Vox Republica: Podcast Of The Cardboard Republic

Episode 105: Low Down Dirty Cheaters Length: 47:43 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 30 - 40 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about Extra Life efforts and the games that made the table before diving into the idea of what actually constitutes cheating in a game. Then we review One Night Ultimate Werewolf. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Captains of Industry by Tasty Minstrel Games Dominion by Rio Grande Games Euphoria by Stonemaier Games Robinson Crusoe by Floodgate Games Scoville by Tasty Minstrel Games FATE Core by Evil Hat Games Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games Saboteur by Mayfair Games Magic: the Gathering by Wizards of the Coast Codenames by Czech Games Edition Rhino Hero by HABA Games QUICK TOPICS: The Vox is switching to a bi-weekly format. We explain why. We also recently participated in Extra Life, the

Episode 104: You Can't Resist Us Length: 54:03 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: This week, Ryan and Erin discuss the nature of episodic game content release models before having on the talkative folks of Cardboard Fortress and their little game called Resistor.  GUEST: Anthony Amato and Nicole Kline RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress Vault Wars by Floodgate Games Ghost Stories by Asmodee Editions Entropy by Rule & Make QUICK TOPICS: The recent week saw a wide array of responses after word that T.I.M.E Stories planned on releases quarterly episodic scenario content while only having one within the base game. We debate what it means for the hobby. FEATURED TOPIC: It's Resistor time! We have on the designers of the October Spotlight game and get a little carri

Episode 103: Spooky Gaming Length: 55:40 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: It's almost Halloween, and for many, that means spooky game sessions. We dive into the pros and cons of horror in gaming, including some of our own horror-based games of choice. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Viceroy by Mayday Games Cacao by Z-Man Games Resistor_ by Cardboard Fortress Cthulhu Realms by Tasty Minstrel Games New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games QUICK TOPICS: After seeing it discussed a few times, Erin and Ryan navigate through the often-tricky topic of expectations and distractions and how to handle them when planning a game day. FEATURED TOPIC: Halloween, more than any other holiday, always gets gets a big reception from the gaming community, in no small part because of the level of horror games out there. We explore that relati

Episode 102: Gaming On A Budget Length: 25:23 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: These days, you can't turn a corner before hearing about some great new game title, but most of us can't simply buy every single one that catches our interest. Luckily there are alternatives. Erin and Ryan talk about how to find games when you're on a tight budget. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Vault Wars by Floodgate Games Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games New York 1901 by Blue Orange Games QUICK TOPICS: Game conventions and gaming news used to go hand-in-hand. Not anymore. We reflect on why this has happened and why it may actually be a good thing overall. FEATURED TOPIC: Compared to most hobbies, board gaming is fairly cheap, but it can still add up. We explore ways you can play and attain games without breaking the bank,

Episode 101: We've Been Sabotaged!  Length: 41:03 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 25 - 35 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Vox Republica 101. Has a nice ring to it, no? In this lesson, we recount our recently played games before chatting briefly about the Essen games convention and the release of Pandemic Legacy. Then, we launch our first audio review segment with the hidden role game, Saboteur. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Star Trek: Five Year Mission by Mayfair Games Nevermore by Smirk and Dagger Games Steampunk Rally by Roxley Games Saboteur by Mayfair Games QUICK TOPICS: In case you missed it, Essen 2015 is in full swing by now. We aren't able to go, but Ryan did a guest spot on the Whose Turn Is It Anyway podcast talking about three games he'd check out if he were there, and one he feels will be overrated. (You can hear him around the 38:43 mark.)

Episode 100: The Big One Oh Oh Length: 33:13 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: It's crazy to think, but 100 episodes! Whoo hoo! To celebrate, Ryan and Erin talk a bit about some recent games played before diving into a mailbag of questions from all of you! Thanks for all the support! To celebrate, we're giving away a game! GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Barony by Asmodee Editions Outer Earth by Paul Tseng Volt by Nazca Games QUICK TOPICS: None FEATURED TOPIC: 100 episodes! We strap on the party hats and open up the mailbag to answer questions from you, the listeners! These include topics like: Comparing the early episodes to now - and to the future Lessons learned and experience gained Our favorite moment(s) of being at the CR And more! Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, we are doing a games giveaway, and we've made it s

Episode 099: The Spirit Of Spirit Island Length: 35:03 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin touch base about the games they've busted out lately before bringing in R. Eric Reuss, designer of the reverse colonialism game Spirit Island. He walks us through the evolution of Spirit Island, from the initial concept through the version we see today. GUEST: R. Eric Reuss RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Baseball Highlights 2045 by  Eagle & Gryphon Games Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games Portal by Cryptozoic Entertainment The Great Dinosaur Rush by APE Games QUICK TOPICS: Not two weeks after the announcement that Fantasy Flight announced the acquisition of Legend of the Five Rings, word has come out that they will be discontinuing their own LCG, Call of Cthulhu. FEATURED TOPIC: We are guided by the creator of Spirit Island on the

Episode 098: BFIG, The Big Friendly Indie Giant Length: 29:33 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: We're back from our hiatus! We jump right in to the major news about the sale of L5R before heading on down to our recap of this year's Boston Festival of Indie Games! GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: World's Fair 1893 by Foxtrot Games / Renegade Games Seven7s by Eagle & Gryphon Games Trambahn by Lookout / Mayfair Games QUICK TOPICS: It was recently announced that AEG is selling Legend of the Five Rings to Fantasy Flight Games. We share our reaction and what we know so far. FEATURED TOPIC: We made our annual trek to the Boston Festival of Indie Games.  Notable changes and growth of BFiG 2015 Our favorite pick of the convention Some of the more innovative games at the show Games we got to play while in attendance PLUGS: On Thu

Episode 097: Going Gaga for HABA Length: 36:54 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Before disappearing for our annual two week Vox break, Erin and Ryan briefly chat about some upcoming games we're previewing before sitting down with Lea Culliton of HABA USA. Yay HABA! GUEST: Lea Culliton RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: The Networks by Formal Ferret Games GemPacked by Pencil First Games Mysterium by Portal Games Mysterium: Motive Cards by Portal Games Everything Except Air by Caroline Berg QUICK TOPICS: We touch upon the news that due to legal issues and geographical limitations, Martin Wallace's Treefrog Games will stop distributing games directly. The Vox will be taking its annual two week hiatus after this week, but we'll be back soon. We promise! FEATURED TOPIC: We sit down with HABA USA President Lea Culliton and chat about a host of top

Episode 096: Big Box, Big Problems Length: 27:03 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about Vassal's Law and the myriad troubles that come with running extra long games. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Codenames by Czech Games Edition Mysterium by Portal Games Mascarade by Asmodee Shadowrift by Game Salute Forbidden Stars by Fantasy Flight Games QUICK TOPICS: We briefly address the topic of 'Vasel's Law' FEATURED TOPIC: Massive, expansive and lengthy Big Box games can be a lot of fun...but they’re also a lot of commitment, in time, energy, and table space. We over up some tips on how to make your giant game day run smoothly, including: Plan ahead. Give yourself a solid block of time to run them without other schedules. Include extra time for pauses in game and to teach new players. Make sure everyone knows ahea

Episode 095: The CR At Gen Con 2015 – Part 2 Length: 1:19:52 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: The Cardboard Republic goes to Gen Con! In part two of a two part series, Erin, Ryan, Dave, and Sean talk about what the hyped games and sleeper hits of Gen Con were, a rundown of various publisher info we saw, indie games of note, and what our favorite game of Gen Con 2015 was. GUEST: David Gordon and Sean McNamara QUICK TOPICS: A quick topic in a Gen Con recap? Don't be silly. Move along. FEATURED TOPIC: The CR goes to Gen Con 2015! Here is a breakdown of the topics being discussed in Part Two: 00:41 The New Hotness Games of 2015 07:45 The Sleeper Hits of the convention 21:07 Our mega recap of various publishers' new and upcoming games we saw first-hand in the hall 1:04:43 Indie / upcoming games we checked out at Gen Con - plus a few we

Episode 094: The CR At Gen Con 2015 - Part 1 Length: 54:13 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: The Cardboard Republic goes to Gen Con! In part one of a two part series, Erin, Ryan, Dave, and Sean talk about general Gen Con experiences, tabletop games of note, and what we got to demo. GUEST: David Gordon and Sean McNamara RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Mysterium by Portal Games Codenames by Czech Games Edition Sheriff of Nottingham by Arcane Wonders Telestrations After Dark by USAopoly L5R Siege Clan War by AEG QUICK TOPICS: A quick topic in a Gen Con recap? Don't be silly. Move along. FEATURED TOPIC: The CR goes to Gen Con 2015! Here is a breakdown of the topics being discussed in Part One: 00:30 Games We've Been Playing 06:59 Gen Con 2015's growing attendance, the pros and cons of increased scope, and the first impressions from a Gen Con

Episode 093: Ready Player Two  Length: 26:47 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk Gen Con, Gen Can't, and the pros and cons of two-player games. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Ninja Camp by Action Phase Games Stockpile by Nauvoo Games Heroes of Metro City: Sidekicks & Storylines by 3Some Games Ghost Stories by Asmodee QUICK TOPICS: Not going to Gen Con? You're not alone. Get involved with the GenCan't movement! It's a fan-made celebration of gaming for all those unable or unwilling to attend the convention. This is complete with a number of contests and prizes. We're even donating to it ourselves with a King of Tokyo Draccus promo monster! Check out the GenCant website and follow the Twitter hashtag #gencant to follow along! For those who are heading to Gen Con, our Indie Cavalcade is going strong! If you’re

Episode 092: Can I Make A Suggestion? Length: 41:28 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about suggesting games for other people. What factors are important when you’re recommending a game to someone for the first time? And...what happens if they don’t like it? GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Elder Sign by Fantasy Flight Games Stockpile by Nauvoo Games Darkrock Ventures by Gamelyn Games QUICK TOPICS: The new Magic: the Gathering board game The launch of our new YouTube channel FEATURED TOPIC: When you play enough games, people starting asking you for recommendations. How can you make ones that they will enjoy? How to make good game suggestions? Our quiz can help! What factors to consider when making your recommendation? Length Weight / Type Theme Rules Audience Experience PLUGS: We now have a Cardboard R

Episode 091: Arkham’s Finest - An Interview with Richard Launius Length: 48:20 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk via phone to Richard Launius, the designer behind Arkham Horror, Elder Sign, Defenders of the Realm, and more. GUEST: Richard Launius RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Suburbia by Bezier Games North Wind by Z-Man Games Darkrock Ventures by Gamelyn Games Seven7s by Eagle-Gryphon Games Francis Drake by Eagle-Gryphon Games Thunder Alley by GMT Games QUICK TOPICS: This week's review is Hyperborea by Asmodee FEATURED TOPIC: Richard Launius talks about designing Arkham Horror, the pitfalls of being a designer on Kickstarter, and ways the game industry has changed since he first publishedgy no longer line up? Special shout out to Ravenwood Castle in there, too!    We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or

Episode 090: Min Maxing Vs Thematics When you sit down to play a game, is your first instinct to find the most optimal strategic path to winning, regardless of what the game is thematically attempting, or do you try to play within the spirit of the game? Length: 42:26 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Erin and Ryan talk about the adventurous idea that is 504, the most recent wave of game industry controversies, their light week of gaming before going into the hands-on philosophy of playing with, versus playing against, the game. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Murano North Wind QUICK TOPICS: Much ado about nothing regarding a poorly researched Telegraph article about gaming The announcement of 504 Board Gaming Financial Turmoil Troubles We reviewed Lift Off! LENGTHY TOPIC: Breaking A Game Vs The Spirit Of The Game Not always m

Episode 089: Eduardo Baraf The focus on our June Indie Spotlight game, Lift Off, continues to roll on. And what's better to that end than hearing about how the game came to be straight from the designer himself. Length: 53:13 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: This week's episode has Ryan sit down with Lift Off and Siblings Trouble designer Ed Baraf to discuss how the game was created, the experience of getting it made, and what lies in store next for Pencil First Games. Before that, though, we get a little reminder about the relative complexities of Gateway Games. GUEST: Eduardo Baraf RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: 7 Wonders Lift Off! Loop, Inc. QUICK TOPICS: Just a few days left in the Lift Off game giveaway Also, there's our written Q&A with Ed as well. LENGTHY TOPIC: Interviewing Ed Baraf What led to the creation of Lift Off? Its

Episode 088: Con Season Anticipation We're smack dab in the middle of summer convention season, and lots of new games are everywhere. Which ones have caught our attention? Let's find out. Length: 27:49 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: From Unity to Essen, PAX East to BGGCon, convention season is a year-round endeavor. Yet we're smack dab in the middle of the most active part of the year, with dozens upon dozens of new games being unveiled. With Origins behind us and Gen Con ahead of us, Erin and Ryan share some of their top games they want to check out this summer. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Lift Off! Loop, Inc. Baseball Highlights 2045 QUICK TOPICS: We reviewed Samurai Spirit LENGTHY TOPIC: The new games of summer 2015 Which games of conventions prior had a game or two of note? Which games of Origins and Gen Con 2015 ar

Episode 087: The Problem With New Hotness Hype The new hotness. It's a very real effect in the gaming hobby, and it has exploded right alongside the interest in gaming. But what type of effects does it truly have, and who is driving it? Length: 33:50 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: After recapping a handful of the 2015 Origins winners, Ryan and Erin discuss whether the positives and negatives of gaming hype, including the inherent issues of new hotness blindness and how diversifying game coverage can help. GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Cash N' Guns Yggdrasil Suburbia Tzolk'in Lanterns QUICK TOPICS: We go over a few of the Origins 2015 winners LENGTHY TOPIC: The nature of 'new hotness' hype Are there positive aspects? If so, what are they? What factors drive the new hotness effect? The effect on the normal consumer Gaming

Episode 086: MegaGames Imagine a game that's one part model UN, one part LARP, and one part classic tabletop RPG. That's pretty much what you get with a MegaGame. We recently took part in one, and we're here to tell you all about it. Length: 42:40 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every Thursday, with each episode being about 20 - 30 minutes long. DESCRIPTION: Ryan and Erin start off with a recap some of their more recently played games before they and guest Mackenie Cameron to dive into the world of MegaGames. Mack recently ran one in Boston called Watch The Skies, which Erin got to partake in. Combining elements of simulation games, wargames, LARPing and pen & paper RPGs, they and 50 or so other people gathered for the event. We share what it took to get that off the ground and how it all turned out in the end. GUEST: Mackenzie Cameron RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES: Watch The Skies Volt Suburbia Magic: The Gathering