Games from the Cellar

This week, the panel defends the realm in a rousing game of Shadows Over Camelot! Designed by Bruno Cathala and Serge Laget, Shadows Over Camelot was published in 2005 by Days of Wonder. In 2006, it was nominated for several Golden Geek awards and won a Spiel des Jahres "Fantasy Game" Award. Shadows Over Camelot is a cooperative board game in which players take on the roles of the Knights of the Round Table, working together to defend Camelot from various threats. Players face challenges such as quests, betrayal, and the looming threat of the Dark Knight; all while trying to maintain their honor and the kingdom’s strength. The game featured a novel (at the time) traitor mechanic, where one player may secretly work against the others, adding tension and intrigue to the cooperative experience. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, Stephen and John go to war with the instant classic Conflict of Interest, Undaunted: Normandy! Designed by David Thompson and Trevor Benjamin, Undaunted: Normandy was published by Osprey Games in 2019. It was nominated in 2019 for the BoardGameGeek Golden Geek Award for the Best 2-Player Game and won the BoardGameGeek Golden Geek Award for Best War Game. Undaunted: Normandy is the first game in the Undaunted Series. Undaunted: Normandy is a tactical deck-building board game set during World War II, where players command squads of soldiers in a series of challenging missions. Players strategically manage their cards to deploy units, gather resources, and engage in combat against their opponent, blending elements of hand management and battlefield tactics. With a focus on historical scenarios and a mix of strategy and luck, the game offers a dynamic and immersive experience for 2 players. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Ready! Set! Bet! Oh wait, not that game... In Camel Up, players wager and race camels (not horses) one lap around the pyramid. Clever betting and fortuitous dice roles are the key to victory out in the sands! Camel Up, designed by Steffen Bogen, was first published by Z-Man Games in 2014. In 2014, it won the Spiel des Jahres and was nominated for the BoardGameGeek Golden Geek Award for Best Family Board Game.  / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel defends their homeland from colonial invasion in a game of Spirit Island. Designed by E. Eric Reuss, Spirit Island was published by Greater Than Games in 2017, and has since been expanded several times. In Spirit Island, players take the role of one of the native Spirits of the Land and use their powers to thwart and push back the European settlers that have arrived to colonize the island. Players will work together and use their unique abilities and capabilities to rid the island of invaders. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Join the panel this week as Games from the Cellar runs screaming into a game of Terrorscape. Designed by Jeffery CCH, Terrorscape was published by ICE Makes in 2023 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. In Terrorscape, players take on the role of either the killer or a rag-tag group of survivors in this team-based asymmetric horror game. Hide to survive, manage your noise, and ultimately escape the nightmare. Oh, and there is a massive cardboard mansion!   / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel delves into the dungeon with the classic deck-builder, Thunderstone. Designed by Mike Elliott, Thunderstone was published in 2009 by Alderac Entertainment Group. It had five expansions before being re-implemented by Thunderstone Advance: Towers of Ruin in 2012. In Thunderstone, players take on the role of adventurers seeking to defeat monsters in an ever-evolving dungeon filled with dangers. Players will gear up in the Village, but ultimately glory can only be found in the Dungeon. Thunderstone combines elements of deck-building with dungeon exploration and monster combat. Thunderstone and its many expansions have been praised for its strategic depth, thematic immersion, and card variety. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week the panel discusses the games we're looking forward to playing at this year's Central Atlantic Games Extravaganza!  

Join the panel this week as they try to exorcise Wu-Feng's minions in Ghost Stories. Designed by Antoine Bauza, Ghost Stories was published by Repos Productions in 2008. Ghost Stories is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of Taoist monks defending a village from relentless waves of ghosts and other supernatural beings. It is known for its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and thematic immersion in a world of supernatural threats. It offers a rewarding cooperative experience for players who enjoy strategy and teamwork. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel engages in vehicular carnage with Thunder Road: Vendetta. Originally designed by Jim Keifer in 1986, Thunder Road was given the Restoration Games treatment by Rob Daviau and crew in 2023. Thunder Road: Vendetta is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players control gangs of vehicles fighting for survival and dominance in a desolate wasteland. It builds upon the original game's Mad Max-esque vehicular combat theme, offering new mechanics and content while maintaining the intense vehicular combat theme. It provides players with more opportunities for strategic decision-making and replayability, making it an exciting addition for fans of the post-apocalyptic genre and tabletop gaming. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, John and Stephen go toe-to-toe, slinging magic and summoning hordes of warriors in one of our enduring two-player favorites, Summoner Wars! Designed by Colby Dauch in 2009, Summoner Wars was published by Plaid Hat Games and expanded thoroughly upon through 2016. Summoner Wars (Second Edition) was released in 2021 and is currently supported. Summoner Wars is a tactical card game that combines strategy, deck-building, and board control. Players take on the roles of summoners, powerful beings who lead armies of fantasy creatures into battle against each other. It is known for its fast-paced gameplay, strategic depth, and asymmetric factions, which provide different playstyles and challenges. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and has seen several expansions and iterations since its initial release, offering even more content and replay value. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel digs into our latest cooperative campaign board game, the analog version of the hit PC game - Deep Rock Galactic: the Board Game! Designed by Ole Steinnis, Deep Rock: Galactic was published by MOOD Publishing after a successful Kickstarter in 2022. In Deep Rock Galactic: the Board Game, you are a Dwarven Miner, just trying to do your damn job. Unfortunately, that job happens to be in mines that are absolutely swarmed with Glyphids and other nasty surprises. You'll be dropped into a messy situation and must work with your team to complete the scenario's objectives. Teamwork makes the dream work and is the only way you'll survive. No Guts, No Glory! Rock and Stone!, etc. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel tackles one of the BoardGameGeek behemoths! Join us as we adventure in the world of Goomhaven: Jaws of the Lion to investigate the mystery of its disappearing citizens. Designed by Isaac Childres, Jaws of the Lion was released in 2020 from Cephalofair Games as a pared-down version of Gloomhaven to appeal to a broader gaming audience.  In Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, you are an adventurer in a party who stumbles upon a mystery and is tasked with investigating. As you progress, you'll improve your character but face tougher and more challenging obstacles. To be successful, you will have to work together with your party, and tactically deal with whatever is thrown at you! / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel delves into the intricacies of the cooperative tactical combat scenario game - Adventure Tactics: Domianne's Tower! Nicolas Yu designed this 2021 offering from Leimian Games. In Adventure Tactics: Domianne's Tower, you start as one of five basic classes battling through a series of campaign scenarios. As you progress, you can choose your own path as you unlock new elite classes, actions, abilities, and equipment. To win, you and your team must power up to take on and defeat Queen Domianne. / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Welcome to Season 2 of Games from the Cellar! This week, the panel sets off for adventure! Join us as we delve into the ancient ruins of the Adventurers: the Temple of Chac, a 2009 offering from Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG), designed by Guillaume Blossier and Frédéric Henry. In The Adventurers: the Temple of Chac, you take on the role of one (or two) of the titular Adventurers, looting treasures from an ancient Mayan temple. But like any decent Mayan temple, danger awaits. To win, you must navigate the dangers that the temple throws at you, and grab as much loot as you can carry as you go. A healthy dose of luck and a solid strategy for staying ahead of the looming bolder will be your keys to success.   / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Join the panel this week as they race to the city gates to talk about the Downfall of Pompeii! The Downfall of Pompeii, designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, was first published by Amigo and Mayfair in 2004. Episode Summary: Vesuvius seethes in the background of this light, relaxing tile placement game. Until it become a light, not-so-relaxing race to get your family members out of town before disaster strikes. This week, the panel talks about the Downfall of Pompeii, a two part city-building then city-destroying-run-for-the-gates game from Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, of Carcassonne fame. We bring up old grudges, build new ones, and even discuss the game for a few minutes.  / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

This week, the panel digs into our recent game of Dominant Species! Dominant Species, designed by Chad Jensen, was first published by GMT Games in 2010. In 2011, it was nominated for the BoardGameGeek Golden Geek Award for Most Innovative and Best Thematic Game and won two Golden Geeks for Best Strategy Game and Game of the Year.  Episode Summary: The panel begins by highlighting typical challenges with worker placement games, and how Dominant Species couples it with area majority. We discuss the different approaches to scoring points, discuss potential issues with scoring rules, and draw comparisons with other worker placement games. We touch briefly on the Dominance cards, which can drastically change the landscape of the board. We conclude as usual by giving out final thoughts on Dominant Species, including an idea or two how the game could be sped up. So get ready to evolve with us as we fight tooth and nail in our game of Dominant Species.  Show notes created with assistance from https://podium.page / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Join the panel this week as they branch out into a game of Photosynthesis!  Photosynthesis, designed by Hjalmar Hach, was first published by Blue Orange Games in 2017. It was nominated for several 2017  Board Game Geek Awards, including Most Innovative and Best Family Game. Photosynthesis won several awards, including the 2017 Board Game Geek Golden Geek Award for Best Artwork and Presentation, the 2018 Mensa Selects Award, and the 2018 UK Games Expo People’s Choice Award. Episode Summary: This week, the panel explores the green canopy of the Photosynthesis board game by Blue Orange Games; a gaming world where seedlings, saplings, and mighty trees vie for the sun. We discuss our personal strategies to master the lifecycle of the trees. We then focus on the friction between harvesting big trees or using them to collect sun points. We also explore the benefits of controlling the board's center and maximizing the outside edge.  How can turn order, tree placement, and the growth stages influence your score? So let's get ready to grow some trees, harvest them for points, and throw each other shade along the way. Show notes created with assistance from https://podium.page / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Patreon || Ko-fi || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support, you will: Gain access to Bonus shows before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Episode Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / /

Previously, on Games to the Cellar... We played a game of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the Game! The good one from Milton Bradley! Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Game (2000), designed by Rob Daviau, Bill Sabram, and Craig van Ness, was published by Milton Bradley in 2000. Episode Summary: Join the panel as we take a look at the game mechanisms of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the Game and the roles of each character. We discuss the movement of characters, the different dice used, and the objectives of the game. We also explore the lighthearted aspects of the game, such as the quotes from the characters and the theme music. We go a bit more in-depth and discuss the different villains and heroes of the game and the ultimate goal of the players.   / / / / / Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support you will: Gain access to Bonus shows (such as this one) before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Epidose Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Ko-Fi || Patreon || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  / / / / /

Join us in our first ever Bonus Episode, where we play a few games and have a little fun. John, Chris, and Sam face off to battle for the Title of the King of the Mississippi and a really dumb trophy that I got off Amazon. Round 1: Wager of Wits! The panel stretches their understanding of the Mississippi River to answer a few tricky questions. Round 2: The Lightning Round! The panel reaches back to the recesses of their brains. Only a depth of knowledge in geography will save you now! Round 3: The Mighty IMDB Game! The panelist guess the IMDB user rating of some off the wall (but Mississippi River-related) movies to score points! Round 4: We Rated It a 7: the BGG User Comments Game! The panel is given up to three BGG User Comments to guess the correct game. / / / / / Please consider Supporting the show by donating or becoming a member at Ko-fi or Patreon. With your support you will: Gain access to Bonus shows (such as this one) before they go into the main feed Be sent a silly postcard game (designed by us) Garner our undying gratitude, and we'll shout you out in a Special Epidose Your financial support will allow us to continually make improvements to the show. Thank you! / / / / / You can Listen to Us: Spotify || Apple Podcasts || Google Podcasts || YouTube You can Support Us: Ko-Fi || Patreon || Merch: Redbubble || Leave a Rating & a Review wherever you listen. Ratings & Reviews are the easy and free way to show us your support. You can Follow Us: Twitter || Bluesky || Instagram || Discord  / / / / /