Play Games, Lose Friends

The temperature is getting hotter outside, and it's heating up in the game room as the guys square off against two worthy opponents in Guards of Atlantis II. Ken introduces Ryan to Alibis, and they finally, FINALLY get to play Abyss. Some older classics are revisited including Fort, Ark Nova and War Chest. Ryan and Ken both fall in love with Rebel Princess.Games DiscussedAbyssStartupsGuard of Atlantis IIAlibisArk NovaFortRebel PrincessWar ChestDoomlingsVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys chat about a huge list of played games, from Root to Doomlings to Finspan! Ryan's got a short update on the status of The Old King's Crown campaign, and Ken shares his healthy haul of spring shopping for new and old games alike.Games DiscussedRiver of GoldViticultureRootPandemic Legacy: Season 0DistilledVagrantsongDoomlingsFinspanAlteredThe Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle EarthRes Arcana DuoSplendor DuelChu HanThe GangMarvel Champions: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back and Ryan's basement is nearly complete, so the recording can resume regularly, and the unveiling of Ken's animatronic nightmare game parlor took place! Plenty of new titles were tried, including Altay: Dawn of Civilization, Nocturne, Orchicalcum and more! Listen in to hear what Ken and Ryan thought, including some winners, some losers, and some that really intrigued them.Games DiscussedHarvestPixiesWrath of Fire MountainAI: 100% HumanSkullOrichalcumAltay: Dawn of CivilizationWar Chest: NightfallNocturneThe Vale of Eternity: ArtifactsVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan and Ken kicked off 2025 with a slew of games, some old and some new! The guys cover Ra and Arcs in greater detail, and pick apart a few new titles (to them) that they played on two separate occasions with their partners. Ken's youngest continues to enjoy discovering gaming with Dad, and Ryan's excited to show Ken just how good River of Gold is.Games DiscussedRaArcsSpellbookRiver Valley GlassworksMurray the A**hole FrogHarmoniesYakAbandon All ArtichokesReefFlip 7Garden VarietyAgent AvenueRiver of GoldVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again! PAX Unplugged 2024 came and went, and Ryan and Ken share their thoughts on the show, some silly statistics, and recount TWENTY different games played, many of which were new experiences for the group! There were a whole lot of trick takers, some heavy strategy games, and a new tactical masterpiece. Listen in and learn what might be on your holiday shopping list for next year!Games DiscussedArk NovaArcsFishingKansas City: The Trick Taking GameYokai SeptetSmall IslandsHarvestRiver of Gold6 ForcesPreySandbagsForest ShuffleMagic TrickFlip7Rafter 5Castle ComboRaViticultureRainbowVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ryan give a slew of first impressions for a bunch of small-box games they've picked up and played in the last few months, and there are a couple favorites in the bunch. Ryan's absolutely hooked on Dune: Imperium's digital implementation (including the new Rise of Ix expansion) and Ken continues to place in the top of his Lorcana league. The guys also highlight their top five releases that are at Essen Spiel this year and Ken continues to amass more and more to his already massive collection!Games DiscussedDune: Imperium - Rise of IxKnarrFarawayThe Vale of EternityPikitAggretsuko: Work/Rage BalanceVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After putting it off for far too long, the guys finally play Dune: Imperium and kick themselves for not trying it sooner. Ken shares Delta with the game group, a crowdfunded hand and resource management title from 2023, and the guys share their first impressions. Ryan's Tichu redemption arc starts, and Ken informs on the fact that they may not have been playing by the rules at all! Some interesting purchases are discussed in the backed/bought section, including some impressive discount finds by Ken, and a certain hype-train title that Ryan just couldn't ignore any longer.Games DiscussedDune: ImperiumDeltaTichuVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken, Ryan, and the rest of their game group pulled off a game day with five new titles! Ryan was chewing his nails in a close race of Thunder Road: Vendetta, while Ken experienced a Marvel Villainous game he didn't quite bargain for. Ryan was also happy to get Distilled to the table, while Ken introduced the group to an all-time classic trick taker in Tichu. Many beers and Ham Slammies were consumed, and much fun was had. Listen to hear the tale!Games DiscussedThunder Road: VendettaPower PlantsMarvel VillainousDistilledTichuVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifty episodes and still going strong! Ryan and Ken finally get to crack open two much-anticipated Leder Games titles in Root and Ahoy and first impressions are discussed. The guys played two games of 3000 Scoundrels and share their thoughts. Ken brings home the gold in his first Star Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the Galaxy tournament, and Ryan picks up Kutna Hora: The City of Silver and gives it a go. The guys also pick their top five upcoming releases from the BGG GenCon preview. Enjoy!Games DiscussedRoot: A Game of Woodland Might and RightAhoy3000 ScoundrelsDisney LorcanaStar Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the GalaxyThe Crew: Mission Deep SeaKutna HoraVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer is in full effect, and the sweltering weather has driven Ryan and Ken indoors to slam some games! Expeditions gets the official review treatment and the guys are joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games to talk about all things Stonemaier, as well as Jamey's journey to game designer, publisher, and entrepreneur. Some upcoming Stonemaier titles are discussed, and more goodies, so listen and enjoy!Games DiscussedBosaFit to PrintDisney LorcanaExpeditions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back with some new plays, including the infamous Food Chain Magnate! After putting it on his shelf nearly two years ago and being intimidated by it, Ryan got it on the table and the game group ate it up. Ken provides a big Disney Lorcana update, including some once-in-a-nerd's lifetime luck with Enchanted cards. A recently fulfilled Kickstarter game, Mercurial, gets some play and the guys expand on why this one didn't click for them. Ken's been shopping and Ryan picked up a new smallbox game they love!Games DiscussedFood Chain MagnateMercurialDisney Lorcana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life finds a way... to destroy our recording schedule! Ryan and Ken are back after a long haitus, and you'll hear why. The top 50 gets wrapped up and the guys discuss the beautiful new art in the Wingspan Fan Art Pack, provided to the show by Stonemaier Games. Welcome back and on to the next!Games DiscussedWingspanVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys continue to count down their top 50, with some surprising new additions to their lists. Ryan and Ken talk about a new-ish trick taker in Holly Oak, by the masterful Tom Lehmann. Ken falls in love with Honey Buzz by trouncing the group for his first win, and Ryan is happy because Renature finally hit the table surface. Some listener advice hopefully helps those in need when deciding what to play, and how to handle if someone isn't having fun.Games DiscussedHolly OakHoney BuzzRenatureSea Salt & PaperVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The list continues, this time covering quite a few changes and new additions from last year's list. Ryan and Ken played quite a bit together to celebrate Ken's birthday, including four new titles, two of which were birthday gifts! Ken really, really disliked Sol: Last Days of a Star, but he was mostly alone in that sentiment. Ryan and Ken fell in love with a new trick-taker and finally find a hidden movement game that Ken enjoyed. Yes, miracles do exist.Games DiscussedAncient KnowledgeEmpire's EndLunarSea Salt & PaperSol: Last Days of a StarMind MGMTInside JobVisit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a new year and that means it's time to revisit our Top 50 of all time! Ken and Ryan take a look at 50-41, and as expected Ken still hates where Ryan has Wingspan ranked. The guys played a whole slew of new games, including a new crowdfunded buzz game in Bloodstones. Ken shares his feelings on The White Castle, Ryan got some Spirit Island in with his favorite co-op partner, and both share their top picks for owned games they want to play the most in 2024!Games DiscussedThe White CastleBloodstonesDice Throne AdventuresExpeditionsYokai SketchNicodemusHookyScoutWalkie TalkieSpirit IslandPaleoVisit us at [url=https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends]https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends[/url] for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at [url=https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends]https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends[/url], or on Twitter at [url=https://twitter.com/pglfshow]@PGLFShow[/url]! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ryan recant the games they loved from 2023, both new releases and their personal favorites from 2023 and past years. Ken laments about lack of time for games, and Ryan pushes BGA to no avail, but has been really enjoying it himself. The guys discuss a long played list and a super solid deckbuilder of the digital variety. On to 2024 and more gaming!Top 5 2023 ReleasesRyanThe White CastleSailThat's Not a HatKnarrForest ShuffleHonorable Mention - EarthKenDisney LorcanaDisney AnimatedExpeditionsStar Wars: the Deckbuilding GameEarthTop 5 Games of the YearRyanSailThe White CastleScout12 Chip TrickThe Old King's CrownHonorable Mention - TapestryKenForest ShuffleMuseum Suspects12 Chip TrickTournament FishingGI Joe Deck Building GameTop 5 Most Anticipated Games of 2024RyanGuards of Atlantis 2SkyriseWeirdwood ManorCaptain FlipFairyHonorable Mention - ArcsKenCitiesThe Old King's CrownWar Chest: NightfallThe Vale of EternityIncuboHonorable Mention - Star Wars UnlimitedGames DiscussedCobalt CoreSpicySea Salt & PaperNoobs in SpaceGapThe White CastleHoney BuzzThe GameForest ShuffleKnarrGo Nuts for Donuts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The less-than-dynamic duo went to PAX Unplugged and as usual had a fantastic experience. Ken got skunked on promos but scored a whole bunch of Lorcana, and Ryan came home with all of the games on his must-buy list. Plenty of games were played over the weekend, including some notable new releases, and a few of the 2023-fulfilled Kickstarters also saw some table time. Huge thanks to the PAX folks for yet another great show!Games DiscussedThe White CastleScoutSpicyQwixxDungeon Raiders9 LivesRingmasterFairy LightsHalloween PartyForest ShuffleMoonExpeditionsICECat in the BoxAmerican Psycho: A Killer GameGapVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again! The guys are heading to PAX Unplugged and have their games ready to go. Shopping lists are discussed and some new predictions are on the table as well. Ken went on an epic Black Friday shopping spree at one of his favorite stores and Ryan held off to save budget to shop on the PAX expo floor. There was some major gaming happening over the Thanksgiving holiday as well, so listen in to hear the favorites!Games DiscussedJust OneRomi RamiThat's Not a HatPoint CityDisney LorcanaBattletech12 Chip TrickThe Crew: Mission Deep SeaGosu XTruffle ShuffleAurumMonsdrawsityDistrict NoirMage KnightSailKnarrWormholesSo CloverThunder Road: VendettaEliminoVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys are back and reviewing two games this episode while enjoying some fine brews! Stonemaier Games was kind enough to provide the show with a review copy of Between Two Cities: Essential Edition, and a highly-anticipated Kickstarter copy of Wild Realms arrived and hit the table last game night. A deeper look into Deep Rock Galactic is discussed, Ryan finally got to play Honey Buzz, and the both fawn over a new trick taker that has them both smitten.Games DiscussedBetween Two Cities: Essential EditionWild RealmsDeep Rock GalacticHoney Buzz12 Chip TrickMercurialVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IT HAPPENED! David Thompson, of War Chest and Undaunted fame, joined Ryan and Ken to let them nerd out over David's work, and find out more about what drives him as a designer and where his love for history in gaming was born. The guys talk about another engaging game of The Old King's Crown, and have some new trick-takers in their midst to play. Ryan's wallet is opening as fast as the leaves are falling, while Ken is excited for the next Elizabeth Hargrave's title!Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | InstagramGames DiscussedWar ChestUndaunted: North AfricaWitchcraft!Resist!Sniper Elite: The Board GameGeneral Orders: World War IIBattle Card: Series 1The Old King's CrownAurumHappy SalmonSail12 Chip TrickBetween Two CitiesVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.