We’re back and this week we’re reviewing Rocket House Games‘ Potion Panic a frantic race to become the Alchemist a la Mode by completing potion recipe’s components, smashing vials to get more cards in your hand or to deny your opponents those super valuable crystals! Ten crystals gets you the Philosopher’s Stone, which wins you the game and grants you powers beyond explanation in the next game (well, there is a card that explains them…). How does Potion Panic rate on our Fun scale? How does is rate on our Couch Score (how likely it is for Michael to wind up sleeping on the couch due to the game?)
We also taste a 100% blueberry wine from Three Lakes Winery in Wisconsin. Made from whole ripe blueberries, this isn’t a “blueberry flavored wine beverage” but the real thing!
Solo Game Exploration and Beer Tasting: ‘Onirim’ and Two Brothers Imperial Stout
Onirim: A Dreamy Solitaire Adventure
Introduction
This week I’m reviewing Onirim, a solo/cooperative card game where you navigate a mysterious labyrinth as a dreamwalker. You must escape before your dream time runs out by finding the eight oneiric doors.
Gameplay
Onirim is a set collection and deck-building game. You have a hand of five cards and must match sets of three to unlock doors. However, there are challenges:
Sun and Moon cards: You can’t play a sun next to a moon or the same icon twice in a row.
Key cards: Discarding a key allows you to unlock a door but reduces your chances for others.
Nightmare cards: These force you to discard cards or sacrifice resources to avoid waking from the dream.
Expansions
The second edition comes with seven expansions in the box, adding new mechanics and challenges like manipulating the deck, time bombs, and unreliable allies.
Overall Impressions
I enjoyed Onirim but found it slightly frustrating due to not having resources near the end of the game. I rate it 7.5 out of 10. I picked this one up at Dane’s Games in Geneva, IL.
Additional Notes
The episode also features a beer review of Two Brothers Northwind Imperial Cherry and a Kickstarter spotlight on “Dungeon Twist” game.
0:00 Onirim and Two Brothers Cherry Northwind 00:13 Introduction and Beer Review 05:42 Sponsor Break: Manscaped 07:42 Game Review: Onirim 16:53 Kickstarter Spotlight and Conclusion
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
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
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
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
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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.
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!
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’sHorseshoes 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!
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!
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!
