun segment, followed by what flips your table, concluding with a featured review or Lloyd, the Prague Astronomical Game.
Ep5: Clock. No, you're not tripping on acid.
In-Person: No, you're not tripping on acid. The board game art just makes you feel like you are. Now, on to what we played this week.
Ep5: The board game art just makes you feel like you are. Now, on to what we played this week.
In-Person: So we played Le Granga, the deluxe master set by Mac Michael Keller, and the Ode, made in twenty twenty-three, but originally published in twenty fourteen. this is from Board and Dice. So this game was very interesting.
Ep5: So this game was very interesting to me. You are managing a small farm somewhere in Spain and you're trying to deliver the most goods for points. So through a combination of multi-use card playing and dice drafting, you decide the best place to deliver goods for points and bonuses. The game will play over six rounds and it's crunchy to the very end. So I went into this game thinking that it was this hardcore.
In-Person: Trying to deliver the most goods for points. So through a combination of multi-use card playing and dice drafting, you decide the best place to deliver goods for points and bonuses. The game will play over six rounds and it's crunchy to the very end. So I went into this game thinking that it was this hardcore
Ep5: Core dice drafting game, but that was such a small piece this game that I don't even know
In-Person: dice drafting game, but that was such a small piece of this game that I don't even know.
Ep5: if you would categorize it as dice drafting.
In-Person: If you would categorize it as dice trapped. Yeah, it's it's certainly not as consequential as Grand Austria Hotel or Toledo or White Castle. it's just a way to
Ep5: Yeah.
In-Person: variably dole out resources to help start your engine building. I guess a fun little segment within the board game. So the game really felt like it was little culture and like Ube Rosen.
Ep5: It was a fun little segment within the board game. So the game really felt like it was viticulture and like Uwe Rosenberg had a baby. You have the aesthetics of viticulture, but a hefty farm-like player board where you're growing food and popping out these pigs. While I usually complain about having big deck of random cards in a game, like terraforming Mars or Wingspan.
In-Person: You have the aesthetics of viticulture, but a hefty farm like player board where you're growing food and popping out these pigs. Well I usually complain about having big deck of random cards in the game like terraforming Mars or Wingspan.
Ep5: The fact that they are multi-use cards where you can use them in four different ways makes it feel less random and kind of more strategic. So I can use a card for a special power. I can use it to build my farmland or my pasture, or use it as a place to deliver goods. And I enjoyed that decision space in the game. Yeah, I this is
In-Person: The fact that they are multi-use cards where you can use them in four different ways makes it feel less random and kind of more strategic. So I can use a card for a special power. I can use it to build my farmland or my pasture, or use it as a place to deliver goods. And I enjoyed that decision space in the game. Yeah, I think. This is what this game is
Ep5: what this game
In-Person: known for, is the the multi use cards. And it's probably one of the original, multi use card games. I guess Glory to Rome came out earlier than that, but I think this really distills it down because you can use it in four different ways. I think it makes the most of that mechanic
Ep5: I think it makes the most of that mechanic.
In-Person: than any other game I can think of. the
Ep5: The worker permanent or once around actions are meaningful and leaves the player in kind of an agony over how to use the card. Do I use it for the worker like bonus? Or do I need to use this to increase my farming capacity somehow?
In-Person: worker permanent or once around actions are meaningful and leaves the player in kind of an agony over how to use the card. Do I use it for the worker like bonus or do I need to use this to increase my farming capacity somehow. I I think that the master set nearly doubles the card deck from the original game.
Ep5: I I think that the master set nearly doubles the card deck from the original game. my goodness. So it's a refreshing to see a game that expands its main premise rather than a lot of designs now that just sort of muddy the game with their expansions. in the immortal words of Linda Richmond from Coffee Talk, though, the La Grande Deluxe Master Set is neither deluxe nor a master. In my opinion.
In-Person: so it's a refreshing to see a game that expands its main premise rather than a lot of designs now that just sort of muddy the game with their expansions. in the immortal words of Linda Richmond from Coffee Talk, though, the La Granda Deluxe Master set is neither deluxe nor a master. Discuss in my opinion. I think the components are subpar for a deluxe set. I don't think they're really deluxe. And
Ep5: I think the components are subpar for a deluxe set. I don't think they're really deluxe. And many of the module add-ons, even just reviewing them and not really even playing them seem forgettable to me. Hmm. There there was a lot going on in this game
In-Person: Many of the module add ons, even just in reviewing them and not really even playing them seem forgettable to me. There there was a lot going on in this game.
Ep5: and that made it to where there was a lot you could forget about in this game. And I felt like there were multiple times when we played that we could easily forget about this bonus or that bonus or this bonus.
In-Person: could forget about in this game. I felt like there were multiple times when we played that we could easily forget about this bonus or that bonus or this part of the flow or that part of the flow. What'd you think about that?
Ep5: part of the flow or that part of the flow. What'd you think about that?
In-Person: Yeah, I it's it's weird. It doesn't feel natural in its flow. Some things you can do
Ep5: Yeah, I it's it's weird. It doesn't feel natural in its well. Some things you can do
In-Person: whenever you want. You can buy or sell or use your trade goods in any phase. But then there's other things that have to be done in this very staccato procedural fashion. It just kind of leaves the players off balance, I think. so I I
Ep5: sell or use your trade goods in any phase. But then there's other things that have to be done in this very staccato procedural fashion. It just kind of leaves the players off balance, I So I
In-Person: mean I after our play of that game, I'm
Ep5: After our play of that game, I'm I'm gonna move on from my copy. I almost wish I had my original copy again that just had the promo cards that I got rid of when the deluxe master set was announced. then might see the light of day again, but the deluxe master set really is just bloat. It doesn't really need to exist. Wait, are you saying you're gonna call this game? I am gonna call this game. Ooh, right here and there.
In-Person: I'm gonna move on from my copy. I almost wish I had my original copy again that had just had the promo cards that I got rid of when the deluxe master set was announced. then it might see the light of day again, but the deluxe master set really is just bloat. It doesn't really need to exist. Wait, are you saying you're gonna call this game? I am gonna call this game. It is it is on the it is in the cull garage
Ep5: Hmm. I know. And so, you know, I
In-Person: right now. And so, you know
Ep5: I enjoyed playing the game, but the main critique for me is that it felt very procedural, with each round having four phases, and each phase has a certain order. The mechanics were fun, but the main letdown was the lack of flow in the game. There there was no flow in this game. There were multiple times that we had to remind each other, now we're on this phase or phase two, part four.
In-Person: I enjoy playing the game, but the main critique for me is that it felt very procedural, with each round having four phases, and each phase has a certain order. The mechanics were fun, but the main letdown was the lack of flow in the game. There was no flow in this game. There were multiple times that we had to remind each other, now we're on this phase or phase two, part four, and don't forget what you do.
Ep5: Four and don't forget what you do. wait, that was in phase three. Now we're on phase five A B. And so that really slowed the game down for me. You could easily forget bonuses and income and certain points and even certain actions in this game. And so because of that, I'm with you there and Travis. I'm happy you're calling it, and I don't want to.
In-Person: wait, that was in phase three. Now we're on phase five AB. And so that really slowed the game down for me. You could easily forget bonuses and income and certain points and even certain actions in this game. And so because of that, I'm with you there, Travis. I'm happy you're pulling it. And I don't want to personally go out and buy it. I enjoyed playing it.
Ep5: personally go out and buy it. I enjoyed playing it, but for me it was one of those one and done games. Yeah, I I when I played this
In-Person: But for me it was one those one and done games. Yeah, I I I when I played this, you know, ten plus years ago, I think it was, you know, fairly innovative at the time. but now these past ten years of games just made me feel like it's just not ultimately a satisfying game. I mean, you you mentioned like viticulture,
Ep5: Made me feel like it's just not ultimately a satisfying game. I mean you you mentioned like viticulture
In-Person: or agricola. all those games kind of fit the same ideas that they appear to be engine games, but you're not actually generating much of an engine. Like in Lagrana, you once you create farm goods or pigs or whatever, you're turning them in and then what you get out of that as a reward is not satisfying at all. So you just you generate things from your farm, but your end reward is just
Ep5: all those games kind of fit this same idea is that they appear to be engine games but you're not actually generating much of an engine. Like in Legrana you once you create farm goods or pigs or whatever, you're turning them in and then what you get out of that as a reward is not satisfying at all. So you just you generate things from your farm but your end reward is just kind
In-Person: kinda
Ep5: of
In-Person: dull. So yeah, I think I I'd be fine if I never played Legran again, I think. Enjoy those multi use cards, but I'm wrapping So that was
Ep5: So yeah, I think I I'd be fine if I never game, I think. I enjoyed those multi-use cards, but I'm right there with you. So that was Lagranja Deluxe Master Set.
In-Person: set.
Ep5: so let's talk about Bordeaux. This is from twenty twenty six, designed by Ben Rossett.
In-Person: so let's talk about Bordeaux. This is from 2026, designed by Ben Rossett, and R2I Games is the publisher. I'm excited to hear about your thoughts on this. I I just got this in and I'm excited to play this. Yeah, this comes in a book
Ep5: I'm excited to hear about your thoughts on this. I I just got this in and I'm excited to play this. Yeah, this comes in a book.
In-Person: I think it's a hundred and fifty double-sided sheets. Nicely produced book.
Ep5: Nicely produced book, I must say. Very nice and very inexpensive. that was shocking. Yeah, and each of those sheets is unique, at least from first glance. They appear to be unique. That's nice. and you can play this game with as many people as can get a sheet. so if you haven't played Fromage or Formagio.
In-Person: It is it is very nice and very inexpensive. that was shocking. Yeah, and each of those sheets is unique. At least from first glance, they appear to be unique. and you can play this game with as many people as can get a sheet. so if you haven't played Fromage or Formagio, this is a condensed
Ep5: This is a condensed paper and pencil version of those games. it preserves the part of the game where you're choosing how long you want workers to work. you're basically managing what actions workers can take on a turn, what workers will be available, and what workers you have doing extended actions. Now Travis and Fromage
In-Person: paper and pencil version of those games. it preserves the part of the game where you're choosing how long you want workers to work. you're basically managing what actions workers can take on a turn, what workers will be available and what workers you have doing extended actions. Travis and Vermont
Ep5: I mean you have this big lazy Susan
In-Person: I mean you have this big lazy Susan.
Ep5: to differentiate the the time on how long your worker is gonna be out there and how it turns and then it's gonna come back and face you. Are we seeing some type of that element in this book? Well s sort of. So the the page you get is is unique, but it has some things that are pre-filled out on them. one of them shows
In-Person: To differentiate the the time on how long your workers gonna be out there and how it turns and then it's gonna come back and face you. Are we seeing some type of that element in this book? Well s sort of. So the the page that you get is is unique, but it has some things that are pre-filled out on them. one of them shows you what your workers have done or are currently doing in in sort of a setup fashion, and you'll have one worker available at the very first round of the game, and you choose how long you want that worker to do a certain action. So if you do one year, then you'll just put in one box. If you do three years, then you have to take out the next three boxes. And in that case, that worker won't be available to you in the following years.
Ep5: Setup fashion, and you'll have one worker available at the very first round of the game, and you choose how long you want that worker to do a certain action. So if you do one year, then you'll just put in one box. If you do three years, then you have to take out the next three boxes, and in that case, that worker won't be available to you in the following years.
In-Person: I think what makes the game really interesting is that
Ep5: I think what makes the game really interesting is that there are empty action selection at the top, and at the beginning of the game you'll pre-circle which years you get to pick what that empty box represents. So it could be what region on your sheet that you get to work in, or what action that those workers get to do. so it's sort of like a
In-Person: There are empty action selection at the top. And at the beginning of the game, you'll pre circle which years you get to pick what that empty box represents. So it could be what region on your sheet that you get to work in or what action that those workers get to do. so it's sort of like a a call and follow game. I don't know if you played Tiny Towns. It's kind of reminded me of Tiny Towns.
Ep5: Call and follow game. I don't know if you play Tiny Towns. It's kind of reminded me of Tiny Towns. It's been a long time, but I enjoyed that one. Yeah, so in Tiny Towns, one person will say brick. And then everybody else has to play brick that year. If you don't want to play one, then you just miss out. the game forces you to find some way to manage all these resources that you may or may not have wanted.
In-Person: Yeah, so in tiny towns, one person will say brick, and then everybody else has to play brick that year. If you don't want to play one, then you just miss out. the game forces you to find some way to manage all of these resources that you may or may not have wanted from the player who called them. in this game it's kind of similar to that. If it's your year, you pick what that action is, everybody writes it in, and then they have to decide how to deal with that.
Ep5: This game is kind of similar to that. If it's your ear, you pick what that action is, everybody writes it in, and then they have to decide how to deal with that.
In-Person: the sheet is basically the regions of winemaking at the top of Bordeaux. And then the bottom is the different actions you can take. So these are casks, vines, or trellises.
Ep5: The sheet is basically the regions of winemaking at the top of Bordeaux, and then the bottom is the different actions you can take. So these are casks, vines, or trellises. the casks are needed in case you circle certain parts of the topboard. You may require casks to produce wine on a certain spot.
In-Person: the casks are needed in case you circle certain parts of the top board. You may require casks to produce wine in a certain spot.
Ep5: And being able to use those casks will get you extra points at the end of the game. Vines will give you the ability to circle certain parts of your topboard.
In-Person: and being able to use those casks will get you extra points at the end of the game. vines will give you the ability to circle certain parts of your top board and you kind of build the vine in like these V formations. And that's what's really neat is the casks are C's, the vines are Vs, and the trellises are T's. So when somebody calls for one of those, it evokes you.
Ep5: And you kind of build the vine in like these V formations. That's what's really neat is the casts are Cs, the vines are Vs, and the trellises are Ts. So when somebody calls for one of those, it evokes you to take that action because those actions are actually those letters.
In-Person: to take that action because those actions are actually those letters. and then the trellises are in game scoring. And everybody's in game scoring is different. you have to decide which of those in game scoring possibilities are most important to you and those are the trellises that you'll want to complete. So we played this game, Travis did it feel like you were playing Fromage or was it like in the Fromage universe? Yeah, I think it's just in the Fromage universe.
Ep5: The trellises are in-game scoring, and everybody's in-game scoring is have to decide which of those in-game scoring possibilities are most important to you, and those are the trellises that you want to lead. So when you played this game, Travis, did it feel like you were playing Formage or was like in the Formage universe? Yeah, I think it's just in the Formage universe. Like same theme type, but feels different.
In-Person: meeting time, but yeah, I I think they did a very good job of bringing fromage to a paper and pencil game 'cause you do really have to think about okay, in this year I get to pick what the action is and I want to make sure I have two workers available 'cause you can only take up to two actions a turn. But both of those actions are gonna be good, so I need to somehow arrange
Ep5: Game because you do really have to think about okay, in this year I get to pick what the action is, and I want to make sure I have two workers available because you can only take up to two actions to turn, but both of those actions are gonna be good, so I need to somehow arrange how long I use the workers leading up to that year. So you're constantly thinking, you know, I don't want to.
In-Person: How long I use the workers leading up to that year. So you're constantly thinking, you know, I don't want to give myself a year where all three workers are available because I can only take two actions. So this one has to work for two years, and this one will work for three years, and so on and so forth. I think they did well at distilling that decision part of Fromage down to Bordeaux. I've heard people online
Ep5: Give myself a year where all three workers are available because I can only take two actions. So this one has to work for two years, and this one will work for three years, and so on and so forth. I think they did well at distilling that decision part of Fromage down to Bordeaux. I've heard people online kind of give this game a hard time because I think they thought it was going to be a solo.
In-Person: Kind of give this game a hard time because I think they thought it was going to be a solo game. And I just don't see it as a very compelling solo exercise. The real meat of this game is playing with, two, three, or more players where you have to be at the will of other players picking what your action's gonna be for a given year. Especially if it's like tiny towns. And so I can see how that would
Ep5: And I just don't see it as a very compelling solo exercise. The real meat of this game is playing with, two, three or more players where you have to be at the will of other players picking what your action's gonna given year. Especially if it's like tiny towns. And so I could see how that would not work as a solo game. but is it still okay at two or three? Yeah.
In-Person: But is it still okay at two or three? Yeah, I I I've played it at both. it's available on board game arena. I played it with my wife and my daughter. At first they had never played Fromage. So then they went into it completely blind. And if you haven't seen Fromage and you go to that sort of framework of using your workers for different amounts of time, it seems like very foreign concept.
Ep5: Went into it completely blind. And if you haven't seen Fromage and you go to that sort of framework of using your workers for different amounts of time, it seems like a very foreign concept. Yeah. So they had to get over that hump. for the first few turns, I was saying, this is the action that's available. You might want to do this. And they go, okay. I I used this worker for two years, now I can circle this two-year-aged wine.
In-Person: Yeah. So they had to get over that hump. for the first few turns, I was saying, this is the action that's available. You might want to do this. And they go, okay. I I've used this worker for two years. Now I can circle this two-year aged wine right
Ep5: right here and that connects this and I get these things. The the concepts in obviously it's on a single sheet of paper are very easy but to get into that game because it's very very different
In-Person: here, and that connects this and I get these things. The concepts, in obviously it's on a single sheet of paper, are very easy, but to get into that game, because it's very, very different.
Ep5: it can be a little bit of a hurdle but I think that's what makes it you know kooky and unique. Interesting well I I I once I got it and I started using the sheets I'm like I'm gonna have to get another one of these.
In-Person: it can be a little bit of a hurdle, but I think that's what makes it you know kooky and unique. I think we'll I I I I once I got it and I started, using the sheets, I'm like, I'm gonna have to get another one of these and so buy like a backup copy 'cause I know I'm going to go through most of this book and will want the book on my shelf. Yeah. That is high price. Is this one where you can laminate a few of those pages and just
Ep5: So buy like a backup copy 'cause I know I'm going to go through most of this book. That's high praise from you, Travis, right there. Yeah. That is high price. Is this one where you could laminate a few of those pages and just play
In-Person: play those forever? I think you could, but I don't I I think right now. Yeah,
Ep5: those forever? Would that work? Yeah, w when I Yeah.
In-Person: I I think you would just buy another book. well first I played this game on Wargame Arena because I saw that it was, you know, a Fromage, universe game. And I thought, well how are they gonna do this? Cause if my sheet is the same and then I noticed that my sheet was different than the other player's sheet.
Ep5: Yeah. And then I noticed that my sheet was different than the other player's sheet. And
In-Person: And I was like, well, how are they gonna do that? they printed a stack of sheets and they're all different. I don't know how what how you do that, but I guess you just print it like a book would with different words or whatever, but it just seems so foreign to me because usually when you get a roll and write game, you get a
Ep5: I was like, well, how are they gonna do that? they printed a stack of sheets and they're all different. I don't know what how you do that, but I guess you just print it like a book with different words or whatever, but it just seems so foreign to me because usually when you get a roll and right game, you get it.
In-Person: you get the same sheet as everybody else.
Ep5: The same cheap. Yeah. It's hard for me to imagine, but I'm excited because it seems like it's it's good for hobbyist gamers. It can be okay maybe for family too. Might be a little hurdle that they gotta get used to, but still be fun enough for the rest of us, if that makes sense. I think it's it's really a straight up filler. If the game takes any
In-Person: It seems like it's it's good for hobbies gamers. It can be okay maybe for family too. Might be a little hurdle that they gotta get used to, but still be fun enough for the us. Yeah, I think it's it's really a straight up filler. If the game takes any more than half an hour you're you're thinking way too hard, So it's a it's a good game where if you have, eight people on a game night that are waiting to break up into two games, you just have everybody play the same game and then it should take less than half an hour and you just move on to your main event for that night. I'm excited. You really sold me on this channel.
Ep5: So it's a it's a good game where you have eight people on a game night that are waiting to break up into two games. Just have everybody playing the same game and then it should take less than half an hour and you just move on to, your main event for that night. Well I'm excited. You really sold me on this, Travis. I can't wait to try it.
In-Person: Yep, that's
Ep5: that's
In-Person: Bordeaux, by Ben Rossett. Our next game was Pinatas by Reiner Kenizia, produced by All Play in twenty twenty five. It was a re implementation of Marshmallow Test. Now Travis,
Ep5: Our next game was Pinatas by Reiner Kanizia, produced by All Play in 2025. It was a re-implementation of Marshmallow Tus. Now Travis I hate to say this, but I forgot that the good doctor came out with a trick-taking game, and when you reminded me about this, I was so excited to play it. Well you're such a big Kenizia fanboy. definitely. I mean you have that tattoo and everything.
In-Person: I hate to say this but I forgot that the Good Doctor came out with a trick taking game and when you reminded me about this, I was so excited to play it. Well you're s you're such a big Kenizia fanboy. I think you had to I mean you have that tattoo and everything.
Ep5: Don't tell anyone. First to 25 points wins. Once you win three tricks, you go out of the hand.
In-Person: First to 25 points wins. Once you win three tricks, you go out of the hand.
Ep5: Your points are how many tricks other people have. So if I go out and Travis has only two tricks in front of him and John Doe has one trick, then I get
In-Person: Your points are how many tricks other people have. So if I go out and Travis has only two tricks in front of him and John Doe has one trick, then I get three points. But you don't want to be the last person to go out, or you just get points for the tricks that you have. It's a nice balance of trying to stay in the game as long as you can.
Ep5: Three points, but you don't want to be the last person to go out, or you just get points for the tricks that you have. It's a nice balance of trying to stay in the game as long as you can so other people win a lot of tricks so that you can get more points, but you don't want to push your luck too much, or you'll be the last one out and not get many points at all. So I really enjoyed the struggle.
In-Person: So other people win a lot of tricks so that you can get more points, but you don't want to push your luck too much, or you'll be the last one out and not get many points at all. So I really enjoyed the struggle. And
Ep5: And gosh, I really sucked at this big time. I think I went out first like three times in a row. another fun addition to this that marshmallow test actually does not have
In-Person: gosh, I really sucked at this big time. I think I went out first like three times in a row. another fun addition to this that marshmallow test actually does not have.
Ep5: is that if you win a trick with a five or a seven, that trick counts as two tricks. So this may make you go out faster than you really wanted, or
In-Person: Is that if you win a trick with a five or a seven, that trick counts as two tricks. So this may make you go out faster than you really wanted,
Ep5: It could save you at the very end and help you go out instead of being the last person out. I thought that was a fun addition. Yeah, when when I bought this, I was thinking it would be a
In-Person: it could save you at the very end and help you go out instead of being the last person out. I thought that was a fun addition. Yeah, when when I bought this I was thinking it would be a straight re implementation of marshmallow test. Which I would have been happy about. Marshmallow Test is great. It's also great not having to pay the marshmallow test prices, which are forty dollars plus last I checked. pinata's actually harkens back to the original iteration of this design called Voodoo Prince. so the fives and sevens I think were in that original version. I like it because it could just swing a hand in your favor.
Ep5: It's also great not having to pay the marshmallow test prices, which are forty dollars last I checked. Pinata's actually harkens back to the original iteration of this sign called Boon Prince. So the fives and sevens I think were in that original version. I like it because it could just swing a hand in your favor
In-Person: Or against it very quickly.
Ep5: or against it very quickly.
In-Person: so it kind of keeps you on your toes. one thing you didn't mention was that when somebody reaches 25 points, the game immediately ends. Yeah. So which is exceedingly important because in that final hand you might go out first if it puts you past 25 points, and then the other players are pressured to keep you in the hand, perhaps exceeding their own 25-point threshold. So that's again, it's another Kenitsia just.
Ep5: So it kind of keeps you on your toes. one thing you didn't mention was that when somebody reaches 25 points, the game immediately ends. Yes. So which is exceedingly important because in that final hand you might go out first if it puts you past 25 points, and then the other players are pressured to keep you in the hand, perhaps exceeding their own 25-point threshold. So that's again, it's another Kenitsia just brilliant element of game design.
In-Person: Brilliant element of game design.
Ep5: Again, this push and pull of wanting to stay in the game as long as you can, but not too long, was a great addition for a trick taking game. I definitely want to pick this up. the art on the cards I felt like was a lot for the pinata edition versus marshmallow was a little bit more simpler. I think you had an interesting comment about colorblindness when we played that. Yeah, well the
In-Person: But not too long was a great addition for a trick-taking game. I definitely want to pick this up. the art on the cards, I felt like was a lot for the pinata edition versus marshmallow, was a little bit more simpler. I think you had an interesting comment about color blindness when you're playing that. Yeah, well the the the cards could be a little bit clearer as to what color they are.
Ep5: Cards could be a little bit clearer as to what color they are. I didn't have a problem with it because the the cards are shape coded too. I think marshmallow test takers, whatever you want to call them, will be hesitant because the art is very busy and sometimes confusing. But I I didn't have really any issues with it. I will say if you have epilepsy, you might want to avoid prolonged stares at the card art. It's
In-Person: I didn't have a problem with it because the the cards are shape coded too. I think marshmallow test takers, whatever you want to call them, will be hesitant because the art is very busy and sometimes confusing. But I I didn't have really any issues with it. I will say if you have epilepsy, you might want to avoid prolonged stares at the card art. It's it's intense like a rave.
Ep5: It's intense like a reveal. It was pretty out there. And so that was Pinatas by Reiner Kenitia, produced by All Play in twenty twenty five.
In-Person: And now it's the Blake Adams show with his co-host Travis Bridges. And now he's
Ep5: And now it's the Blake Adams show with his co-host Travis Bridges. And now you're play.
In-Person: Blake.
Ep5 show jokes dune: Thank you, thank you. This year, legendary designer Tom Lehman tried his hand at designing a deck builder game called Dark Pact. Keyword here is tried.
In-Person: Hiyo.
Ep5 show jokes dune: Martin Wallace, whoo, he's sure cashing in on having the number one board game on BGG. We now have Brass Lancaster, Brass Birmingham, Brass Pittsburgh. I hear that as a Kickstarter exclusive, you can get a special first player marker, a casting of Martin Wallace's Brass Balls.
In-Person: Shine those up.
Ep5 show jokes dune: did you hear about that new Rollin' Wright game? Yeah, neither did anyone else. It's not twenty twenty anymore.
In-Person: Ha ha ha yes.
Ep5 show jokes dune: I hear congratulations is an order for Reiner Kenitsia for winning the Kinnerspill for the game Rebirth. Wow, this is an amazing feat. Who knew all it took to win was retheming the same game a hundred times? Huh.
In-Person: paste it as well. Paste it on.
laugh: Paste it on.
Ep5 show jokes dune: I heard there's another Dune Imperium expansion on the way. Wowzers. Apparently releasing the game, then multiple expansions, then redesigning the game because the expansions made everything too complicated, then releasing more expansions wasn't quite enough. Who would have guessed that the Dune board game would eventually become more convoluted than the actual book series themselves? At this point, one needs a Benny Jesser degree just to set up the damn game.
In-Person: hi oo! Thank you for
Ep5: Thank you for joining us for the Blake Adams Show. Now on to what flips your table.
In-Person: Now on to what flips your table.
Ep5: What's gotten you riled up this week, Travis? Yeah.
In-Person: What's gotten you riled up this week, Travis? Yeah, so let's talk about new board game influencers that I see all over social media. some might say starting your own podcast is a bit self-indulgent. I don't disagree with that. but to be 22 years old and think you really know anything about board games.
Ep5: I might say starting your own podcast is a bit self-indulgent. I don't disagree with that. but to be 22 years old and think you really know anything about board games is just a bit disingenuous. I don't think this problem is only a board game problem. It's in all hobbies and all media. It boils down to the generations after me. I sound really old, but you all have.
In-Person: Is just a bit disingenuous. I don't think this problem is only a board game problem. It's in all hobbies and all media. It boils down to the generations after me. sound really old. But you all have all the information at your fingertips for your adult life. you don't have to work for anything anymore. So when I was deep in the hobby in 1997, you couldn't find information about games.
Ep5: All the information at your fingertips for your adult life. You don't have to work for anything anymore. So when I was deep in the hobby in 1997, you couldn't find information about games. You had to do serious investigation. What is in Europe that I'm missing? What are the players that are bringing games from overseas so I can try them? This is where BGG came from. It was all user-generated content. There were people
In-Person: You had to do serious investigation. Like what is in Europe that I'm missing? What are the players that are bringing games from overseas so I can try them? this is where BGG came from. It was all user generated content. there were people in the know experts, but they informed you, they didn't preach to you. they were often just as much in the dark being in the US and wanting to play more than the
Ep5: in the know experts, but they informed you, they didn't reach to you. they were often just as much in the dark being in the US and wanting to play more than big box store games. They relied on each other and the amalgamation of all that information made BGG into what it was.
In-Person: Big box store games. They relied on each other and the amalgamation of all that information made BGG into what it was. But now, seemingly, you can just wake up and act like you know everything. All I see now are influencers online who are covering up that they've received advanced copies of games or acting like they have played the latest Kickstarter release, even though it doesn't exist yet.
Ep5: But now, seemingly, you can just wake up and act like you know everything. All I see now are influencers online who are covering up that they've received advanced copies of games or acting like they have played the latest Kickstarter release, even though it doesn't exist yet.
In-Person: I saw someone on Facebook the other day who said in a video that they had played 500 games, and here is their top 100. And I had to laugh. Even with my discerning taste and my refined ability to assess game mechanics, I truly like maybe 15% of all the games I play. I would probably have to play 2000 plus games to even like a hundred enough to want to tell anybody about them
Ep5: I saw someone on Facebook the other day who said in a video that they had played 500 games, and here is their top 100. And I had to laugh. Even with my discerning taste and my refined ability to assess game mechanics, I truly like maybe 15% of all the games I played. I would probably have to play 2,000 plus games, even like 100 enough to want to tell anybody about them.
In-Person: in any sort of enthusiastic way.
Ep5: in any sort of enthusiastic way. So it's probably good that I played 5,000-ish different tabletop games in my lifetime. I can tell you this podcast is an outlet for us. No one will ever blame me for being enthusiastic. I'm definitely not trying to sell anything, including my likeness. There's a reason that this is a podcast and not a YouTube channel.
In-Person: so it's probably good that I played five thousandish different tabletop games in my lifetime. I can tell you this podcast is an outlet for us. No one will ever blame me for being enthusiastic. I'm definitely not trying to sell anything, including my likeness. there's a reason that this is a podcast and not a YouTube channel.
Ep5: I love that. And I also love on the previous episode you talked about how when you ordered one of your first games, I think it was from a physical magazine. Well, I was definitely spurned by it from you know, seeing it in the games magazines, games of the year. But I mean that's really one of the few outlets we had back then is whatever was recommended by people
In-Person: We talked about how when you ordered one of your first games, I think it was from a physical Well, I was definitely spurned to buy it from you know seeing it in the game's magazines, games of the year. But I mean that's really one of the few outlets we had back then is whatever was recommended by people in the know. And so nowadays we are just slammed.
Ep5: And so nowadays we are just slammed with so much information left and right. There's so many people putting out more information about board games, different YouTube channels, different podcasts, especially even this one. And so we get All we are trying to do is to have an excuse to talk more.
In-Person: So much information left and right. There's so many people putting out more information about board games, different YouTube channels, different podcasts, especially even this one. And so we get All we are trying to do is to have an excuse to talk more about a hobby we love. So I did exactly
Ep5: about a hobby we love. So I get exactly what you're saying, Travis. And trust me, that makes me want to flip a lot of tables as well.
In-Person: what you're saying, Travis. And trust me, that makes me want to flip a lot of tables.
Ep5: We interrupt this podcast with the new pharmaceutical product from TableFlips Incorporated.
In-Person: We interrupt this podcast with the new pharmaceutical product from Table Flips Incorporated. That last game got you down. Why don't you relive your past triumphs with brag? Bragg. Take two brag
Ep5: Take two brag.
In-Person: half an hour before game night and leave the disappointment for your failures behind. Stand tall with brag. Bragg. Ask your doctor if brag is right for you. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should not take brag. Anxiety, depression.
Ep5: Ask your doctor if brag is right for you. If you have any evolving symptoms, you should not take brag. Anxiety, depression, diabetes, diabetes, persistent constipation, persistent diarrhea, normal bowel movements, and constant bleeding for both eyes.
In-Person: Diabetes, diabetes, persistent constipation, persistent diarrhea, normal bowel movements, and constant bleeding from both eyes.
Ep5: Now on to our featured review.
In-Person: Now on to our feature review. Orloy, the Prague Astronomical Clock. This is by Abraham Hermita and Paloma Pascual. Through an undetermined amount of turns, you're gonna play
Ep5: Through an undetermined amount of turns, you're gonna play as a master builder updating the clock in Prague. Through choosing actions through a very clever rondell, you'll be hiring assistants, paint and build on the clock, go up and down tracks that'll make your actions better, and construct different apostles with the goal of finishing the clock. Once it's finished, the game is over.
In-Person: The clock in Prague. Through choosing actions through a very clever rundown, you'll be hired assistants. Paint and build on the clock. Go up and down tracks that'll make your actions better, and construct different apostles with the goal of finishing the clock. Once it's finished, the game is over, and whoever did the best wins. Travis, did you enjoy this game?
Ep5: And whoever did the best wins. Travis, did you enjoy this game?
In-Person: yeah, generally.
Ep5: yeah.
In-Person: I don't know, I'm still a bit on the fence about it. I don't think the last game we played was very satisfying.
Ep5: I think the last game we played was very sad.
In-Person: but boy it's pretty to look at. Yeah, and I'll have to start with the R. And so I don't know, Travis. This game, I will say, is so damn beautiful. And I don't
Ep5: Yeah, and I'll have to start with the art. And so I don't know, Travis. This game, I will say, is so damn beautiful. And I don't want to look away. It's gorgeous. There's so many colors. But I will also say that I don't know if the game benefits or not from the arts. I I really don't. It makes me want to stare at the game. I I don't know if it helps me comprehend the game.
In-Person: It's gorgeous. There's so many colors. But I will also say that I don't know if the game benefits are not from the arms. I I really don't. It makes me want to stare at the game. I I don't know if it helps me comprehend the game. But
Ep5: But my gosh, it's beautiful. Yeah, I think busy is an understatement. you said earlier it seemed like an acid trip. I don't know about that, but it
In-Person: my gosh, it's beautiful. Yeah, I think busy is an understatement. you said earlier it seemed like an acid trip. I don't know about that, but it
Ep5: the screen printed pieces kind of give me this Terry Gilliam cartoon vibe to them. Definitely. Like I expected them to start talking with fake Czech accents. It looks as if you had opened the back of a clock and wasn't quite sure what all the parts were for.
In-Person: The screen printed pieces kinda give me this Terry Gilliam cartoon vibe to them. Like I expected them to start talking with fake Czech accents. It looks as if you had opened the back of a clock and wasn't quite sure what all the parts were for, and you just kind of dumped them out on the table.
Ep5: Definitely. And so the
In-Person: So the
Ep5: iconography is not very intuitive. that's the big hurdle to this game because you have to go step by step explaining the whole board, and there's this heavy upfront teach, but in the end it's not a heavy board game. Yeah, I think my biggest hurdle with the game is that there are so many.
In-Person: It's not very intrusive. that's the big hurdle to this game because you have to go step by step explaining the whole board and there's this heavy upfront teach, but in the end it's not a heavy board game. Yeah, I think my biggest hurdle with the game is that there are so many gears to turn. pun intended.
Ep5: it's easy to forget that there are bonuses on the stained glass cards that you want to match. And then there's in-game goals. And then there's also bonuses on the tracks. And then you have to remember to turn the apostle gears every time you take an apostle. It's just it's hard to enjoy the game when you're responsible for making all the little parts of the game work. I guess that's like a clock.
In-Person: it's easy to forget that there are bonuses on the stained glass cards that you want to match. And then there's in-game goals, and then there's also bonuses on the tracks, and then you have to remember to turn the apostle gears every time you take an apostle. It's just it's hard to enjoy the game when you're responsible for making all the little parts of the game work. I guess that's like a clock, but I don't really want to be the inside of a clock.
Ep5: But I don't really want to be the inside of a clock when I'm playing the game. And so I I completely hear exactly what you're saying there. There's a lot of bits and pieces
In-Person: when I'm playing the game. And so I I completely hear exactly what you're saying there. There's a lot of bits and pieces
Ep5: to it. again, the iconography was a lot, and trying to remember all the different bonuses you get can be overwhelming. For me, the rondell
In-Person: get can be overwhelming.
Ep5: was one of the most exciting aspects about the game. There are multiple things that spin on this rondel and rotate.
In-Person: About the game, there are multiple things that spin on this rondel and rotate. And when you're making your action selection, certain things can rotate forward and certain things can rotate backwards. Again, it looks beautiful and you can really mitigate the rondell to get the actions that fit better with your plan. At certain times, you almost feel like you're at the whims.
Ep5: And when you're making your action selection, certain things can rotate forward and certain things can rotate backwards. Again, it looks beautiful. and you can really mitigate the rondell to get the actions that fit better with your plan. At certain times, you almost feel like you're at the whims of the rondel. But if you go up certain tracks and you pre plan, you can really mitigate.
In-Person: Of the Rondell, but if you go up certain tracks and you pre-plan, you can really mitigate the difficulties of this beautiful rondell. and that was that was hard for me because there were times where I felt stuck by the rondell. You can also do this token action where you can break the clock, and by breaking the clock, will allow you to.
Ep5: the difficulties of this beautiful rondell. and that was that was hard for me because there were times where I felt stuck by the Rondell. You can also do this token action where you can break the clock and by breaking the clock will allow you to spin it in certain ways to get the action that you want. But you got to be careful the more you break the clock, the more of a negative it's going to be on you.
In-Person: spin it in certain ways to get the action that you want. But you gotta be careful, the more you break the clock, the more of a negative it's going to be you. And you gotta be able to repair this until a certain upkeep round comes. Yeah everything you said is is right on. I think the part of this game that really gets overlooked too is
Ep5: And you gotta be able to repair this until a certain upkeep round comes. everything you said is is right on. I think part of this game that really gets overlooked too is
In-Person: how much you have to manage your worker supply.
Ep5: Mm. So even above,
In-Person: so even above, the the Rondell, turning everything, trying to get things aligned, is you once you start building the clock, you start losing your workers. And then you have to find ways to either get them back without having to take an entire turn to do that, or generate new ones from the board. And that that was painful. I there was
Ep5: Turning everything, trying to get things aligned, is you once you start building the clock, you start losing your workers, and then you have to find ways to either get them back without having to take an entire turn to do that, or generate new ones from the board. And that that was painful. I there was times at the end of the game I'm like, well, I don't have any workers, so I'm just going to skip an entire turn.
In-Person: Times the end of the game, I'm like, well, I don't have any workers, so I'm just going to skip an entire turn. to get workers back so I can play.
Ep5: To get workers back so I can play.
In-Person: I as I said before, I'm still on the fence about it. Some things that aren't 100% for me are the abrupt endgame. even games I love do this, and but it's still one of my like pet peeves of board game mechanics. Like you have a game that's cyclical in nature, meaning I do this action to get resources, I convert these resources.
Ep5: I as I said before, I'm still on the fence about it. Some things that aren't 100% for me are the abrupt end game. even games that I love do this and but it's still one of my like pet peeve support game mechanics. Like you have a game that's cyclical in nature, meaning I do this action to get resources, I convert these resources.
In-Person: And then I use these things to score points. You can't have an abrupt end to your game that leaves some players in a different part of that cycle. Like where they're still in the gather resources step, others are gonna benefit from being randomly just in the right spot at the end of the game. Especially since this game is long.
Ep5: Then I use these things to score points. You can't have an abrupt end to your game that leaves some players in a different part of that cycle. Like where they're still in the gather resources step, others are gonna benefit from being randomly just in the right spot at the end the game. Especially since this game is long. It was a very long game, and I I think you're right about that, because
In-Person: three fourths of the game I felt like we were never going to get to the end and then all of a sudden we're on our last turn.
Ep5: Three fourths of the game, I felt like we were never going to get to the end and then all of a sudden we're on our last turn. I really will say that the replayability is trying
In-Person: I really will say that the replayability is trying
Ep5: to work with that game, of trying to find ways to to play it well. And I was shocked that you said that there were different pieces that came with the game that you can change what different actions do or how much different actions cost. And I don't know if I would ever get to those bonus pieces because
In-Person: To work with that game of trying to find ways to play it well. And I was shocked that she said that there were different pieces that came with the game that you can change what different actions do or how much different actions cost. And I don't know if I would ever get to those bonus pieces because there was so much to discover with the base game itself.
Ep5: There was so much to discover with the base game itself.
In-Person: Yeah, is there's just
Ep5: There's just
In-Person: so much there that I don't know it it seems to to flow into each other quite well, but there's still just certain parts of the game that you might not ever get to or really experience all that much. one thing that I noticed in the last game was that I was trying to set myself kinda up on the Rondell.
Ep5: experience all that much. One thing that I noticed in the last game was that I was trying to set myself kind of up on the Rondell. So the person before me in turn order wasn't a very experienced gamer. I was trying to anticipate what they were going to do so that I would know what action I was going to take on my turn, since you're only going to have a limited set available.
In-Person: So the person before me in turn order, who wasn't a very experienced gamer, I was trying to anticipate what they were going to do so that I would know what action I was going to take on my turn, since you're only going to have a limited set of available actions after that last player has taken their turn. So I was trying to anticipate what they would do and they weren't doing it. And so I would end up in a position where I was okay.
Ep5: After that last player's taking a turn. So I was trying anticipate what they would do, and they weren't doing it. And so I would end up in a position where I was okay, the action that I want is not available, and none of the actions here I'm really set up to do. oddly the person after me benefited the most.
In-Person: The action that I want is not available and none of the actions here I'm really set up to do. oddly the person after me benefited the most
Ep5: From that situation, because I kept seemingly taking actions that were suboptimal for me and setting up the person after me to take those even bigger actions because the actions are repeated on that rondell, and you could be
In-Person: from that situation because I kept seemingly taking actions that were suboptimal for me and setting up the person after me to take those even bigger actions. 'Cause the the actions are repeated on that Rondell, but you could be on the obverse side of that and you just cannot experience the action that you want to take.
Ep5: on the adverse side of that, and you just cannot experience the action that you want to take.
In-Person: but by moving further in one direction suddenly that action becomes available to the people
Ep5: Suddenly that action becomes available to the people after
In-Person: after you at various times you feel very frustrated by the the game structure but I I don't know there's there's something about the game that's just
Ep5: at various times you feel very frustrated by the the game structure, but I I don't know, there's there's something about the game that's just
In-Person: kinda quirky and you just kinda wanna figure it out. I definitely wanna play it again. I I just I don't know if I'm a hundred percent sold on it.
Ep5: kind of quirky and you just kinda wanna figure it out. I definitely wanna play it again. I just I don't know if I'm 100% small on it.
In-Person: Yeah. Right now. I would be extremely happy to play this game again. it's not one that I'm itching to bring out. It's put in front of me. I would happily play it. I think it would be more fun to play it a second time because there was this
Ep5: Yeah, I I would be extremely happy to play this game again. it's not one that I'm itching to bring out. If it's put in front of me, I would happily play it. I think it would be more fun to play it a second time because there was this upfront barrier of understanding the game
In-Person: barrier of understanding the game
Ep5: Again, beautiful to look at, amazing pieces, but it is very overwhelming. I mean I would like to have this game set up on my kitchen wall or something like that. It's great to look at
In-Person: Again, beautiful to look at, amazing pieces, but it is very overwhelming. I mean I would like to have this game set up on my kitchen wall or something like that. It's great to look at.
Ep5: but again it's almost too much and I feel like I would very rarely say that. And going back to what you were saying you can easily
In-Person: But again, it's almost too much. I feel like I would very, rarely say that. And going back to what you were saying, you can easily feel like you're at the mercy of the Rondell. And there's certain ways to mitigate it, but I don't know if there's enough.
Ep5: Feel like you're at the mercy of the Rondell and there's certain ways to mitigate it, but I don't know if there's enough.
In-Person: Yeah. Yeah, I agree. And so happy to play it again, but not itchy to get it back to the table.
Ep5: And so happy to play again, but not itching to get it back to the table. So that was our featured review.
In-Person: So that was our featured review. That's Orloy the Prague Astronomical Clock. Thanks for joining us on Tableclips. Now go play some games. Bye-bye.
Ep5: Thanks for joining us on Table Flips. Now go play some games. Bye bye.
In-Person: Bye.
Gloat: This podcast interruption has been brought to you by Gloats. You are the GOATs, wouldn't you, Gloats?
Ep5: Welcome to Table Flips, where two grown men realize they never grew up and still play with toys, and that's okay. It's okay. Yeah, my mom thinks I'm cool. On this week's episode, we'll talk about games we played this week. A new fun segment followed by what flips your table, concluding with a featured review or Lloy, the Prague Astronomical
In-Person: Welcome to Table Flips, where two grown men realize they never grew up and still play with toys, and that's okay. It's okay. Yeah, my mom thinks I'm cool. On this week's episode, we'll talk about games we played this week. A new fun segment, followed by what flips your table, concluding with a featured review or Lloyd, the Prague Astronomical Game.
Ep5: Clock. No, you're not tripping on acid.
In-Person: No, you're not tripping on acid. The board game art just makes you feel like you are. Now, on to what we played this week.
Ep5: The board game art just makes you feel like you are. Now, on to what we played this week.
In-Person: So we played Le Granga, the deluxe master set by Mac Michael Keller, and the Ode, made in twenty twenty-three, but originally published in twenty fourteen. this is from Board and Dice. So this game was very interesting.
Ep5: So this game was very interesting to me. You are managing a small farm somewhere in Spain and you're trying to deliver the most goods for points. So through a combination of multi-use card playing and dice drafting, you decide the best place to deliver goods for points and bonuses. The game will play over six rounds and it's crunchy to the very end. So I went into this game thinking that it was this hardcore.
In-Person: Trying to deliver the most goods for points. So through a combination of multi-use card playing and dice drafting, you decide the best place to deliver goods for points and bonuses. The game will play over six rounds and it's crunchy to the very end. So I went into this game thinking that it was this hardcore
Ep5: Core dice drafting game, but that was such a small piece this game that I don't even know
In-Person: dice drafting game, but that was such a small piece of this game that I don't even know.
Ep5: if you would categorize it as dice drafting.
In-Person: If you would categorize it as dice trapped. Yeah, it's it's certainly not as consequential as Grand Austria Hotel or Toledo or White Castle. it's just a way to
Ep5: Yeah.
In-Person: variably dole out resources to help start your engine building. I guess a fun little segment within the board game. So the game really felt like it was little culture and like Ube Rosen.
Ep5: It was a fun little segment within the board game. So the game really felt like it was viticulture and like Uwe Rosenberg had a baby. You have the aesthetics of viticulture, but a hefty farm-like player board where you're growing food and popping out these pigs. While I usually complain about having big deck of random cards in a game, like terraforming Mars or Wingspan.
In-Person: You have the aesthetics of viticulture, but a hefty farm like player board where you're growing food and popping out these pigs. Well I usually complain about having big deck of random cards in the game like terraforming Mars or Wingspan.
Ep5: The fact that they are multi-use cards where you can use them in four different ways makes it feel less random and kind of more strategic. So I can use a card for a special power. I can use it to build my farmland or my pasture, or use it as a place to deliver goods. And I enjoyed that decision space in the game. Yeah, I this is
In-Person: The fact that they are multi-use cards where you can use them in four different ways makes it feel less random and kind of more strategic. So I can use a card for a special power. I can use it to build my farmland or my pasture, or use it as a place to deliver goods. And I enjoyed that decision space in the game. Yeah, I think. This is what this game is
Ep5: what this game
In-Person: known for, is the the multi use cards. And it's probably one of the original, multi use card games. I guess Glory to Rome came out earlier than that, but I think this really distills it down because you can use it in four different ways. I think it makes the most of that mechanic
Ep5: I think it makes the most of that mechanic.
In-Person: than any other game I can think of. the
Ep5: The worker permanent or once around actions are meaningful and leaves the player in kind of an agony over how to use the card. Do I use it for the worker like bonus? Or do I need to use this to increase my farming capacity somehow?
In-Person: worker permanent or once around actions are meaningful and leaves the player in kind of an agony over how to use the card. Do I use it for the worker like bonus or do I need to use this to increase my farming capacity somehow. I I think that the master set nearly doubles the card deck from the original game.
Ep5: I I think that the master set nearly doubles the card deck from the original game. my goodness. So it's a refreshing to see a game that expands its main premise rather than a lot of designs now that just sort of muddy the game with their expansions. in the immortal words of Linda Richmond from Coffee Talk, though, the La Grande Deluxe Master Set is neither deluxe nor a master. In my opinion.
In-Person: so it's a refreshing to see a game that expands its main premise rather than a lot of designs now that just sort of muddy the game with their expansions. in the immortal words of Linda Richmond from Coffee Talk, though, the La Granda Deluxe Master set is neither deluxe nor a master. Discuss in my opinion. I think the components are subpar for a deluxe set. I don't think they're really deluxe. And
Ep5: I think the components are subpar for a deluxe set. I don't think they're really deluxe. And many of the module add-ons, even just reviewing them and not really even playing them seem forgettable to me. Hmm. There there was a lot going on in this game
In-Person: Many of the module add ons, even just in reviewing them and not really even playing them seem forgettable to me. There there was a lot going on in this game.
Ep5: and that made it to where there was a lot you could forget about in this game. And I felt like there were multiple times when we played that we could easily forget about this bonus or that bonus or this bonus.
In-Person: could forget about in this game. I felt like there were multiple times when we played that we could easily forget about this bonus or that bonus or this part of the flow or that part of the flow. What'd you think about that?
Ep5: part of the flow or that part of the flow. What'd you think about that?
In-Person: Yeah, I it's it's weird. It doesn't feel natural in its flow. Some things you can do
Ep5: Yeah, I it's it's weird. It doesn't feel natural in its well. Some things you can do
In-Person: whenever you want. You can buy or sell or use your trade goods in any phase. But then there's other things that have to be done in this very staccato procedural fashion. It just kind of leaves the players off balance, I think. so I I
Ep5: sell or use your trade goods in any phase. But then there's other things that have to be done in this very staccato procedural fashion. It just kind of leaves the players off balance, I So I
In-Person: mean I after our play of that game, I'm
Ep5: After our play of that game, I'm I'm gonna move on from my copy. I almost wish I had my original copy again that just had the promo cards that I got rid of when the deluxe master set was announced. then might see the light of day again, but the deluxe master set really is just bloat. It doesn't really need to exist. Wait, are you saying you're gonna call this game? I am gonna call this game. Ooh, right here and there.
In-Person: I'm gonna move on from my copy. I almost wish I had my original copy again that had just had the promo cards that I got rid of when the deluxe master set was announced. then it might see the light of day again, but the deluxe master set really is just bloat. It doesn't really need to exist. Wait, are you saying you're gonna call this game? I am gonna call this game. It is it is on the it is in the cull garage
Ep5: Hmm. I know. And so, you know, I
In-Person: right now. And so, you know
Ep5: I enjoyed playing the game, but the main critique for me is that it felt very procedural, with each round having four phases, and each phase has a certain order. The mechanics were fun, but the main letdown was the lack of flow in the game. There there was no flow in this game. There were multiple times that we had to remind each other, now we're on this phase or phase two, part four.
In-Person: I enjoy playing the game, but the main critique for me is that it felt very procedural, with each round having four phases, and each phase has a certain order. The mechanics were fun, but the main letdown was the lack of flow in the game. There was no flow in this game. There were multiple times that we had to remind each other, now we're on this phase or phase two, part four, and don't forget what you do.
Ep5: Four and don't forget what you do. wait, that was in phase three. Now we're on phase five A B. And so that really slowed the game down for me. You could easily forget bonuses and income and certain points and even certain actions in this game. And so because of that, I'm with you there and Travis. I'm happy you're calling it, and I don't want to.
In-Person: wait, that was in phase three. Now we're on phase five AB. And so that really slowed the game down for me. You could easily forget bonuses and income and certain points and even certain actions in this game. And so because of that, I'm with you there, Travis. I'm happy you're pulling it. And I don't want to personally go out and buy it. I enjoyed playing it.
Ep5: personally go out and buy it. I enjoyed playing it, but for me it was one of those one and done games. Yeah, I I when I played this
In-Person: But for me it was one those one and done games. Yeah, I I I when I played this, you know, ten plus years ago, I think it was, you know, fairly innovative at the time. but now these past ten years of games just made me feel like it's just not ultimately a satisfying game. I mean, you you mentioned like viticulture,
Ep5: Made me feel like it's just not ultimately a satisfying game. I mean you you mentioned like viticulture
In-Person: or agricola. all those games kind of fit the same ideas that they appear to be engine games, but you're not actually generating much of an engine. Like in Lagrana, you once you create farm goods or pigs or whatever, you're turning them in and then what you get out of that as a reward is not satisfying at all. So you just you generate things from your farm, but your end reward is just
Ep5: all those games kind of fit this same idea is that they appear to be engine games but you're not actually generating much of an engine. Like in Legrana you once you create farm goods or pigs or whatever, you're turning them in and then what you get out of that as a reward is not satisfying at all. So you just you generate things from your farm but your end reward is just kind
In-Person: kinda
Ep5: of
In-Person: dull. So yeah, I think I I'd be fine if I never played Legran again, I think. Enjoy those multi use cards, but I'm wrapping So that was
Ep5: So yeah, I think I I'd be fine if I never game, I think. I enjoyed those multi-use cards, but I'm right there with you. So that was Lagranja Deluxe Master Set.
In-Person: set.
Ep5: so let's talk about Bordeaux. This is from twenty twenty six, designed by Ben Rossett.
In-Person: so let's talk about Bordeaux. This is from 2026, designed by Ben Rossett, and R2I Games is the publisher. I'm excited to hear about your thoughts on this. I I just got this in and I'm excited to play this. Yeah, this comes in a book
Ep5: I'm excited to hear about your thoughts on this. I I just got this in and I'm excited to play this. Yeah, this comes in a book.
In-Person: I think it's a hundred and fifty double-sided sheets. Nicely produced book.
Ep5: Nicely produced book, I must say. Very nice and very inexpensive. that was shocking. Yeah, and each of those sheets is unique, at least from first glance. They appear to be unique. That's nice. and you can play this game with as many people as can get a sheet. so if you haven't played Fromage or Formagio.
In-Person: It is it is very nice and very inexpensive. that was shocking. Yeah, and each of those sheets is unique. At least from first glance, they appear to be unique. and you can play this game with as many people as can get a sheet. so if you haven't played Fromage or Formagio, this is a condensed
Ep5: This is a condensed paper and pencil version of those games. it preserves the part of the game where you're choosing how long you want workers to work. you're basically managing what actions workers can take on a turn, what workers will be available, and what workers you have doing extended actions. Now Travis and Fromage
In-Person: paper and pencil version of those games. it preserves the part of the game where you're choosing how long you want workers to work. you're basically managing what actions workers can take on a turn, what workers will be available and what workers you have doing extended actions. Travis and Vermont
Ep5: I mean you have this big lazy Susan
In-Person: I mean you have this big lazy Susan.
Ep5: to differentiate the the time on how long your worker is gonna be out there and how it turns and then it's gonna come back and face you. Are we seeing some type of that element in this book? Well s sort of. So the the page you get is is unique, but it has some things that are pre-filled out on them. one of them shows
In-Person: To differentiate the the time on how long your workers gonna be out there and how it turns and then it's gonna come back and face you. Are we seeing some type of that element in this book? Well s sort of. So the the page that you get is is unique, but it has some things that are pre-filled out on them. one of them shows you what your workers have done or are currently doing in in sort of a setup fashion, and you'll have one worker available at the very first round of the game, and you choose how long you want that worker to do a certain action. So if you do one year, then you'll just put in one box. If you do three years, then you have to take out the next three boxes. And in that case, that worker won't be available to you in the following years.
Ep5: Setup fashion, and you'll have one worker available at the very first round of the game, and you choose how long you want that worker to do a certain action. So if you do one year, then you'll just put in one box. If you do three years, then you have to take out the next three boxes, and in that case, that worker won't be available to you in the following years.
In-Person: I think what makes the game really interesting is that
Ep5: I think what makes the game really interesting is that there are empty action selection at the top, and at the beginning of the game you'll pre-circle which years you get to pick what that empty box represents. So it could be what region on your sheet that you get to work in, or what action that those workers get to do. so it's sort of like a
In-Person: There are empty action selection at the top. And at the beginning of the game, you'll pre circle which years you get to pick what that empty box represents. So it could be what region on your sheet that you get to work in or what action that those workers get to do. so it's sort of like a a call and follow game. I don't know if you played Tiny Towns. It's kind of reminded me of Tiny Towns.
Ep5: Call and follow game. I don't know if you play Tiny Towns. It's kind of reminded me of Tiny Towns. It's been a long time, but I enjoyed that one. Yeah, so in Tiny Towns, one person will say brick. And then everybody else has to play brick that year. If you don't want to play one, then you just miss out. the game forces you to find some way to manage all these resources that you may or may not have wanted.
In-Person: Yeah, so in tiny towns, one person will say brick, and then everybody else has to play brick that year. If you don't want to play one, then you just miss out. the game forces you to find some way to manage all of these resources that you may or may not have wanted from the player who called them. in this game it's kind of similar to that. If it's your year, you pick what that action is, everybody writes it in, and then they have to decide how to deal with that.
Ep5: This game is kind of similar to that. If it's your ear, you pick what that action is, everybody writes it in, and then they have to decide how to deal with that.
In-Person: the sheet is basically the regions of winemaking at the top of Bordeaux. And then the bottom is the different actions you can take. So these are casks, vines, or trellises.
Ep5: The sheet is basically the regions of winemaking at the top of Bordeaux, and then the bottom is the different actions you can take. So these are casks, vines, or trellises. the casks are needed in case you circle certain parts of the topboard. You may require casks to produce wine on a certain spot.
In-Person: the casks are needed in case you circle certain parts of the top board. You may require casks to produce wine in a certain spot.
Ep5: And being able to use those casks will get you extra points at the end of the game. Vines will give you the ability to circle certain parts of your topboard.
In-Person: and being able to use those casks will get you extra points at the end of the game. vines will give you the ability to circle certain parts of your top board and you kind of build the vine in like these V formations. And that's what's really neat is the casks are C's, the vines are Vs, and the trellises are T's. So when somebody calls for one of those, it evokes you.
Ep5: And you kind of build the vine in like these V formations. That's what's really neat is the casts are Cs, the vines are Vs, and the trellises are Ts. So when somebody calls for one of those, it evokes you to take that action because those actions are actually those letters.
In-Person: to take that action because those actions are actually those letters. and then the trellises are in game scoring. And everybody's in game scoring is different. you have to decide which of those in game scoring possibilities are most important to you and those are the trellises that you'll want to complete. So we played this game, Travis did it feel like you were playing Fromage or was it like in the Fromage universe? Yeah, I think it's just in the Fromage universe.
Ep5: The trellises are in-game scoring, and everybody's in-game scoring is have to decide which of those in-game scoring possibilities are most important to you, and those are the trellises that you want to lead. So when you played this game, Travis, did it feel like you were playing Formage or was like in the Formage universe? Yeah, I think it's just in the Formage universe. Like same theme type, but feels different.
In-Person: meeting time, but yeah, I I think they did a very good job of bringing fromage to a paper and pencil game 'cause you do really have to think about okay, in this year I get to pick what the action is and I want to make sure I have two workers available 'cause you can only take up to two actions a turn. But both of those actions are gonna be good, so I need to somehow arrange
Ep5: Game because you do really have to think about okay, in this year I get to pick what the action is, and I want to make sure I have two workers available because you can only take up to two actions to turn, but both of those actions are gonna be good, so I need to somehow arrange how long I use the workers leading up to that year. So you're constantly thinking, you know, I don't want to.
In-Person: How long I use the workers leading up to that year. So you're constantly thinking, you know, I don't want to give myself a year where all three workers are available because I can only take two actions. So this one has to work for two years, and this one will work for three years, and so on and so forth. I think they did well at distilling that decision part of Fromage down to Bordeaux. I've heard people online
Ep5: Give myself a year where all three workers are available because I can only take two actions. So this one has to work for two years, and this one will work for three years, and so on and so forth. I think they did well at distilling that decision part of Fromage down to Bordeaux. I've heard people online kind of give this game a hard time because I think they thought it was going to be a solo.
In-Person: Kind of give this game a hard time because I think they thought it was going to be a solo game. And I just don't see it as a very compelling solo exercise. The real meat of this game is playing with, two, three, or more players where you have to be at the will of other players picking what your action's gonna be for a given year. Especially if it's like tiny towns. And so I can see how that would
Ep5: And I just don't see it as a very compelling solo exercise. The real meat of this game is playing with, two, three or more players where you have to be at the will of other players picking what your action's gonna given year. Especially if it's like tiny towns. And so I could see how that would not work as a solo game. but is it still okay at two or three? Yeah.
In-Person: But is it still okay at two or three? Yeah, I I I've played it at both. it's available on board game arena. I played it with my wife and my daughter. At first they had never played Fromage. So then they went into it completely blind. And if you haven't seen Fromage and you go to that sort of framework of using your workers for different amounts of time, it seems like very foreign concept.
Ep5: Went into it completely blind. And if you haven't seen Fromage and you go to that sort of framework of using your workers for different amounts of time, it seems like a very foreign concept. Yeah. So they had to get over that hump. for the first few turns, I was saying, this is the action that's available. You might want to do this. And they go, okay. I I used this worker for two years, now I can circle this two-year-aged wine.
In-Person: Yeah. So they had to get over that hump. for the first few turns, I was saying, this is the action that's available. You might want to do this. And they go, okay. I I've used this worker for two years. Now I can circle this two-year aged wine right
Ep5: right here and that connects this and I get these things. The the concepts in obviously it's on a single sheet of paper are very easy but to get into that game because it's very very different
In-Person: here, and that connects this and I get these things. The concepts, in obviously it's on a single sheet of paper, are very easy, but to get into that game, because it's very, very different.
Ep5: it can be a little bit of a hurdle but I think that's what makes it you know kooky and unique. Interesting well I I I once I got it and I started using the sheets I'm like I'm gonna have to get another one of these.
In-Person: it can be a little bit of a hurdle, but I think that's what makes it you know kooky and unique. I think we'll I I I I once I got it and I started, using the sheets, I'm like, I'm gonna have to get another one of these and so buy like a backup copy 'cause I know I'm going to go through most of this book and will want the book on my shelf. Yeah. That is high price. Is this one where you can laminate a few of those pages and just
Ep5: So buy like a backup copy 'cause I know I'm going to go through most of this book. That's high praise from you, Travis, right there. Yeah. That is high price. Is this one where you could laminate a few of those pages and just play
In-Person: play those forever? I think you could, but I don't I I think right now. Yeah,
Ep5: those forever? Would that work? Yeah, w when I Yeah.
In-Person: I I think you would just buy another book. well first I played this game on Wargame Arena because I saw that it was, you know, a Fromage, universe game. And I thought, well how are they gonna do this? Cause if my sheet is the same and then I noticed that my sheet was different than the other player's sheet.
Ep5: Yeah. And then I noticed that my sheet was different than the other player's sheet. And
In-Person: And I was like, well, how are they gonna do that? they printed a stack of sheets and they're all different. I don't know how what how you do that, but I guess you just print it like a book would with different words or whatever, but it just seems so foreign to me because usually when you get a roll and write game, you get a
Ep5: I was like, well, how are they gonna do that? they printed a stack of sheets and they're all different. I don't know what how you do that, but I guess you just print it like a book with different words or whatever, but it just seems so foreign to me because usually when you get a roll and right game, you get it.
In-Person: you get the same sheet as everybody else.
Ep5: The same cheap. Yeah. It's hard for me to imagine, but I'm excited because it seems like it's it's good for hobbyist gamers. It can be okay maybe for family too. Might be a little hurdle that they gotta get used to, but still be fun enough for the rest of us, if that makes sense. I think it's it's really a straight up filler. If the game takes any
In-Person: It seems like it's it's good for hobbies gamers. It can be okay maybe for family too. Might be a little hurdle that they gotta get used to, but still be fun enough for the us. Yeah, I think it's it's really a straight up filler. If the game takes any more than half an hour you're you're thinking way too hard, So it's a it's a good game where if you have, eight people on a game night that are waiting to break up into two games, you just have everybody play the same game and then it should take less than half an hour and you just move on to your main event for that night. I'm excited. You really sold me on this channel.
Ep5: So it's a it's a good game where you have eight people on a game night that are waiting to break up into two games. Just have everybody playing the same game and then it should take less than half an hour and you just move on to, your main event for that night. Well I'm excited. You really sold me on this, Travis. I can't wait to try it.
In-Person: Yep, that's
Ep5: that's
In-Person: Bordeaux, by Ben Rossett. Our next game was Pinatas by Reiner Kenizia, produced by All Play in twenty twenty five. It was a re implementation of Marshmallow Test. Now Travis,
Ep5: Our next game was Pinatas by Reiner Kanizia, produced by All Play in 2025. It was a re-implementation of Marshmallow Tus. Now Travis I hate to say this, but I forgot that the good doctor came out with a trick-taking game, and when you reminded me about this, I was so excited to play it. Well you're such a big Kenizia fanboy. definitely. I mean you have that tattoo and everything.
In-Person: I hate to say this but I forgot that the Good Doctor came out with a trick taking game and when you reminded me about this, I was so excited to play it. Well you're s you're such a big Kenizia fanboy. I think you had to I mean you have that tattoo and everything.
Ep5: Don't tell anyone. First to 25 points wins. Once you win three tricks, you go out of the hand.
In-Person: First to 25 points wins. Once you win three tricks, you go out of the hand.
Ep5: Your points are how many tricks other people have. So if I go out and Travis has only two tricks in front of him and John Doe has one trick, then I get
In-Person: Your points are how many tricks other people have. So if I go out and Travis has only two tricks in front of him and John Doe has one trick, then I get three points. But you don't want to be the last person to go out, or you just get points for the tricks that you have. It's a nice balance of trying to stay in the game as long as you can.
Ep5: Three points, but you don't want to be the last person to go out, or you just get points for the tricks that you have. It's a nice balance of trying to stay in the game as long as you can so other people win a lot of tricks so that you can get more points, but you don't want to push your luck too much, or you'll be the last one out and not get many points at all. So I really enjoyed the struggle.
In-Person: So other people win a lot of tricks so that you can get more points, but you don't want to push your luck too much, or you'll be the last one out and not get many points at all. So I really enjoyed the struggle. And
Ep5: And gosh, I really sucked at this big time. I think I went out first like three times in a row. another fun addition to this that marshmallow test actually does not have
In-Person: gosh, I really sucked at this big time. I think I went out first like three times in a row. another fun addition to this that marshmallow test actually does not have.
Ep5: is that if you win a trick with a five or a seven, that trick counts as two tricks. So this may make you go out faster than you really wanted, or
In-Person: Is that if you win a trick with a five or a seven, that trick counts as two tricks. So this may make you go out faster than you really wanted,
Ep5: It could save you at the very end and help you go out instead of being the last person out. I thought that was a fun addition. Yeah, when when I bought this, I was thinking it would be a
In-Person: it could save you at the very end and help you go out instead of being the last person out. I thought that was a fun addition. Yeah, when when I bought this I was thinking it would be a straight re implementation of marshmallow test. Which I would have been happy about. Marshmallow Test is great. It's also great not having to pay the marshmallow test prices, which are forty dollars plus last I checked. pinata's actually harkens back to the original iteration of this design called Voodoo Prince. so the fives and sevens I think were in that original version. I like it because it could just swing a hand in your favor.
Ep5: It's also great not having to pay the marshmallow test prices, which are forty dollars last I checked. Pinata's actually harkens back to the original iteration of this sign called Boon Prince. So the fives and sevens I think were in that original version. I like it because it could just swing a hand in your favor
In-Person: Or against it very quickly.
Ep5: or against it very quickly.
In-Person: so it kind of keeps you on your toes. one thing you didn't mention was that when somebody reaches 25 points, the game immediately ends. Yeah. So which is exceedingly important because in that final hand you might go out first if it puts you past 25 points, and then the other players are pressured to keep you in the hand, perhaps exceeding their own 25-point threshold. So that's again, it's another Kenitsia just.
Ep5: So it kind of keeps you on your toes. one thing you didn't mention was that when somebody reaches 25 points, the game immediately ends. Yes. So which is exceedingly important because in that final hand you might go out first if it puts you past 25 points, and then the other players are pressured to keep you in the hand, perhaps exceeding their own 25-point threshold. So that's again, it's another Kenitsia just brilliant element of game design.
In-Person: Brilliant element of game design.
Ep5: Again, this push and pull of wanting to stay in the game as long as you can, but not too long, was a great addition for a trick taking game. I definitely want to pick this up. the art on the cards I felt like was a lot for the pinata edition versus marshmallow was a little bit more simpler. I think you had an interesting comment about colorblindness when we played that. Yeah, well the
In-Person: But not too long was a great addition for a trick-taking game. I definitely want to pick this up. the art on the cards, I felt like was a lot for the pinata edition versus marshmallow, was a little bit more simpler. I think you had an interesting comment about color blindness when you're playing that. Yeah, well the the the cards could be a little bit clearer as to what color they are.
Ep5: Cards could be a little bit clearer as to what color they are. I didn't have a problem with it because the the cards are shape coded too. I think marshmallow test takers, whatever you want to call them, will be hesitant because the art is very busy and sometimes confusing. But I I didn't have really any issues with it. I will say if you have epilepsy, you might want to avoid prolonged stares at the card art. It's
In-Person: I didn't have a problem with it because the the cards are shape coded too. I think marshmallow test takers, whatever you want to call them, will be hesitant because the art is very busy and sometimes confusing. But I I didn't have really any issues with it. I will say if you have epilepsy, you might want to avoid prolonged stares at the card art. It's it's intense like a rave.
Ep5: It's intense like a reveal. It was pretty out there. And so that was Pinatas by Reiner Kenitia, produced by All Play in twenty twenty five.
In-Person: And now it's the Blake Adams show with his co-host Travis Bridges. And now he's
Ep5: And now it's the Blake Adams show with his co-host Travis Bridges. And now you're play.
In-Person: Blake.
Ep5 show jokes dune: Thank you, thank you. This year, legendary designer Tom Lehman tried his hand at designing a deck builder game called Dark Pact. Keyword here is tried.
In-Person: Hiyo.
Ep5 show jokes dune: Martin Wallace, whoo, he's sure cashing in on having the number one board game on BGG. We now have Brass Lancaster, Brass Birmingham, Brass Pittsburgh. I hear that as a Kickstarter exclusive, you can get a special first player marker, a casting of Martin Wallace's Brass Balls.
In-Person: Shine those up.
Ep5 show jokes dune: did you hear about that new Rollin' Wright game? Yeah, neither did anyone else. It's not twenty twenty anymore.
In-Person: Ha ha ha yes.
Ep5 show jokes dune: I hear congratulations is an order for Reiner Kenitsia for winning the Kinnerspill for the game Rebirth. Wow, this is an amazing feat. Who knew all it took to win was retheming the same game a hundred times? Huh.
In-Person: paste it as well. Paste it on.
laugh: Paste it on.
Ep5 show jokes dune: I heard there's another Dune Imperium expansion on the way. Wowzers. Apparently releasing the game, then multiple expansions, then redesigning the game because the expansions made everything too complicated, then releasing more expansions wasn't quite enough. Who would have guessed that the Dune board game would eventually become more convoluted than the actual book series themselves? At this point, one needs a Benny Jesser degree just to set up the damn game.
In-Person: hi oo! Thank you for
Ep5: Thank you for joining us for the Blake Adams Show. Now on to what flips your table.
In-Person: Now on to what flips your table.
Ep5: What's gotten you riled up this week, Travis? Yeah.
In-Person: What's gotten you riled up this week, Travis? Yeah, so let's talk about new board game influencers that I see all over social media. some might say starting your own podcast is a bit self-indulgent. I don't disagree with that. but to be 22 years old and think you really know anything about board games.
Ep5: I might say starting your own podcast is a bit self-indulgent. I don't disagree with that. but to be 22 years old and think you really know anything about board games is just a bit disingenuous. I don't think this problem is only a board game problem. It's in all hobbies and all media. It boils down to the generations after me. I sound really old, but you all have.
In-Person: Is just a bit disingenuous. I don't think this problem is only a board game problem. It's in all hobbies and all media. It boils down to the generations after me. sound really old. But you all have all the information at your fingertips for your adult life. you don't have to work for anything anymore. So when I was deep in the hobby in 1997, you couldn't find information about games.
Ep5: All the information at your fingertips for your adult life. You don't have to work for anything anymore. So when I was deep in the hobby in 1997, you couldn't find information about games. You had to do serious investigation. What is in Europe that I'm missing? What are the players that are bringing games from overseas so I can try them? This is where BGG came from. It was all user-generated content. There were people
In-Person: You had to do serious investigation. Like what is in Europe that I'm missing? What are the players that are bringing games from overseas so I can try them? this is where BGG came from. It was all user generated content. there were people in the know experts, but they informed you, they didn't preach to you. they were often just as much in the dark being in the US and wanting to play more than the
Ep5: in the know experts, but they informed you, they didn't reach to you. they were often just as much in the dark being in the US and wanting to play more than big box store games. They relied on each other and the amalgamation of all that information made BGG into what it was.
In-Person: Big box store games. They relied on each other and the amalgamation of all that information made BGG into what it was. But now, seemingly, you can just wake up and act like you know everything. All I see now are influencers online who are covering up that they've received advanced copies of games or acting like they have played the latest Kickstarter release, even though it doesn't exist yet.
Ep5: But now, seemingly, you can just wake up and act like you know everything. All I see now are influencers online who are covering up that they've received advanced copies of games or acting like they have played the latest Kickstarter release, even though it doesn't exist yet.
In-Person: I saw someone on Facebook the other day who said in a video that they had played 500 games, and here is their top 100. And I had to laugh. Even with my discerning taste and my refined ability to assess game mechanics, I truly like maybe 15% of all the games I play. I would probably have to play 2000 plus games to even like a hundred enough to want to tell anybody about them
Ep5: I saw someone on Facebook the other day who said in a video that they had played 500 games, and here is their top 100. And I had to laugh. Even with my discerning taste and my refined ability to assess game mechanics, I truly like maybe 15% of all the games I played. I would probably have to play 2,000 plus games, even like 100 enough to want to tell anybody about them.
In-Person: in any sort of enthusiastic way.
Ep5: in any sort of enthusiastic way. So it's probably good that I played 5,000-ish different tabletop games in my lifetime. I can tell you this podcast is an outlet for us. No one will ever blame me for being enthusiastic. I'm definitely not trying to sell anything, including my likeness. There's a reason that this is a podcast and not a YouTube channel.
In-Person: so it's probably good that I played five thousandish different tabletop games in my lifetime. I can tell you this podcast is an outlet for us. No one will ever blame me for being enthusiastic. I'm definitely not trying to sell anything, including my likeness. there's a reason that this is a podcast and not a YouTube channel.
Ep5: I love that. And I also love on the previous episode you talked about how when you ordered one of your first games, I think it was from a physical magazine. Well, I was definitely spurned by it from you know, seeing it in the games magazines, games of the year. But I mean that's really one of the few outlets we had back then is whatever was recommended by people
In-Person: We talked about how when you ordered one of your first games, I think it was from a physical Well, I was definitely spurned to buy it from you know seeing it in the game's magazines, games of the year. But I mean that's really one of the few outlets we had back then is whatever was recommended by people in the know. And so nowadays we are just slammed.
Ep5: And so nowadays we are just slammed with so much information left and right. There's so many people putting out more information about board games, different YouTube channels, different podcasts, especially even this one. And so we get All we are trying to do is to have an excuse to talk more.
In-Person: So much information left and right. There's so many people putting out more information about board games, different YouTube channels, different podcasts, especially even this one. And so we get All we are trying to do is to have an excuse to talk more about a hobby we love. So I did exactly
Ep5: about a hobby we love. So I get exactly what you're saying, Travis. And trust me, that makes me want to flip a lot of tables as well.
In-Person: what you're saying, Travis. And trust me, that makes me want to flip a lot of tables.
Ep5: We interrupt this podcast with the new pharmaceutical product from TableFlips Incorporated.
In-Person: We interrupt this podcast with the new pharmaceutical product from Table Flips Incorporated. That last game got you down. Why don't you relive your past triumphs with brag? Bragg. Take two brag
Ep5: Take two brag.
In-Person: half an hour before game night and leave the disappointment for your failures behind. Stand tall with brag. Bragg. Ask your doctor if brag is right for you. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should not take brag. Anxiety, depression.
Ep5: Ask your doctor if brag is right for you. If you have any evolving symptoms, you should not take brag. Anxiety, depression, diabetes, diabetes, persistent constipation, persistent diarrhea, normal bowel movements, and constant bleeding for both eyes.
In-Person: Diabetes, diabetes, persistent constipation, persistent diarrhea, normal bowel movements, and constant bleeding from both eyes.
Ep5: Now on to our featured review.
In-Person: Now on to our feature review. Orloy, the Prague Astronomical Clock. This is by Abraham Hermita and Paloma Pascual. Through an undetermined amount of turns, you're gonna play
Ep5: Through an undetermined amount of turns, you're gonna play as a master builder updating the clock in Prague. Through choosing actions through a very clever rondell, you'll be hiring assistants, paint and build on the clock, go up and down tracks that'll make your actions better, and construct different apostles with the goal of finishing the clock. Once it's finished, the game is over.
In-Person: The clock in Prague. Through choosing actions through a very clever rundown, you'll be hired assistants. Paint and build on the clock. Go up and down tracks that'll make your actions better, and construct different apostles with the goal of finishing the clock. Once it's finished, the game is over, and whoever did the best wins. Travis, did you enjoy this game?
Ep5: And whoever did the best wins. Travis, did you enjoy this game?
In-Person: yeah, generally.
Ep5: yeah.
In-Person: I don't know, I'm still a bit on the fence about it. I don't think the last game we played was very satisfying.
Ep5: I think the last game we played was very sad.
In-Person: but boy it's pretty to look at. Yeah, and I'll have to start with the R. And so I don't know, Travis. This game, I will say, is so damn beautiful. And I don't
Ep5: Yeah, and I'll have to start with the art. And so I don't know, Travis. This game, I will say, is so damn beautiful. And I don't want to look away. It's gorgeous. There's so many colors. But I will also say that I don't know if the game benefits or not from the arts. I I really don't. It makes me want to stare at the game. I I don't know if it helps me comprehend the game.
In-Person: It's gorgeous. There's so many colors. But I will also say that I don't know if the game benefits are not from the arms. I I really don't. It makes me want to stare at the game. I I don't know if it helps me comprehend the game. But
Ep5: But my gosh, it's beautiful. Yeah, I think busy is an understatement. you said earlier it seemed like an acid trip. I don't know about that, but it
In-Person: my gosh, it's beautiful. Yeah, I think busy is an understatement. you said earlier it seemed like an acid trip. I don't know about that, but it
Ep5: the screen printed pieces kind of give me this Terry Gilliam cartoon vibe to them. Definitely. Like I expected them to start talking with fake Czech accents. It looks as if you had opened the back of a clock and wasn't quite sure what all the parts were for.
In-Person: The screen printed pieces kinda give me this Terry Gilliam cartoon vibe to them. Like I expected them to start talking with fake Czech accents. It looks as if you had opened the back of a clock and wasn't quite sure what all the parts were for, and you just kind of dumped them out on the table.
Ep5: Definitely. And so the
In-Person: So the
Ep5: iconography is not very intuitive. that's the big hurdle to this game because you have to go step by step explaining the whole board, and there's this heavy upfront teach, but in the end it's not a heavy board game. Yeah, I think my biggest hurdle with the game is that there are so many.
In-Person: It's not very intrusive. that's the big hurdle to this game because you have to go step by step explaining the whole board and there's this heavy upfront teach, but in the end it's not a heavy board game. Yeah, I think my biggest hurdle with the game is that there are so many gears to turn. pun intended.
Ep5: it's easy to forget that there are bonuses on the stained glass cards that you want to match. And then there's in-game goals. And then there's also bonuses on the tracks. And then you have to remember to turn the apostle gears every time you take an apostle. It's just it's hard to enjoy the game when you're responsible for making all the little parts of the game work. I guess that's like a clock.
In-Person: it's easy to forget that there are bonuses on the stained glass cards that you want to match. And then there's in-game goals, and then there's also bonuses on the tracks, and then you have to remember to turn the apostle gears every time you take an apostle. It's just it's hard to enjoy the game when you're responsible for making all the little parts of the game work. I guess that's like a clock, but I don't really want to be the inside of a clock.
Ep5: But I don't really want to be the inside of a clock when I'm playing the game. And so I I completely hear exactly what you're saying there. There's a lot of bits and pieces
In-Person: when I'm playing the game. And so I I completely hear exactly what you're saying there. There's a lot of bits and pieces
Ep5: to it. again, the iconography was a lot, and trying to remember all the different bonuses you get can be overwhelming. For me, the rondell
In-Person: get can be overwhelming.
Ep5: was one of the most exciting aspects about the game. There are multiple things that spin on this rondel and rotate.
In-Person: About the game, there are multiple things that spin on this rondel and rotate. And when you're making your action selection, certain things can rotate forward and certain things can rotate backwards. Again, it looks beautiful and you can really mitigate the rondell to get the actions that fit better with your plan. At certain times, you almost feel like you're at the whims.
Ep5: And when you're making your action selection, certain things can rotate forward and certain things can rotate backwards. Again, it looks beautiful. and you can really mitigate the rondell to get the actions that fit better with your plan. At certain times, you almost feel like you're at the whims of the rondel. But if you go up certain tracks and you pre plan, you can really mitigate.
In-Person: Of the Rondell, but if you go up certain tracks and you pre-plan, you can really mitigate the difficulties of this beautiful rondell. and that was that was hard for me because there were times where I felt stuck by the rondell. You can also do this token action where you can break the clock, and by breaking the clock, will allow you to.
Ep5: the difficulties of this beautiful rondell. and that was that was hard for me because there were times where I felt stuck by the Rondell. You can also do this token action where you can break the clock and by breaking the clock will allow you to spin it in certain ways to get the action that you want. But you got to be careful the more you break the clock, the more of a negative it's going to be on you.
In-Person: spin it in certain ways to get the action that you want. But you gotta be careful, the more you break the clock, the more of a negative it's going to be you. And you gotta be able to repair this until a certain upkeep round comes. Yeah everything you said is is right on. I think the part of this game that really gets overlooked too is
Ep5: And you gotta be able to repair this until a certain upkeep round comes. everything you said is is right on. I think part of this game that really gets overlooked too is
In-Person: how much you have to manage your worker supply.
Ep5: Mm. So even above,
In-Person: so even above, the the Rondell, turning everything, trying to get things aligned, is you once you start building the clock, you start losing your workers. And then you have to find ways to either get them back without having to take an entire turn to do that, or generate new ones from the board. And that that was painful. I there was
Ep5: Turning everything, trying to get things aligned, is you once you start building the clock, you start losing your workers, and then you have to find ways to either get them back without having to take an entire turn to do that, or generate new ones from the board. And that that was painful. I there was times at the end of the game I'm like, well, I don't have any workers, so I'm just going to skip an entire turn.
In-Person: Times the end of the game, I'm like, well, I don't have any workers, so I'm just going to skip an entire turn. to get workers back so I can play.
Ep5: To get workers back so I can play.
In-Person: I as I said before, I'm still on the fence about it. Some things that aren't 100% for me are the abrupt endgame. even games I love do this, and but it's still one of my like pet peeves of board game mechanics. Like you have a game that's cyclical in nature, meaning I do this action to get resources, I convert these resources.
Ep5: I as I said before, I'm still on the fence about it. Some things that aren't 100% for me are the abrupt end game. even games that I love do this and but it's still one of my like pet peeve support game mechanics. Like you have a game that's cyclical in nature, meaning I do this action to get resources, I convert these resources.
In-Person: And then I use these things to score points. You can't have an abrupt end to your game that leaves some players in a different part of that cycle. Like where they're still in the gather resources step, others are gonna benefit from being randomly just in the right spot at the end of the game. Especially since this game is long.
Ep5: Then I use these things to score points. You can't have an abrupt end to your game that leaves some players in a different part of that cycle. Like where they're still in the gather resources step, others are gonna benefit from being randomly just in the right spot at the end the game. Especially since this game is long. It was a very long game, and I I think you're right about that, because
In-Person: three fourths of the game I felt like we were never going to get to the end and then all of a sudden we're on our last turn.
Ep5: Three fourths of the game, I felt like we were never going to get to the end and then all of a sudden we're on our last turn. I really will say that the replayability is trying
In-Person: I really will say that the replayability is trying
Ep5: to work with that game, of trying to find ways to to play it well. And I was shocked that you said that there were different pieces that came with the game that you can change what different actions do or how much different actions cost. And I don't know if I would ever get to those bonus pieces because
In-Person: To work with that game of trying to find ways to play it well. And I was shocked that she said that there were different pieces that came with the game that you can change what different actions do or how much different actions cost. And I don't know if I would ever get to those bonus pieces because there was so much to discover with the base game itself.
Ep5: There was so much to discover with the base game itself.
In-Person: Yeah, is there's just
Ep5: There's just
In-Person: so much there that I don't know it it seems to to flow into each other quite well, but there's still just certain parts of the game that you might not ever get to or really experience all that much. one thing that I noticed in the last game was that I was trying to set myself kinda up on the Rondell.
Ep5: experience all that much. One thing that I noticed in the last game was that I was trying to set myself kind of up on the Rondell. So the person before me in turn order wasn't a very experienced gamer. I was trying to anticipate what they were going to do so that I would know what action I was going to take on my turn, since you're only going to have a limited set available.
In-Person: So the person before me in turn order, who wasn't a very experienced gamer, I was trying to anticipate what they were going to do so that I would know what action I was going to take on my turn, since you're only going to have a limited set of available actions after that last player has taken their turn. So I was trying to anticipate what they would do and they weren't doing it. And so I would end up in a position where I was okay.
Ep5: After that last player's taking a turn. So I was trying anticipate what they would do, and they weren't doing it. And so I would end up in a position where I was okay, the action that I want is not available, and none of the actions here I'm really set up to do. oddly the person after me benefited the most.
In-Person: The action that I want is not available and none of the actions here I'm really set up to do. oddly the person after me benefited the most
Ep5: From that situation, because I kept seemingly taking actions that were suboptimal for me and setting up the person after me to take those even bigger actions because the actions are repeated on that rondell, and you could be
In-Person: from that situation because I kept seemingly taking actions that were suboptimal for me and setting up the person after me to take those even bigger actions. 'Cause the the actions are repeated on that Rondell, but you could be on the obverse side of that and you just cannot experience the action that you want to take.
Ep5: on the adverse side of that, and you just cannot experience the action that you want to take.
In-Person: but by moving further in one direction suddenly that action becomes available to the people
Ep5: Suddenly that action becomes available to the people after
In-Person: after you at various times you feel very frustrated by the the game structure but I I don't know there's there's something about the game that's just
Ep5: at various times you feel very frustrated by the the game structure, but I I don't know, there's there's something about the game that's just
In-Person: kinda quirky and you just kinda wanna figure it out. I definitely wanna play it again. I I just I don't know if I'm a hundred percent sold on it.
Ep5: kind of quirky and you just kinda wanna figure it out. I definitely wanna play it again. I just I don't know if I'm 100% small on it.
In-Person: Yeah. Right now. I would be extremely happy to play this game again. it's not one that I'm itching to bring out. It's put in front of me. I would happily play it. I think it would be more fun to play it a second time because there was this
Ep5: Yeah, I I would be extremely happy to play this game again. it's not one that I'm itching to bring out. If it's put in front of me, I would happily play it. I think it would be more fun to play it a second time because there was this upfront barrier of understanding the game
In-Person: barrier of understanding the game
Ep5: Again, beautiful to look at, amazing pieces, but it is very overwhelming. I mean I would like to have this game set up on my kitchen wall or something like that. It's great to look at
In-Person: Again, beautiful to look at, amazing pieces, but it is very overwhelming. I mean I would like to have this game set up on my kitchen wall or something like that. It's great to look at.
Ep5: but again it's almost too much and I feel like I would very rarely say that. And going back to what you were saying you can easily
In-Person: But again, it's almost too much. I feel like I would very, rarely say that. And going back to what you were saying, you can easily feel like you're at the mercy of the Rondell. And there's certain ways to mitigate it, but I don't know if there's enough.
Ep5: Feel like you're at the mercy of the Rondell and there's certain ways to mitigate it, but I don't know if there's enough.
In-Person: Yeah. Yeah, I agree. And so happy to play it again, but not itchy to get it back to the table.
Ep5: And so happy to play again, but not itching to get it back to the table. So that was our featured review.
In-Person: So that was our featured review. That's Orloy the Prague Astronomical Clock. Thanks for joining us on Tableclips. Now go play some games. Bye-bye.
Ep5: Thanks for joining us on Table Flips. Now go play some games. Bye bye.
In-Person: Bye.
