Pick Up and Deliver

Brendan shares his thoughts about the books he read in April, May, and June of 2026. Join us, won’t you?ChallengerThe Kingdom of GodsDeath of a Gentle LadyThe Wind Through the KeyholeRapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, EmpathyThe Wizard HuntersSupergirl: Woman of TomorrowSystem CollapsePlatform DecayMr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour BookstoreImpostorThe Hobbit, or There and Back AgainThe Company of OwlsThe Birds That Audubon Missed: Discovery and Desire in the American WildernessThe StandWhat did you read in April, May, or June of 2026? Share your reading over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan discusses three games he played for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?Disney: The Haunted Mansion – Call of the Spirits Game (2020)Jaws (2019)Nestlings (2024)The Gardens (2022)Camel Up (2014) (6 years, 4 months, 13 days dusty)Ready Set Bet (2022)Hot Streak (2025)Animal Upon Animal (2005)Velonimo (2020)Fuji Flush (2016)What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about the games he got out of the dust in the last couple months but did talk about in the podcast. Join us, won’t you?March 2026Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal  (2 years, 5 months, 25 days dusty)Quest for El Dorado  (1 year, 9 months, 11 days dusty)Hues and Cues (1 year, 1 month, 19 days dusty)Point Salad (1 year, 6 months, 19 days dusty)Woodcraft  (2 years, 7 months, 16 days dusty)Rhino Hero (5 years, 5 months dusty)Can’t Stop (5 years, 8 months, 9 days dusty)April 2026None un-discussedMay 2026Heat: Pedal to the Metal (1 year, 2 months, 22 days dusty)Last Will (1 year, 1 month, 11 days dusty)Forest Shuffle (1 year, 9 months, 6 days dusty)Lost Ruins of Arnak (1 year, 11 days dusty)Lost Cities: The Board Game (1 year, 3 months, 4 days dusty)What games have you revisited lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about board games that have been adapted from published sources. Join us, won’t you?Previous episodes about this subject:Established Creative WorldsComic Book IPsGame Play by Paul BoothFlip the TableFeels like the textJaws (2019)Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle (2016)Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game (2016)Game components evoke the gameBack to the Future: Back in Time (2020)Shark Island (2017)Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Game (2000)Game that feel like they take place in the text.The Expanse Board Game (2017)The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017)5 best adaptationsLegendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game (2014)Dune (2019)Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game (2008)The Thing: The Boardgame (2022)Star Wars: Rebellion (2016)What adaptations do you like? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares his gameplay achievements from June 2026, and looks ahead to July. Join us, won’t you?June 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Struggle of Empires ✓Top 50 game – Glory to Rome ✓I’ve been meaning to play this – Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun XOne More – Bury Me In the Rift ✓Shelf of OpportunityGame StreaksJuly 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – LibertéTop 50 game – Dungeon PetzI’ve been meaning to play this – Fit to PrintOne More – The Fox ExperimentWhat did you play in June? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares some tales of his vacation to the Maritime provinces of Canada, shares the games he played there, and talks about what games the events he went to reminded him of.Games we played on the trip:Qwixx (2012)Lost Cities (1999)Cribbage (1630)Gin Rummy (1909)Game StoresBoard Room Game Cafe, HalifaxOrloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock (2025)Winter Rabbit (2025)Exor Games, CharlottetownNestlings (2024)Bird IslandRiverside (2021)Wingspan (2019)Wild: Serengeti (2022)Costa Rica (2016)Redwood (2023)Birdwatcher (2022)CeilidhRock Hard: 1977 (2024)Come Together (2022)On Tour (2019)HikingParks (2019)Trekking the National Parks (2014)Trailblazer: The John Muir Trail (2023)What games do you play on vacation? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild #3269.

Brendan shares his experience at a home-con he attends yearly, Bogencon. Join us, won’t you?The Board Game ShowRegular games for me:The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Trick-Taking Game (2025)Dice Miner (2021)Strike (2012)The Gang (2024)Games I dusted off:Chicken! (2023)Skull (2011)Glory to Rome (2005)Games I tried for the first timeDune (1984)Struggle of Empires (2004)What games have you tried lately? What are some of your favorite home-con games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares his thoughts about the books he read in the first three months of 2026. Join us, won’t you?The Death of the Necromancer (Ile-Rien, #2)The Element of Fire (Ile-Rien #1)The Courage of Birds: And the Often Surprising Ways They Survive WinterSeven Surrenders (Terra Ignota, #2)For We Are Many (Bobiverse, #2)All These Worlds (Bobiverse, #3)Barrayar (Vorkosigan Saga, #7)The Warrior’s Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga, #2)The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon, #6)The Mistress of SpicesThe Decagon House MurdersHowling Dark (The Sun Eater, #2)A Conventional Boy: A Laundry Files Novel (The Laundry Files Series)Escape from Yokai Land (Laundry Files, #6.5)What did you read in Q1 of 2026? Share your reads over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks a bit about what games people born under the zodiac sign Gemini might like best. Join us, won’t you?Previous Astrology Files episodesAllure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits”Guiding Change and TransformationSeasons (2012)Revive (2022)Ark Nova (2021)Very Talkative and CommunicativeMonikers (2015)The Resistance (2009)Blood on the Clocktower (2022)Sidereal Confluence (2017)Unreliable or ScatteredFlip 7 (2024)Mottainai (2015)Stationfall (2023)TwinsSanctuary (2025)Fantasy Realms (2017)Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016)Are you a Gemini? Do these games appeal to you? Do you think these fit Geminis you know? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time lately, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?King of the Dice (2017)Yahtzee (1956)Level 7: Escape (2012)Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007)Gold Ahoy! (2014)Glasgow (2020)Dog Park (2022)What do you think of these games? What games have you played lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.

Brendan shares his gameplay achievements from May 2026, and looks ahead to June. Join us, won’t you?May 2025 Top of the StackNew Game – AhoyXTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak✓Old Game New to Collection – TeotihuacanXOne More – Level 7 Escape✓Shelf of OpportunityJune 2026 Top of the StackNew Game – Struggle of EmpiresTop 50 game – Glory to RomeI’ve been meaning to play this – Tekhenu: Obelisk of the SunOne More – Bury Me In the RiftWhat did you play in May? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about games themed around books. Join us, won’t you?Games about LibrariesEx Libris (2017)The Big Book of Madness (2015)Mythic Mischief (2022)The Great Library (2026)Fire in the Library (2019)Alexandria (2017)Atheneum: Mystic Library (2020)Games about Managing BooksA Place for All My Books (2025)My Shelfie (2022)Games about Words and BooksIlliterati (2023)Paperback (2014)Hardback (2018)Fiction (2023)Games About Book-MakingBiblios (2007)Gutenberg (2021)Other themesBooks of Time (2023)Alma Mater (2020)What games about books do you enjoy? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan examines the recent posts on boardgamegeek as though the threads are there as questions for him. Join us, won’t you?Negotiation in GamesSpiel des Jahres NomineesTrying to replace a stock image – need help8 Board Game Re-Themes I Made for FunLooking to get into more complex Euros… what is a good “step up”?New to board/card game design so using simulation to test mechanicsOn Board Games 589: TeachabilityMultiple or singular artists?Hello New ComersHow to choose the best board game ?Requesting 10 GG to start a guild for a local gaming groupWhat do you think of this format? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?Postcards (2025)Leviathan Wilds (2024)Episode 027: Shadow of the LeviathanMANTIS (2022)“Why the MANTIS shrimp is my new favorite animal.”Fugitive (2017) (revisited)What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.