Podcast
Board Game Hot Takes
Hosted by Board Game Hot Takes · EN
We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (31-40)
3d ago01:25:56Tap to summarizeIn Episode 309 we start the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:41 Reforest03:42 Ada's Dream05:53 Rats of Wistar08:57 March of the Ants - Evolved Edition11:33 Brass: Birmingham14:26 Yokohama17:36 Thunder Road: Vendetta22:30 Reforest23:28 Crokinole25:52 Rebirth27:37 Echoes of Time29:07 A Feast for Odin33:27 Rising Sun35:00 Biohack36:43 Revive39:10 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire42:50 Soothsayers46:02 Godspeed49:16 Stupor Mundi53:40 Robot Quest Arena54:29 Splendor: Duel58:22 Clans of Caledonia1:02:18 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization1:03:45 Thunder Road: Vendetta1:06:06 Boast or Nothing1:08:11 Survive the Island1:11:27 Outlive1:15:44 Keyflower1:18:54 SpaceCorp: 2025-2300AD1:22:33 Clank! In! Space!If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at:https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (41-50)
1w ago01:22:54Tap to summarizeIn Episode 308 we start the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 41-50.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:50 Anachrony06:31 Spirit Island09:44 Let's Go To Japan13:56 Harmonies16:12 Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game17:32 Maracaibo20:31 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization22:02 Masters of Renaissance: Lorenzo il Magnifico The Card Game24:19 Biohack27:05 Azul28:51 Pax Pamir 2nd Edition30:50 Cascadia33:45 Woodcraft36:10 Speakeasy37:53 Emberleaf42:39 The White Castles Duel44:55 Revive47:30 The Guild of Merchant Explorers50:48 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game53:51 Xenon Profiteer55:08 Nemesis1:00:16 Voidfall1:02:41 Star Wars: Rebellion1:03:59 Robot Quest Arena1:06:41 Slay the Spire: The Board Game1:11:39 High Society1:12:49 Smartphone, Inc.1:15:51 Tzolk'in The Mayan Calendar1:17:54 Age of Galaxy1:19:57 Cthulhu: Death May DieIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at:https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →2026 Mid-year Board Game Roundup
2w ago00:50:31Tap to summarizeIn Episode 307 we reflect on the year of 2026 in board gaming at this mid point to talk about some of our favorite (and most disappointing) board games and experiences so far.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction1:30 Which game do you want to take on a 2nd date after your first play in 2026? (Speakeasy, Off With Their Heads, Ada's Dream)4:33 Which games hit the table more than any other this year? (Azul, Darwin's Journey, Obsession, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Tapestry, Formaggio, Captain Flip, Sea Salt & Paper, The White Castle Duel, Boast or Nothing, Dune: War for Arrakis, Manhattan Project: Energy Empire, Unicorn Fever)07:47 What game's production and art has impressed you the most over the last 6 months? (Echoes of Time, Speakeasy, Dune: War for Arrakis)13:28 What was your biggest surprise and biggest disappointment? (Steam Power, Reforest, The Old King's Crown, Earthborne Rangers, Aquaria, Tag Team, Amalfi: Renaissance)22:36 What has been your most reliable introductory board game? (Flip 7, Ticket to Ride: San Francisco, Azul, Subjective, Lords of Vegas, Manhattan Project: Energy Empire )28:50 Which 10+ years old title did you first discovery this year? (Thurn and Taxis, Parade, Medici: The Card Game, Biblios)33:50 What's currently at the top of your wishlist? (Dawn of Madness, Everdell: Emerland, Entropy)38:22 What's a creator, podcast, or channel that made your year better? (Punchboard Cathedral, Winner's Bias, Board Game Hangover)45:00 What's your favorite episode you've created this year?If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Amalfi: Renaissance
3w ago00:47:45Tap to summarizeIn Episode 306 we give our hot take review on Amalfi: Renaissance covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on kingmaking and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Unicorn Fever and Parade and Chris covers his first impressions after unboxing Dawn of Madness.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:22 Poll Time: Kingmaking Decision07:56 Amalfi: Renaissance Description09:47 Gameplay and Mechanisms20:27 Production and Theme25:41 Final Thoughts32:37 Unicorn Fever39:10 Dawn of Madness Unboxing Thoughts43:32 ParadeIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at:https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →A Barrage of Board Game Topics - Mailbag #8
Jun 1501:05:17Tap to summarizeIn Episode 305 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction2:28 For what game do you prefer the digital implementation? What game do you refuse to play digitally?11:48 At what point do you decide to buy a game?20:52 How often do you get nostalgia for games you haven't played in many years?26:32 Are there any goals for the pod over the next 5 years?33:34 Has having the podcast taught us anything we didn't know about ourselves?36:41 What legacy game would we want to play next?42:25 What are some tips for teaching a complex game without a 30 minutes rules explanation?48:35 If there's a game that your fellow hosts need a head start on what would it be?51:54 What is one board game you'd like to see made into a movie or show?56:53 If you can invite one guest onto the podcast, who would it be and what would you ask them?1:01:10 What's your favorite game mechanic written in the form of a haiku or limerick?If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Emberleaf
Jun 801:12:46Tap to summarizeIn Episode 304 we give our hot take review on Emberleaf covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on anthropomorphic animals in board games and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Dune: War for Arrakis and Blueprints and Chris discusses his excitement about finally receiving (after 8 years) his crowdfunded Dawn of Madness.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:22 Poll Time: Anthromorphic Animals?09:11 Emberleaf Description11:30 Gameplay and Mechanisms31:27 Production and Theme39:44 Final Thoughts47:48 Dawn of Madness50:56 Dune: War for Arrakis1:04:27 Blueprints1:11:25 Listener ShoutoutIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at:https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →BGGCon Spring 2026 Recap
Jun 101:10:24Tap to summarizeIn Episode 303 Tim discusses all of the games played during his recent weekend at BGGCon in Dallas.We also discuss a poll related to making friends at board game conventions.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll Time: Have you ever made friends at a board game convention?09:28 BGGCon Spring12:42 Coming of Age24:15 Underwater Cities: Data Era28:23 The White Castle Duel34:58 SETI: Space Agencies39:02 Moon Colony Bloodbath40:37 Encyclopedia44:14 Lacrimosa44:49 Vantage46:46 Formaggio50:01 Everdell: Silverfrost57:01 The Gang1:01:59 Lightning TrainIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Tabled! Loads of Recent Games Played
May 2501:06:14Tap to summarizeIn Episode 302 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also discuss a poll on how many games you get played in an average session.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:37 Poll Time: How many games do you get played in your regular game sessions?07:55 Emberleaf17:38 Off With Their Heads!25:35 Tag Team34:04 Postcards41:30 Euphoria: Essential Edition54:46 Soothsayers1:03:44 Listener ShoutoutIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Lacerdafiable - Speakeasy vs. Kanban EV
May 1801:11:20Tap to summarizeIn Episode 301 we feature two games by Vital Lacerda: Speakeasy and Kanban EV. We also discuss a poll on heavy games and include our final thoughts on heavy games in general and whether Vital Lacerda is a designer we want to revisit.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:53 Poll Time: How many board games do you own that are rated over 4.0 weight on Board Game Geek?12:43 Speakeasy Description14:10 Gameplay and Mechanisms31:55 Production and Theme37:33 Kanban EV Description39:13 Gameplay and Mechanisms51:56 Production and Theme55:40 Final Thoughts1:08:56 Listener ShoutoutIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at:https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →Episode 300 - The Best of BGHT
May 1100:59:25Tap to summarizeIn Episode 300 we reflect on doing the show for so long and share tons of our favorite clips from the history of the show.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena Community: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=11417205Join our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/vMtAYQWURd
Transcribe →