194: Fifth Annual Firsties Awards

What this episode covers

The panel hands out the Firsties Awards to the best games on our show in 2022. Best Ice-breaker or Party game – This award goes to the game that is quick and easy to play in a casual setting. Nominations: Connected Clues, Regicide, Stella – Dixit Universe, The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, Town 66WINNER: The Crew: Mission Deep Sea Best Art and Presentation – This award goes to the game that shows the most engaging or compelling use of art and who’s components and presentation immediately brings you into the game. Nominations: Ahoy, Apex Theropod Deck Building Game, Holi, Radlands, Return to Dark Tower, Sea Salt & PaperWINNER: Sea Salt & Paper Best Educational Game (Science or History) – This award goes to the board game which promotes education and learning through gaming. Nominations: Ark Nova, Dominant Species Marine, Hardback, Rise, Rocketmen, ViticultureWINNER: Ark Nova Best Strategy Game: This Award goes to the game that keeps you up late at night, wondering what strategy you’ll try next time! Nominations: Ark Nova, Battle Line: Medieval, Dominant Species Marine, It’s a Wonderful World, Return to Dark Tower, The Crew: Mission Deep SeaWINNER: Dominant Species Marine Best Themed Game: This award goes to the game whose theme was best executed throughout its narrative, flavor, components and mechanics. Nominations: Ark Nova, Doodle Dungeon, Paint the Roses, Return to Dark Tower, ViticultureWINNER: Paint the Roses Best Archeological Find: This award goes to the best game released more than 25 years ago. The version we played must be over 25 years old to be considered for this category. Nominations: Catan, Hugo: Das Schlossgespenst, Phlounder, Snoopy and the Red Baron WINNER: Snoopy and the Red Baron Best Online Game – This award goes to the game that translated best online and was even improved from its physical counterpart. Nominations: Equinox, Hardback, It’s a Wonderful World, Space Base, VektoRace 2nd Edition WINNER: VektoRace (2nd Edition) Firstie Worstie: This award goes to the game where the best move is to bury it deep in the ground! Nominations: Balloon Pop, Fantastic Voyage Game, Space 1999, The S.W.A.T. GameWINNER: The S.W.A.T. Game Game of The Year: This award goes to the best game published within the last 24 months, excluding reprints or new editions of older games. Nominations: Ark Nova, Return to Dark Tower, The Crew: Mission Deep SeaWINNER: Return to Dark Tower

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