The Board Boys Podcast

The boys fought for their lives (in space) this week in Nemesis from Awaken Realms. This semi-cooperative horror, survival, exploration game could easily be described as "Alien the board game" but there is so much more to it than that. Relationships were tested, friends became enemies, enemies became friends, and Rob threw a Molotov at Campbell. Also this episode: Josh is back and talks a bit about his Cardboard Caucus experience, Ben and Rob play more games and Campbell has a Molotov thrown at him.

The hosts dive into the strategic world of Architects of the West Kingdom, highlighting its unique worker mechanics and vibrant art. They discuss the pros and cons, including rapid turns and the challenges of player interaction. There's a lively debate about the importance of timing and resource management. Plus, thrilling anecdotes about upcoming Midwest conventions and personal gaming experiences add to the fun. A fitting conclusion to an engaging season, packed with insights and laughs!

Things get spooky this week as the boys worked together to defeat ancient Lovecraftian beasts in Eldritch Horror. Travel Scrabble Ben was stuck in time and space this week so the boys asked The Dealt Hand to join their adventure as they battled cultists and solved mysteries around the world. Also this episode: Joe shares all the details on Iowa's hottest board game popup, Josh gets critical of Medium, Campbell plays a floppy hat game he doesn't love and Rob takes an extended trip to Beau's corner.

Within the charming valley of Everdell, a civilization of forest critters is thriving and expanding. Also, frog ambassadors from the land of Pearlbrook are hella dope. This week we ventured outside the BGG Top 100 for a stroll through the forest in Everdell. Tableaus were built, resources were collected and critters were acquired in this worker placement/resource management/set collection (kinda) eurogame. Also this episode: Ben shares the best nickname, Josh intros and Rob and Cam played a Feld (shocker!).

What do you get when you mix animal mating, a feeding mechanism, pale ones and a million Agricola references? Obviously you get Caverna: The Cave Farmers by Uwe Rosenburg. This week your favorite boys (minus Ben), and guest Cody Lenhart, break down Uwe's highest rated game on the BGG Top 100 list. Also this episode: Rob shares his secret algorithm for hidden movement games; Josh learns review wars are a thing; Campbell does Campbell things; and Cody shares all the details you need for Cardboard Caucus!

Welp, it finally happened. It only took four seasons, but we're finally doing a feature episode on a game NOT currently on the BGG Top 100. We generally take this qualifier seriously, but Black Angel from Pearl Games had our full attention at Gen Con. It may currently be 4,269, but it's number one in our hearts. Also this episode: the boys answer the ultimate gaming question - which original Monopoly piece is best? Ben's board game collection continues to expand and the boys introduce a new contest!

Still recovering from Gen Con 2019? Don't worry we are too. This year Rob, Campbell and Josh made the annual trek to Indianapolis, Indiana for the best four days in gaming. Hanging alongside 70k attendees, the boys bought, played and learned about so many great games hitting the market later this year. In this BONUS episode, the boys recap their day by day experiences at the con LIVE from their room (419) at the Westin hotel. We hope you like boardgames.

Josh was on vacation this week at San Diego Comic Con and specifically requested we play a game he'd hate. So, this week we ventured overseas to visit the Grand Austria Hotel. Rob, Campbell and Ben pushed the game to its limits in one of the closest finishes we've ever recorded! Also this episode: Rob breaks down some of the titles he is most looking forward to at Gen Con 2019, Campbell questions his role on the podcast and Ben takes a crack at the moderator's chair. Josh is probably boning out somewhere.