Garrett's Games and Geekiness

Doug Garrett and his wife Shelley discuss and review the strategy/designer board games they play on this weekly podcast. Interviews with notable names in the hobby, along with designers and publishers, are part of the show.

Garrett's Games 775 - Evidence and Hadrian's Wall

Shelley and I search for clues into the existence of cryptozoological creatures in  Evidence by Orestis Liontaritis from Pegasus Spiele and Edition Spielwiese then we head back in time to Emperor Hadrian's rule and work to build his famous wall in Britain to keep the Picts at bay in Hadrian's Wall by Bobby Hill from Garphill Games and Renegade Game Design

05-09
28:02

Garrett's Games 689 - Meeplefest 2019 Night 2, Part 1

Designers, podcasters and gamers get on the mics once again for Night 2 of the 2019 Meeplefest Roundtable. Matt Leacock (Pandemic, Pandemic Legacy, Era: Medieval Age, Forbidden Island, Mole Rats in Space, Roll Through the Ages) Susan McKinley Ross (Qwirkle, Color Stix, Qwirkle Cards) Joe Huber (Caravan, Ice Cream, Scream Machine) join Ric Bretschnieder of Fanboy Planet Podcast as well as Shelley, Denis, Anne and me for a free-wheeling discussion of design and the board game marketplace. Other games mentioned: The Taverns of Tiefenthal Heartland and Gunkimono Mondrian The Dice Game King's Breakfast

09-15
30:16

Garrett's Games 1020: Dragonarium and Meister Makatsu

UPDATE - WE GOT ONE RULE WRONG ON DRAGONARIUM, MAKING THE GAME HARDER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN! We SAID that you were supposed to move your assistant and ONLY place a gem on the FINAL spot where the assistant stopped. THE REAL RULE is that you place a gem on a spot in EACH COLUMN OR ROW you get to as you move. That makes the game less difficult and opens up the chances to gain more dragons, which is a VERY good thing! This week we check out a fun card game, and then preview a very cool puzzle game with dragons! First up is Meister Makatsu by Reiner Knizia from AMIGO where each player had their own deck and you're tryin gto avoid taking points. Then we place domino-style tiles and hope to birth dragons in Dragonarium by Wei Chang and Kuan Chen from Wonderful World Board Games Remember to SUBSCRIBE! You can support the podcast and our video series over on YouTube by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

11-23
17:41

Garrett's Games 1019: Borealis - Arctic Expeditions and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

This week we go exploring! First we head north and take photos of wildlife in Borealis: Arctic Expeditions by Dariusz Mindur from Lucky Duck Games (order the game directly here: https://quack.at/garretts-games-borealis) then we head down into the depths with Captain Nemo and crew in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Alberto Millan from Looping Games You can support the podcast at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

11-16
26:00

Garrett's Games 1018: Timber Town and Covenant

This week Shelley and I build cities and fight to regain our daraven homeland. First we check out the 2-player  Timber Town by Ryan Boucher from Alley Cat Games then we go BIG as we attempt to gain the most prestige as dwarves in Covenant by German Millan from Devir You can also check out our VIDEO overview of Covenant at our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames Sponsor this podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on YOUR table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

11-09
27:15

Garrett's Games 1017: Oddland and 1975: White Christmas

Shelley and I check out two small-box games that provide a much bigger experience than their boxes might suggest. First up is Allplay's tableau builder released earlier this year Oddland by Dan Schumacher then we check out a brand new Essen 2025 release 1975: White Christmas by Albert Reyes  Remember you can support this podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing Remember to SUBSCRIBE!

11-02
19:10

Garrett's Games 1016: Essen Games! Viva Catrina and Arigato

This week we're coming to you from GERMANY! If you have missed any of our numerous VIDEO posts over on YouTube, be sure to go check them out here: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames This week on the audio podcast Shelley and I check out two fun titles we got BEFORE the fair because they were the French versions: Viva Catrina by Fred Boulle and Gregory Grard from The Flying Games and  Arigato by Melodye Ladrat and Florian Sirieix from Ludonaute. Check out our videos for each of these on YouTube and you can support the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

10-26
17:55

Garrett's Games 1015: Essen Preview Part 3: Tianxia from Board&Dice + Halls 6 & 7

This week on Garrett's Games Shelley and I check out one of the latest heavier titles from Board&Dice  Tianxia by Antonio Petrelli and Daniele Tascini then we wrap up our hall by hall preview with games from Halls 6 & 7!

10-19
31:44

Garrett's Games 1014: Essen 2025 Preview Part 2 - March of the Ants - Evolved Edition + Halls 4 & 5

This week we continue our Spiel Essen Preview with a look at  March of the Ants: Evolved Edition by Tim Eisner and Ryan Swisher from Weird City Games  then delve further into the halls, checking out Halls 4 & 5! Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games - they will be in Hall 2-B510 at Spiel! You can follow along with our discussion of Essen releases and see my notes on them on this Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J1aQen2zzQVLaOJPr_eh5e3SEo7sbowaflLufYje3YU/edit?usp=sharing REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames We will be releasing at least 1 video EACH DAY from Essen 2025, so make sure to subscribe so that you don't miss them. You can support the podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames  OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on OUR shelves, but belong on YOUR table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

10-12
38:23

Garrett's Games 1013: Essen 2025 Preview Part 1 - Parks & Potions + Publishers in Halls 2 & 3

Shelley and I begin our Essen 2025 Preview this week, first checking out one of the new titles that will be available at the fair: Parks and Potions by Chris Eastridge from Moon Saga Workshop then we begin our journey through the halls, starting with Hall 2, 1/2 of which is dedicated to "Expert" titles, then head into the biggest hall, Hall 3. Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games! You can follow along with our discussion of Essen releases and see my notes on them on this Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J1aQen2zzQVLaOJPr_eh5e3SEo7sbowaflLufYje3YU/edit?usp=sharing REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames We will be releasing at least 1 video EACH DAY from Essen 2025, so make sure to subscribe so that you don't miss them. You can support the podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames  OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on OUR shelves, but belong on YOUR table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

10-05
58:17

Garrett's Games 1012: Nassau, LotR Fellowship Trick Taking, and More Essen 2024 re-dux

This week Shelley and I control rival pirate ships in  Nassau by Stefan Feld from Queen Games Join head into the Lord of the Rings mythos and attempt to fulfill goals while protecting the One Ring in The Fellowship of the Ring Trick Taking Game by Bryan Bornmueller from Office Dog and finally enjoy further plays of the Essen 2024 release Spectacular by Eilif Svensson and Asmund Svensson from Chilifox Games Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games! Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel which you can find here: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames  because we will reporting DAILY from Spiel Essen 2025! You can support our endeavors by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames  OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on YOUR table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

09-28
24:00

Garrett's Games 1011: Classic Games & Replays of Spiel 2024

This week Shelley and I get into the WAY BACK machine and play a couple of titles from the beginnings of our gaming careers Alhambra and Atlantic Star both by Dirk Henn from Queen Games and then look back at one from Spiel Essen 2024 Stephens by Rola and Costa from Pile Up Games and Capstone Games And the other games we mentioned as highlights from last year's Essen 2024: Atlantis Exodus Zero to Hero Steam Power Resafa Sparks Tivoli Bone Wars Galileo Galilei Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel so you're ready for all of our Essen 2025 videos: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames Thanks to Bezier Games for their continued support You can sponsor the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on YOUR table here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

09-21
25:37

Garrett's Games 1010: Everdell Silverfrost and A Place For All My Books

This week on Episode 1010 Shelley and I head back to the Everdell universe, and then deal with our social anxiety while settling down to a good book! Everdell Silverfrost by James A and Clarissa A Wilson from Starling Games and Tabletop Tycoon A Place for All My Books by Alex Cutler and Michael Mihealsick from Smirk and Dagger Games Thanks as always to out sponsor Bezier Games! We have VIDEO reviews of Everdell Silverfrost AND A Place for All My Books as well - Check out THE FORMER and THE LATTER and make sure to Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames We will be at Spiel Essen in October, putting up video content EVERY DAY, so be sure to subscribe and ring the bell over there so you don't miss any of our fun times and the views of new titles!  

09-14
33:11

Garrett's Games 1009: Expeditions and Kathmandu

This week on Garrett's Games: Shelley and I head into the North with our mechs to deal with corruption and save previous explorers in Expeditions by Jamey Stegmaier from Stonemaier Games Then we head East and make a journey with our trusty yaks to Kathmandu by Stefan Feld from Queen Games Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games You can sponsor the the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

09-07
28:31

Garrett's Games 1008: Valkyrie: A Black Orchestra Game AND Crafting the Cosmos

On Garrett's Games this week, Shelley and I attempt to kill Hitler, and then build the universe!  First off it's Valkyrie: A Black Orchestra Game by Philip duBarry from Tabletop Tycoon Then we head out into the void of space and collect atoms to build nebulae in Crafting the Cosmos by David Gordon and TAM from Office Dog Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their support. You can sponsor the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out the extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing    

08-31
26:09

Garrett's Games 1007: Distilled and Floriferous

This week on Garrett's Games Shelley and I make some booze and admire a garden. First up is Floriferous by Steve Finn and Eduardo Baraf (with art by Clementine Campardou) from Pencil First Games then we play competing distillers in  Distilled by Dave Beck from Paverson Games Thanks as always to Bezier Game for their sponsorship. You can support the podcast and our video series at www.patreon.com/garrettsgames or check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on YOUR table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

08-24
24:41

Garrett's Games 1006: Meeplefest Roundtable 2025 Part 2 - More Rules to Live by (and possibly break)

Last week on Episode 1005, we made it through the first 6 RULES that Joe ranted about. This week we delve into Rules 7-14 with much discussion, wine, etc. As Joe Huber and Tom Lehmann lead the way!

08-17
42:52

Garrett's Games 1005: Meeplefest 2025 Roundtable with Tom Lehmann and Joe Huber

It's Garrett's Games' Meeplefest Roundtable! This week after a quick discussion of some favorite games played, we take a deep dive into a Rules For Games list that Joe Huber fashioned on a mailing list. I couldn't let the opportunity to discuss his comments pass by, and everyone gets a chance to chime in for a lively and opinionated discussion. Let us know what you think over on BGG or any of our social media sites! Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their sponsorship. You can support the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but BELONG on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

08-10
37:48

Garrett's Games 1004: Wyrmspan, Boo to the Goose, and Zookini

This week Shelley and I spend some time with dragons after playing a couple of cute card games. Wyrmspan by Connie Vogelmann from Stonemaier Games Boo to the Goose by Wolfgang Kramer and Mandred Reindl Zookini by Peggy Brown from Piatnik and AMIGO Thanks as always to Bezier Games for their support You can check out our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@garrettsgames Sponsor the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table HERE: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

08-03
20:58

Garrett's Games 1003: Ofrenda, Zero Hero, and Double Donkey

This week on Garrett's Games we check out two fun little card games from Amigo and Piatnik, then plan shrines to lost relatives First up is Double Donkey by Michael Modler from Piatnik and Amigo follow by  Zero Hero by Klaus-Jurgen Wrede and Ralf zur Linde from Piatnik and Amigo then we look to a bigger-box game with Ofrenda by Orlando Sa and Andre Santos from Osprey Games Thanks as always to our sponsor Bezier Games You can support the podcast directly by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but BELONG on your table here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing  

07-27
25:50

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