Tiny Epic Dungeons and Apothic Red Blend

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In this episode of ‘Meeples and Wine’, hosts Michael and Suzy kick off the New Year by reviewing board game ‘Tiny Epic Dungeons’. The couple highlight the high replayability, short playtime, and high strategy of the game, despite its challenging learning curve. Michael and Suzy also mention a Kickstarter game they found interesting, ‘The Last Lighthouse’. They celebrate the return of their podcast after a hiatus and introduce their new sponsor, Manscaped. The hosts also enjoy Apothic Red wine, describing it as a good everyday wine to have on hand for casual meals like burgers and pizza.

Please give our sponsor a visit at https://www.manscaped.com/ and don’t forget to use the code meeplesandwine to get 20% off and free shipping!

0:00 Intros
01:26 Apothic Red Blend Tasting
05:09 Manscaped Promo
10:54 Game Review – Tiny Epic Dungeons
29:17 Final Sip – Apothic Red Blend
30:24 Last Call – Kickstarter Finds
44:05 End of show – Closing

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

If you’d like to support the show in Value4Value you can do it here! https://getalby.com/p/meeplesandwine

NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Take That! or Screw Your Neighbor

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Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might “destroy the marriage.” Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game.

Exploring ‘Take That’ Games and Related Mechanics: From Munchkin to UNO Flip

In this episode of ‘Meeples and Wine’, Michael explores the popular board and tabletop game mechanic known as ‘Take That’ or ‘Screw Your Neighbor”. They discuss games including ‘Munchkin’, ‘Flux’, ‘Kittens in a Blender’, and ‘UNO’, with a specific focus on ‘UNO Flip’. These games involve players using cards or actions to harm their opponents, often leading to strategic moves and exciting gameplay. The hosts also highlight some of their own experiences with these games, how the rules keep changing, the level of strategy involved, and how different players may respond to such mechanics.

00:10 Introduction to Meeples and Wine Podcast
00:50 How to Connect with Us
01:13 Introduction to ‘Take That’ Games
01:48 Exploring Munchkin: A ‘Take That’ Game
03:21 Diving into Flux: A Game of Changing Rules
06:50 Kittens in a Blender: A Quirky ‘Take That’ Game
07:17 UNO: The Classic ‘Take That’ Game
09:22 Customizing UNO: Creating Your Own Rules
10:11 Conclusion and Farewell

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Set Collection Games

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Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might “destroy the marriage.” Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game.

Board Games Review: Exploring Set Collection Games with a Focus on ‘Point Salad’

In this episode of ‘Meeples Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023’, Michael reviews set collection board games with focus on the game ‘Point Salad’, launched by AEG in 2019, involves players using 108 double-sided veggie and point cards to amass points through specific vegetable collections. He discusses the complexity of the game, the strategy of selecting cards, and the gameplay mechanics.

00:12 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:13 Introduction to Set Collection Games
02:23 Exploring the Game: Point Salad
03:50 Gameplay and Strategy of Point Salad
06:43 Final Thoughts and Review of Point Salad
07:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

NaPodPoMo 2023 – 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Deck Building Games

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Deck Building Games, sometimes known as Card Drafting, is a game mechanic where players take turns selecting cards from a common pool. The cards that are available change each round, as players take cards and pass the remaining cards to the next player. This creates a dynamic and interactive game experience, as players must carefully consider their own picks and how they can deny their opponents the cards they want.

Simple strategy for card drafting games

  • Pick the cards that are most valuable to you. This may mean picking cards that give you immediate points, cards that help you build your engine, or cards that synergize with other cards in your hand.
  • Be aware of what other players are picking. Try to anticipate what cards your opponents need and pick those cards first, if possible. This will deny them the cards they need to win and give you a leg up in the game.
  • Don’t be afraid to change your strategy. As the draft progresses, the cards that are available will change. Be willing to adapt your strategy based on what cards are left in the pool and what cards your opponents have picked.

Here are some additional tips for card drafting games:

  • Pay attention to the order of the draft. If you’re picking later in the draft, you may have to be more flexible with your picks.
  • Don’t be afraid to hate draft. Sometimes, the best card to pick is the card that your opponent needs the most. This can be a great way to deny them the cards they need to win.
  • Have fun! Card drafting games are a great way to interact with your opponents and make strategic decisions.

Here are some of the most popular deck-building games:

  • Dominion
  • Star Realms
  • Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer
  • Aeon’s End
  • Clank!
  • Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game
  • Paperback
  • Trains
  • Automobiles
  • Shards of Infinity

#NaPodPoMo #carddrafting #boardgames #strategy

We’d love to have you follow our main show Meeples and Wine, where we review board games for couples, rated on how fun they are and how likely it is for Michael to wind up on the couch! Head to https://www.meeplesandwine.fun/subscribe-to-podcast and you’ll get all our shows delivered to your podcast app!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Dragonrealm and Dragon’s Milk Tales of Gold

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Hello there married (or in a relationship) gamers! This week we’re diving into the fantastical world of the Dragonrealm card/dice game by Gamewright. Join me, Michael, and my wonderful wife Suzy as we gather our adventurers play our enhancements, fight our way through goblins and landslides as we claim our territories in this card and dice game.

dragonrealm

But that’s not all! As we explore the Dragonrealms, we’re sipping on Dragon’s Milk Tales of Gold beer, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our gaming experience. (at least for Michael…) If you’re a married/relationship-enabled tabletop gamer couple looking for exciting games to enjoy together, along with some delightful wine or beer, this episode is tailor-made for you. Tune in for the perfect blend of gaming and relaxation.

This week’s Kickstarter finds! Suzanne has found Dark Tomb: Bloodthorn Island a dungeon crawler game that fits in your pocket, and it’s got a ship!

Michael has found the game of Flock Together, a city building survival game where you work with your fellow feathered friends to save all chickenkind!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Gloom and Horseshoes and Handgrenades

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Meeples and Wine! Join Michael and Suzanne in this episode, where we delve into the world of dark humor and indulgent sips as we review the Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend wine and the captivating card game, Gloom by Atlas Games.

Our wine adventure takes us to Southern Oregon and Red Mountain Washington, where Maison Noir Wine’s Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend awaits. This fruit-driven, full-bodied delight is a complex fusion of Oregon Syrah, Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The result is a rich, ripe, and voluptuous blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Picture cherries with a hint of leather whips(?), a perfect combination for a night of gaming and laughter.

Speaking of gaming, we dive into the twisted world of Gloom. (That’s an associate link! Buy it and support us!) In this unique card game, players take control of misanthropic misfits ranging from serial killers to demonically possessed sociopaths. The goal? To make your characters as miserable as possible before their inevitable demise. Along the way, you’ll even have the opportunity to make your opponents’ characters horrendously happy. With each turn, players narrate the misfortunes and mishaps that befall their characters, creating hilariously dark and twisted tales.

Gloom’s award-winning gameplay is enhanced by its innovative transparent cards, which stack on top of each other to conceal and reveal the Self-Worth scores. The scoring system is refreshingly simple, and the gloomy artwork sets the perfect tone for a night of macabre entertainment. The game concludes when an entire family has met their demise, and the player with the lowest score emerges victorious, proving that their family was the most miserable in life.

Join us for this captivating episode as we sip on Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend, exploring its luscious flavors, and embark on a journey through the darkly humorous world of Gloom. Laugh, lament, and revel in the misfortune of your characters as we uncover the secrets of this uniquely entertaining game.

So grab a glass, gather your friends, and prepare for an evening of laughter, misery, and delightful sips on Meeples and Wine!

Don’t forget to check out our Kickstarter Last Call, Suzy had No Rolls Barred’s Blood on the Clocktower season 2, and Michael has the new Crossbows & Catapults!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Chaos, Cards, and Corks: A Wild Review of Dungeon Mayhem & Girl and Dragon Malbec

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Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome to another exciting episode of “Meeples and Wine” Today, we’re delving into the magical world of Dungeon Mayhem, a thrilling card game brought to life by the creative minds of Jordan Comar and Roscoe Wetlaufer, with stunning illustrations by Kyle Ferrin. But that’s not all; we’re also uncorking a bottle of the enchanting “Girl and Dragon” Malbec from the heart of Mendoza, Argentina. So grab your dice and pour yourself a glass, as we embark on this thrilling quest!

First things first, Dungeon Mayhem brings an epic battle to your tabletop. The game is simple, fast-paced, and oozing with fun. We’ll talk about the mechanics, discussing the unique abilities of the various characters, the strategic choices you’ll make, and the overall gameplay experience. From the chaotic spells to the formidable attacks, this game keeps you on your toes and delivers a good time for both novice and seasoned gamers.

But let’s not forget about our trusty companion, the Girl and Dragon Malbec. Hailing from the wine-rich region of Mendoza, this Argentine gem adds a touch of sophistication to our gaming session. We’ll take a moment to savor the deep aromas of blackberries and dark chocolate, and let the velvety tannins dance on our palates. It’s a wine that perfectly complements the chaotic battles of Dungeon Mayhem, making every victory taste even sweeter.

So whether you’re a fan of tabletop games, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking some good-natured entertainment, join us as we unravel the chaos of Dungeon Mayhem and sip our way through the tantalizing Girl and Dragon Malbec. Remember, it’s all about the journey, the camaraderie, and the shared moments that make gaming and wine so special. Cheers to an unforgettable episode!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Pernod Ricard Lillet and Psycho Killer!

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Welcome to the bloodiest of our shows so far! We’re tasting Pernod Ricard Lillet Rouge, a French fortified wine that can be drunk as an aperitif or as a mixer in such beverages as the Vesper Martini and the Corpse Reviver #2! We chose this one due to it’s being a favorite drink of a certain literary character that segues nicely into the game of the week! (Listen to find out this one!)

Out wandering the streets one night we came across a game store that we had not visited before, Treasures in Naperville! This fine establishment is run by a very entertaining chap named Mike, who is quite the game enthusiast!

He directed us to the game Psycho Killer from Escape Tabletop Games, a 2-6 player card game that finds everyone as a character in an 80’s horror film! You’ll find yourself playing cards such as “Let’s Split Up!”, “Slam the Door!” and “Disarm” all while trying to avoid the 5 Psycho Killers wandering around the deck.

For Last Call Suzanne has found the DohicKey, a palm sized hotswappable, programmable, six key pad you can hold in your hand. Michael brings Weirdwood Manor, an co-op adventure in time with a very clever circular spinning board!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Duels of Wand and PB&J Mead!

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This week we get our wands out and DUEL! It’s time for Renegade Game’s Duel of Wands, a wand combat game based in the Kids on Brooms world, a collaborative RPG where witches and wizards in training at a magical school where anything could happen! Promising theme, sounds like something that could make a popular movie or book series, someone should get on that.

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We’re also tasting Broken Brix‘s PB&J Mead, made locally in St. Charles, IL, and also where we buy our brewing equipment for our first batch of Blueberry Mead! If you’re looking for gear or advice, this is a great place to go!

We’re also going to be at the Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this weekend! We’ll be touring the dealer hall and demoing games to talk about when we’re at the Bonus Stage later that day! (3:30!) We’ll do some Q&A about gaming and podcasting, review a game we demoed, teach you how to do a wine tasting and have some goodies to hand out! We hope to see you there!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

Cat in the Box & Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon

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This week we’re getting QUANTIUM! We’re playing Bezier Games’ Cat In The Box, a trick taking card game where you both know and don’t know the cards in your hand until they’re played. We also taste Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, which is now number one for the most aggressive wine label we’ve seen.

juggernaut label

We’ve also started up a Vivino account, and will be adding all the wines we’ve tasted, you can find our profile HERE!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/