I absolutely relate to the purchasing games hobby, which I eventually turned into "curating my collection" hobby. It's a lot of fun! I bought and resold a lot of games in 2023, mostly because I was in a buffet state of mind, wanting to try and taste everything that was on most people's menu, but then culling agressively when the game wasn't perfect for me. We are lucky enough to live in a day and age where there are so many amazingly good games that we can afford disregarding every "okay game" outright. Life's too short! As a result, I've shortened my collection from 100+ to 23, and I never looked back. Choosing a game has become much simpler, and I got rid of many games that I couldn't bring myself to play - for a good reason. This has greatly diminished my paralysis linked to choosing a game for the evening. My suggestions for you this year: - Oathsworn is my favourite campaign game this year, and it's easy to solo with companions. As a writer, I imagine you'll enjoy the narrative/world building in the game, and the boss battler part is excellent. If you pick only one campaign game, play this one. - I personally love Halls of Hegra a lot. I'm not a fan of wargames, but this is a planning /crisis management game. It's also very difficult to win. One personal houserule I play with is that on the very first round/day I get at least three units during recruitment, otherwise the game is impossible. - Gaia Project is excellent, and is my recommend from your « shrink wrap » shelf. - Do indeed give Spirit Island another chance! Great mindset!
the only point in curating would be to make way for new incoming. sounds to me too much like buddhist "desire is suffering" phenomenon - unless you have something to fill those gaping holes in your kallaxes with 🙂
I, too, have learned to appreciate selling a game. I have a feeling I have quite a few on my shelf that will go, once I get around to playing them! Thanks for the input! I'm going to try to do some sort of content for all of those games this year
@@JAlanRykerGames you can easily sell off half those boxes and won't be missing any. Found a fantastic review of Journey. th-cam.com/video/Hdk7rYfg5BQ/w-d-xo.html got a few good laughs out of me
I got Dorfromantik myself this week. Played Darkest night 2, the one you have, hated it: too many parameters to set up. Any game you feel like recording is fine by me. I pretty much stopped buying crowdfunding games, only small things like Rove junior. Primal is on my wishlist as well. I recommend a plastic transparent storage box for keeping small boxes in, such as for Northwood. Otherwise you’ll lose them. I built a game called Habits. Check it out, you’re gonna love it. 36:16 I loved Newton. It sucks you in and is fantastic. Totally egoistical recommendation = What is Journey? - would like to see that unboxed and played. Never heard of the thing.
I do have a couple of those photo storage boxes that are so popular. I was keeping games in them, but I started using collectible card (baseball card) boxes because mine are almost all just things I've printed myself. Is this the game you made?: boardgamegeek.com/thread/3225462/wip-habits-2024-9-card-pnp-design-contest-componen I'll definitely check it out I'll take Newton and Journey as contenders. Journey: Wrath of Demons is supposed to be like Zombicide. I think a lot were printed and it didn't catch on, so I got it crazy cheap.
@@JAlanRykerGames the game I built. The designer made the game, I only added some corrections which he added. And on FB I've contacted him, super friendly dude. I played Newton once at a gamers's con (4 players) and won and it was a great experience. I'll check out Journey.
Something you said about Cloud Age really resonated with me. Thunderbolt Apache Leader initially looked interesting to me but I was put off by several videos. Then I watched Liz Davidson's 3- video series on Beyond Solitaire and it suddenly clicked. After getting and playing it, it's now one of my favorite games with LOADS of replayability and decision making! The moral of that story is: play Cloud Age and then you'll know if you like it or not; don't let those videos turn you off (I've never played it, so I can't speak to its game play)! I've spent a lot of time NOT playing games because I didn't think I'd like them, when there's only one way to find out if I will or not. Since you already own it, the only thing you have to lose now is the time spent learning and playing it.
Yeah, I've found you don't know until you try, and if you own it, like you said, you might as well try. I will get Cloud Age played this year. I have never played or owned a Leader game though it's at the top of my wishlist. I need to research which to get
@@JAlanRykerGames The only one I've played is Thunderbolt Apache Leader and I can't get enough of it. I keep telling myself I'll get Sherman Leader too but every time I start looking for it I get excited about playing and just put Thunderbolt on the table again LOL
@@solomarvelchampion that's the best, when a game you currently own keeps you from buying another. I think Thunderbolt Apache Leader is probably the one I'll eventually get
I'm really interested in the solo skirmish pdf games. I want to find a point-of-entry for those kinds of games that doesn't require me selling my kidney on the black market. If you need a tie-breaker, and one of the options is under $5, that's my vote! Fields of Normandy looks really interesting. Since you have a perspective on it, I would absolutely watch a video of top 5 solo pdf games under $5!
oh that's a good idea... How have I never thought of it, I'm so--frugal. Fields of normandy 2 will definitely be getting to the table this year. I'd like to show alternatives to expensive miniatures for skirmish games, because with inflation getting out of control, especially for freight, I think making the game at home is something more people should consider. I 3d print, but I also have some other methods... I'm going to see about making a video or even series to talk about this. I'm glad to hear there's interest. Thank you SO MUCH for the input!
That's a really good way to keep things organized and the buying under control. I've also been cutting back on buying physical games until I get most of the ones I own played first. And I also fell down the cheap/takes up no space pdf rabbit hole! It really helps the craving to buy something new :) I would love to see you play four against the darkness sometime.
I've had weeks where the drivethrurpg and wargamevault deal of the day emails have me buying a game almost every day. it's bad when it gets to a point where you're saying, "Oh thank goodness, a game I'm not interested in." I'm pretty proud of my 4AD systems, and it's one of those games that is simple but people don't know where to start with the overwhleming amount of material, so you're definitely going to see that this year!
Thank you again for a very interesting video! I saw you skipped over Horrified. I find that to be a very good medium filler. It is easy to get out and I find it to be a bit light but very enjoyable. and always enjoy seeing the card with Abbott & Costello on it.
Thank you for your comments! So I had to record the walkthrough twice, and I even had to cut a lot from the second time, though I was consciously trying to say less because it was so ridiculously long, but Horrified has slipped a bit because of Alien Fate of the Nostromo getting some of its plays. I agree, though, that it is a really good game, and I do really enjoy how much modularity there is with how the monsters change the game. Maybe it'll go on vacation with me next time instead of Alien
My suggestions/interests ordered by name-length: Xia Fallout Dark Souls Dawn of the Zeds Imperium Horizons Masters of the Universe Hoplomachus: Victorum 😊
Thank you! I'm going to try to get all of these. I was waffling a bit on Fallout, but with its previously bad rep from the competitive version and needing to mix in atomic bonds to play coop/solo, I've been convinced
I found your list very interesting and almost an adventure of exploration but then because of it I have many comments and questions but on I have been wanting to ask is Have you seen Paupers Ladder? That is a very interesting medium dungeon style crawl game. I suspect you might enjoy. I have it on the table now after about a year of not.
You skipped over Eldritch Horror and Arkham Horror is there a reason? I just played Arkham and that made me realize I need to get Eldritch to the table again. I find it very interesting going to the places and checking the cards what happens next. I think they are both a solid system
Where is Mage Knight? WHERE IS IT??? I can't accept that you can table oathsworn or gloomhaven: Jaws of the lion (which I 100% suggest as well) and don't have space for MK 😂. Among the rest, resist will be too good of a filler and I think you ll also find Xia super interesting.
haha hey, do you see all the games I need to play, still in shrink! One thing I'm waiting for is to hear what people think of Elder Scrolls before dedicating to which to buy. Some people are calling it an evolution, some are saying they're not that similar. Are you getting it? If so, I'm going to be interested in hearing how you think it compares
@@JAlanRykerGames Yeah -- I''m a CTG slut. I have all of TMB and will have pledged for all of Elder Scrolls. You'll predict that I will say there is room for both, but I understand the reluctance to buy one while the other is in development, given the similar adventure-tactics themes.
Dont be intimidated by Dungeon Degenerates! It's a lot simpler than you might think in terms of the basic round structure. There's a bit to it in terms of side rules, but it's such a narrative forward experience, forgetting one isnt thecworst crime!
that's a good point, and I have mostly come to terms with the fact that if the game doesn't put a reminder to apply a rule in my face, I'm going to sometimes forget it
You know I already shot gameplay footage, but it was too bad to use. So you're right, I need to get it to the table! Also, I'm going to use those minis for a super hero skirmish game, probably Super Skirmish Gaming (or another by that publisher), to try to put those expensive minis to more use! preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/409525/Super-Skirmish-Gaming
“Spreadsheets only increase fun; they never decrease fun.” My new favorite quote.
I absolutely relate to the purchasing games hobby, which I eventually turned into "curating my collection" hobby. It's a lot of fun! I bought and resold a lot of games in 2023, mostly because I was in a buffet state of mind, wanting to try and taste everything that was on most people's menu, but then culling agressively when the game wasn't perfect for me. We are lucky enough to live in a day and age where there are so many amazingly good games that we can afford disregarding every "okay game" outright. Life's too short! As a result, I've shortened my collection from 100+ to 23, and I never looked back. Choosing a game has become much simpler, and I got rid of many games that I couldn't bring myself to play - for a good reason. This has greatly diminished my paralysis linked to choosing a game for the evening.
My suggestions for you this year:
- Oathsworn is my favourite campaign game this year, and it's easy to solo with companions. As a writer, I imagine you'll enjoy the narrative/world building in the game, and the boss battler part is excellent. If you pick only one campaign game, play this one.
- I personally love Halls of Hegra a lot. I'm not a fan of wargames, but this is a planning /crisis management game. It's also very difficult to win. One personal houserule I play with is that on the very first round/day I get at least three units during recruitment, otherwise the game is impossible.
- Gaia Project is excellent, and is my recommend from your « shrink wrap » shelf.
- Do indeed give Spirit Island another chance! Great mindset!
the only point in curating would be to make way for new incoming.
sounds to me too much like buddhist "desire is suffering" phenomenon - unless you have something to fill those gaping holes in your kallaxes with 🙂
I, too, have learned to appreciate selling a game. I have a feeling I have quite a few on my shelf that will go, once I get around to playing them!
Thanks for the input! I'm going to try to do some sort of content for all of those games this year
@@JAlanRykerGames you can easily sell off half those boxes and won't be missing any.
Found a fantastic review of Journey.
th-cam.com/video/Hdk7rYfg5BQ/w-d-xo.html
got a few good laughs out of me
I got Dorfromantik myself this week.
Played Darkest night 2, the one you have, hated it: too many parameters to set up.
Any game you feel like recording is fine by me.
I pretty much stopped buying crowdfunding games, only small things like Rove junior. Primal is on my wishlist as well.
I recommend a plastic transparent storage box for keeping small boxes in, such as for Northwood. Otherwise you’ll lose them.
I built a game called Habits. Check it out, you’re gonna love it.
36:16 I loved Newton. It sucks you in and is fantastic.
Totally egoistical recommendation = What is Journey?
- would like to see that unboxed and played. Never heard of the thing.
I do have a couple of those photo storage boxes that are so popular. I was keeping games in them, but I started using collectible card (baseball card) boxes because mine are almost all just things I've printed myself.
Is this the game you made?: boardgamegeek.com/thread/3225462/wip-habits-2024-9-card-pnp-design-contest-componen
I'll definitely check it out
I'll take Newton and Journey as contenders. Journey: Wrath of Demons is supposed to be like Zombicide. I think a lot were printed and it didn't catch on, so I got it crazy cheap.
@@JAlanRykerGames the game I built. The designer made the game, I only added some corrections which he added. And on FB I've contacted him, super friendly dude.
I played Newton once at a gamers's con (4 players) and won and it was a great experience. I'll check out Journey.
Looking forward to a year of T5SG material!!
Thank you! I feel really motivated to both play games and make content after making this list. Very glad to have you along for the ride!
Something you said about Cloud Age really resonated with me. Thunderbolt Apache Leader initially looked interesting to me but I was put off by several videos. Then I watched Liz Davidson's 3- video series on Beyond Solitaire and it suddenly clicked. After getting and playing it, it's now one of my favorite games with LOADS of replayability and decision making! The moral of that story is: play Cloud Age and then you'll know if you like it or not; don't let those videos turn you off (I've never played it, so I can't speak to its game play)! I've spent a lot of time NOT playing games because I didn't think I'd like them, when there's only one way to find out if I will or not. Since you already own it, the only thing you have to lose now is the time spent learning and playing it.
Yeah, I've found you don't know until you try, and if you own it, like you said, you might as well try. I will get Cloud Age played this year.
I have never played or owned a Leader game though it's at the top of my wishlist. I need to research which to get
@@JAlanRykerGames The only one I've played is Thunderbolt Apache Leader and I can't get enough of it. I keep telling myself I'll get Sherman Leader too but every time I start looking for it I get excited about playing and just put Thunderbolt on the table again LOL
@@solomarvelchampion that's the best, when a game you currently own keeps you from buying another. I think Thunderbolt Apache Leader is probably the one I'll eventually get
Terminator is great. Very straightforward. Give it a try
I'm really interested in the solo skirmish pdf games. I want to find a point-of-entry for those kinds of games that doesn't require me selling my kidney on the black market. If you need a tie-breaker, and one of the options is under $5, that's my vote! Fields of Normandy looks really interesting.
Since you have a perspective on it, I would absolutely watch a video of top 5 solo pdf games under $5!
oh that's a good idea... How have I never thought of it, I'm so--frugal.
Fields of normandy 2 will definitely be getting to the table this year.
I'd like to show alternatives to expensive miniatures for skirmish games, because with inflation getting out of control, especially for freight, I think making the game at home is something more people should consider. I 3d print, but I also have some other methods... I'm going to see about making a video or even series to talk about this. I'm glad to hear there's interest. Thank you SO MUCH for the input!
I agree that not enough people know about Monster Lands - it's good fun
Usually, you can kind of see what went wrong, but it has great art, is usually available at a great price, and is so much fun!
That's a really good way to keep things organized and the buying under control. I've also been cutting back on buying physical games until I get most of the ones I own played first. And I also fell down the cheap/takes up no space pdf rabbit hole! It really helps the craving to buy something new :)
I would love to see you play four against the darkness sometime.
I've had weeks where the drivethrurpg and wargamevault deal of the day emails have me buying a game almost every day. it's bad when it gets to a point where you're saying, "Oh thank goodness, a game I'm not interested in."
I'm pretty proud of my 4AD systems, and it's one of those games that is simple but people don't know where to start with the overwhleming amount of material, so you're definitely going to see that this year!
@@JAlanRykerGames Haha I know that feeling! "Oh good, there's no sale"
Awesome, looking forward to it!
Great video, very recognizable! Greetings from another content creator ☺!
Thank you! Nice to meet a fellow solo game content creator!
Thank you again for a very interesting video! I saw you skipped over Horrified. I find that to be a very good medium filler. It is easy to get out and I find it to be a bit light but very enjoyable. and always enjoy seeing the card with Abbott & Costello on it.
Thank you for your comments! So I had to record the walkthrough twice, and I even had to cut a lot from the second time, though I was consciously trying to say less because it was so ridiculously long, but Horrified has slipped a bit because of Alien Fate of the Nostromo getting some of its plays. I agree, though, that it is a really good game, and I do really enjoy how much modularity there is with how the monsters change the game. Maybe it'll go on vacation with me next time instead of Alien
My suggestions/interests ordered by name-length:
Xia
Fallout
Dark Souls
Dawn of the Zeds
Imperium Horizons
Masters of the Universe
Hoplomachus: Victorum
😊
Thank you! I'm going to try to get all of these. I was waffling a bit on Fallout, but with its previously bad rep from the competitive version and needing to mix in atomic bonds to play coop/solo, I've been convinced
Hoplomachus victorum! Love that. 😅
It's so good! I've never been as addicted to playing just one more round as with Hoplomachus Victorum
I found your list very interesting and almost an adventure of exploration but then because of it I have many comments and questions but on I have been wanting to ask is Have you seen Paupers Ladder? That is a very interesting medium dungeon style crawl game. I suspect you might enjoy. I have it on the table now after about a year of not.
I heard about Pauper's Ladder from Dungeon Dive, and I do think it's my type of game. I just haven't gotten it yet. Hopefully soon!
I'm hoping to get GI Joe Deck Building on my table. I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts of it are, if it makes it to your list.
And it doesn't seem like it wouldn't be too difficult to squeeze in...
You skipped over Eldritch Horror and Arkham Horror is there a reason? I just played Arkham and that made me realize I need to get Eldritch to the table again. I find it very interesting going to the places and checking the cards what happens next. I think they are both a solid system
No real reason. There are just very hard choices being made! But, I'll consider those votes, thank you
Where is Mage Knight? WHERE IS IT??? I can't accept that you can table oathsworn or gloomhaven: Jaws of the lion (which I 100% suggest as well) and don't have space for MK 😂. Among the rest, resist will be too good of a filler and I think you ll also find Xia super interesting.
In another video, he said that he didn't own Mage Knight because he plays Paladin's Oath on Steam instead, iirc.
@@lithracSolo Hey there. I know, the one about table size. Hence the exaggeration with caps and I also justified why I find that excuse a bit silly 🤣😋
@@blindGuardianGR I get you! Even at 1st degree you're completely right though, because of how awesome Mage Knight is!
Don’t be so absolute. Everything is subjective. I don’t like MK.
@@kosterix123 can't argue with that. He owns a lot of deckbuilding games he enjoys, though, so imo it would probably fit 🤷🏻♂️
Too Many Bones
Seriously, I know you'll love it.
haha hey, do you see all the games I need to play, still in shrink!
One thing I'm waiting for is to hear what people think of Elder Scrolls before dedicating to which to buy. Some people are calling it an evolution, some are saying they're not that similar. Are you getting it? If so, I'm going to be interested in hearing how you think it compares
@@JAlanRykerGames Yeah -- I''m a CTG slut. I have all of TMB and will have pledged for all of Elder Scrolls. You'll predict that I will say there is room for both, but I understand the reluctance to buy one while the other is in development, given the similar adventure-tactics themes.
Dont be intimidated by Dungeon Degenerates!
It's a lot simpler than you might think in terms of the basic round structure. There's a bit to it in terms of side rules, but it's such a narrative forward experience, forgetting one isnt thecworst crime!
that's a good point, and I have mostly come to terms with the fact that if the game doesn't put a reminder to apply a rule in my face, I'm going to sometimes forget it
More marvel zombies!
You know I already shot gameplay footage, but it was too bad to use. So you're right, I need to get it to the table! Also, I'm going to use those minis for a super hero skirmish game, probably Super Skirmish Gaming (or another by that publisher), to try to put those expensive minis to more use!
preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/409525/Super-Skirmish-Gaming