Board Game Squad

By: Board Game Squad
  • Summary

  • Board Game Reviews, News, and More
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Episodes
  • Episode 11 – Essen Spiel 2024
    Oct 23 2024
    Summary In this episode of the Board Game Squad podcast, hosts Paul Shapiro and Gabe Pesso discuss Gabe's recent experience at Essen Spiel, the world's largest board game convention. They explore the differences between Essen and other conventions like Gen Con, delve into Gabe's journey into board gaming, and share insights on various games played at the convention, including Civolution, Tea Garden, and SETI. The conversation also touches on the impact of language at international conventions, the importance of good demos, and the upcoming games and conventions in the board gaming community. Takeaways Essen Spiel is the largest board game convention in the world, attracting around 200,000 attendees. Gabe's board game collection has grown from 20 to 4,000 games since he started in 2016. Civolution is a complex game that requires significant learning but offers a rewarding experience. Tea Garden combines deck building with strategic gameplay, making it accessible yet deep. Language at Essen is predominantly English, making it easier for international attendees to communicate. Good demos are crucial for game sales; a bad demo can sour the experience. Gabe brought back around 130 pounds of games from Essen, showcasing his passion for board gaming. Pax Unplugged is favored for its cozy atmosphere and great food compared to larger conventions. AI-generated art in games is a controversial topic, but it shouldn't deter players from enjoying the game. The board gaming community is vibrant and constantly evolving, with new games and conventions emerging. Chapters 00:00 Essen Spiel 2024: The World's Biggest Board Game Convention04:29 Gabe's Journey into Board Gaming08:37 Comparing Essen Spiel and Gen Con11:47 Overall Impressions of Essen Spiel16:26 Language and Communication at Essen20:13 Games Played at Essen: Highlights and Experiences27:41 Demo Experiences: The Good and the Bad36:45 Exploring New Board Games44:46 Highlights from Essen Spiel 202354:18 Upcoming Games and Conventions57:02 Final Thoughts on Game Design and Art
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 10 - Paladins of the West Kingdom
    Jan 24 2021
    It’s a new year and we are up to our old shenanigans. Adam can't make a decision and Paul might be immortal? We will also do a deep dive into the stories that the West Kingdom games tell. What we have been playing lately: 3:11 Chess (5d Chess with Multiverse Time Travel 4:56) Divvy Dice 6:33 First Orchard 8:46 Horrified 9:44 Cooper Island 12:31 Biblios 16:47 Clank! In! Space! 19:21 Three Sisters 20:49 Terra Mystica Gaia Project 21:49 Yokohama 23:14 Bandido 24:06 Kickstarters Carnegie 25:25 Darwin’s Journey 29:02 Terraforming Mars Ares Expedition 29:42 Coming to KS mid feb (est) Mint Bid 30:31 Review 31:29 Paladins of the West Kingdom ~ From around the blog: See our list of the best two player board games. See our list of the best board games of all time.
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    59 mins
  • Episode 9 - Essen Spiel 2020, Tekhenu, and Lowlands
    Oct 18 2020
    It's Essen time! Adam and Paul talk about what they have been playing lately as well as some of their top Essen picks. Paul gives us a sneak peek at Tekhenu, meanwhile, Adam tries to convince us ‘Coopetition’ is a real word while talking about Lowlands. What we have been playing lately: 2:05 Squire For Hire, Taco V Burrito, Space Base, 1830. Stick Em, Spires End, Root, Maracaibo, Mandala Stones, Convert, Belfort, Crystal Palace Essen Picks: 25:49 Adam: Tawantinsuyu: The Inca Empire, Pandemic Legacy Season 0, Clever Hoch Drei, Divvy Dice, Hallertau, Pandemain, Rococo: DE, Moonrakers, West Kingdom Tomesaga, Unlock!: Star Wars, Under Falling Skies Paul: Bonfire, Cloudage, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Praga Caput Regni Preview 54:59 Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun Review 1:02:44 Lowlands ~ From around the blog: See our list of the best two player board games. See our list of the best board games of all time.
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    1 hr and 16 mins

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