Podcasts · Leisure

Board Game Hot Takes

Board Game Hot Takes

300 episodes

We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.

Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. Annoyances, Omissions, and More - Mailbag Episode #6

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 275

    In Episode 275 we return to the mailbag and answer a bunch of our listener's board game related questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 1:31 What are some of your go-to games for groups that have varying levels of…

  2. Galactic Cruise

    · 1 h 18 min · Episode 274

    In Episode 274 we give our hot take review on Galactic Cruise covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We cover a poll on board game productions and then discuss some games that…

  3. Hot Topic: Healthy(?) Competition

    · 57 min · Episode 273

    In Episode 273 we discuss competition and specifically what we think is healthy competition. We also discuss a poll about cheating in tabletop games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Poll Time: Have you ever…

  4. Top 5 Board Game Designers on Our Shelves

    · 59 min · Episode 272

    In Episode 272 we discuss the top 5 board game designers that are represented on our game shelves. 01:02 Corrections (Creature Comforts and Distilled: Cask Strength) 06:32 Poll: How does it make you feel when a…

  5. Cosmic Frog

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 271

    In Episode 271 we give our hot take review on Cosmic Frog covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also talk about some games that have been on our tables including Creature…

  6. Retro Board Games

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 270

    In Episode 270 we take a look at three retro board games that got us into the hobby with mini reviews of each - D&D Computer Labyrinth Game, Solarquest, and Guillotine. We also discuss a poll topic on how important it…

  7. BGHT CampCon Recap Part 2 (8 Games Discussed... and a Rant!)

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 269

    In Episode 269 we discuss all of the games (and many expansions) played during the second half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Government Camp, Oregon. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:24…

  8. The Game Makers

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 268

    In Episode 268 we give our hot take review on The Game Makers covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a listener question on best 2 player mid-weight Euro style games,…

  9. BGHT CampCon Recap Part 1 (8 Games Discussed)

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 267

    In Episode 267 we discuss all of the games played during the first half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Government Camp, Oregon. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 06:02 The Lord of the Rings:…

  10. Theme Driven Mechanisms

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 266

    In Episode 266 we discuss mechanisms and board games that were inspired by the theme they represent. Dave Beck (designer of Distilled and Luthier) also joins us for the discussion and gives us a sneak peak at the…

  11. Wyrmspan: Dragon Academy and What We Want in Expansions

    · 59 min · Episode 265

    In Episode 265 we review and discuss the Wyrmspan: Dragon Academy expansion. We also discuss what we look for in expansions and what usually makes great expansions for us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50…

  12. Stupor Mundi

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 264

    In Episode 264 we give our hot take review on Stupor Mundi covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on 'Take That' in board games, Chris gives us his 5 year…

  13. 5 Year Anniversary Celebration!

    · 1 h 33 min

    In Episode 263 we celebrate 5 years of the Board Game Hot Takes Podcast! Friend of the Show, Leanne, hosts an exciting board game and podcast quiz show for our hosts. Then we all (as well as several listeners) look…

  14. Moon Colony Bloodbath

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 262

    In Episode 262 we give our hot take review on Moon Colony Bloodbath covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on buying games without researching them and then…

  15. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2025 Edition (1-10)

    · 1 h 27 min · Episode 261

    In Episode 261 we wrap up the 2025 countdown of our 40 favorite Board Games of all time with choices 1-10. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:26 Chris #10 Terraforming Mars 07:20 Adam #10 Chaosmos 10:42 Tim #10…

  16. Top 5 Board Games with Dice

    · 1 h 11 min

    In Episode 260 Rolling Reggie joins us to talk about some of our favorite board games that use dice and why we love the dice mechanisms in those games. You can find Reggie's YouTube Channel here:…

  17. Confessions of a Casual Board Gamer

    · 50 min · Episode 259

    In Episode 259 our guest host, Danielle, answers our questions about her tastes, preferences, and feelings about the board gaming hobby as a casual board gamer. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Definition of a…

  18. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2025 Edition (11-20)

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 256

    In Episode 258 we continue the 2025 countdown of our 40 favorite Board Games of all time with choices 11-20. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Chris #20 Obsession 04:18 Adam #20 Stockpile 05:42 Tim #20 Lord of…

  19. Tigris & Euphrates

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 257

    In Episode 257 Mark Johnson from the Boardgames To Go podcast joins us to discuss Tigris & Euphrates covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on which modern era…

  20. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2025 Edition (21-30)

    · 1 h 42 min · Episode 256

    In Episode 256 we continue the 2025 countdown of our 40 favorite Board Games of all time with choices 21-30. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Chris #30 Outlive 05:09 Adam #30 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland…

  21. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2025 Edition (31-40)

    · 1 h 12 min · Episode 255

    In Episode 255 we start the 2025 countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Favorite Games of All Time - How we made our lists 07:25 Chris #40 Rats of…

  22. Top 5 Games That End Too Soon

    · 1 h 08 min · Episode 254

    In Episode 254 we discuss games that end a little too quickly. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:14 Race for the Galaxy 07:23 Newton 09:57 Pirates of Maracaibo 14:10 Mycelia 19:14 Fantasy Realms / Marvel Remix…

  23. Inis

    · 1 h 12 min · Episode 253

    In Episode 253 we give our hot take review on Inis covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on gamer types and then talk about some games that have been on our…

  24. Our Favorite Meeples

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 252

    In Episode 252 we discuss our favorite wooden figures (meeples) in board games. We also answer a listener's question on which games are great for asynchronous play on Board Game Arena. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction…

  25. Dinogenics

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 251

    In Episode 251 we give our hot take review on Dinogenics covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on favorite publishers and then talk about some games that have…

  26. Top 5 Publishers on Our Shelves

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 250

    In Episode 250 we discuss the top 5 board game publishers that are represented on our game shelves. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Top 5 Publishers On Our Game Shelves 06:44 Dire Wolf (Clank! Legacy, Clank!…

  27. Finspan

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 249

    In Episode 249 we give our hot take review on Finspan covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on favorite publishers and then talk about some games that have…

  28. BGHT PhoenixCon Coverage Part 2 (9 Games Discussed)

    · 1 h 20 min · Episode 248

    In Episode 248 we discuss all of the games played during the second half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Phoenix, AZ. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Gaia Project (with The Lost…

  29. BGHT PhoenixCon Coverage Part 1 (11 Games Discussed)

    · 1 h 20 min · Episode 247

    In Episode 247 we discuss all of the games played during the first half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Phoenix, AZ. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:59 Finspan 08:41 Clank! Catacombs…

  30. Missing (Board Game) Homework Assignments

    · 58 min · Episode 246

    In Episode 246 we look at the games that we feel obligated to play but aren't really excited about. The mandatory assignments that we've missed. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 The unfortunate required…

  31. Pirates of Maracaibo

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 245

    In Episode 245 we give our hot take review on Pirates of Maracaibo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on Legacy Games and then talk about some games that…

  32. Hot Topic: The BGG Top 100 is a Changin'

    · 59 min · Episode 244

    In Episode 244 we discuss the huge number of changes that have been happening to the Board Game Geek Top 100 and what this means for the hobby. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:23 BGG Top 100 Changes 11:02 Games…

  33. Dune: Imperium - Bloodlines

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 243

    In Episode 243 we give our hot take review on the latest expansion for Dune: Imperium, Bloodlines, covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game and discuss what we think is the best way…

  34. Top 5 Quirky Mechanisms

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 242

    In Episode 242 Steph Hodge joins us to discuss our top 5 quirky mechanisms in board games. You can find Steph's blog here: https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/3802/all-the-meeples-of-the-rainbow and her videos here:…

  35. On The Table Extravaganza!

    · 1 h 29 min · Episode 241

    In Episode 241 we each talk about 3 board games that we've played recently including Windmill Valley, Zoo Vadis, The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-taking Game, Captain Sonar and many more. Timestamps: 00:00…

  36. Hot Topic - When Board Games Get New Polish

    · 55 min · Episode 240

    In Episode 240 we discuss board games that have gotten a facelift. New productions, 2nd editions, and similar topics. We also discuss a poll about leaving game groups. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Poll…

  37. Top 5 (Otherwise Great) Games That Outstay Their Welcome

    · 1 h 17 min · Episode 239

    In Episode 239 we each talk about 5 board games that we love but can run a little longer than they should. We also discuss a poll on publicly discussing your board game interests. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction…

  38. Top 5 Board Games With Great Player Interaction

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 236

    In Episode 238 we each talk about 5 board games that have the types and level of player interaction that we really like. We also discuss a poll on whether complexity and price should have a correlation. Timestamps:…

  39. SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

    · 59 min · Episode 237

    In Episode 237 we give our hot take review on SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We announce some board game giveaways and…

  40. Hot Topic - Curating Board Game Setup

    · 55 min · Episode 236

    In Episode 236 we discuss the decisions you make around setting up a game to make it the best possible experience for your game group including things like changes you make after random setup steps, how you pick…

  41. The Guild of Merchant Explorers

    · 58 min · Episode 235

    In Episode 235 we give our hot take review on The Guild of Merchant Explorers covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on how tariffs might impact board game…

  42. Top 5 Overlooked Games (2015 - 2019)

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 234

    In Episode 234 we look back at some hidden gems from 2015-2019. We each name a game that doesn't get discussed much anymore from each of these years and talk about why they deserve more attention. We also discuss some…

  43. Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 233

    In Episode 233 we give our hot take review on Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss board game restaurants, pubs, and cafes…

  44. 2024 Lookback and Board Game Awards

    · 1 h 32 min · Episode 232

    In Episode 232 we take a look back at 2024 and discuss some of the great (and no so great) games we played last year. Some of them were even published last year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 3:20 Biggest Surprises…

  45. Rats of Wistar

    · 57 min · Episode 331

    In Episode 331 we give our hot take review on Rats of Wistar covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We share poll results on buying games with the intent to sell them at a…

  46. Mailbag #5 - Why we play, board games as art, and more topics

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 230

    In Episode 230 we return to the mailbag and answer a bunch of our listener's board game related questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 1:03 What draws you to boardgames and what do you get most of your hobby? Why…

  47. Top 5 Games we Only Played Once in 2024

    · 44 min · Episode 229

    In Episode 229 we look back at the games we played once for the first time in 2024. Great games and we want to play them more. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 1:58 Luthier 4:06 Lancaster 5:05 Clockwork Wars 6:18…

  48. Top 5 Board Games We Want To Play in 2025

    · 1 h 15 min · Episode 228

    In Episode 228 we look back at last year's list of games we wanted to get played and then we discuss the games that are top of mind we hope to get to try over the next year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Last…

  49. Fromage

    · 50 min · Episode 227

    In Episode 227 we give our hot take review on Fromage covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We share poll results on including expansions when you play your favorite games and…

  50. BGGCon 2024 Recap Part 3

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 226

    In Episode 226 we conclude our adventures at BGGCon in Dallas. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:54 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory 10:37 Black Forest 25:48 Dune 44:40 Skyrise 52:25 Can't Stop 57:53…

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