The Staying In Podcast - four pals talk video games, board games, and movies

It’s been board games Christmas of late with this year’s Essen Spiel having just concluded, PLUS we’re joined by friend of the show and board games industry bigwig Rob Trounce, so we use this as a wonderful excuse to talk about lots and lots of board games. In particular? Well, there’s Tax the Rich by Alion, which is a trick-taking game with politics at its core, as well as Night Soil by Grail Games which has… well… quite a different theme. And then there’s Joyride: Survival of the Fastest from Rebellion Unplugged, a racing game of driving fast and dirty. Away from the cardboard and plastic, we also get time to talk Japanese mystery Strange Pictures by Uketsu, plus more chilling tingles with The Séance of Blake Manor from Spooky Doorway and Raw Fury. All that, and being asked if we’re really sure, on Ep235. 00:00 - Going to the Barbers 04:55 - Essen Spiel 2025 12:57 - Tax the Rich 15:41 - Night Soil 22:56 - Strange Pictures 30:19 - Joyride: Survival of the Fastest 47:00 - The Séance of Blake Manor On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Sam (@MrSamTurner), and our super special guest Rob Trounce of Zatu Games. Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about, our Steam Curator page collects every video game we’ve ever reviewed available on the platform, and our BoardGameGeek page does the same for every boardgame. And if you’d like to see what we’re up to between podcasts, your best bet is our Instagram page. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Coming in at the top of our newly-invented genre - mobile games to play while standing in a queue - is CMYK’s Wavelength, a perfectly-pitched adaptation of the tabletop game of the same name. If that weren’t enough, Cuh-Muh-Yuh-Kuh is also putting out Magical Athlete, a game with a solid pedigree, given a fresh lick of 80s illustrated school book paint, by way of a living legend of board games. But that’s not all the cardboard we have for you, oh no! We take a look at Wonderbow’s asymmetric game of hiding, chasing, and bluffing: Kelp - Shark vs. Octopus. And with scary season on its way, we thought it time to give our thoughts on the divisive Alien: Earth. All that, and shooting meatballs, on Ep234. 00:00 - A lovely weekend 03:12 - Helping Tucci find Italy 06:08 - Wavelength 17:29 - Magical Athlete 32:57 - Alien: Earth 50:05 - Kelp - Shark vs. Octopus On this episode were Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about, our Steam Curator page collects every video game we’ve ever reviewed available on the platform, and our BoardGameGeek page does the same for every boardgame. And if you’d like to see what we’re up to between podcasts, your best bet is our Instagram page. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Prepare thy brow, because it is about to be situated much higher than usual (when listening to this podcast at least). While it might not be from THAT game company, Sword of the Sea from Giant Squid continues its genetic lineage and - dare we say it? - improves upon its legacy in a multitude of ways. On the tabletop, Ravensburger’s latest spin on the modern board game classic is Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons and, yeah, it’s very VERY good. Plus a charming change of pace with some dinosaur pet pals, via the child-friendly BalaDino from Kiwizou. All that, and controversial (???) feelings about pumpkin spiced lattes, on Ep233. 00:00 - Underwhelming paintings 06:00 - Sword of the Sea 20:08 - Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons 39:36 - BalaDino 48:24 - Our Listener Question this episode is from Neil, who asks: what films are the chaps? On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about, our Steam Curator page collects every video game we’ve ever reviewed available on the platform, and our BoardGameGeek page does the same for every boardgame. And if you’d like to see what we’re up to between podcasts, your best bet is our Instagram page. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Feeling old? You might do after this episode. A classic old Nintendo series has had a big new twist, and it’s got us asking “is Mario Kart World made for us?”, plus heading back to the nineties with Humongous Entertainment and Mega Cat Studios and the re-release of Backyard Baseball '97. In case that weren’t enough old video games, there’s more action from Hamster’s Arcade Archives series, with a look at Namco’s Air Combat 22 and Aqua Jet. Away from the screens, over to the tabletop, and headed back in time to mythological Greece, Cyclades Legendary Edition from Open Sesame Games is another classic by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc that’s been given a loving restoration. Tired? Do what one of us has done, and treat your poor old back to a Herman Miller Mirra 2 Butterfly office chair. All that, and a dolphin in need, on Ep232. 00:00 - Lying to children is fine 08:24 - Mario Kart World 19:18 - Arcade Archives 2 Air Combat 22 and Arcade Archives 2 Aqua Jet 32:56 - the Herman Miller Mirra 2 Butterfly office chair 43:28 - Cyclades Legendary Edition 58:48 - Backyard Baseball '97 On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about, our Steam Curator page collects every video game we’ve ever reviewed available on the platform, and our BoardGameGeek page does the same for every boardgame. And if you’d like to see what we’re up to between podcasts, your best bet is our Instagram page. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

It’s all about games, games, games (and apples) on this episode. There’s a review of Jungo by Cocktail Games and thoughts on Agatha Christie's Death on the Cards from Modiphius, both of which got lots of outings in the most appropriate space for them: while on holiday. If you’re after a bit of virtual tourism and/or you reckon yourself handy with a DSLR then Matt Newell and Annapurna Interactive’s Lushfoil Photography Sim is very much for you, and if you want to live another life entirely (well, lots of lives, actually) then you’ll want to give Time Flies from Playables and Panic a go too. And after all that relaxation, you might need to get on with some work, in which case may we recommend you Focus Friend by Hank Green and Honey B Games. All that, and glass grenades, on Ep231. 00:00 - Apple updates 05:48 - Holiday games 10:56 - Agatha Christie's Death on the Cards and Jungo 17:26 - Time Flies 27:23 - Lushfoil Photography Sim 50:05 - Focus Friend On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), and Peter (@XeroXeroXero). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

In the running for the best film of the year is Weapons from Zach Cregger and co., providing truly unsettling horror without the typically gorey schlock. Maybe not podium material, but Marvel’s latest Fantastic Four flick First Steps is feeling like a return to form, plus lovely words about the lovely Ultimatch from Fireside Games, and OK Play from Big Potato Games forces us to consider a brand new award genre. All that, and ensuring there’s an “O” in the spelling, on Ep230. 00:00 - Recycling Barry 03:42 - Listener Question (thanks Damien!) 14:25 - The Silmarillion of Cider (Cider Country by James Crowden, fact fans) 18:09 - Weapons 38:38 - OK Play and carabiner games 42:20 - Ultimatch 46:44 - The Fantastic Four: First Steps On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey. Plus a barrel-thumping good Nintendo game, a stupendous release from Hamster Corporation, and Osprey’s brilliant Day of the Dead-inspired competitive card-placement game. All that, and saluting the flag, on Ep229. 00:00 - A weather report and holidays with Seal(s) 10:13 - Donkey Kong Bananza 22:40 - Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer 42:11 - Ofrenda 56:53 - Alternate uses for inventions On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Straight out of Japan - specifically Hobby Japan - comes Gibberers: The Word Game of Language Invention and Civilization Development, and it’s probably one of our favourite games? Like… ever. On the big screen we’re watching a man leap a building in a single bound, as well as a lot more, in the new Superman movie from James Gunn, and on a smaller screen we’re watching something King of the Hill fans will want to check out: Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects. All that, and the man from Del Monte, on Ep228. 00:00 - Pea Year Zero 06:58 - Gibberers: The Word Game of Language Invention and Civilization Development 21:37 - Superman 43:35 - Common Side Effects On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

On the anniversary year of The Chinese Room’s BAFTA-winning Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Kris sits down with creative visionary Dan Pinchbeck to talk about this ground-breaking walking sim. In an interview that covers a multitude of topics - full timecodes below - the two talk about the power of agency in games relating to character development, how the team was forced to include a feature that became their biggest regret, the sheer emotional force of Jessica Curry’s music, and much more. As you might expect, this interview contains major spoilers for Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, with minor spoilers also for Horizon Zero Dawn. 03:19 - Pushing the walking sim genre 14:30 - A butterfly’s life 18:05 - A very complicated spreadsheet 24:29 - Running the whole thing as a TV shoot 33:03 - The 1980s 35:00 - Secular sacred 42:00 - Favourite places On this episode were Dan Pinchbeck (@danpinchbeck and danpinchbeck.co.uk) and Kris (@DigitalStrider).Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com

We start the episode off with a Summer tradition, and - in a somewhat similar vein - we talk Hot Streak from CMYK. And we get all starry-eyed for Galileo Galilei from Capstone Games, plus take a walk through Kamurochō with SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Judgment. All that, and a strawberry sandwich, on Ep227. 00:00 - It's hot hot hot 10:17 - Judgment 27:11 - Hot Streak 42:24 - Galileo Galilei On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Tom Cruise and co are back for another unlikely operation in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and we, of course, have opinions. Over on the tablecloth, we’re letting The Sandcastles of Burgundy from Ravensburger wash over us, “enabling” others with Kinfire Delve from Incredible Dream Studios, and all the lovely stuff we got up to and saw at the biggest board game event in Blighty: UK Games Expo. Plus a smidge, just a smidge, of this little new device from some plucky upstarts at a company called “Nintendo”. All that, and an inspiring new desk, on Ep226. 00:00 - Stand Up 03:46 - UKGE 09:27 - Kinfire Delve 23:43 - A cure for snoring 30:06 - The Sandcastles of Burgundy 46:20 - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning 01:05:25 - The Nintendo Switch 2 On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Thousands and thousands (and thousands) of pages later, we’re ready to share thoughts on Kodansha’s wine and food manga The Drops of God. Over on the tabletop, we take a deep look at The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game from Office Dog Games, which effortlessly captures the spirit of The Lord of the Rings. Plus the only review you need of Libellud’s Harmonies. All that, and remembering to take care, on Ep225. 00:00 - Meeting famous people 09:04 - The Drops of God 26:36 - A new segment: Staying In life hacks! 29:45 - The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game 45:23 - Harmonies On this episode were Kris (@DigitalStrider) and Peter (@XeroXeroXero). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Don’t be a chicken; give our latest a listen. There’s a return to form for the MCU with Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, the lush board game adaptation of the video game which is a card game in Contention Games’ Slay the Spire: The Board Game, and the calming influence of Very Very LITTLE Studio’s Hidden Cats 3: Steampunk. All that, and delicate editing, on Ep224. 00:00 - Chicken? Kentucky Fried, Chicken? 04:37 - Thunderbolts* 25:02 - Hidden Cats 3: Steampunk 33:38 - Slay the Spire: The Board Game 53:43 - Blue Prince, again On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Let’s get fancy, shall we? First there’s talk of a lovely trip to Egypt (and talk of the less lovely “Pharaoh’s Revenge”), plus the supremely shmancy Nintendo Switch 2. Then it’s off to a murder mystery in the White House with thoughts on Netflix’s The Residence. Keeping within high society we’re rubbing shoulders with Dogubomb’s Blue Prince, and then it’s back to the more sandy landscapes for CMON’s Dune: War for Arrakis. All that, and too many towel changes, on Ep223. 00:00 - The Pharaoh’s Revenge 10:41 - The Switch 2 pre-order 19:26 - The Residence 36:34 - Blue Prince 48:21 - Dune: War for Arrakis On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

It’s all the twos on episode two two two, as two of us chat about… uh… two times two (four) big topics. The chaps talk about football (!!!) and why it’s so neat to go to events you might not normally attend. Back in much more familiar territory, we bring you a battle report from Salute 52; a miniatures wargames event run by South London Warlords. If that weren’t more than enough, then we’re also talking about the wonderfully wordy Landmarks by Floodgate Games, that combines vocab with map exploration to great effect (and may well lead to heated arguments between you and your friends, honestly). Plus Enigma Quest’s Escape Arcade is like a modern Crystal Maze you can explore (and hopefully escape). All that, and probably some more twos we haven’t thought of, on Ep222. 00:00 - Becoming a wine snob 06:42 - Football: it’s good, actually 14:52 - Landmarks 31:34 - Salute 52 46:01 - Escape Arcade On this episode were Peter (@XeroXeroXero) and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Head to the tabletop with us, as we review the piratical Captain Flip from PlayPunk, and the fiendishly family-friendly EXIT Kids: Riddles in Monsterville from Kosmos. Plus a dissection of what makes The Ultimate RPG Game Master's Worldbuilding Guide from James D’Amato such worthwhile advice to read. All that, and what Jurassic Park is really all about, on Ep221. 00:00 - The Thing 02:37 - Captain Flip 19:57 - The Ultimate RPG Game Master's Worldbuilding Guide 41:57 - EXIT Kids: Riddles in Monsterville On this episode were Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

It’s a bumper episode, so let’s get straight into it: we played so many games and saw so much stuff at AireCon, so Ep220 is all about it. There’s dexterity push-you-luck Strike, Witcher spin-off Gwent: The Legendary Card Game, the gorgeous Australis, nostalgic Divide & Conker, and smile-inducing board games like G.R.I.M. INC. and Things in Rings. And Fishing. And new hotness Daybreak. And incredible paints from Two Thin Coats. AND one of our favourite RPG experiences ever in The Ghost and Tales from the Loop. All that, and even more AireCon miracles, on Ep220. 00:00 - Best. AireCon. Ever. 13:23 - Strike from Ravensburger 18:34 - Gwent: The Legendary Card Game from Hachette 20:40 - Australis from Kosmos 23:43 - Two Thin Coats from Trans Atlantis Games 25:25 - The Ghost from Millie Lavelle and Tales from the Loop from Free League Publishing 36:55 - Divide & Conker from No Drinks On The Table 38:06 - G.R.I.M. INC. from Terror Toad 39:47 - Daybreak from CMYK 57:44 - Fishing from Rio Grande Games 01:04:21 - Things in Rings from Allplay On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

On the tabletop, us four oldies take to the battlefield with the deeply strategic and surprisingly accessible Battalion: War of the Ancients from Osprey Games, and dive beneath the waves in Pacifica from Thames & Kosmos. Meanwhile, in the courtroom, we take a look at Capcom’s shockingly generous compilation Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, and then pronounce judgment on Marvel’s latest, Captain America: Brave New World. All that, and getting some paint on the brush, on Ep219. 00:13 - A PVA glue subscription?! 07:35 - Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy 20:18 - Painting miniatures 23:23 - Battalion: War of the Ancients 40:05 - Pacifica 46:39 - Captain America: Brave New World On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Having your world turned upside down is one thing, but having a whole new dimension added? That's tough! The Plucky Squire from All Possible Futures digs into this idea with approachable puzzles and tricky action. Meanwhile Wizards Cup from Pandasaurus Games is a two player magical duel with gorgeous art and a tight little footprint. Speaking of footprints, Katmai: The Bears of Brooks River from Osprey Games has ones in the shape of bear paws, as grizzlies compete for the ultimate prize: fish (of course). And Medical Mysteries: NYC Emergency Room from Identity Games has us playing House, diagnosing patients cooperatively in a race against time. All that, and the perils of neat squash, on Ep218. 00:00 - Soup on the trousers and other stories 09:37 - The Plucky Squire 22:17 - Wizards Cup 38:00 - Katmai: The Bears of Brooks River 50:42 - Medical Mysteries: NYC Emergency Room On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.

Is Civilization from Avalon Hill and Gibsons Games still able to command 10 hours of your attention more than 40 years after its initial release? Can The Roottrees are Dead outdo Hypnospace Outlaw at Internet nostalgia and Return of the Obra Dinn at amateur sleuthing? Blending poker and heists, do we have a good enough hand to win The Gang? Are Ritz crisps? You have questions, and boy, do we have answers. All that, and a bag of cola, on Ep217. 00:00 - Putting on the Ritz 05:54 - Civilization 30:28 - The Roottrees are Dead 40:57 - The Gang On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.