Vox Republica: Podcast of The Cardboard Republic

Length: 47:43

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about Extra Life efforts and the games that made the table before diving into the idea of what actually constitutes cheating in a game. Then we review One Night Ultimate Werewolf.

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Captains of Industry by Tasty Minstrel Games
• Dominion by Rio Grande Games
• Euphoria by Stonemaier Games
• Robinson Crusoe by Floodgate Games
• Scoville by Tasty Minstrel Games
• FATE Core by Evil Hat Games
• Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
• Saboteur by Mayfair Games
• Magic: the Gathering by Wizards of the Coast
• Codenames by Czech Games Edition
• Rhino Hero by HABA Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• The Vox is switching to a bi-weekly format. We explain why.
• We also recently participated in Extra Life, the 24 hour gaming marathon to help raise charity donations to aid sick children. The CR did its part, hosting an entire 24 hour event that raised hundreds of dollars, all for a good cause.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• Cheating in games. On the surface it seems like it should be a pretty black and white issue, but as it turns out, it's not that simple.
  • What IS cheating classified as, anyhow?
  • How do you handle cheating in games when it happens?
  • Is one form of cheating more forgivable than another?
  • Breaking the rules of the game versus the spirit of the game
  • Where and how does kingmaking, metagaming, interpersonal relationships, and table politics fit in on the cheating spectrum?

REVIEW:

• Fresh after seeing repeated use during Halloween and Extra Life, the CR tackles the light hidden role and social deduction game One Night Ultimate Werewolf, by Bezier Games. Condensing a classic game of Werewolf/Mafia into one round, we look at what the game has going for it, and where it may come up a little short.

PLUGS:

• The CR has hit three years! All month long, be sure to check out the website for industry quotes, site changes, and more. This also includes the announcement of our winner of the 100th episode contest!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 54:03

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: This week, Ryan and Erin discuss the nature of episodic game content release models before having on the talkative folks of Cardboard Fortress and their little game called Resistor.

GUEST: Anthony Amato and Nicole Kline

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games
• Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress
• Vault Wars by Floodgate Games
• Ghost Stories by Asmodee Editions
• Entropy by Rule & Make

QUICK TOPICS:

• The recent week saw a wide array of responses after word that T.I.M.E Stories planned on releases quarterly episodic scenario content while only having one within the base game. We debate what it means for the hobby.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• It's Resistor time! We have on the designers of the October Spotlight game and get a little carried away discussing topics including:
  • The early days of Resistor and the changes that went into it
  • How it caught the attention of Level 99 Games
  • What lies next for Cardboard Fortress
  • Their reflections on Resistor's campaign to this point
  • And more!

PLUGS:

• Our 100th episode celebration ends on Halloween! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
  • Something you like about the podcast and / or
  • Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
• If that's not enough, we're also running a giveaway for Resistor, our October Indie Spotlight game, ending on 10/30!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 55:40

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: It's almost Halloween, and for many, that means spooky game sessions. We dive into the pros and cons of horror in gaming, including some of our own horror-based games of choice.

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Viceroy by Mayday Games
• Cacao by Z-Man Games
• Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress
• Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games
• New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• After seeing it discussed a few times, Erin and Ryan navigate through the often-tricky topic of expectations and distractions and how to handle them when planning a game day.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• Halloween, more than any other holiday, always gets gets a big reception from the gaming community, in no small part because of the level of horror games out there. We explore that relationship, including:
  • What does - and doesn't - qualify as a horror game
  • Why zombies claim the vast majority of horror game themes
  • Some of our personal favorite games amongst various horror categories
  • The inherent difficulty of making a board game truly scary
  • And more!

PLUGS:

• Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
  • Something you like about the podcast and / or
  • Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
• If that's not enough, we're also running a giveaway for Resistor, our October Indie Spotlight game!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 25:23

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: These days, you can't turn a corner before hearing about some great new game title, but most of us can't simply buy every single one that catches our interest. Luckily there are alternatives. Erin and Ryan talk about how to find games when you're on a tight budget.

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Vault Wars by Floodgate Games
• Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
• New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• Game conventions and gaming news used to go hand-in-hand. Not anymore. We reflect on why this has happened and why it may actually be a good thing overall.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• Compared to most hobbies, board gaming is fairly cheap, but it can still add up. We explore ways you can play and attain games without breaking the bank, including:
  • Sales, auctions, thrift stores, and to a lesser extent, conventions
  • Game trades, swaps, and shared libraries
  • Game Crafter, Print on Demand, and Print-and-Play sites
  • Giveaways and contests
  • And more!

PLUGS:

• Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
  • Something you like about the podcast and / or
  • Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 41:03

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: Vox Republica 101. Has a nice ring to it, no? In this lesson, we recount our recently played games before chatting briefly about the Essen games convention and the release of Pandemic Legacy. Then, we launch our first audio review segment with the hidden role game, Saboteur.

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games
• Nevermore by Smirk and Dagger Games
• Steampunk Rally by Roxley Games
• Saboteur by Mayfair Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• In case you missed it, Essen 2015 is in full swing by now. We aren't able to go, but Ryan did a guest spot on the Whose Turn Is It Anyway podcast talking about three games he'd check out if he were there, and one he feels will be overrated. (You can hear him around the 38:43 mark.)
• It's the end of the world as we know it! Today also marks the launch of Pandemic Legacy: Season 1. We go over the appeal of having a permanently pockmarked game.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• We've been sabotaged! Well, ok, no, not really. But we do chat all about our first podcast review of small games. In this case, it's the hidden role game Saboteur by Mayfair Games.
  • 22:09 The discussion begins
  • 31:45 The Archetypes rundown of the game

PLUGS:

• Our 100th episode celebration is still ongoing! for a chance at a copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan, all you have to do is visit one of the gameplay threads on Facebook, BGG, or Google+ or find us on Twitter. Then leave a comment for us telling us either:
  • Something you like about the podcast and / or
  • Something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward.
• Our preview of the latest Seal of the Republic recipient, The Great Dinosaur Rush by APE Games, is live!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either, or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 33:13

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: It's crazy to think, but 100 episodes! Whoo hoo! To celebrate, Ryan and Erin talk a bit about some recent games played before diving into a mailbag of questions from all of you! Thanks for all the support! To celebrate, we're giving away a game!

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Barony by Asmodee Editions
• Outer Earth by Paul Tseng
• Volt by Nazca Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• None

FEATURED TOPIC:

• 100 episodes! We strap on the party hats and open up the mailbag to answer questions from you, the listeners! These include topics like:
  • Comparing the early episodes to now - and to the future
  • Lessons learned and experience gained
  • Our favorite moment(s) of being at the CR
  • And more!
• Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, we are doing a games giveaway, and we've made it super easy to participate. Simply visit the any one of the "Official Giveaway" threads on Facebook, Our BGG Guild, or Google+ or find us on Twitter, and leave a comment for us telling us either a) something you like about the podcast and / or b) something you'd like to see us do (or do more of) on it going forward. (One entry per person).
  • And you have the entire month of October to enter! At the end, we will pick a winner, and they will have the option of choosing between a brand new copy of Sushi Go!, Harbour, or Travel Catan. Not bad for 30 seconds of effort!

PLUGS:

• Our preview of World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games is live!
• Oh yeah, if you didn't catch that above. We have a BGG Guild now. Come subscribe and chat away with us!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 35:03

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin touch base about the games they've busted out lately before bringing in R. Eric Reuss, designer of the reverse colonialism game Spirit Island. He walks us through the evolution of Spirit Island, from the initial concept through the version we see today.

GUEST: R. Eric Reuss

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Baseball Highlights 2045 by Eagle & Gryphon Games
• Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games
• Portal by Cryptozoic Entertainment
• The Great Dinosaur Rush by APE Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• Not two weeks after the announcement that Fantasy Flight announced the acquisition of Legend of the Five Rings, word has come out that they will be discontinuing their own LCG, Call of Cthulhu.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• We are guided by the creator of Spirit Island on the game's creation and development.
  • How he came up with the idea of a reverse colonialism co-op game
  • Which mechanics survived the early stages to the version we see now
  • The thematic origins of the game's spirits and colonists
  • The effect of the Greater Than Games team on streamlining the game
  • What sort of room is there room for Spirit Island expansions?

PLUGS:

• Coincidentally, our latest review is Sentinel Tactics, another title of Greater Than Games.
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 29:33

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: We're back from our hiatus! We jump right in to the major news about the sale of L5R before heading on down to our recap of this year's Boston Festival of Indie Games!

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games / Renegade Games
• Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games
• Trambahn by Lookout / Mayfair Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• It was recently announced that AEG is selling Legend of the Five Rings to Fantasy Flight Games. We share our reaction and what we know so far.

FEATURED TOPIC:

• We made our annual trek to the Boston Festival of Indie Games.
  • Notable changes and growth of BFiG 2015
  • Our favorite pick of the convention
  • Some of the more innovative games at the show
  • Games we got to play while in attendance

PLUGS:

• On Thursday, September 17th at 9PM Eastern, we will be hosting a livestream Q&A with Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games as we celebrate the release of his book about Kickstarter. Come, watch, and have your questions asked!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 36:54

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: Before disappearing for our annual two week Vox break, Erin and Ryan briefly chat about some upcoming games we're previewing before sitting down with Lea Culliton of HABA USA. Yay HABA!

GUEST: Lea Culliton

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• The Networks by Formal Ferret Games
• GemPacked by Pencil First Games
• Mysterium by Portal Games
• Mysterium: Motive Cards by Portal Games
• Everything Except Air by Caroline Berg

QUICK TOPICS:

• We touch upon the news that due to legal issues and geographical limitations, Martin Wallace's Treefrog Games will stop distributing games directly.
• The Vox will be taking its annual two week hiatus after this week, but we'll be back soon. We promise!

FEATURED TOPIC:

• We sit down with HABA USA President Lea Culliton and chat about a host of topics, including
  • HABA's presence in the US - past, present, and future
  • The process by which HABA games are chosen for the US market
  • Lea's reflections on getting more involved with the games division of the company
  • HABA USA's current challenges
  • and more!

PLUGS:

• Watch the site on September 1st for not one but two game previews.
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening. Subscribe to stay on top of new releases!

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Length: 27:03

Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode

Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long.

DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about Vassal's Law and the myriad troubles that come with running extra long games.

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES:

• Codenames by Czech Games Edition
• Mysterium by Portal Games
• Mascarade by Asmodee
• Shadowrift by Game Salute
• Forbidden Stars by Fantasy Flight Games

QUICK TOPICS:

• We briefly address the topic of 'Vasel's Law'

FEATURED TOPIC:

• Massive, expansive and lengthy Big Box games can be a lot of fun...but they’re also a lot of commitment, in time, energy, and table space. We over up some tips on how to make your giant game day run smoothly, including:
• Plan ahead. Give yourself a solid block of time to run them without other schedules. Include extra time for pauses in game and to teach new players.
• Make sure everyone knows ahead of time what they’re getting into in terms of length of the game, genre of the game, difficulty of the game (co-op vs not), etc.
• Have a board game 'GM', or a player who knows the game really well and can guide everyone else through it. Designate them as the game arbiter for clarifications to keep the game moving.
• Take breaks. It helps to refocus people. Too long of a break, however, can have the opposite effect.
• Give it a dedicated focus. Make an event of it. Don't try to squeeze it in between other things.

PLUGS:

• We reviewed Mysterium
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos are still happening, though we've given our copy of Exodus away. There could be more in the future though, so subscribe!

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.