Welcome to Meeples and Wine! Your podcast of board game reviews for couples with a drink in hand! This week we’re playing Casting Shadows from Unstable Games, maker of Unstable Unicorns and Happy Little Dinosaurs (you can find our review of that HERE!) We also have a sip of Two Brother’s Cellar Club 2018 Barrel-Aged Barley Wine!

For this week’s Last Call we look at two games on the Kickstarter horizon, first is Lewd Dungeon Adventures: A Date to the Grand Ball an “RPG Dating Sim” for…two or more, your mileage may vary. We also eyeball Granfondo, a cycling/racing game where you manage a team of three, one sprinter, one climber and one long distance cyclist, you mange the draft lines, determine when they’re going to make a break for it, and…dope up and hope you don’t get caught?!

Also we are going to be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year hosting the Tabletop Stage! The MGC has been expanding more and more into tabletop and board games, which is great! If you’re going to be in the Milwaukee area on the weekend of the 4-6th, head to their Get Involved page HERE and submit an idea! Be sure to mention us and the Tabletop Stage!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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In this week’s episode, Michael and Suzy dove into the darkly whimsical pairing of the Curious Beasts Red Blend 2021 wine and the post-apocalyptic card game Squarriors. While both offerings boast intriguing packaging, they revealed some challenges beneath the surface.

Wine Highlights:
The duo sampled Curious Beasts, a gothic-themed red blend with bold flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of oak and pepper. Its standout feature? A dramatic bottle design featuring skeletons in festive hats and violins. However, the wine’s origin remains as mysterious as its label; with the winery appearing inactive since 2018. While Michael described it as a great “burger and pizza wine,” the couple agreed its sweeter notes wouldn’t pair well with richer meals like lamb chops. If you’re drawn to eye-catching bottles, this one’s for you—but don’t expect to find it easily.

Game Review: Squarriors
The episode also explored the card game Squarriors, a mashup of Magic: The Gathering mechanics with a dystopian squirrel-filled universe. Set in a world where animals have gained sentience after humanity’s fall, the game combines deck-building, dice rolling, and tactical combat.

Michael picked this up at a bargain from Half Price Books but discovered it’s an abandoned project, with little online support or updates since its 2017 release. While Suzy admired the stunning card art, the couple found the rules incomplete and gameplay overly complex for newcomers. With no expansions or active fan base, Squarriors remains a niche curiosity for collectors rather than a game-night staple.

Final Thoughts:
Michael and Suzy ended the show by reflecting on the eerie parallel between the wine and game: both are visually captivating but haunted by the specter of abandonment. While they enjoyed the experience, these might not be first picks for your next gathering.

Check out the links below for more details:

Tune in next week as they sip, strategize, and share more gaming and wine adventures!

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might “destroy the marriage.” Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game.

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In this episode of “Meeples & Wine,” we review the 2023 Protea Dry Rosé from Anthonij Rupert Wyne and the board game Alice’s Garden, and talk of how freaking big a Protea can get (image below!)

We also have a twofer for the Last Call, with Knitting Circle by FLATOUT GAMES and Dice Throne Outcasts + Adventures Unchained which are set to complete on Fri, December 13 2024 and Mon, November 18 2024, respectively. So get on that if you want some great new games!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Board Games, Wine Tasting, and Midwest Gaming Classic Adventures

In this episode of Meeples and Wine, hosts Michael and Suzy return after a brief hiatus to share news of their appearance at the Midwest Gaming Classic 2024 in Milwaukee. They reminisce about their past experience at the event, interview highlights, and announce their plans for game demos, reviews, and more on the Meeples and Wine Tabletop stage. Following the event news, they dive into a wine tasting session featuring 19 Crimes Martha’s Chard from California, discussing its characteristics, pairing options, and their personal tasting notes. The episode shifts to a detailed review of RoboRally 2023, comparing it with previous editions, discussing its gameplay mechanics, and debating its impact on relationships. Lastly, they introduce an upcoming Kickstarter project, River Valley Glassworks, noting its cute premise and potential gameplay allure.

00:00 Welcome to Meeples and Wine: Midwest Gaming Classic Announcement
01:25 Tasting 19 Crimes Martha’s Chard: A Wine Review
04:54 Diving Into RoboRally 2023: Gameplay and Comparison
17:55 Diving Deep into Game Mechanics
23:22 Exploring Game Upgrades and Strategy
33:57 Wrapping Up with Final Thoughts and Future Plans

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Today we are talking about tile-laying games. Tile-laying games are a type of board game where players build the board by placing tiles on it. This can be done to create a city, a farm, a forest, or any other kind of landscape or scene.

Here are some additional tips for the three specific games mentioned in the podcast:

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Heading in for the haunting season we have our first on show mixed drink and get into the world of cocktails with “The Gargoyle.” This classic 1920s drink takes center stage as we uncover the history of the Gargoyle Club, a legendary haunt for bohemian aristocrats and socialites founded by David Tennant. We discuss the picture of this iconic club’s ambiance and its transformation over the years, including its famous elevator and notable visitors, from Fred Astaire to Nick Cave. We also discuss the interesting history of the Gargoyle Club, emphasizing its significance in the 1920s social scene and it’s place in recent history.

In this episode, we dove into the world of Disney’s Gargoyles Awakening board game, and it was quite the adventure. Gargoyles fans from the ’90s will appreciate the nostalgic trip back to New York with Goliath and the gang. The game had a good balance of strategy and action, although it could get a bit frustrating at times, especially when playing with just two players. The villains, particularly Demona, seemed a bit overpowered, making our battles challenging. We tried various strategies, like doubling up on characters, but it was still tough. The game’s components, including the detailed plastic figurines and the 3D buildings, added to the immersion. However, the board felt a bit cramped, and the rules could have been clearer. Overall, it’s a fun game, but it’s best enjoyed with more players to balance the action. We gave it a rating of 6.5 out of 10 and concluded that it’s worth a try for Gargoyles fans, even though it may have a few rough edges.

For our Last Call, Suzy has found a captivating mystery game called “The Great Tea Robbery,” which offers an immersive mystery adventure. This game features unique components like tea, porcelain bowls and cups, and a wooden box filled with intriguing ephemera. Players will unravel the mystery while retracing Robert Fortune’s journey through China, adding a historical and thrilling twist to the gameplay. It’s a high-quality experience with plenty of replayability, making it worth the investment.

Next, Michael discusses “Faceless Amusement Park,” a game that takes an eerie turn as players try to reclaim stolen memories from a demon haunting the park. The game uses a unique magnetic compass mechanism to control elements on the board. While the concept and visuals are appealing, we’re uncertain about how well the magnet feature functions in gameplay. He also mentions a related game, “Faceless,” with a similar magnetic mechanism. Overall, it’s an intriguing game with some mysteries of its own.

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Hello there married (or in a relationship) gamers! This week we’re diving into the fantastical world of the Dragonrealm card/dice game by Gamewright. Join me, Michael, and my wonderful wife Suzy as we gather our adventurers play our enhancements, fight our way through goblins and landslides as we claim our territories in this card and dice game.

But that’s not all! As we explore the Dragonrealms, we’re sipping on Dragon’s Milk Tales of Gold beer, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our gaming experience. (at least for Michael…) If you’re a married/relationship-enabled tabletop gamer couple looking for exciting games to enjoy together, along with some delightful wine or beer, this episode is tailor-made for you. Tune in for the perfect blend of gaming and relaxation.

This week’s Kickstarter finds! Suzanne has found Dark Tomb: Bloodthorn Island a dungeon crawler game that fits in your pocket, and it’s got a ship!

Michael has found the game of Flock Together, a city building survival game where you work with your fellow feathered friends to save all chickenkind!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Meeples and Wine! Join Michael and Suzanne in this episode, where we delve into the world of dark humor and indulgent sips as we review the Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend wine and the captivating card game, Gloom by Atlas Games.

Our wine adventure takes us to Southern Oregon and Red Mountain Washington, where Maison Noir Wine’s Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend awaits. This fruit-driven, full-bodied delight is a complex fusion of Oregon Syrah, Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The result is a rich, ripe, and voluptuous blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Picture cherries with a hint of leather whips(?), a perfect combination for a night of gaming and laughter.

Speaking of gaming, we dive into the twisted world of Gloom. (That’s an associate link! Buy it and support us!) In this unique card game, players take control of misanthropic misfits ranging from serial killers to demonically possessed sociopaths. The goal? To make your characters as miserable as possible before their inevitable demise. Along the way, you’ll even have the opportunity to make your opponents’ characters horrendously happy. With each turn, players narrate the misfortunes and mishaps that befall their characters, creating hilariously dark and twisted tales.

Gloom’s award-winning gameplay is enhanced by its innovative transparent cards, which stack on top of each other to conceal and reveal the Self-Worth scores. The scoring system is refreshingly simple, and the gloomy artwork sets the perfect tone for a night of macabre entertainment. The game concludes when an entire family has met their demise, and the player with the lowest score emerges victorious, proving that their family was the most miserable in life.

Join us for this captivating episode as we sip on Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend, exploring its luscious flavors, and embark on a journey through the darkly humorous world of Gloom. Laugh, lament, and revel in the misfortune of your characters as we uncover the secrets of this uniquely entertaining game.

So grab a glass, gather your friends, and prepare for an evening of laughter, misery, and delightful sips on Meeples and Wine!

Don’t forget to check out our Kickstarter Last Call, Suzy had No Rolls Barred’s Blood on the Clocktower season 2, and Michael has the new Crossbows & Catapults!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome to another exciting episode of “Meeples and Wine” Today, we’re delving into the magical world of Dungeon Mayhem, a thrilling card game brought to life by the creative minds of Jordan Comar and Roscoe Wetlaufer, with stunning illustrations by Kyle Ferrin. But that’s not all; we’re also uncorking a bottle of the enchanting “Girl and Dragon” Malbec from the heart of Mendoza, Argentina. So grab your dice and pour yourself a glass, as we embark on this thrilling quest!

First things first, Dungeon Mayhem brings an epic battle to your tabletop. The game is simple, fast-paced, and oozing with fun. We’ll talk about the mechanics, discussing the unique abilities of the various characters, the strategic choices you’ll make, and the overall gameplay experience. From the chaotic spells to the formidable attacks, this game keeps you on your toes and delivers a good time for both novice and seasoned gamers.

But let’s not forget about our trusty companion, the Girl and Dragon Malbec. Hailing from the wine-rich region of Mendoza, this Argentine gem adds a touch of sophistication to our gaming session. We’ll take a moment to savor the deep aromas of blackberries and dark chocolate, and let the velvety tannins dance on our palates. It’s a wine that perfectly complements the chaotic battles of Dungeon Mayhem, making every victory taste even sweeter.

So whether you’re a fan of tabletop games, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking some good-natured entertainment, join us as we unravel the chaos of Dungeon Mayhem and sip our way through the tantalizing Girl and Dragon Malbec. Remember, it’s all about the journey, the camaraderie, and the shared moments that make gaming and wine so special. Cheers to an unforgettable episode!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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Well, it is and it isn’t. #NaPodPomo is done, we have completed 30 shows in 30 days with two hours to go, and Michael & Suzy are done. With posting daily that is, we’re moving to a weekly show, with more time to prepare, and get some of the cool things that we’ve wanted to done! In this episode we talk about all such things, like demo videos, tours of wineries, shows at local game stores and having other gaming couples over to play! Do you have an idea for the weekly show, then tap that voicemail link below and let us know! We’ll be back soon!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at [email protected], at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to 

https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282!

You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/

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