Hot Game Magnet: Board game reviews

Today I speak with Matt Carlson from Wandersquares: The Underwood Tunnels. Matt is the soul creator, marketer and designer of this cool new family friendly RPG. To be honest I haven't ever played an RPG, but this game is so cute I had to find out more. Matt has generously provided his print and play on the Kickstarter page, so you really have no excuse to not check it out. The WanderSquares Kickstarter is here

In this episode we speak with Jason Washburn from Talon Strike Studios, about his latest game Shadow Network: a game about spies. We cover everything from game play, to how the game came about and what to expect from Talon Strike in the future.  

In this week's episode I speak with Juli Bierwirth from Distant Rabbit Games, Mantis Falls. This was their first game and it launched on Kickstarter earlier this year, and made over $180,000! In this interview we discuss the game, and the Kickstarter. Juli is very honest and forthcoming with her information- so I hope you all learn something- even if it's just- 'hey yeah, social deduction games should work for only 2 people!' 

SIlly Shapes is the gateway game I was looking for to introduce my kids to gaming, as well youth that insist on playing U-no-what. In this episode I interview Benjamin Lannen, the creator behind Silly Shapes, a fun family game which integrates multiple game mechanics to create a mashed up fun party game. We discuss how the game came, all the mechanics and what to expect from his up and coming Kickstarter in October. This game has been thoroughly thought out, play tested and is SUPER fun. If you're interested check out his game at https://www.facebook.com/silly.shapes. 

It's time again to round up the best and most interesting games on kickstarter and beyond. We really enjoy doing our kickstarter roundups, because even though we can't always by every game we want it's good fun to learn about them and discuss.

In this week's episode I speak with Brian Fisher from Kickstarter game Boss Babe. This game is different than anything we've ever seen before. It isn't so much a game, it's more like a statement against multi-level marketing companies, and how they have taken a hold of some of our nearest and dearest. It's funny and it's satire and it's not at all heavy. I'm not sure if Brian is a genius or has just tripped too far down a rabbit hole, but this game might be just the gateway game that some of you all need to channel your energy from talking about shampoo to joining our board game table. The branding is slick and the punch line is on, so if you are looking to introduce someone special to a lifestyle of social interaction check this out. And if you're not interested, I suggest you listen anyway, as this is the edgiest show I've done. 

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we interview the guys who made Syndicate, a 4x game where you get to play as a mafia organisation in the year 3105. A very specific year in the future because that's when organised crime challenges "The Sovereign". Greg and Josh tne creators of Syndicate leave nothing out! They explain everything from their creative process, the mechanics of the game, and how to have a super successful Kickstarter despite initial hiccups. If you are interested in backing Syndicate (yes there's still time) this episode is a must!

In this week's episode we talk with Jackson Wood from Tokyo Sidekick about their current Kickstarter. Tokyo Sidekick is a cool game that uses Japanese comics in a cooperative game where you play as a character and a sidekick. The two can compliment each other giving you a unique game every time. The components look super slick and this game is straight out of Japan but nothing like we've ever seen before. Listen as we discuss everything from how it plays to how it fits in the box. 

In today's episode we discuss the latest CMON game to arrive at our place: Marvel United. It's a fun cooperative game where you get to be your favourite super hero, fighting against a super villain- or even just a glorified side character. We discuss everything nothing is held back in this review/ gossip session about what is going on with this game. Marvel United is fun and more. We backed the Kickstarter, here is our review. 

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we speak with Haplo Da Biggs creator of the Backyard Cricket Dice Game. This game is unique in its marketing and design and will give you an insight into a uniquely Australian game. In this interview we cover everything from how the game was created to how it is marketed and sold, how to play the game and how you can get your own copy. If you're interested in the game, check it out at https://lildbiggs.com.au/

Soft Poached Hedgehogs is an up and coming card game involving you being a hedgehog Chef trying to add ingredients to bake enough recipes to win the game. Today I talk with the creator, Suzette Conrad who is currently in the early stages of development. It involves all the competitiveness of a great game coupled with cute woodland artwork and slightly ‘questionable humour’. We talk about all the success and struggles Suzette is facing with getting her game to market. Soft Poached Hedgehogs is currently available for PnP. So you too can get this freshly baked treat.

In today's episode I interview Nalin Chuapetcharasopon, founder of Meeple Marketing, and ask her how someone would go about marketing a board game ready for Kickstarter. This is such as loaded subject as there is so much out there and it is difficult to know where to start. Nalin breaks it down for us and shows how simple it really can be to get your board game out there and ready to launch. 

Today’s episode is very special because it’s our 50th episode. Also, it is our very first interview. Today we talk with creator and comic Ray Cashman about his up and coming Power Slam card game. The artwork is high action with a cheesy 80’s 90’s pro wrestling feel. The game is easy to pick up and has a unique pin mechanic. When Justin and Alison met first met in Japan we used to watch hours of professional wrestling on tv as it was the only thing on that was in English, so Power Slam card game’s theme really resonates with us. If you are feeling nostalgic too for some ring side action the Kickstarter is launching July 27, 2020.

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we discuss our new favourite game Black Angel. This game from Pearl Games has been on our shelf since Christmas, but we have only just got it out. Black Angel the board game is a hand management worker placement game. You are playing as an AI on a space ship: the Black Angel. In the far flung future all of humanity is being ferried to our new planet. There are 4 AI's, representing different nations, competing to be the best at ushering said humanity to our new planet. The AI's job is to protect the sleeping remnants of humanity, making sure they arrive safely and protecting them from 3 different alien threats. The AI that does the best job, wakes up their faction first thus making them the ruler of the world. In this episode we discuss the art, the replay-ability, the components and anything else we can think of. This game is super photogenic, super fun and super crunchy. For more info listen to find out what we thought of it. 

We discuss our old favourite game- Feudum, and their latest expansion Rudders and Ramparts. (Why is it not called Boats and Castles? Who knows.)  

Justin always said he would go to hell before he played a game with chibi's. Luckly, Arcadia Quest: Inferno, allows him to do both!  We live in a golden time!

Next Move games has released it's latest version of the hit game Azul.  As with previous versions, 2 to 4 players use math and strategy to be the tile layer that most pleases Portugal's 16th century king Manuel I. Is a third version of Azul one too many? Perhaps, just like it's name sake, you can never have too many shades of a beautiful color. 

Today we talk about our new favourite game, and Justin's top game for 2019- It's Cthulhu: Death May Die. It's the latest offering from CMON (probably not?) and super scary as you would expect from this Lovecraft-ian world. Listen to how we deal with our own insanity trying to beat 2019's most difficult villian- Cthulhu. 

Today's episode of Hot Game Magnet is a review of a new game, hot off Kickstarter- the Artemis Project by Grand Gamers Guild. In this fun worker placement game your goal is to mine Europa, a frozen moon of Jupiter. Set in 2348, your job is to get a team together to get energy and minerals in this tough landscape. Score points for expeditions, resources, and workers. Is this our new favourite game? listen to find out. 

We pick our favorite games we reviewed this year that were released in 2019.