Board Game Hot Takes

By Board Game Hot Takes

What's Board Game Hot Takes about?

We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Board Game Hot Takes episodes:

05.13.2024
Biohack
In Episode 196 we provide our hot take review of Biohack covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on buying expansions sight unseen. We also discuss some games that have been on...
05.06.2024
BGHT Big Bear Con Part 2 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 195 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 3 gamers, 5 days, 16 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Revive 06:20 Starship...
04.29.2024
BGHT Big Bear Con Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 194 we discuss the first half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 3 gamers, 5 days, 16 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us. We kick off the...
04.22.2024
Orleans
In Episode 193 we provide our hot take review of Orleans covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on favorite board games based on French cities and then we discuss some board...
04.15.2024
Top 5 Unique Worker Placement Games
In Episode 192 we each discuss our top 5 board games that use the worker placement mechanism in a very unique or interesting way. We also discuss a poll on what to do with components after you upgrade them. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Poll...
04.08.2024
Maracaibo
In Episode 191 we provide our hot take review of Maracaibo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on investigating card decks before playing games and then we discuss some board games...
04.01.2024
Top 5 Desert Island Games w/ Connie Vogelmann
In Episode 190 Connie Vogelmann (designer of Apiary and Wyrmspan) joins us as our guest host as we each discuss our top 5 Desert Island Board Games. We also discuss a poll on how less games might impact our play habits. Timestamps: 00:00...
03.25.2024
Board Game Arena
In episode 189, we take a deep dive into Board Game Arena and discuss games that we think are best on that online platform and games that are way better on a physical table. We also discuss a listener poll about...
03.18.2024
Top 5 Player Boards
In Episode 188 we each discuss our top 5 favorite player boards in board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Baseball Highlight 2045 05:00 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy 10:00 Lacrimosa (Red Cathedral, White Castle) 14:48 Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory 17:10 Distilled 21:02 Marrakesh (Orleans, Paladins...
03.11.2024
Random Board Game Topics - Mailbag Episode #2
In episode 187, we answer more listener questions in a second mailbag episode. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 What are some common complaints about board games that you see as a positive? 08:16 What changed that made art and theme less important to you?...
03.04.2024
Clockwork Wars
In Episode 186 we provide our hot take review of Clockwork Wars covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on the loss of entire board game collections and then we discuss some...
02.26.2024
Wrong Hot Takes
In Episode 185 we each discuss our biggest mistakes, at least regarding our first impressions on board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Poll: How often does your first impression of a game hold up after more plays? 7:55 El Grande 10:53 Heat: Pedal to the...
02.19.2024
Thunder Road: Vendetta
In Episode 184 we provide our hot take review of Thunder Road: Vendetta covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a question on games that were frustrating to punch and sort and then we...
02.12.2024
Top 5 Game Boards
In Episode 183 we each discuss our top 5 game boards as well as discussing a listener poll about what makes a great game board. We conclude the conversation discussing a couple of game boards that have some very confounding choices...
02.05.2024
Architects of the West Kingdom
In Episode 182 we provide our hot take review of Architects of the West Kingdom covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on cancellations on game night and then we discuss some...
01.29.2024
2023 Lookback and Board Game Awards
In Episode 181 we look back at the games we played in 2023 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest misses in 2023. This includes games that were published in 2023 but also games that were new to us...
01.22.2024
Wyrmspan
In Episode 180 we provide our hot take review of Wyrmspan* covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also provide some detailed comparisons with Wingspan, both the difference in mechanisms and the difference in...
01.15.2024
Turing Machine
In Episode 179 we provide our hot take review of Turing Machine covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on fun in board games and then we discuss some board games on...
01.08.2024
Board Game Dictionary Volume 1
In episode 178, we discuss some hobby specific terms and how our definitions may vary from their original meaning. We also give examples of board games where those definitions are relevant (and also some examples where they aren't). We kick...
01.02.2024
Apiary
In Episode 177 we provide our hot take review of Apiary covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some games that have been on our table including Clank! Legacy, Fractal: Beyond the Void,...
12.25.2023
Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2023
In Episode 176 we each discuss our top 5 board games that we only played once in 2023. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:34 Robot Quest Arena 04:04 Egizia: Shifting Sands 07:57 Darwin's Journey 12:12 Revive 13:56 Evacuation 15:32 Ticket To Ride: San Francisco 19:52 Battle for Rokugan 21:48 Boast or Nothing 25:46...
12.18.2023
Top 5 Games We Want to Play in 2024
In Episode 175 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play in 2024. We also review last years' lists and look back on the games we got played. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction Last Year 1:02 #5 Adam Last Year - Paperback Adventures 2:45 #5...
12.11.2023
Dune: Imperium - Uprising
In Episode 174 we provide our hot take review of Dune: Imperium - Uprising covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on the quantity of published board games and then we discuss...
12.04.2023
You Asked, We Answered - Mailbag Episode #1
In episode 173, we answer listeners questions in our first ever mailbag episode. Then we discuss some games that have been on our table including Ark Nova: Marine Worlds, Planet Unknown, Azul, and Agricola. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:52 What games or mechanisms have...
11.27.2023
BGG Con 2023 Recap (19 Games Discussed)
In Episode 172 Tim discusses his 5 days spent at BGG Con 2023 including tips about attending a con, con experiences and many games played. We also discuss a poll about favorite gaming experiences. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Poll Question: If you've ever...
11.20.2023
Board Games As Stories Part 4 - Top 5 Conclusions
In Episode 171 we conclude our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this fourth part we talk about games that have a great conclusion. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Board...
11.13.2023
Age of Innovation
In Episode 170 we provide our hot take review of Age of Innovation covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on gaming with your partner/spouse and then we discuss some board games...
11.06.2023
Board Games as Stories Part 3 - Top 5 Climaxes
In Episode 169 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this third part we talk about games that have a great climax. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Board...
10.30.2023
Hot Topic - Game Night Etiquette
In Episode 168 we look at some recommended tips for game night etiquette and discuss whether those work for us. We also re-visit the Castles of Burgundy and discuss how some games make it hard to revisit them and then...
10.23.2023
Board Games as Stories Part 2 - Top 5 Build-ups
In Episode 167 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this second part we talk about games that do the 'build-up' or development well. Timestamps: 00:00...
10.16.2023
Nucleum
In Episode 166 we provide our hot take review of Nucleum covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. Then we discuss some board games on our table including the Viticulture Wine Crate, Tacocat Spelled Backwards, and...
10.09.2023
Board Games as Stories Part 1 - Top 5 Intros
In Episode 165 we kickoff a series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In the first part we talk about games that do the 'Intro' well. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Board...
10.02.2023
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
In Episode 164 we provide our hot take review of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll related to what makes a civilization...
09.25.2023
BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 2 Coverage (10 Games Discussed)
In Episode 163 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 10 of those games including several that were new to us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Robot Quest...
09.18.2023
BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 162 we discuss the first half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us. We kick it off...
09.11.2023
Top 5 Incoming Crowdfunded Board Games 2023
In Episode 161 we discuss the top 5 incoming crowdfunded board games that each of us are excited to receive. We take a look back at last year's list to see what's been delivered and how they hit for us...
09.04.2023
Spirit Island
In Episode 160 we provide our hot take review of Spirit Island covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also celebrate our 3 year anniversary of the podcast by sharing some of our listener's favorite...
08.28.2023
Expeditions
In Episode 159 we provide our hot take review of Expeditions covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about whether games set in the same universe as other games you like...
08.21.2023
Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory
In Episode 158 we provide our hot take review of Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about watching new releases around conventions. Then we discuss...
08.14.2023
Top 5 Games with Asymmetric Player Powers
In Episode 157 we each discuss our top 5 favorite board games including asymmetric player powers. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Discussion on Asymmetric Player Powers 09:49 Top 5 games with asymmetric player powers. 09:56 The Expanse Board Game 12:28 Champions of Midgard and Dune: Imperium 14:47 Circadians:...
08.07.2023
The Voyages of Marco Polo
In Episode 156 we provide our hot take review of The Voyages of Marco Polo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about large box editions of games. Then we discuss some...
07.31.2023
Cyclades: Legendary Edition
In Episode 155 we provide our hot take review of Cyclades: Legendary Edition covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about storing board games horizontally or vertically. Then we discuss some board...
07.24.2023
Wolves
In Episode 154 we provide our hot take review of Wolves covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about thinking about designing board games. Then we discuss some board games on our...
07.17.2023
Our Partners' Top 5 Board Games
In Episode 153 Tim and Adam's partners, Danielle and Sarah, join the show to discuss their top 5 games. Please excuse the lower quality audio and some background noise due to the unique recording space we were in for this...
07.10.2023
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (1-10)
In Episode 152 we finish the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Top Games of All Time 03:21 Tim #10 The Castles of Burgundy 05:26 Adam #10 Blood Rage 07:20 Chris #10 Tzolk'in: The Mayan...
07.03.2023
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (11-20)
In Episode 151 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20. We also discuss a poll on how important balance is in board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Poll: How important is balance to you in...
06.26.2023
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (21-30)
In Episode 150 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30. We also discuss a poll on looking for game stores when travelling. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Poll: Do you seek out game stores or when...
06.19.2023
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (31-40)
In Episode 149 we start the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40. We also discuss a poll on expressing your board game love in public. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Poll: How do you express your board game...
06.12.2023
Darwin's Journey
In Episode 148 we provide our hot take review of Darwin's Journey covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about receiving board games with missing or damaged components. Chris provides a Darwin's...
06.05.2023
Heat: Pedal to the Metal Vs. Downforce
In Episode 147 we provide our hot take reviews of Heat: Petal to the Medal and Downforce covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also compare the two and discuss which we liked more. We...

What's Board Game Hot Takes about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Board Game Hot Takes episodes:

Biohack

BGHT Big Bear Con Part 2 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)

BGHT Big Bear Con Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)

Orleans

Top 5 Unique Worker Placement Games

Maracaibo

Top 5 Desert Island Games w/ Connie Vogelmann

Board Game Arena

Top 5 Player Boards

Random Board Game Topics - Mailbag Episode #2

Clockwork Wars

Wrong Hot Takes

Thunder Road: Vendetta

Top 5 Game Boards

Architects of the West Kingdom

2023 Lookback and Board Game Awards

Wyrmspan

Turing Machine

Board Game Dictionary Volume 1

Apiary

Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2023

Top 5 Games We Want to Play in 2024

Dune: Imperium - Uprising

You Asked, We Answered - Mailbag Episode #1

BGG Con 2023 Recap (19 Games Discussed)

Board Games As Stories Part 4 - Top 5 Conclusions

Age of Innovation

Board Games as Stories Part 3 - Top 5 Climaxes

Hot Topic - Game Night Etiquette

Board Games as Stories Part 2 - Top 5 Build-ups

Nucleum

Board Games as Stories Part 1 - Top 5 Intros

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 2 Coverage (10 Games Discussed)

BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)

Top 5 Incoming Crowdfunded Board Games 2023

Spirit Island

Expeditions

Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory

Top 5 Games with Asymmetric Player Powers

The Voyages of Marco Polo

Cyclades: Legendary Edition

Wolves

Our Partners' Top 5 Board Games

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (1-10)

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (11-20)

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (21-30)

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (31-40)

Darwin's Journey

Heat: Pedal to the Metal Vs. Downforce