Play Games, Lose Friends

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.

Have you ever crowdfunded a game, waited over a year for fulfillment, bust the shrink once you get it, and then drool a little as you marvel at your new toy? And then promptly shelve the game and wait eagerly for your first play? Yea, we thought so, and welcome to the club. Ryan and Ken commiserate over their current top 5 games they really, REALLY want to play from those shelves, despite the constant deluge of the newest hotness. Ryan dives back into crowdfunding projects despite it all, and Ken somehow has nothing backed currently!?! The guys recap their latest play of The Old King's Crown, and further their deepening love for this upcoming hit. Listen in for more goodness and thanks for joining us!Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | InstagramGames DiscussedThe Old King's CrownPotion ExplosionTrekking Through HistoryUndaunted: North AfricaRyan's Top 5Honorable mention: Hansa TeutonicaWar of the Ring: The Card GameICEOath: Chronicles of Empire and ExileFrosthavenFood Chain MagnateKen's Top 5Honorable mention: Ark NovaAmerican Psycho: A Killer GameEncyclopediaMy Father's WorkAhoyExpeditionsVisit 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.

Ryan and Ken sit down by the castle hearth and chat with Pablo Clark from Eerie Idol Games, lead designer and artist on an upcoming Kickstarter campaign that has both very excited. Pablo shares with us his experiences in designing the game, inspirations of his unique and stunning art style, and shares some details about the upcoming campaign on October 24th, 2023 (go back it!). Ryan started backing some more games, and Ken hasn't been playing much lately... but that didn't stop him from buying and backing!Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | InstagramGames DiscussedThe Old King's CrownTapestryCodenames: DuetEverdell: New LeafEverdell: MistwoodSea, Salt & PaperDeep Rock GalacticVagrantsongVisit 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 finally sit down and hash out where on the doll the Eurogames hurt Ken. A Lorcana update helps give an inside view on the pandemonium that has been afoot, and both Ken and Ryan had some separate game time with family and friends and lots of new teaches. Ryan continues to struggle to conquer the Dark Tower, while Ken scored some sweet deals on some modern lightweight classics. Lastly, the guys tease a preview for next episode, when we interview Pablo Clark, lead designer and artist for The Old King's Crown!Games DiscussedDisney LorcanaReturn to Dark TowerLong Shot: The Dice GameThe Great SplitHungry MonkeyDeep Rock GalacticTerra MysticaAge of InnovationThe Old King's CrownSagradaThe Crew: The Quest for Planet NineWorld of Warcraft UnshackledSuper Mega Lucky BoxPeacemakers: Horrors of WarBattlecrestToleranceVisit 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.

Ken is taking the plunge into Lorcana through a new league he's joined, and the guys talk about what that means for Ken's time and wallet. Ryan's sick of being burned by crowdfunding and so the inevitable discussion ensues on the merits for, and detriments against, Kickstarter and its ilk. Lots of games were played thanks to an ADGD (All-day Game Day), so listen in and find out which! Games DiscussedDisney LorcanaLands of GalzyrAgricolaICEArboretumMage KnightWar ChestHungry MonkeyCockroach PokerCheating MothsVerdantTiny TownsFortMoonrakers: Titan EditionSuper Mega Lucky BoxShifting StonesRegineVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Ken and Ryan and their game group have started a new narrative campaign game for the second half of 2023, and Ken brought Lands of Galzyr to the fray. The guys discuss first impressions of the narrative-driven gameplay, and dive into what makes a campaign game great for them. A Tapestry contest winner gets announced, and there's quite the list of games played!Games DiscussedLands of GalzyrThat's Not a HatNidavellir with Idavoll expansionDealtMediumMindbugIlliteratiAlien ArtifactsThe Crew: Mission Deep SeaMy ShelfieDoomlingsLinkoColorettoAnimatedTaco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Yep, still alive, and still recording! Ryan and Ken are back to discuss their long played list as summer gets underway and game time starts becoming even more of a luxury, planned around vacations and activities. The guys explore a fun topic, discussing why we're more prone to play lots of new games once or twice rather than a single title a dozen times or more. Ken's been buying and backing, but the length of the list may surprise you. And our Tapestry expansion giveaway contest is coming to a close, listen in to get your entry in now!Games DiscussedMystic MarketDire WildsSagradaEarthIlliteratiTiny TownsReturn to Dark TowerStardew ValleyRes ArcanaBirds of a FeatherThe Road to CanterburyMystic ValeParksVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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 had a game day! And then several game nights... This is what happens when no recording happens for a full month. But hey, that's more games to cover! A full lineup gets discussed, and there's a surprise hit in the mix. Ken has all of Tapestry, and all of Tapestry got to the tabletop to be played. First impressions are laid down, but neither Ryan or Ken feel like it's time for a review as the game is sooooo massive. Both have been good boys when it comes to purchases, but there's still some crowdfunding going down. And guess what? A NEW GIVEAWAY! Listen for more details!Games DiscussedTapestryFall of the Mountain KingTournament FishingThe WolvesWar ChestSplendorFrosthavenNidavellirCat in the BoxMindbugIlliteratiTaco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Want to know more about Mindbug and the Kickstarter campaign for Mindbug Beyond? Well look (and listen) no further, as Ryan and Ken bugged the mind (enough puns, please) of lead designer Marvin Hegen! Marvin dives in and gives an overview of the active campaign, what folks can expect from the new standalone sets, and regales us all with his tales of meeting a childhood game design idol in Richard Garfield, who later became a co-designer himself. Sit back, put on your tinfoil hat, and enjoy!Games DiscussedMindbug: First EncounterMindbug: Beyond EternityMindbug: Beyond EvolutionVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Looking to get someone else into the hobby you hold so dear? Ryan and Ken give their top 5 intro games, and manage to span a whole bunch of board game mechanics in the process. The guys review a great intro game in Draftosaurus, and talk about why it's so approachable. Ryan finds some joy in War of the Ring: The Card Game, but not as much as he expected to. Ken slowed down the crowdfunding but still has some acquisitions, and finds a fatal flaw with the Meadow: Downstream expansion. We finally confirm that Ryan is indeed smarter than Ken!Games DiscussedDraftosaurusArboretumWar of the Ring: The Card GameDealt!The Mirroring of Mary KingRise or FallKen's Top 5 Intro ListDominionPoint SaladLove LetterSushi GoLittle TownRyan's Top 5 Intro ListQuacks of QuedlinbergCodenamesSplendorSuper Mega Lucky BoxTicket to RideVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Ryan and Ken are graced by the Wyrd wonder Kyle Rowan! The guys pick Kyle's brain about the masterpiece that is Vagrantsong, and find out Kyle and Ken have more in common than anticipated. In addition, Vagrantsong gets a formal review, and after a long hiatus (yes, we suck), a long list of played games gets released, as well as a whole bunch more acquisitions to the collections.Games DiscussedVagrantsongMage KnightSkytear HordeAlmanac: The Crystal PeaksAlmanac: The Dragon RoadAlienSpace ExplorersGoblin VaultsWayfindersAnachronismKing of TokyoColorettoDealt!TapestryDoomlingsThe Four HumoursVisit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!Visit 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.

Ryan and Ken wrap up their top 50 games of all time, and cover 25 through 1 of the list. There are more crossovers than we predicted, and some real surprises in the top 10 for both.  Check it out, and hit us up with your opinions on the lists. Enjoy!Visit 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.