Play Games, Lose Friends

Ken and Ryan give a slew of first impressions for a bunch of small-box games they've picked up and played in the last few months, and there are a couple favorites in the bunch. Ryan's absolutely hooked on Dune: Imperium's digital implementation (including the new Rise of Ix expansion) and Ken continues to place in the top of his Lorcana league. The guys also highlight their top five releases that are at Essen Spiel this year and Ken continues to amass more and more to his already massive collection!Games DiscussedDune: Imperium - Rise of IxKnarrFarawayThe Vale of EternityPikitAggretsuko: Work/Rage BalanceVisit 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. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show!

After putting it off for far too long, the guys finally play Dune: Imperium and kick themselves for not trying it sooner. Ken shares Delta with the game group, a crowdfunded hand and resource management title from 2023, and the guys share their first impressions. Ryan's Tichu redemption arc starts, and Ken informs on the fact that they may not have been playing by the rules at all! Some interesting purchases are discussed in the backed/bought section, including some impressive discount finds by Ken, and a certain hype-train title that Ryan just couldn't ignore any longer.Games DiscussedDune: ImperiumDeltaTichuVisit 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. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show!

Ken, Ryan, and the rest of their game group pulled off a game day with five new titles! Ryan was chewing his nails in a close race of Thunder Road: Vendetta, while Ken experienced a Marvel Villainous game he didn't quite bargain for. Ryan was also happy to get Distilled to the table, while Ken introduced the group to an all-time classic trick taker in Tichu. Many beers and Ham Slammies were consumed, and much fun was had. Listen to hear the tale!Games DiscussedThunder Road: VendettaPower PlantsMarvel VillainousDistilledTichuVisit 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. Please subscribe for more episodes, and leave us a review if you like the show!

Fifty episodes and still going strong! Ryan and Ken finally get to crack open two much-anticipated Leder Games titles in Root and Ahoy and first impressions are discussed. The guys played two games of 3000 Scoundrels and share their thoughts. Ken brings home the gold in his first Star Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the Galaxy tournament, and Ryan picks up Kutna Hora: The City of Silver and gives it a go. The guys also pick their top five upcoming releases from the BGG GenCon preview. Enjoy!Games DiscussedRoot: A Game of Woodland Might and RightAhoy3000 ScoundrelsDisney LorcanaStar Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the GalaxyThe Crew: Mission Deep SeaKutna HoraVisit 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!

Summer is in full effect, and the sweltering weather has driven Ryan and Ken indoors to slam some games! Expeditions gets the official review treatment and the guys are joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games to talk about all things Stonemaier, as well as Jamey's journey to game designer, publisher, and entrepreneur. Some upcoming Stonemaier titles are discussed, and more goodies, so listen and enjoy!Games DiscussedBosaFit to PrintDisney LorcanaExpeditions

The boys are back with some new plays, including the infamous Food Chain Magnate! After putting it on his shelf nearly two years ago and being intimidated by it, Ryan got it on the table and the game group ate it up. Ken provides a big Disney Lorcana update, including some once-in-a-nerd's lifetime luck with Enchanted cards. A recently fulfilled Kickstarter game, Mercurial, gets some play and the guys expand on why this one didn't click for them. Ken's been shopping and Ryan picked up a new smallbox game they love!Games DiscussedFood Chain MagnateMercurialDisney Lorcana

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!

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!