Operation Game Night

Clay breaks down the new hotness, River of Gold. Travis lays out the newest in the Tiny Epic series, Tiny Epic Cthulhu. Jared has a tough choice on his hands in the latest Board Game Head-to-Head. 

Planning a game night with six players can be both exciting and challenging. We explore the dynamics of engaging larger gatherings, highlighting the best games like Dune for deeper strategy and Zoo Vadis for interactive fun. Join us to discover your next favorite game night adventure!

• Exploring six-player game dynamics 
• Recommendations for engaging and strategic games 
• Breakdown of Dune's thematic gameplay 
• Analysis of Zoo Vadis' interactive mechanics 
• Tips for hosting a memorable game night with larger groups

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Kicking off the New Year with a bang, we dive into a world of camaraderie, shared experiences, and our latest hobby escapades. Picture this: we're in Alabama, and the weather has gone rogue! Meanwhile, our theater misadventures in London's West End leave us in stitches over an untimely half-time departure from "Wicked." And just when you think the holiday stories can't get any crazier, I confess my newfound obsession with Warhammer, prompting disbelief and laughter from Clay and Jared as we nerd out over Space Marines and lizard-like Tyranids.

Joining us this episode is the energetic Tara from Tara's Bad Luck Club, who shares her passion for board games and the spirited community that surrounds them. We explore everything from the latest LEGO sets to Tara's board game convention adventures at PAX and Dice Tower West. Her love for Dice Throne and stock-based games like City of the Big Shoulders adds a fresh perspective to our chat, offering insights into the world of strategic and engaging gameplay. Tara's stories of connecting with fellow enthusiasts and the joy of gaming-focused events are sure to resonate with listeners.

In our gaming journey, strategy and excitement reign supreme. From revisiting Spirit Island with new pals in Austin to the intricate strategies of stock-based titles, the episode is rich with engaging tales. I reminisce about the thrills and challenges of the Exit Advent Calendar and express my mixed feelings over the Invincible: The Hero Building Game's gory themes. The episode rounds off with humorous reflections on gaming mechanics, personal grooming, and even a sneak peek into Tara's upcoming YouTube channel. Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or just curious about the hobby, there's plenty to keep you entertained and inspired.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Get ready to board a thrilling journey with us at the Operation Game Night Podcast as we explore the electrifying world of board games alongside Amanda from EmptyNestBoardMama. Amanda serves as our boots-on-the-ground correspondent, bringing a vibrant PAX Unplugged review to life, while Clayton kicks off the episode with his take on the captivating mechanics of Architects of the West Kingdom. Our discussions embody the camaraderie that board gaming fosters, offering a window into the joy and community these games inspire.

Fly high with us as we dive into the immersive experience of Sky Team, a top pick from the 2024 OGN holiday gift guide. Tanner’s real-world aviation experience enriches our conversation on the game’s thematic airfields and dice-rolling challenges. We take a playful detour, imagining a helicopter expansion inspired by the Vietnam era, and cherish the memories captured in our signed flight logs. It’s an exploration of how gaming bridges fantasy and reality, with a shared passion that brings us even closer together.

The episode wraps up with a vibrant gaming night recap, spotlighting the enchanting world of Wondrous Creatures and celebrating the lively atmosphere of board game conventions like PAX Unplugged. We share our experiences with indie game developers, from Hootenanny Games' "Disco Island Escape" to the intriguing "Paleo Vet." Life outside of board gaming also gets a nod, with tales of theater outings and solo helicopter flights adding flavor to our conversation. Join us as we blend insightful discussions with a dash of humor, promising to return with even more engaging content in future episodes.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Back on home turf, we welcome Clayton Gable back from his break and dive into our holiday gift guide, brimming with must-have games and accessories to make any gamer's season truly festive. Clayton shares his newfound love for Fromage, a cheese-making board game that has us all craving more rounds of its delightful worker placement mechanics.

Our gaming adventures continued with a slew of new experiences and mixed feelings. We couldn't resist the allure of deluxe board game components and the fast-paced fun of games like "Super Mega Lucky Box" and "That's Not a Hat" during our family gatherings. The "Star Wars Deck Building Game" expanded our universe, though "Star Wars Villainous" left us pondering its place on our shelves. "Rolling Heights", with its innovative city planning and meeple-chucking mechanics, sparked spirited discussions and contrasting opinions, proving that even beloved games can have divisive elements.

Clay and Travis give some gifting ides for all audiences in OGN's first-ever holiday gift guide! Stocking stuffers, family games, 2-player games, and crunchy strategic games for the Gamers (with a capital "G") in your life!

Beyond the game table, life has been equally thrilling. From theater escapades and life as a "theater dad" to career transitions from the Space Force to software development, our personal stories add a rich layer to this episode. Our European adventures, including the charm of German Christmas markets and culinary tales from Italy, blend with humorous Epcot comparisons, offering a touch of festive cheer. We invite you to join us on this journey filled with gaming insights and personal tales, celebrating both the love for games and life's ever-changing adventures.

OGN's Holiday Gift Guide:
Stocking Stuffer Games:
- Sea Salt & Paper by Bombyx
- Knarr by Bombyx
- Coloretto by ABACUSSPIELE
- The Gang by KOSMOS
- Scout by Oink Games
- Bohnanza by AMIGO

Family Games:
- River Valley Glassworks by Allplay
- Dice Miner by Atlas Games
- Robot Quest Arena by Perfect Day Games
- Splendor by Space Cowboys
- Planet Unknown by Adam's Apple Games
- Thunder Road: Vendetta by Restoration Games

2-Player Games:
- Caper: Europe by Keymaster Games
- Sky Team by Scorpion Masque
- Tokaido Duo by Funforge
- Wild Duo by Treecer Games

Strategy Games:
- Trolls & Princesses by Game Brewer
- Arcs by Leder Games
- Revive by Aporta Games
- Sol: Last Days of a Star by Elephant Laboratories
- Wonderlands War by Druid City Games
- Barcelona by Board & Dice

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

While Clay and Jared grab some well-deserved R&R, Travis recounts some solo games he wants to get played! It's a shorter episode this week, but we hit the highlights with games such as For Northwood!, Coffee Roaster, Regicide Legacy, Dead Cells: The Rogue-Like Board Game, Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, Tainted Grail: Tides of Ruin, Batman: Gotham City Chronicles, Underwater Cities, and Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game!

From solo only to solo mode adaptations, this game has something for everyone that has ever found themselves riding solo!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Travis, Clayton, and Jared convene for a Thanksgiving special, where share our gratitude for our favorite hobby...board gaming! From Clayton's excitement over acquiring the rare Whale Riders by Reiner Knizia to planning innovative game nights with creative charcuterie boards, we celebrate the joy and camaraderie that board games bring into our lives.

Experience the thrill of uncovering strategic gems like Conservas, a solo game by Scott Almes, and the bustling fun of Circus Flohcati by Reiner Knizia. Our adventures don't stop at the gaming table; we also share insights on sustainability in board game production, offering fresh perspectives on mindful consumerism and eco-friendly practices. Plus, get a sneak peek into our off-table lives, including Clayton's upcoming travel plans and a nostalgic rewatch of Star Wars episodes.

Join us as we express our gratitude for the board gaming community, highlighting its role as a social connector and a wellspring of joy, especially for introverts finding their place in a bustling world. With stories about themed game sessions, shared laughter, and the ever-growing "shelf of opportunity," this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring influence of board games and the vibrant community they foster.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Get ready to explore the captivating universe of board games as we share our strategies for mastering "Tapestry" by Stonemaier Games. We highlight the excitement of efficiency puzzles, especially with the game's digital version on Board Game Arena. Our gaming tales span from "Super Mega Lucky Box" to "Dice Miner," perfect for adding a competitive edge to any gathering. Plus, we dive into the realm of digital board gaming, praising the online adaptations of beloved titles like "Wingspan," "Dune Imperium," and "Root." Memorable in-person family gaming sessions also take the spotlight, featuring surprises and triumphs with games like "Wild Duo", "Chicken", "River Valley Glassworks", "revive", and "Parade".

The laughter continues with a spirited board game showdown where we pitch "Terracotta Army" against "Endless Winter" for a board game sales pitch for Jared! We discuss the spinning rondel of "Terracotta Army" and its strategic elements, while Clay highlights the deck-building intrigue of "Endless Winter." Our friendly debate is a rollercoaster of humor and passion, as we consider the merits of both games and how they appeal to fans of crunchy gameplay. As we wrap up, we entertain plans for a Euro trip to London and the balancing act of family life, promising more gaming adventures and personal stories in future episodes.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Happy Veteran's Day and Marine Corps Birthday! We venture into the dynamic world of board games, spotlighting "Super Mega Lucky Box," a digital game that adds a strategic twist to the classic bingo, and recounting our hilarious mishaps with "That's Not a Hat," a game that guarantees laughs even when we fumble the rules.

We then shift gears to a pair of party games that promise to spark creativity and camaraderie. In "Gorilla Marketing," players unleash their inner ad execs, dreaming up quirky product names and catchy slogans, while "Green Team Wins" challenges everyone to predict the group's consensus in a lively guessing game. Both games prove perfect for an evening filled with humor and creativity, reminding us of the sheer joy that comes from connecting with friends over a shared gaming experience.

Our conversation also delves into the realm of digital board game adaptations. We weigh the pros and cons of online gaming platforms, exploring how they offer a convenient alternative for complex titles like "Gloomhaven" and "Root." As Thanksgiving approaches, we share personal plans and aspirations, including a dream of opening a board game store, and reflect on the amusing antics of the Kelsey brothers during a football-packed weekend. Join us for an episode brimming with appreciation, laughter, and a genuine love for the gaming community.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support

Discover 30 intriguing board games under $30 in just 30 seconds each, and uncover the secrets to thrifty gaming greatness! Our latest podcast episode marks a special milestone as we celebrate our 12th installment with a whirlwind budget-friendly game segment that promises to enrich your collection without breaking the bank. Join us for a deep dive into our recent gaming adventures, where we share insights into "Distilled," a captivating game that challenges players to craft the finest spirits. With a new cocktail expansion in the works, the comparison between "Distilled" and "Viticulture" offers a glimpse into the streamlined complexities of ingredient management and market phases.

We shine the spotlight on "The Gang," a thrilling card game that ingeniously combines elements of Texas Hold'em poker with the strategic silence of The Mind. As you strategize to pull off a bank heist, the excitement builds, and even poker novices will find themselves hooked. Alongside, we touch on the beauty and strategy behind "Kelp: Shark vs Octopus," with its compelling hidden movement mechanic, exciting expansions to keep the game fresh, and stunning artwork that makes the game pop.

Finally, we handpick some of the finest budget-friendly board games, offering both a diverse range of experiences and exceptional value. From the charming "Tussie Mussie Complete Collection" to the excitement of "Marvel United," our recommendations cater to every taste and occasion. We also emphasize the importance of supporting local game stores, share tips on scoring great deals, and suggest checking out online platforms for unbeatable prices. Our episode wraps with personal stories, from supporting our children in a local theater production to a light-hearted chat about health, adding a personal touch that resonates with our gaming community.

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

Support the show

As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts!

https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/

Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support