We return to complete our overview of sandbox games, including (surprise surprise) at least one that stretches the definition. (Yes, it's Frank's fault.) Join us, won't you?
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-79...
We're back, this time to talk about "sandbox games" - games that have bigger maps and/or more content than you can possibly explore in a single game, but which aren't built as long campaign or legacy games. We hope you like it!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-79...
The beautiful cover of the excellent The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Trick-Taking Game.
Playing through The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Trick-Taking Game. We've just reached Helm's Deep and - appropriately - we've hit a wall. But we're loving it! @bbornmueller.bsky.social is a fiendish genius.
Despite my computer's best efforts to destroy this episode, it's out! Join us as we discuss games where one or more players are looking to win the game in a completely different way from everyone else.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-78...
Get great game stuff at a discount AND help folks dealing with the ICE storm in Minnesota!
I think I've quoted a Vlaada Chvátil rulebook once or twice, but Amabel is right up there.
Well, now that THAT's over with (THAT being 2025), it's time to see what we're looking forward to in 2026. A list of our hopes and dreams for the new year, shared with all of our beloved listeners.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-77...
It's time to look back at our favorite board games and game-related stuff from The Year That Was. What were your favorites from 2025?
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-76...
Just played our first game of La Pâtisserie Rococo, sadly too late to make our year-end wrap-up episode. It feels (unsurprisingly) like Rococo with a lot of the rough edges filed off, and generally seems quite good. Looking forward to playing it again!
We conclude - for now - our discussion on video games that have been turned into board games. Plus, we uncover the solution to a mystery that has been haunting us for far too long! (A month. It's been a month.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
Episode 75 is here, as we start examining computer games that were turned into board games...with varying degrees of success.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-75...
Dungeons & Dragons Lords of Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport Expansion
10% off and part of the save $10 when you spend $50 sale
#ad amzn.to/420IYrq
Very interesting - I didn't realize that. Was the Weyland corporation part of the CP lore, or just a WotC tip of the hat to the Alien universe?
We welcome September in with a deep dive into the board game designs of Richard Garfield. He did a lot more than just Magic, y'all!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-74...
We've back to finish what we began, discussing more recent developments in the world of trick-taking games. Once again, we apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
Welcome to part 1 of our overview of trick-taking games! We apologize for the number of times that this topic requires us to say the word "trump."
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-73...
This month we're talking about games with a social/political message. It's not JUST because it's Pride Month in the USA, and it's not JUST because tariffs are wreaking havoc on the board game industry...but it's not NOT because of those things, either.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-72...
We're back, and so is Brian's voice! We finish our digression into TTRPGs (including lots of love for @bullypulpithq.bsky.social and @rowanrookanddecard.bsky.social ). Come back for more of our traditional board game nonsense next month! www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
I know, I know, we said we weren't going to do the "Ascent of Role-Playing Games" thing. And we're not! But there ARE a bunch of role-playing games that have some interesting mechanics, and we're going to be talking about those this month and next.
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-71...
I'm a huge fan of what you do, and I'm sorry some people expect you to walk some nonexistent binary tightrope. You provide your opinions - which is, ultimately, what a reviewer needs to do - and clearly (and entertainingly) explain WHY certain games make you feel certain ways. Keep up the good work!
That's right, folks, it's episode 70! Do I hear 75? No? Episode 70, going once, going twice...sold to the discerning podcast listener!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-70...
This is episode 69. We're discussing sex games. We're sorry. (Except Joe...Joe isn't sorry at all.)
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-69...
Yes indeed!
A photo of the unpainted interlocking gears in the board game Tzolk'in.
It can be pretty, but bear in mind that the OOB game isn't quite as gorgeous. The gears are still a great mechanism, though, in both senses of the word.
Nope, had it done by a friend who's not on Bluesky. She does amazing work.
A hand-painted "gear" from the board game Tzolk'in.
Dunno about the full board, but games like Tzolk'in offer nice opportunities to paint parts of the board.
I don't know if it needs *deluxe* components, but Luna Llena looks like it might be a good game if the components weren't tiny paper counters that move all over the place if the players do something inconvenient, like breathing.
It's 2025! We're not all dead yet! Let's talk about some board games we're looking forward to for the year ahead!
www.ascentofboardgames.com/e/episode-68...
I love the dice mechanic in Macao/Amsterdam, where the number on each die you choose determines if you get, e.g., one resource in one turn or six resources in six turns. It's simple, elegant, and thematic, and I'd love to see it used and developed further.
A great list of great boardgame folks on Bluesky to follow, individually or en masse!