PODCAST · leisure
Pick Up and Deliver
by Rattlebox Games- Network Feed
A brief podcast about hobby board games, recorded by English professor Brendan Riley on brief 15 minute walks around town. Join us for a stroll as we discuss mechanisms, gameplay, theory, and topics of the day.Find show notes at RattleboxGames.com
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829
The Beginning (of the Game)
Brendan shares his thoughts about what makes for a great beginning to a game. This follows up on the previous episode about ends of games. Join us, won’t you?Happy Salmon (2016)Bruce Voge IIIPaku Paku (2017)Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012)dude (2018)Agricola (2007)Res Arcana (2019)3 Chapters (2024)Calico (2020)Las Vegas (2012)A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011)A Handful of Stars (2017)Sidereal Confluence (2017)Pandemic (2008)Honorable Mentions:Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)The Resistance: Avalon (2012)Which games do you hope think have amazing openings? Share your thoughts with the guild over on boardgamegeek, #3269. See you there!
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828
The End (of the game)
Brendan talks about how games end, and recommends five games with compelling endings. Join us, won’t you?Skull King (2013)Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016)Monikers (2015)Escape! The Curse of the Temple (2012)A Study in Emerald (2013)Honorable MentionsRes Arcana (2019)The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011)QE (2019)What games do you think have good endings? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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827
Light Speed Arena; Core Worlds; Verdant; Underwater Cities - Data Era
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?Light Speed: Arena (2025)Core Worlds (2011)Verdant (2022)Underwater Cities: Data Era (2025)What do you think of these games? What have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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826
March / April ’26 Movie Roundup
Brendan shares the films he watched during March and April of 2026, and what he thought of them. Join us, won’t you?An Honest LiarTrickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015)Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie (2022)Birds (workaround for Listers)ListersWingspan (2019)Project Hail MaryDaybreak (2023)The Search for Planet X (2020)The Naked GunDeception: Murder in Hong Kong (2014)Poetry for Neanderthals (2020)Empire RecordsEmpire Records (themestorm)Red, White & Royal BlueFog of Love (2017)Road HouseFree With Ads podcast “Road House”Vengeance (2018)What films did you watch in March and April of 2026? Share your viewing and game recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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825
Look Back at 2001-2004
Brendan examines the games that came out between 2001 and 2004 (inclusive), and shares his view of which games are best. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 games from 2001-2004Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)Ticket to Ride (2004)The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)Coloretto (2003)Alhambra (2003)Best Game whose revised version is great: A Game of Thrones (2003)Best Game I don’t like that much: Power Grid (2004)Best Game I haven’t played much: Puerto Rico (2002)Best Game with a BORING theme: Ingenious (2004)Best Stabby game: Lifeboat (2002)Previous Look Back episodesWhat are your favorite games from 2001-2004? Which ones should I seek out to try? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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824
Top of the Stack, May 2026
Brendan shares his gameplay stats and experiences from April of 2026, and his plans for May. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, April 2026New Game – Light Speed Arena✓Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – RootOne More – Core Worlds✓Shelf of OpportunityMy Top 50Top of the Stack, May 2026New Game – AhoyTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – TeotihuacanOne More – Level 7 EscapeWhat did you play in April? Share your plays and your plans in our boardgamegeek guild #3269!
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823
Gnome Hollow; Horrified: Greek Monsters; Awkward Guests 2; Seasons (revisited)
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?Gnome Hollow (2024)Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023)Horrified (2019)Horrified: American Monsters (2021)Horrified: World of Monsters (2024)Awkward Guests 2: The Berwick Cases (2023)Clue (1949)Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016)Seasons (2012)Res Arcana (2019)What games have you been playing lately? What do you think of this episode’s games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
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822
Earth Day (Themestorm)
Brendan talks a bit about Earth Day and games that reflect on the topics related to it.Environmental ActivismEndeavor: Deep Sea (2024)Endangered (2020)Daybreak (2023)Animals and NatureWingspan (2019)Wild: Serengeti (2022)Cascadia (2021)Undergrove (2024)Earth (2023)Environmental BalanceHarmonies (2024)CO2: Second Chance (aka CO₂: Second Chance) (2018)20th Century (2010)What games would you add to the discussion of Earth Day? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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821
Jargon and Named Mechanisms in Game Design
Brendan shares a bit about how jargon and game design interact, and what they do for people outside the hobby. Join us, won’t you?WHAT IS THIS KIND OF GAME CALLED? (BGG thread)What experiences have you had with board game jargon? Is it useful? Frustrating? Gate-keepery? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. We’d love to have you there!
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820
Wilmot’s Warehouse; Istanbul – The Dice Game; Hanabi (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impression of three different games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?Wilmot’s Warehouse (2024)Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017)Hanabi (2010) (revisited)Trekking the World (2020)What new games have you played lately? What do you think of the games featured in this episode? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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819
7 Things I Like About Boardgamegeek
Brendan shares some of his favorite things about Boardgamegeek. Join us, won’t you?Ongoing contests or activitiesNAME….THAT….GAAAAYME!!!Out of the DustReally detailed discussions of rules questionsSanctuary – Gain a tile from the pile and use it for open space.Fan-made contentLoop inc – Solo Rules plus Additional Stretch Goal Rules, fancy formattingRecommendations forumThe Boardgamegeek DatabaseModerationGeek Citizenship RecognitionWhat do you like about Boardgamegeek? What would you change to make it better? Share your thoughts over on …. boardgamegeek in our forums, guild #3269.
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818
Story in Games
Brendan talks about how five ways story and games interact. Join us, won’t you?A set narrativeSherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases (1981)Chronicles of Crime (2018)Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game (2018)A selection of narrative elementsBetrayal at House on the Hill (2004)A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game (2008)Player-generated narrativeWilmot’s Warehouse (2024)MicroscopeMechanical narrative momentsRisk (1959)Hot Streak (2025)Ready Set Bet (2022)A Study in Emerald (2013)Narrative purpose embedded in rulesDungeon Petz (2011)Anachrony (2017)What ways do you appreciate how story and narrative blend together? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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817
Epona, Marshmallow Test, Finspan, Gizmos (revisited)
PU&D 819: Epona, Marshmallow Test, Finspan, Gizmos (revisited)Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you?Epona (2025)Marshmallow Test (2020)Finspan (2025)Gizmos (2018)Have you played any of these games? What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
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816
Empire Records (themestorm)
Brendan shares some thoughts about the themes and ideas in the cult classic teen comedy, Empire Records. Join us, won’t you?Empire Records (1995)Running a StoreBargain Quest (2017)Epic Resort (2014)Music is LifeGWAR vs. Time! (2020)Vinyl (2019)Rock Hard: 1977 (2024)What Life Will You Lead?The Pursuit of Happiness (2015)Funny Friends (2005)Cult ClassicsA Study in Emerald (2013)Cosmic Frog (2020)Glory to Rome (2005)Needle DropsWhat’s He Building in There? (2013)“What’s He Building?”Come Together (2022)“Come Together”Do you celebrate Rex Manning day? What other movies do you think about once a year? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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815
Spring ’26 Chicago Area No Ship Math Trade Debrief
Brendan shares some quick observations about the games that went out and came in at the Chicago Area No Ship Math Trade last weekend. Join us, won’t you?Games I got rid of:Rolling Realms (2021)Android: Infiltration (2012)BEEEEES! (2017)Sky Team (2023)A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011)Furnace (2020)Leaf (2023)Great Western Trail: Second Edition (2021)It’s a Wonderful World (2019)La Pâtisserie Rococo (2026)Tenpenny Parks (2022)Scape Goat (2020)The Final Flicktier (2019)Lord of the Rings: The Duel (2002)Clue Conspiracy (2023)Games I acquired:Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023)Bury Me in the Rift (2019)Horseless Carriage (2023)Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017)Mystery Rummy: Jack the Ripper (1998)Faiyum (2020)Tranquility (2020)Gnome Hollow (2024)Teotihuacan: City of Gods (2018)Seasons (2012)Warhammer Quest: The Adventure Card Game (2015)Reign of Dragoness (2022)HerStory (2022)Starship Captains (2022)Valka (2024)What games would you put into a big trade event? Share your choices over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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814
Hansa Teutonica; Kanban EV; Hot Streak; Via Nebula (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won’t you?Hansa Teutonica (2009)Kanban EV (2020)Vinhos: Deluxe Edition (2016)Escape Plan (2019)Hot Streak (2025)Ready Set Bet (2022)Via Nebula (2016) (revisited)What do you think of these games? What have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
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813
Top of the Stack, April 2026
Brendan shares his thoughts on the games he played this month. Join us, won’t you?March 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Hansa TeutonicaTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – RootOne More – Core WorldsShelf of OpportunityExpand yourShelfApril 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Light Speed ArenaTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – RootOne More – Core WorldsWhat games did you play this month? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek Guild #3269.
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812
Reading Roundup, Q4 2025
Brendan shares his thoughts about books he read in October, November, and December of 2025. Join us, won’t you?The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1Victoriana (2019)The Player of Games (Culture, #2)Civilization (1980)Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear DisasterDaybreak (2023)Mister MagicI Was a Teenage SlasherLast Friday (2016)Victorian PsychoCarpathiansToo Like the Lightning (Terra Ignota, #1)Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund FitzgeraldEmpire of Silence (The Sun Eater, #1)We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse, #1)The Lost VillageFriend of the DevilHow to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy StepsDeath Comes at ChristmasThe Titanic Story: Hard Choices, Dangerous DecisionsWhat did you read in the last part of 2025? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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811
Adventuring in the Jungle (Themestorm)
Brendan shares some games that fit in the theme of “Adventuring in the Jungle.” Join us, won’t you?The Adventurers: The Temple of Chac (2009)The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011)The Quest for El Dorado (2017)The Lost Expedition (2017)The Lost City of ZCosta Rica (2016)Incan Gold (aka Diamant) (2005)Forbidden Island (2010)Forbidden Desert (2013)Forbidden Jungle (2023)Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020)What games about adventuring and/in the jungle do you like? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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810
Dive; Civilization; The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire; Set (revisited)
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?Dive (2021)Civilization (1980)The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017)SET (1988)What games have you been playing lately? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in Guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
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809
Reading Roundup, Q3
Brendan shares his feedback on some of the books he read in August, September, and October of 2025. Join us, won’t you?The FutureCarl’s Doomsday ScenarioShards of HonourThe Titanic and the CalifornianThe Department of Truth, Vol 1: The End of the WorldHardcaseFishfliesOf Monsters and MainframesWhat books did you read last year? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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808
Bonsai; Crystallo; Rise of Augustus; Take 5 (revisited)
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, and one game he revisited. Join us, won’t you?Bonsai (2023)Crystallo (2018)Rise of Augustus (2013)Take 5! (1998) revisitedWhat games have you been playing? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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807
Reiner Knizia (Great Designers)
Brendan contemplates a series of game duels to compare Reiner Knizia games. Join us, won’t you?Comparative Duels:Ra (1999) vs High Society (1995)Schotten Totten (1999) vs Lost Cities (1999)Tigris & Euphrates (1997) vs Through the Desert (2017)My City (2020) vs Carcassonne: The Castle (2003)Samurai (1998) vs Ingenious (2004)Beowulf: The Legend (2005)Whale Riders (2021)Indigo (aka Butterfly Garden) (2012)Knizia Games I’ve played but didn’t mention on the show:The Quest for El Dorado (2017)The Lord of the Rings (2000)Whoowasit? (2007)Amun-Re: 20th Anniversary Edition (2023)The Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation (2005)Lost Cities: The Board Game (2008)Stephenson’s Rocket (1999)Equinox (2021)The Hobbit: There and Back Again (2025)What Knizia games do you enjoy? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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806
Carnival of Monsters; LotR: The Duel; Splendor Duel; Mystic Vale revisited
Brendan talks about his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and share the experience of revisiting one dusty game. Join us, won’t you?Carnival of Monsters (2019)Splendor Duel (2022)Lord of the Rings: The Duel (2002)Mystic Vale (2016) (revisited)Have you played any of these games? What do you think of them? Share your experiences over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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805
Sept ’25 – Feb ’26 Movie Roundup
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in the last six months that weren’t horror movies or Christmas movies. Join us, won’t you?Mickey 17 (2025)Mickey 7 discussionParanoiaThe Woman in Cabin 10 (2025)Rear Window (2022)John Candy: I Like Me (2025)Margin Call (2011)Ponzi Scheme (2015)Spotlight (2015)Watergate (2019)The Life of Chuck (2024)Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr (2018)Labyrinth (1986)Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: The Board Game (2016)Notting Hill (1999), Sleepless in Seattle (1993)Fog of Love (2017)Rental Family (2025)Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall (2020)The Hobby: Tales from the Tabletop (2024)An Honest Liar (2014)What films did you watch in the last six months? Share your views over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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804
La Pâtisserie Rococo; Endurance; The Hobbit; Strike (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?La Pâtisserie Rococo (2026)Rococo (2013)Endurance (2023)So Very Wrong About Board GamesAmabel HollandThe Hobbit: There and Back Again (2025)The Hobbit film by Ralph BakshiStrike (2012) (revisited)Board Game BlitzRolling Dice and Taking NamesWhat games have you been playing lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
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803
Top of the Stack, March 2026
Brendan shares his experience playing games in February of 2026. Join us, won’t you?February 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Dive✓Top 50 game – Brian Boru✓Dusty New Game – Hansa TeutonicaXOne More – Core WorldsXShelf of OpportunityMarch 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Hansa TeutonicaTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – RootOne More – Core WorldsWhat did you play in February? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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802
New to Me Games Roundup, part 3
Brendan finishes stampeding through games he tried in 2025 but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1Part 3December– Xiangqi– 7 Wonders Dice– Landmarks– Slay the Spire– ito– The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – The Trick-taking Game– Speakeasy– Rolling America– Power Hungry Pets– Joe Name It– Cross Clues– Wandering Galaxy– Sanctuary– Cafe Baras– I DissentHave you played any of these? Share your thoughts on them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
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801
Best Games of 2024
Brendan shares his favorite 2024 games, and some superlatives. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 Games of 2024Unconscious Mind (2024)Kinfire DelveResafa (2024)Wondrous Creatures (2024)The Gang (2024)Best weird game: Arcs (2024)Best adaptation: Slay the Spire: The Board Game (2024), Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game (2024)Best fun theme: Fromage (2024), Undergrove (2024)Best Little Snack: 3 Chapters (2024), Up or Down? (2024)Best Art: River Valley Glassworks (2024)Honorable Mentions:Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024)Bomb Busters (2024)Harmonies (2024)Saltfjord (2024)Inventions: Evolution of Ideas (2024)Castle Combo (2024)Civolution (2024)Cities (2024)Wrath of Fire Mountain (2024)Umbrella (2024)2024 Games I played and recommendWyrmspan (2024)AQUA: Biodiversity in the Oceans (2024)A Gest of Robin Hood (2024)Café Baras (2024)Landmarks (2024)Survive The Island (2024)Nocturne (2024)Dorfromantik: Sakura (2024)Power Hungry Pets (2024)Ziggurat (2024)Let’s Go! To Japan (2024)Chroma Mix (2024)Flip 7 (2024)Tree Society (2024)What games from 2024 did you enjoy the most? Share your love over at BGG in our guild, #3269.
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800
Pick Up & Deliver 802: Take Time; Moa; 1902 Méliès; Space Base (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?Take Time (2025)Moa (2018)1902 Méliès (2023)Space Base (2018) (revisited)Do you enjoy these games? What games have you been playing lately? Share your game plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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799
Top of the Stack, Feb 2026
Brendan shares his game plays from January, and talks about his plans for February. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, January 2026New Game – La Patisserie RococoTop 50 game – Praga Caput RegniDusty New Game – Duel or DealOne More – The Hobbit: There and Back AgainShelf of OpportunityExpand yourShelfTop of the Stack, February 2026New Game – DiveTop 50 game – Brian BoruDusty New Game – Hansa TeutonicaOne More – Core WorldsWhat did you play in January of 2026? Share your journey over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269 in this thread.
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798
Season 8 Finale
Brendan reflects on Season 8 and his plans. Join us, won’t you?More intentional game designPlan more gamesStruggle of Empires (2004)Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017)Campaign games with my familyPainting things!Top 5 anticipated gamesGalactic Cruise (2025)Luthier (2025)Hot Streak (2025)Recall (2025)Epona (2025)Ep 700: Season 7 FinaleWhat were your favorite episodes of the season? Share them in our guild over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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797
Top of the Stack, January 2026
Brendan talks about his game plays in December of 2025, and his plans for 2026. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, December 2025NEW GAME – 1902 Méliès (2023)Dusty New game – The CattlemenDusty New game – MoaDusty New game – Five Points: Gangs of New YorkShelf of OpportunityExpand yourShelfTop of the Stack, January 2026New Game – La Patisserie RococoTop 50 game – Praga Caput RegniDusty New Game – Duel or DealOne More – The Hobbit: There and Back AgainWhat did you play in December of 2025? Share your journey over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269 in this thread.
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796
New to Me Games Roundup, part 2
Brendan continues his hellride through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1July– Tacta– Skull King – Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship– The Great Zimbabwe– The Game– Qwirkle FlexAugust– Oh Hell!– First-class Letters– Apollo XIII– Indiana Jones Cryptic– Go Nuts for DonutsPart 2– Sea Salt and Paper– Mascarade: Second EditionSeptember– Nice Buns– Tree SocietyOctober– Tinderblox– Cthulhu Realms– Beast– Klondike– Boxtop Pinball: Haunted House– Cat Fluxx– The Mirroring of Mary King– Madame Ching– Cthulhu Wars– GlasgowNovember– Nocturne– Clue: Treachery at Tudor Mansion– Nuts About Mutts– Pandemic: Hot Zone – North America– Clue Conspiracy– Undergrove– Dorfromantik: Sakura– GoHave you played any of these? Share your thoughts on them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?PU&D798: New to Me Games I Haven’t Talked About, part 2Transcript: TXT or PDF
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795
New to Me Games Roundup, part 1
Brendan blasts through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1JulyTactaSkull King Lord of the Rings: Fate of the FellowshipThe Great ZimbabweThe GameQwirkle FlexAugustOh Hell!First-class LettersApollo XIIIIndiana Jones CrypticGo Nuts for DonutsJoin us soon for parts 2 and three of the New to me Games Roundup! What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
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794
Fromage; Cities; The Scarlet Pimpernel; Machi Koro revisited
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?Fromage (2024)Cities (2024)Machi Koro (2012) revisitedThe Scarlet Pimpernel (2019)Flip the Table: TransformersWhat have you been playing recently? Join the discussion over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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793
Pick Up & Deliver 795: Spooky Movie Roundup ’25, part 2
Brendan reflects on the second half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you? (See also: Part 1)PG: Psycho Goreman (2020)When a Stranger Calls (1979)A Cure for Wellness (2016)Evil Dead Rise (2023)The Babysitter (2017)The Mortuary Collection (2019)Death Becomes Her (1992)Sissy (2022)House of the Long Shadows (1983)Rubber (2010)Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)FWA 89: Ernest Scared Stupid, w Zac of CZsWorldThe Cursed (2021)Mandy (2018)Out of Darkness (2022)What spooky movies did you watch in October? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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792
Spooky Movie Roundup '25, part 1
Brendan reflects on half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you?28 Years LaterPet SemataryFinal Destination BloodlinesSmile 2It’s What’s InsideThe RitualFound Footage: The Making of the Patterson ProjectFrankenstein General HospitalWolf ManLast ShiftThe HallowBeetlejuice BeetlejuiceThis Is the EndFreaks of NatureHave you seen any of these films? What do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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791
Top of the Stack, Dec 2025
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from November of 2025 and looks forward to December. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, November 2025NEW GAME – Nocturne ✓SHELF CLEARER – Infamy XNEW GAME 2 – Ethnos (2nd ed) ✓10×10 Choice – Great Western Trail XShelf of OpportunityExpand YourShelfTop of the Stack, December 2025NEW GAME – 1902 Méliès (2023)Dusty New game – The CattlemenDusty New game – MoaDusty New game – Five Points: Gangs of New YorkWhat games did you play in December? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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790
Saltfjord; Up or Down?; Collapsible D; Mountains of Madness (revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?Saltfjord (2024)The Magnificent (2019)Up or Down? (2024)Mountains of Madness (2017) revisitedCollapsible D: The Final Minutes of the Titanic (2012)What do you think of these games? Share what you’ve been playing over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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789
Look Back at 2005 & 2006
Brendan looks back at the games that came out in 2005 and 2006 to see which games are the best games. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 from 2005-2006Mission: Red Planet (Second/Third Edition) (2015)Cleopatra and the Society of Architects (2006)Wits & Wagers (2005)Nexus Ops (2005)Ticket to Ride: Märklin (2006)SuperlativesBest Abstract Game: Qwirkle (2006)Best Gimmick: Gloom (2005)Genre Definer: Shadows over Camelot (2005)Excluded because of my Top 50Glory to Rome (2005)Look Back at 2007-2008What games do you like best from 2005 and 2006? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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788
Top of the Stack, Nov 2025
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from October of 2025 and looks forward to November. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, October 2025NEW GAME – Beast ✓SHELF CLEARER – Panic Station XNEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary King ✓Top 50 Choice – The Hunger ✓Shelf of OpportunityExpand YourShelfTop of the Stack, November 2025NEW GAME – NocturneSHELF CLEARER – InfamyNEW GAME 2 – Ethnos (2nd ed)10×10 Choice – Great Western TrailWhat games did you play in October? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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787
Libra Games (Astrology Files)
Brendan talks about what games Libra gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you?Previous Astrology Files episodesAllure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits”BalanceJenga (1983)Paku Paku (2017)Stick Stack (2016)HarmonyHarmonies (2024)20th Century (2010)EquilibriumTigris & Euphrates (1997)Ingenious (2004)Evacuation (2023)7 Wonders (2010)ScalesBetween Two Cities (2015)Lords of Xidit (2014)Are you a Libra? Do these games appeal to you? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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786
Dark Gothic, Whale Riders, Vantage, Love Letter (revisited)
Brendan discusses three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?A Touch of Evil: Dark Gothic (2014)Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game (2023)Whale Riders (2021)Butterfly Garden (2012)Love Letter (2012) revisited – 1 year, 5 months dustyVantage (2025)The 7th Continent (2017)Tales of the Arabian Nights (2009)Do you enjoy these games? What else have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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785
July / August 2025 Movie Roundup
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in July and August of 2025. Join us, won’t you?JULY 2025Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (2025)Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 1 & 2 (2022)Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 3 & 4 (2025)This Is Spinal Tap (1984)This Game Goes to Eleven (2018)Rock Hard: 1977 (2024)AUGUST 2025Most Dangerous Game (2020)Specter Ops (2015)Beast (2023)The Wicker Man (1973)“The Festival” by H.P. LovecraftArkham Horror: The Card Game – The Feast of Hemlock Vale: Campaign Expansion (2024)Deep Cover (2025)FiascoKPop Demon Hunters (2025)Free Radicals (2022)Dante’s Peak (1997)The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)Have you seen these films? What do you think of them? What did you watch in July and August? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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Fantasy Flight Games Catalog, Summer 2010
Brendan talks a bit about what he finds in the Fantasy Flight Games 2010 Summer Catalog. Join us for this look back at the state of FFG 15 years ago, won’t you?Pick Up & Deliver 723: Fantasy Flight Games Catalog, Spring 2004DungeonQuest (Third Edition) (2010)Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game (2010)Blood Bowl: Team Manager – The Card Game (2011)Tide of Iron (2007)Battles of Westeros (2010)Tannhäuser (2007)Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One (2019)Constantinopolis (2010)Arkham Horror: The Lurker at the Threshold Expansion (2010)The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game (2011)A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (2008)Which of these games are you most interested in trying? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
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River Valley Glassworks, Endeavor: Deep Sea, A Place for All My Books, Victoriana (revisited)
Brendan chats a bit about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?River Valley Glassworks (2024)Canvas (2021)Sushi Go! (2013)Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024)Endeavor: Age of Sail (2018)Favor of the Pharaoh (2015)Revisited: Victoriana (2019) (3 years, 14 days dusty)Arkham Horror (2005)A Place for All My Books (2025)Flamecraft (2022)What do you think about these games? What new games have you tried recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269!
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782
Dice Game Extravaganza
Brendan talks about dice games he likes and why he likes them. Join us, won’t you?“Pure” dice gamesPerudo (1800)Qwixx (2012)Las Vegas (2012)Yahtzee rollingYahtzee (1956)Dice Throne (2018)Cromlech (2015)Elder Sign (2011)Dice Selection / Dice DraftingDice Miner (2021)Coimbra (2018)Pulsar 2849 (2017)Castle Dice (2013)Additional Delightful Dice GamesEuphoria: Build a Better Dystopia (2013)Strike (2012)What dice games do you like best? Share your recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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4 Things I Like About... Spirit Island
Brendan shares his thoughts about the crunchy cooperative game, Spirit Island. Join us, won’t you?Spirit Island (2017)Extremely customizableMage Knight Board Game (2011)Flexible options to handle difficultiesReally ComplicatedDo you like Spirit Island? Share your thoughts (favorite spirit?) over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
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Top of the Stack, October 2025
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from September of 2025 and looks forward to October. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, September 2025NEW GAME – Saltfjord ✓SHELF CLEARER – Fallen AngelNEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary KingTop 50 Choice – Dungeon PetzShelf of OpportunityExpand YourShelfTop of the Stack, October 2025NEW GAME – BeastSHELF CLEARER – Panic StationNEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary KingTop 50 Choice – The HungerWhat games did you play in September? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.Transcript (uncorrected): TXT and PDF
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A brief podcast about hobby board games, recorded by English professor Brendan Riley on brief 15 minute walks around town. Join us for a stroll as we discuss mechanisms, gameplay, theory, and topics of the day.Find show notes at RattleboxGames.com
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