Game Brain: A Board Game Podcast About Our Gaming Group

Matt and Paul review the asymmetric heavy deck building game Star Trek: Captain's Chair as well as discuss the differences between CC and the Imperium series.

Ben, Trey, and Paul review the 2025 reimplementation of March of the Ants: Evolved Edition0:00:00 Introduction0:03:35 Stupor Mundi0:14:31 Kingdom Crossing0:27:47 AgricolaGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die00:35:51 Game Review: March of the Ants: Evolved Edition-  Find Etamar at kirbooloni.com-  Game Brain Facebook Group-  Instagram

Trey, Tom, and Jordan review the 2025 expansion Clans of Caledonia: Industria.0:00:00 IntroductionYear of the SerpentGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't DieYoutube - Play it Again channel00:08:22 Game Review: Clans of Caledonia: IndustriaTerra MysticaAge of InnovationGaia Project: The Lost Fleet-  Find Etamar at kirbooloni.com-  Game Brain Facebook Group-  Instagram

On a very special episode of Game Brain, Matthew, Ben, Trey, Paul and Jordan come together to take you through their Top Ten board games of 2025. 

Ben, Trey, and Paul review the 2024 narrative-driven game "Tales of the Arthurian Knights."  Paul says it's not even a game. Could it possibly be good? (yes)  Also recent plays of "March of the Ants," "Indonesia 3rd Edition," and "Secret Hitler."00:00 - Intro11:08 - March of the Ants, Evolved Edition27:37 - Indonesia, 3rd Edition41:39 - 18Chesapeake43:32 - Secret Hitler1:04:44 - Tales of the Arthurian Knights review

Ben, Trey, and Jordan discuss the new action selection minigame speculation bonanza Ayar: Children of the Sun.  Plus discussion of Agent Avenue, Twilight Imperium Thunder's Edge, Silos, and A Place for All My Books.00:00 - Intro / Traitors9:20 - Silos18:46 - Agent Avenue31:36 - Pacts35:36 - A Place for All My Books44:11 - Twilight Imperium Thunder's Edge57:49 - Ayar: Children of the Sun review

Discover the exciting lane battling game, Old King's Crown, where card flipping meets asymmetric factions. Delve into the tension-filled bid for kingdom cards and the strategic depth added by evolving factions. The hosts share their experiences with Twilight Imperium's expansions and the engaging solo play of Kingdoms Forlorn, highlighting its captivating campaign design. With comparisons to other popular titles and insights into player interactions, this discussion is packed with gaming wisdom and holiday cheer!

Ben and Paul are here to save your holiday season! Need a game to buy for that special someone?  Or even that UNspecial someone? We have some ideas for you. Plus, some strategies for how to teach games to the most stubborn, unfocused, and downright difficult people of all time: your family.00:00 - Intro04:00 - Recent Plays04:12 - Food Chain Magnate17:17 - Ito22:36 - Ayar, Shinjuku, and Tag Team26:36 - The Game Brain Holiday Gifting Extravaganza!!28:36 - Games for Monopoly lovers34:17 - Games for Scrabble lovers (or Codenames or Scattergories)42:18 - Games if you don't know someone's tastes46:53 - Games you can play with someone right away48:52 - Games to inch someone towards the hobby52:22 - Party games!53:21 - Stocking stuffers55:16 - How to teach games to your family

Matty dives into the intriguing universe of Kingdom Death, sharing his extensive history with the game and its evolution since its 2015 Kickstarter. He highlights the unique blend of boss battles and settlement building. The simulator's pricing and mechanics are discussed, showcasing its solo play potential. Matty explains the gripping hunt and showdown loop, along with the strategic AI and wound systems. Lastly, he invites listeners to engage in his campaign, making it an exciting entry point for new players. Tune in for a dark, challenging gaming experience!

Join the crew as they dive into the unique vibe of BGG.CON 2025 in Dallas, sharing tales of gaming marathons in a sunless environment. They discuss the thrill of exploring the Hot Games Room and the complexities of popular titles like Faea Swamp and Forestry. Insights into emotional gameplay emerge with Clans of Caledonia, while the coming-of-age theme in games stirs poignant table moments. With quick hits on Agent Avenue and Wispwood, expect laughter, camaraderie, and reflections on the joys and fatigue of con life.