Adamantly Analog: A Board Game Podcast

This week we chat with Parker Simpson about print and play games, including their own upcoming print and play release, Starfront Scouting Academy.Featured TopicPrint and play games.Corey's List Rise of the Oak Dell (2025) / Two Acorns GamesWizard in Training (2025) / Thinky Filler GamesHarrison's List52 Realms: Adventures (2024) / Postmark Games  Gem Getter Pro (2023) / (self published by Daniel Young)Parker’s ListVoyages (2021) / Postmark GamesHanzo: Light and Shadow (2025) / CreardoRunner up: Pocket Puffins (2024) / self published by Edward BellOther LinksShiny Pigeon GamesStarfront Scouting Academy KickstarterStarfront Scouting Academy "How to Play and Review"Follow us on podcast player of choiceFollow us Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This week we begin a five-part series in which we count down our top 50 board games in the last 50 years. We'll spend each episode sharing 10 games each and highlighting them with a brief 'logline' explanation of how they work and what they do. Featured Topic Our #50-41 So that we don't spoil our picks, we're not including links here as we usually do. We will provide a link to the entire list when we reach #1 in four more weeks. Other Links Three-Course Board Game Meal (Reddit Discussion) Reach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

3:23 - Recently Played Games Corey 4:40 - Citizens of the Spark7:43 - Tir Na NogHarrison  12:10 - Druids of Edora18:28 - Featured TopicHouse rules we like to play withFirst player rule: Make it up - it’s a house rule!Corey’s Picks:Gloomhaven (2017) - initiative numberDesign: Isaac ChildresPublisher: CepholofairDeception: Murder in Hong Kong (2014) - embrace the chaosDesign: Tobey HoPublisher: Jolly ThinkersEndless Winter: Paleoamericans (2022) - third workerDesign: Stan KordonskiyPublisher: Fantasia GamesHarrison’s Picks:Lords of Waterdeep (2012) - remove mandatory questsDesign: Peter Lee, Rodney ThompsonPublisher: Wizards of the CoastMagical Athlete (2025) - Less mean MOUTHDesign: Richard Garfield, Takashi IshidaPublisher: CMYKCarcassonne (2000) - three tiles in handDesign: Klaus-Jürgen WredePublisher: Hans im GlückOther Things:45:48 - StarVaders (on Steam)49:51 - The Life of Chuck (Film)Want to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

2:16 - Recently Played Games Corey ReforestHarrisonFest SeasonJungo12:58 - Featured TopicThe game releases in 2026 that we’re most looking forward toCorey’s Picks:DeckoDesign: Haakon Gaarder (Villagers, Moon, Streets)Publisher: GEM GamesBunny Kingdom TownDesign: Richard GarfieldPublisher: IELLOAvalon: The Riven ValeDesign: Jamey JollyPublisher: Shadowborne GamesLet’s Go! To FranceDesign: Josh WoodPublisher: AEGWestern Legends StoriesDesign: Herve LemetrePublisher: Kolossal GamesHarrison’s Picks:Raas: A Dance of Love Design: Mihir Shah & Shaleen Harlalkah Publisher: Arcane WondersCrits & Tricks Design: Pete WissingerPublisher: Inside Up GamesSatchel QuestDesign: Molly Johnson, Robert Melvin, & Shawn StankewichPublisher: Weird City GamesKalypsoDesign: Gilles TurbidePublisher: Inside Up GamesSlay the Spire: DownfallPublisher: Contention GamesWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

2:47 - Recently Played Games (Rapid Fire Catch Up)Corey 2025 Holiday All Stars: Things in Rings, FliptoonsOrigin StoryWyrmspanCaptain FlipUp or DownHarrison  2025 Holiday All Stars: Flip 7, Panda RoyaleYonkai no Yokai25:39 - Featured TopicCommunity Top 10 ListTrivia Game to guess each one - Harrison gets a single sentence from the rulebook Winner: Nick Lo (email us at AdamanltyAnalog@gmail.com to claim your prize)Want to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This week we continue the annual tradition of counting down our top 50 favorite board games. We'll cover ten games each week, culminating in the very exciting TOP TEN at the end of December. We promise, there have been some shake ups in these lists! Lots of new games popping up and lots of old favorites...doing things! You'll have to listen to see what happens.Mentioned in this episode:The Hobby: Tales from the Tabletop (Documentary)Drop Duchy (Steam Game)Reach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.comFollow us on instagram @AdamantlyAnalog

This week we continue the annual tradition of counting down our top 50 favorite board games. We'll cover ten games each week, culminating in the very exciting TOP TEN at the end of December. We promise, there have been some shake ups in these lists! Lots of new games popping up and lots of old favorites...doing things! You'll have to listen to see what happens.Want to get involved? Submit to the listener top 10! The listener top 10 list will be revealed in the first episode of January. Submissions are due by 12/22. One lucky winner will receive a $40 GameNerdz giftcard!⁠⁠⁠Listener Top 10 Submissions⁠⁠⁠Reach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.comFollow us on instagram @AdamantlyAnalog

This week we continue the annual tradition of counting down our top 50 favorite board games. We'll cover ten games each week, culminating in the very exciting TOP TEN at the end of December. We promise, there have been some shake ups in these lists! Lots of new games popping up and lots of old favorites...doing things! You'll have to listen to see what happens.On this episode, we'll also talk about:Fest Season (Green Astra Games)Want to get involved? Submit to the listener top 10! The listener top 10 list will be revealed in the first episode of January. Submissions are due by 12/22. One lucky winner will receive a $40 GameNerdz giftcard!⁠⁠Listener Top 10 Submissions⁠⁠Reach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.comFollow us on instagram @AdamantlyAnalog

This week we continue the annual tradition of counting down our top 50 favorite board games. We'll cover ten games each week, culminating in the very exciting TOP TEN at the end of December. We promise, there have been some shake ups in these lists! Lots of new games popping up and lots of old favorites...doing things! You'll have to listen to see what happens.Want to get involved? Submit to the listener top 10! The listener top 10 list will be revealed in the first episode of January. Submissions are due by 12/22. One lucky winner will receive a $40 GameNerdz giftcard!⁠Listener Top 10 Submissions⁠Reach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.comFollow us on instagram @AdamantlyAnalog

This week we begin the annual tradition of counting down our top 50 favorite board games. We'll cover ten games each week, culminating in the very exciting TOP TEN at the end of December. We promise, there have been some shake ups in these lists! Lots of new games popping up and lots of old favorites...doing things! You'll have to listen to see what happens.Also, we'll chat about recently played games including:SpectacularWant to get involved? Submit to the listener top 10! The listener top 10 list will be revealed in the first episode of January. Submissions are due by 12/22. One lucky winner will receive a $40 GameNerdz giftcard!Listener Top 10 SubmissionsReach us at AdamantlyAnalog@gmail.comFollow us on instagram @AdamantlyAnalog

This week, Corey and Harrison give thanks! There's a lot to love in the board gaming space and we're shouting out designers, publishers, games, and more on this week's episode. Also, Harrison recaps his time at Protospiel Madison.Corey Things in RingsHarrison  Protospiel MadisonFeatured TopicGaming gratitude! Games, people, and experiences we’re thankful for.First player rule: The player to most recently be injured in one-on-one combat goes first. (prototype from Protospiel Madison)Corey’s ListReiner KniziaFacebook MarketplaceBoard Game ArenaHarrison’s ListMagic: The GatheringDire Wolf Protospiel Other LinksWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This week we share recommendations for a variety of different board gamers. Keep an eye out for sales this November!Recently Played GamesHarrison  Men-NeferFeatured TopicGifts for gamers!First player rule: The player with the fewest birthdays. In case of a tie, give it to the youngest player. (Santa’s Workshop 2nd Ed from Elf Creek Games)Corey’s ListFor Gamers Who Like to Host: Gaming Scoreboard / Various on EtsyFor Experienced Gamer: AllPlay Mat / AllplayFor Hardcore Gamer: Meeple Source Gift Card / Meeple SourceHarrison’s ListFor the Stocking Stuffer Lovers: VIVO (2024) / AllplayFor the Bling Enjoyers: Scythe Metal coins / StonemaierFor the Long Distance Gamers: Board Game Arena Premium Membership Gift Code / bga.com Other LinksWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

Corey and Harrison catch up on a BUNCH of recently played games including Fruit Fight, Castles of Burgundy (two on two), and Origin Story. Then, we'll feature a list of games that surprised us in one way or another.Recently Played GamesCorey Fliptoons, Vivo, Castles of Burgundy, Magical Athlete, Fruit FightHarrison  Origin StoryFeatured TopicGames that surprised our expectationsFirst player rule:Corey’s ListVantage (2025) / StonemaierHot Streak (2025) / CMYKKingdom Builder (2011) / Queen GamesHarrison’s ListSmall World (2009) / Days of WonderThe Mind (2018) / Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag, PandasaurusFlip 7 (2024) / The Op Other LinksWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

Greetings boys and ghouls, it’s that magical time of year when the moon is full and the nights are DEAD.  The sick and twisted humans seek thrills for the purpose of entertainment and tell tales of demonic possession and terror to challenge their own grip on reality.  Also, games. We'll share more of our favorite spooky season games and chat about recently played games, including Luthier.Recently Played GamesCorey Flip 7Harrison  LuthierFeatured TopicSPOOKY GAMESFirst player rule: Both players take a guess at the greatest of horror films.  After selecting, the one with the highest rating Rotten Tomatoes is the winner.Corey’s ListZombicide (2012) / C’mon GamesMysterium (2015) / LibelludNemesis: Lockdown (2022) / Awaken RealmsHarrison’s ListSpire’s End (2019) / Favro Ventures, LLCClank!: Catacombs (2022)  / Dire WolfGhost Stories (2008) / Repos Production Other LinksDecko (on Gamefound)Want to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This time on Adamantly Analog, Corey and Harrison share their favorite card games.  Also, we’ll chat about…Recently Played GamesHarrison  Fabled Fruit, Glory to RomeFeatured TopicCard games!First player rule:  Who has the highest mana cost on the bottom of their deck? (kitchen table Magic the Gathering)Corey’s ListArkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) / Fantasy FlightInnovation (2010) / Asmadi GamesStar Realms (2014) / Wise Wizard GamesHarrison’s ListMagi-Nation Duel (2000) / Interactive Imagination CorporationRiftbound (2025) / Riot GamesSeas of Strife (2023) / Rio Grande Games Other LinksTenpenny Parks Expansions + Collector’s EditionWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This time on Adamantly Analog, Corey and Harrison share their second edition wishlist.  Technically, some of these games already have a second edition…but this is a list of the great games that might just need a refresh on their production for various reasons.  Also, we’ll chat about Planet Unknown, Oh My Goods!, and the new Tenpenny Parks expansion coming to Kickstarter.Recently Played GamesCorey Planet UnknownOh My Goods!Harrison  Tenpenny ParksFeatured TopicSecond Edition wishes!First player rule:  The player who most recently rode a roller coaster. (Tenpenny Parks)Corey’s ListLords of Waterdeep (2012) / Wizards of the CoastRace for the Galaxy (2007) / Rio Grande GamesTrajan (2011) / AmmonitHarrison’s ListShadows Over Camelot (2005) / Days of WonderTerraforming Mars (2016) / FryxGames, Stronghold GamesComic Hunters (2020) / Arcane Wonders Other LinksTenpenny Parks Expansions + Collector’s EditionWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

This week we cover our favorite second edition board games. Also, Harrison shares his thoughts on the brand new Richard Garfield game, Magical Athlete.Recently Played GamesCorey ArcsHarrison  Magical AthleteFeatured TopicSecond Editions!Second player rule:  The player to most recently have gone second.Corey’s ListFor The King [And Me] (2021) / ielloKemet: Blood and Sand (2021) / MatagotGreat Western Trail (2021) / eggertspieleHarrison’s List7 Wonders (2020) / Repos ProductionKingsburg (2024) / Giochi UnitiGravwell (2021) / Renegade Games Other LinksNodebuster (Steam)Digseum (Steam)Want to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

We're talking about "the teach" this week! This is such an important element of the board game experience and can either make or break a game for a player. Also, we'll regroup on the latest Allplay card builder game, Ruins, by designer John D. Clair.Recently Played GamesCorey Ruins, Things in RingsHarrison  First Rat, FlipToonsFeatured TopicRules for teaching rules!Do Your Homework! - Learn the game before introducing it to a groupBig to Little - Start with the objective, even if it's just “get the most points” and work your way down (objective -> round structure -> turn structure -> actions -> exceptions)Use the Game Structure - Use a player aid to structure explanation if one exists and keep the focus on the current stepAllow Questions - Pause and check for understanding/answer questionsReiterate and Highlight - Reiterate the end game scoring/conditions once players understand the mechanicsMid-Game Check-In - “Pause” the game to highlight corner case rules after players beginWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

For this week's list, we're flicking and stacking our bits. These are our favorite dexterity games.Recently Played GamesCorey Lost Ruins of Arnak: Twisted PathsHarrison  Protospiel follow-up Guild of Merchant ExplorersFeatured TopicDexterity games!First player rule:  “The clumsiest player goes first” (From Nekojima) Corey’s ListNekojima (2023) / Unfriendly GamesFlickering Stars (2026) / Friendly SkeletonFlick ‘em Up (2015) / Pretzel GamesHarrison's ListMegacity: Oceania (2019) / Hub GamesTerror in Meeple City (2013) / Repos ProductionAnimal Upon Animal (2005) / HABA Other LinksWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)

In episode 68, we share a list of games that have a small ruleset but pack a lot of meaty gameplay.Recently Played GamesCorey Playtesting at Strong Tower Gaming ConventionCorey's prototype: The WoodlandHarrison  Lightning TrainFeatured TopicGames with simple rules and big gameplayFirst player rule:  The youngest player receives the hammer and begins the first auction. (Modern Art)Corey’s ListInnovation (2010) / Asmadi GamesScoville (2025) / Trick or Treat StudiosLost Cities (1999) / Kosmos GamesHarrison's ListMoney! (1999) / Rio Grande (2025 version from AllPlay)Carcassonne (2000) / Hans im GlückKingdom Builder (2011) / Queen Games Other LinksWant to support Adamantly Analog?Follow us on the podcast player of your choiceFollow us on Instagram (@AdamantlyAnalog)