NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Bidding Games

NaPodPomo_9
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Amazon Music | RSS | More

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

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 Board Games Mechanics: Auction and Bidding Games

In this podcast episode of ‘Meeples Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023’, Michael reviews two different board games featuring bidding mechanics: ‘Shipwrecked’ and ‘Power Grid’. ‘Shipwrecked’ is a blind bidding game where players compete for survival resources using a unique bidding system, with the possibility of strategic plays using different types of bid cards. ‘Power Grid’, on the other hand, allows players to bid openly for resources, power plants and cities necessary for expanding their power grid, providing insights into more conventional bidding mechanics. He gets into monitoring resources, understanding strategy, anticipating opponents’ actions, and managing bids wisely as key considerations for success in these games.

00:13 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:09 Introduction to Auction and Bidding Games
02:15 Exploring the Game ‘Shipwrecked’
04:16 Artwork and Components of ‘Shipwrecked’
05:26 Gameplay Strategy and Rules of ‘Shipwrecked’
06:27 Introduction to the Game ‘Power Grid’
06:42 Bidding Phase and Strategy in ‘Power Grid’
09:22 Conclusion and Preview of Next 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/

NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Pencil and Paper Games

NaPodPomo_7
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

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.

In this episode, Michael delves into the world of paper and pencil games, highlighting grid coverage, enclosure games, and line drawing as different styles within this category.

The featured game of the day is “Cartographers: A Roleplayer Tale” by Thunderworks Games. In this game, you become a cartographer in the service of Queen Gimnax, tasked with mapping the Northern lands and increasing your reputation by meeting the Queen’s demands. The game involves edict cards that determine how you score, explore cards that dictate what you draw on your map, and the challenge of dealing with raids by your opponents. It’s a fun and engaging game that combines strategy, Tetris-like piece placement, and clever scoring mechanisms. Don’t miss out on this exciting gaming experience, and be sure to check the show notes for relevant links. Happy gaming!

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: Social Deduction Games

NaPodPomo_6
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Social Deduction: A Look at the Games that Keep Us Guessing

Welcome back to Meeples and Wine, NaPodPoMo 2023 edition! Today, we’re diving into the world of social deduction games, exploring why they’ve become so popular and highlighting two of our favorites: One Night: Ultimate Werewolf and The Thing: The Boardgame.

Social deduction games have increased in popularity and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of role playing, bluffing, and a touch of chaos that’s sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. In these games, players are secretly assigned roles, some good, some neutral, and some bad. The good guys need to work together to identify and eliminate the bad guys, the neutral players decide who they’re going to back, while the bad guys strive to sow discord and achieve their own nefarious goals. The beauty of social deduction games lies in the uncertainty. You never know who to trust, and every accusation, every move, could be a ploy to deceive. This constant state of suspicion and second-guessing is what keeps players hooked, coming back for more every time.

One Night: Ultimate Werewolf

One Night: Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn social deduction game that’s perfect for a quick game night or as an introduction to the genre. Players take on roles like Werewolves, Villagers, Seer, and the Drunk, and more, each with their own special abilities. The game plays over a single night, with players taking turns waking up and performing actions with the assistance of either a game master or by using the handy app that you can download. As the night progresses, the Werewolves try to stay hidden from the Villagers, while the Villagers try to identify and eliminate the Werewolves. One Night: Ultimate Werewolf is a fantastic choice for groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to larger parties. It’s quick, chaotic, and always entertaining.

The Thing: The Boardgame

If you’re looking for a more immersive, thematic social deduction experience, The Thing: The Boardgame is the perfect choice. Based on the classic John Carpenter film, The Thing, this game captures the paranoia and suspense of the movie in a solid tabletop experience. Players take on the roles of the researchers stationed in an Antarctic research base, so you’ve got Macready, Nauls, Windows and the rest of the team from the movie. Among them is the Thing, an alien shapeshifter that can perfectly imitate any human. The Thing’s goal is to eliminate the researchers and escape the base, while the researchers must identify and eliminate the Thing before it’s too late. The Thing: The Boardgame is a tense, atmospheric experience that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a must-play for fans of the movie and social deduction games alike.

Social Deduction Recommendations

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the genre, there’s a game out there for you. Here are a few more recommendations to get you started:

  • The Resistance (Avalon Hill): A classic hidden role game of deception and intrigue.
  • Coup (Indie Boards and Cards): A fast-paced, card-based game of bluffing and deduction.
  • Blood on the Clocktower (The Pandemonium Institute): An in-depth game with multiple roles which can play up to 20!

So gather your friends, grab a glass of wine, and dive into the world of social deduction games. You’re in for a night of suspense, deception, and fun!

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: Co-Op Games

NaPodPomo_5
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

In episode five of Meeples and Wine NaPodPoMo 2023, Michael discusses cooperative (co-op) tabletop games, where players work together to achieve a common goal. These games foster teamwork and camaraderie. Common themes include a shared win condition, communication among players, and unique abilities available to the players. Time or turn limits often add pressure. Some examples of co-op games discussed are Pandemic by Z-Man Games, a game about stopping global diseases, and Forbidden Island, where players collect treasures from a sinking island. The episode also covers The Crew, a challenge-based card game. The hosts stress the importance of communication, flexibility, and mutual help in co-op games, and encourage viewers to check out these games and their reviews on their website: www.meeplesandwine.fun.

In this episode Mike mentions the review of Forbidden Island from the main show Meeples and Wine, you can find that at the link HERE or you can copy the link! www.meeplesandwine.fun/forbiddendesert

You can follow us on your favorite podcast apps here! www.meeplesandwine.fun/subscribe-to-podcast

00:08 Introduction to Meeples and Wine NaPodPoMo 2023 Hello everyone and welcome to meeples and wine NaPodPoMo 2023….

00:55 Understanding Cooperative Tabletop Games Cooperative tabletop games are games in which the players work together to achieve a common goal rather than competing against each other….

01:18 Common Rules in Co-op Tabletop Games Alright, so some common rules that wind up in co op tabletop games….

02:43 Exploring Pandemic: A Co-op Tabletop Game So some examples of co op tabletop games, the one big one is pandemic….

05:26 Diving into Forbidden Island: A Co-op Adventure Forbidden Island is the first of multiple games….

07:39 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

09:25 Strategies for Winning Co-op Games So some strategy, communication is the key for co op games….

10:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts So if you’re looking for a new type of game to try, I highly recommend checking out some co op games….

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: Area Control Games

NaPodPomo_4
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Episode Four: Exploring Area Control Games

This episode covers area control games, a genre of board games wherein players compete to conquer different areas on the board through various methods like moving units, establishing settlements, or using influence markers. The focus is on strategic growth and defending territories which makes the genre appealing but often complex. Michael introduces a few game versions such as Risk, El Grande, Twilight Imperium, and Kemet, each representing different levels of complexity and length of game play. He also provides gameplay strategies, emphasizing the importance of not stretching resources too wildly, considering value points on the board, diplomacy and acquiring alliances, as well as being proactive in launching attacks.

00:14 Introduction to the Episode

00:35 About Meeples and Wine

01:11 Understanding Area Control Games

02:08 Exploring El Grande

03:28 Diving into Twilight Imperium

06:00 Discovering Kemet

07:50 Strategy Tips for Area Control Games

09:30 Conclusion and Preview of Next 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/

NaPodPomo 2023: 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Tile-Laying Games

NaPodPomo_3
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today we are talking about tile-laying games. Tile-laying games are a type of board game where players build the board by placing tiles on it. This can be done to create a city, a farm, a forest, or any other kind of landscape or scene.

  • Look for scoring opportunities. When placing your tiles, try to think about how you can score points in multiple ways. For example, if you are placing a tile that completes a road, also see if it can help you complete a city or monastery.
  • Be aware of your opponents’ strategies. Try to anticipate what your opponents are trying to do and block them from completing their goals. For example, if you see that your opponent is close to completing a long road, try to place a tile that will prevent them from doing so.
  • Don’t be afraid to adapt. As the game progresses, the board will change and you may need to adapt your strategy. Be willing to change your plans if necessary.

Here are some additional tips for the three specific games mentioned in the podcast:

  • Carcassonne: Try to save your meeples for the later stages of the game, when there are more opportunities to score points. Also, don’t forget to consider the placement of your meeples when placing your tiles.
  • Azul: Try to plan ahead and think about how you can complete multiple patterns with a single tile placement. Also, be aware of the different scoring conditions for each pattern.
  • Kingdomino: Try to draft tiles that have a variety of features. This will give you more flexibility when placing your tiles and make it more difficult for your opponents to block you. Also, don’t forget to consider the placement of your castles when drafting tiles.

NaPodPoMo 2023 – 30 Days of Game Mechanics: Worker Placement Games

NaPodPomo_2
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Amazon Music | RSS | More

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Hey everybody, and welcome to NaPodPoMo day two! Today we’re talking about worker placement games.

Worker placement games are known for their strategic depth and replayability. With so many different options available, players must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each action before making a decision. Worker placement games can also be very competitive, as players must try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to get the best resources and spaces.

Here are a few beginner-friendly worker placement games:

  • Stone Age
  • Champions of Midgard
  • Nusfjord
  • Wingspan

Here are a few tips for playing worker placement games:

  • Claim key spaces early. The best spaces on the board are often the ones that give you the most resources or allow you to perform the most powerful actions. Try to claim these spaces early in the game so that you can benefit from them throughout the game.
  • Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to change your strategy if you need to. If you see that an opponent is taking a certain strategy, try to find a way to counter it.
  • Don’t overextend yourself. Focus on one or two strategies and stick with them. Trying to do too much will only spread you too thin and make it difficult to win.
  • Block other players. If you see that an opponent is about to take a space that you need, don’t be afraid to block them. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there!

With a little practice, you’ll be a worker placement master in no time!

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

NaPodPomo_1
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast (napodpomo2023): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

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/

Survival and Suds: Final Girl & Revenge of the Final Girl

58_Featured
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Amazon Music | RSS | More

Join Michael for a spine-chilling solo episode as he dives into the one-player tabletop thriller, Final Girl, with the Organism/Station 2891 expansion from Van Ryder Games. But that’s not all – we’ve got a special treat in store as we review the Revenge of the Final Girl pale ale to wash down the tension. Grab yourself a flamethrower and a drink and let’s get started!

He’s playing Final Girl the single player horror movie themed game, with the Organism/ Station 2891 Feature Film box, which has a John Carpenter’s The Thing theme. With the Final Girl starter set and your choice of the many, many choices of Feature Films (everything from The Happy Trails Horror (Friday the 13th) to Into the Void (ALIENS!) and even a Christmas themed one!

What are we tasting? Why it’s Revenge of the Final Girl from More Brewing Company in Huntley, Illinois. With a flavor of pineapple, lime and habanero, this American Pale Ale stabs your thirst right in the throat!

Remember that we’ll also be at Up North Ale House in Naperville, IL hosting trivia every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30PM!

We’ll be out at Lodge Con this weekend at the Will County Fairgrounds (710 S West St Peotone, IL 60468)! We’ll be doing a “how to taste wine” lesson, review a game and do a Q&A for our seminar at 4!

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/

The Gargoyle Club, The Gargoyle, and Gargoyles

57_Featured
~ MeeplesandWine

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Amazon Music | RSS | More

Heading in for the haunting season we have our first on show mixed drink and get into the world of cocktails with “The Gargoyle.” This classic 1920s drink takes center stage as we uncover the history of the Gargoyle Club, a legendary haunt for bohemian aristocrats and socialites founded by David Tennant. We discuss the picture of this iconic club’s ambiance and its transformation over the years, including its famous elevator and notable visitors, from Fred Astaire to Nick Cave. We also discuss the interesting history of the Gargoyle Club, emphasizing its significance in the 1920s social scene and it’s place in recent history.

In this episode, we dove into the world of Disney’s Gargoyles Awakening board game, and it was quite the adventure. Gargoyles fans from the ’90s will appreciate the nostalgic trip back to New York with Goliath and the gang. The game had a good balance of strategy and action, although it could get a bit frustrating at times, especially when playing with just two players. The villains, particularly Demona, seemed a bit overpowered, making our battles challenging. We tried various strategies, like doubling up on characters, but it was still tough. The game’s components, including the detailed plastic figurines and the 3D buildings, added to the immersion. However, the board felt a bit cramped, and the rules could have been clearer. Overall, it’s a fun game, but it’s best enjoyed with more players to balance the action. We gave it a rating of 6.5 out of 10 and concluded that it’s worth a try for Gargoyles fans, even though it may have a few rough edges.

For our Last Call, Suzy has found a captivating mystery game called “The Great Tea Robbery,” which offers an immersive mystery adventure. This game features unique components like tea, porcelain bowls and cups, and a wooden box filled with intriguing ephemera. Players will unravel the mystery while retracing Robert Fortune’s journey through China, adding a historical and thrilling twist to the gameplay. It’s a high-quality experience with plenty of replayability, making it worth the investment.

Next, Michael discusses “Faceless Amusement Park,” a game that takes an eerie turn as players try to reclaim stolen memories from a demon haunting the park. The game uses a unique magnetic compass mechanism to control elements on the board. While the concept and visuals are appealing, we’re uncertain about how well the magnet feature functions in gameplay. He also mentions a related game, “Faceless,” with a similar magnetic mechanism. Overall, it’s an intriguing game with some mysteries of its own.

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/