Just love the balance Braiden brings to the team! Meanwhile, Carlo and Dylann were already such a great pair with their distinct tastes. Well done, friends!
Thanks so much, Ted! We really appreciate all your support and comments and your presence in the discord. And running the AYCB BGA tournaments too! And totally agree on Braiden! -Dylann
I really love the diversity of tastes and styles in these lists. Dylann focuses in on the mechanics and experince of it all, while Braiden zeros in on the social aspects, then Carlo brings seems to view things from a competitive standpoint. It really makes a rich tapestry of oppinions. It makes these videos so enjoyable to watch. Thanks for another year of awesome table top discussion.
Thanks! Yeah the variety in our favourite games and our tastes is something that makes our gaming sessions and gatherings great as well, we play all kinds of games!
I’m at the stage where my favourite games are the ones that make it to the table with friends that aren’t all at the same level of enthusiasm/experience. Not necessarily gateway games but ones where they don’t get discouraged when I take out the rule book. I love how your top 50 includes a lot of those brilliant easy to learn but still strategic games. You guys are fun to watch and I have come to really trust your reviews. Happy new year fellow Canadians! :)
@@curtisrobinson7962 I would say the ones that make it the most often in my duffel bag : For 2: Schotten Totten / Battle Line Patchwork Splendor Duel Lost Cities For more: The Crew Deep Sea Wizard So clover Just One No thanks I have more complex games that I take out with specific groups.
Thanks for your lists guys! I got Just One as a Christmas family game and we loved it! I used your recommendations to get Quest for El Dorado and Patchwork this year. Also so excited to add Lost Cities roll and write and Azul to my game shelf this month - board games are so fun!!!
Great lists as always. Personally it’s interesting to see how my own tastes have changed so much throughout the years. There are some constants (euros), but I’ve really moved away from some genres (deck building, dungeon crawlers), while gravitating towards others (dice placement, push your luck)
Great video and great choices! Please please please get rid of that countdown timer though. It’s a long form, slow chill video. I dont think a countdown adds anything to the video but creates a sense of urgency in what’s supposed to be a chill video.
Loved watching your top 50 (going to be honest I binged it in the last 2 days). Great dynamic with the 3 of you and im eager to watch some more of your content. I’m also a huge knizia fan and haven’t played modern art! So I will go watch your play through. Appreciate the content guys and keep it up!
I got bit by the gaming (and collecting games) bug right around the time you did your first Top 50, and this was the first channel I came across and really connected with (and still my favorite). I love your humor and your warmth; love the channel and the Discord. Braiden has been a wonderful addition to the team! In earlier days, Keyflower was always in the background of the videos and I was just enamored by the cover. So pretty! I still know nothing about the game. I should make a point of learning that on BGA (as I've said/thought about a gazillion other games). Wishing you all a blessed 2024!
Thank you so much for the kind words ☺️. And Keyflower has been really fun. I actually just played it for the first time yesterday! Definitely one to watch out for 👍🏻. Thanks for watching! - Braiden
Braiden wins. He has decrypto highest in his list, and he also has two of my other favourite games (so clover and just one). I'm now going to rewatch all of his reviews so youtube shows you those parts were viewed the most.
Biggest surprise is the decline of A Feast for Odin! Always love the variety in your top 50 lists - the mix of old and new games as well as gateway/party and heavier games. So glad to see Carcassonne getting a mention in the top 10. My husband and I played it 2 player this week and had a great time as always. I find it hard to rank games like So Clover and Just One (which I love!) against heavier games like Castles of Burgundy because they're all fantastic but so different, so it's nice to hear about what you all consider when going through the ranking process. I still need to try Keyflower - maybe this year! I'm also interested in Caesar's Empire, which reminds me a bit of Concordia. Have you played Caesar's Empire at 2 player? That's my main player count so I'm wondering if it's worth getting or if it needs 3-5 players to shine.
I have now played Caesar's Empire at all player counts. I think it's best with 4 or 5 (not sure which I prefer), still great with 3 but a noticeable step down, and it was okay with 2 but if that's the only count you'll play it at it's tough to recommend buying it before trying it. It works fine with 2 but it doesn't shine. - Carlo
Alright Dylan I can agree with you on the kingdom builder but this time Im with Carlo on this one with the estates and for it to reach that high after so little plays really says something. Well fellas thanks for another year of content, the top 50 was great.
Great video guys! The game that was a big hit for 2023 with my family was a surprise for me because it is a cheap game but everybody loved it and it was the Mind and 2nd was Codenames. My favorite solo game is actually Dicey peaks which isn't a solo game but I turned it into one with my own rules to make it solo.
The only game i have played from this top 10 is Azul, Im gonna check out So Clover, Modern Art, For Sale, Kingdom Builder, and Caeser's Impire more to see if i would want to by them.
So glad y’all added Braiden so I have someone to relate to ;) Kidding of course! But I love the diversity of the list. I would LOVE to play some BOTC with y’all sometime! - Max
Nice video. Never seen your channel before. It seems like my gamer profile matches better with Braiden and Dylann, but that's only because I hadn't heard of a several of Carlo's games. :)
Great to see the love given interactive euro games on this channel. As a long-time boardgamer (first-day member of BGG), I've seen the zeitgeist of the hobby move away from tight, interactive games to multi-player solitaire designs. But you guys are kickin' it old-school with this channel. An older game you guys would love is Santiago. It's long out of print, but well worth tracking down in the used market. It's right up you alley - auctions, tile-laying, intense, cut-throat interaction, the rules are only a few pages long and it plays in a little more 60 minutes. Guaranteed it would make your top 50 list in 2024.
Oh yeah, when I did my 8 Grail Games video on the channel 2-3 years ago I had Santiago on there and unfortunately I still haven't found a copy but I'm really eager to play Santiago. And thanks for the kind words about our channel! - Carlo
@@AllYouCanBoard Just watched the video. I have Santiago, LotR the Confrontation (both the original compact version and big-box revised edition), Glory to Rome (black box), El Grande (original Hans im Gluck edition with expansions), and Euphrat & Tigris (original Hans im Gluck edition with the Doris Matthaus art). I also have Ra, Samurai, and Through the Desert. All purchased new at publication. I see you've already picked some of them up. But if you're ever in Calgary (attending FallCon?) drop me a line and you can try them out.
I think Carlo's list is the one that is most aligned with my taste! That being said, I can't believe you have T&E and Babylonia but not Y&Y on your list! I was wondering if you have not tried it yet. Also, if you like Renature, I highly highly recommend you to try Mexica. I think they have some similarities but Mexica has a bit more strategic value (?) Although I do love the neutral trees in Renature XD.
I haven't played Y&Y yet but we're expecting a review copy of the new reprint, Huang, at some point in 2024 so we'll try that and then talk about it on the channel. I've also heard good things about Mexica but I have a feeling I'm going to prefer Renature. - Carlo
Enjoyed the lists and fun editing! Decrypto is great. Like Carlo, it sat on my shelf for awhile. And Like Braiden, I have trouble describing it lol ;). I end up just playing a tutorial round to teach it. Thanks and keep up the good work. cheers
My Top-10 2023': 10. Nemesis 10* Nemesis: Lockdown 9. Brzdęk! Nie drażnij smoka - pokochałem tą grę od samego początku 9*. Brzdęk! Katakumby 9*. Brzdęk! Raban w próżni - jeszcze bardziej dopracowana wersja Brzdęka 9*. Brzdęk! Legacy 9*. Brzdęk! Katakumby 8. Diuna: Imperium - ta gra świetnie odzwierciedla klimat Arrakis i całej DIUNY 7. Wiedźmin: Stary Świat + dodatki - o jak mi ta gra się spodobała i pozytywnie mnie zaskoczyła, naprawdę czuć w niej KLIMAT Wiedźmina 6. Mage Knight - świetny klimat, świetny świat, po prostu Mage Knight !! 5. Anachrony - bardzo fajnie pomyślany świat i klimatyczna gra 4. Łowcy A. D. 2114 - o jaka ta gra jest klimatyczna i dopracowana… 3. Etherfields - klimat tej gry, mechanika i piękne grafiki urzekły mnie... 2. Scythe - klimat tej gry jest genialny... Świetnie odzwierciedla klimat konfliktu... 1. Bonfire
Nice list! Looks like you really enjoy a good adventure game. I really want to try out Nemesis Lockdown to see how it compares to the original. Thanks for watching! - Braiden
I got 12 of those. As 2-player, Carcassonne is still my number one. I share Carlo's opinions about the depth of the game. Suprises? Maybe Dylann's top 10 suprised me the most. He has some nice games on his list. Even if Feast for Odin lingers 🙈 I believe TZAAR, Cuzco and Through the Desert (both as 2 or 4p, not 3p) would have been on my current top 10. Tried them?
Great top list series guys, I truly love watching these videos ;). Two questions (spoilers below): . . . . 1) Have you ever tried Race for the Galaxy with the Alien Artifacts expansion? 2) Do you play old Agricola (with the expansion) or the new revised set?
1 - no, not yet, but I want to. 2 - in person I've always played with my original 2007 copy, no Farmers of the Moor expansion, just some extra card decks for variety. But on BGA it's the revised edition. Thanks for watching! - Carlo
I've been playing games for a long time and Carcassonne is still a super solid game. Easy to teach and transport, quick to play and surprisingly strategic for something that is so simple.
In that case, I just want to be one of the data point to say that Brass L is far more superior than Brass B. Espeacially, our gaming tests is quite similar in the aspect of leaning toward cleaner, more cut throat interaction vibes. (Keyflower/ agricola fans here 🙋) Also other 2 that I think you guys would love to try are Ginkgopolis and Age of steam. These 2 are beasts! Will be your 10/10 defiently 🤣
They said that Frosthaven and Gloomhaven 2nd Edition will likely NOT be digital. Too many changes in Frosthaven (and ported to Gloomhaven 2E) for the developers to add to the existing app and I'm not sure their interested in another big, expensive Software Development project.
To each their own, I respect differing opinions but I have to outright disagree with you on Ares Expedition being more advanced. It might have more rules and a board so it looks more advanced, but the board serves no purpose and the nuance in the strategy is severely lacking compared to Race for the Galaxy. The game feels more on-rails from the start, I found most of the cards and combos to be too straightforward and boring. Plus, it takes way too long for what it is, you can play Race like 5-6 times in the time it takes to play Ares Expedition once. There are tons of people who have logged hundreds and even thousands of games of Race for the Galaxy, I don't think the same can be said for Ares Expedition (I know it's much newer so maybe not a fair comparison there but I don't think we'll hear much about this game 3-5 years from now, while Race has endured for almost 20 years already). Thanks for watching and commenting! - Carlo
I commented on another video that I was thinking of buying Ceasar’s Empire and here I was reading the rules while it was mentionned in this top 10 😂 It’s really simple but there is no luck so I think it will be a hit with my family.
@AllYouCanBoard Frosthaven fills the Dungeons and Dragons need, mixed with the RTS/Towerdefense building I'm nostalgic for. I'd give it a 8.5/10. Take my walls away, and I'll jump from one.
My favorite game is Ra - one of my first two games (the other is Samurai) that I bought when I first got into the hobby around the turn of the century. So there may be something to the argument that we gamers have a 'first purchase' bias, given our sentimental attachment to the entry game and possible nostalgia for those initial plays.
SPOILERS . . . . . Here are your top games that I’ve played (plus my ranking): SANTORINI (D: 9, B: 9, J: 309) Haven’t played with god powers yet; apparently that makes the game way better. AZUL (D: 8, J: 213) My favourite in this series is Queen’s Garden, which feels nothing like the others. But each game is very good. FOR SALE (B: 7, J: 283) I like how this game has two parts. For some reason I can’t remember the rules so I have to relearn it every time! 😄 7 WONDERS DUEL (D: 6, J: 282) I would like to try this with the expansions. I had a bad experience with the seesaw, because that takes away from the point salad nature of the game (the only cards available to my opponent made them win). I think adding a new win condition would help. KINGDOM BUILDER (B: 6, J: 263) This game is decent but uninspiring to me; maybe I need to try some expansions. LIBERTALIA: WINDS OF GALECREST (D: 5, J: 362) I have played both the original and the sequel. I agree with your friends that the sequel is better. My game tastes have changed a bit and I’m not sure this level of player interaction is something I look for these days. DECRYPTO (B: 5, J: 197) Only tried this once in Montréal. Want to play again! CARCASSONNE (C: 5, J: -) I played this with a couple who played it every week (before I started logging plays, which was why it wasn’t ranked). I got destroyed because they had the tile distribution memorised. I didn’t like how solved it felt. SO CLOVER (B: 4, J: 210) Tried once and it was good quick fun! Not usually a party game fan but this one is decent! HANSA TEUTONICA (C: 4, J: 166) I have balance concerns, and it’s a bit competitive, but the gameplay is enjoyable! CASTLES OF BURGUNDY (D: 3, J: 109) Need to play this more to see how much I like it. Seems fun from my one play of it. A FEAST FOR ODIN (D: 2, J: 119) I am astonished that this isn’t number one! Great game! JUST ONE (B: 2, J: 233) I agree that this is the most approachable game ever. People who hate games will play this! RACE FOR THE GALAXY (C: 2, J: 305) I have only played this once and it was very late at night. Want to try it again when I’m capable of thought. 😄 AGRICOLA (C: 1, J: 138) I need to play this more as well, but I played Caverna a few times last year and it was really good, and I’m told they’re similar.
I should qualify that my rankings were not based on “which is the better game” but rather “which would I rather play at time of ranking”. My top 10: 10. AGE OF INNOVATION (Gaia Project, Terra Mystica, Terra Nova). I took a 7-year break from the series, but Gaia Project roped me back in, and Age of Innovation is now my favourite of the series! 9. BEYOND THE SUN. Love the tech tree, production, and dice placement! 8. WAYFARERS OF THE SOUTH TIGRIS. Everyone on Instagram was disappointed in this game but I think it’s great! My most played game last year. Excited to try Scholars! 7. THE GALLERIST. My only Lacerda so far, but hopefully not my last! 6. CRYSTAL PALACE. This is higher player interaction than I usually like, but maybe it’s the economic aspect I find intriguing. 5. BRASS: BIRMINGHAM. New to my list. Enjoyed this a lot. 4. AUTOBAHN. This is like Ticket To Ride got an Ivy League scholarship! Promotion similar to Carnegie. 3. YOKOHAMA. The first time this hasn’t been my number one since I started doing these lists! Still a great game and I never say no to a game of it. 2. BLACK ANGEL. Love the interconnected mini-games, and the art is absolutely my aesthetic (gorgeous!). 1. UNDERWATER CITIES. Always high on my list but it’s just so interesting. You can add complexity with the expansion if you want, but it’s not so intimidating that people won’t give it a try. Beautiful original theme. I like how it’s different depending on what you get dealt.
Played my copy of Modern Art for the first time recently and we loved it. I added a mini wooden easel for the auctioned card which everyone though came with the game ☺. I need to revisit Hansa Teutonica.
Looking to your lists i think Concordia and Power Grid should be great hits for you all. Have any of you tried them? I have enjoyed watching you guys. You seem to have tastes similar to mine in general. Keep playing!
I believe Carlo has played Powergrid but I don't want to speak for him. I personally have always wanted to try Concordia. Thanks for hanging with us! - Braiden
first time I watched a video on your channel... and probably last time :) considering how different my taste is from yours. Anyway, thank you for the quality of the video and the nice editing
Hmm, tough to say because I haven't played them all yet. Generally there are 2 separate routes that people will recommend: 1. The first arc (the 3 expansions in Expansion & Brinkmanship, which are Gathering Storm, Rebel vs Imperium, and Brink of War). I've played the first 2 from there and although they add a bunch of awesome cards, they also add some mechanisms too (some I like and others I'm indifferent towards, not sure I'd play with all the expansion rules/modules each time). 2. Alien Artifacts (just this expansion on its own) but without the Orb. This option is less popular than option 1, maybe because it was released later, but this one once you remove the Orb (which sounds awful and out of place for this game) is basically just a whole bunch of cards being added. Haven't tried this one myself but I have a feeling I'll end up preferring this over option 1 if I had to guess. Option 1 changes the rules of the game more - goals for players to compete over, more intricate military stuff, etc. I guess to increase player interaction, but I think it's a matter of preference. Option 2 is the safer bet because you really can't go wrong with more cards... but if you get AA I don't think you can combine other expansions with it. I could be wrong though. Sorry, kind of all over the place, I wish I could give a more specific recommendation. I hope this helps! - Carlo
We have, we actually did a video a while ago comparing all 4 Azul games, here it is: th-cam.com/video/dxSkdJHAE7Q/w-d-xo.html Even though Sintra is my least favourite of the 4, all the Azul games are good. Thanks for watching! - Carlo
Agricola is in my top 10 and the card drafting puts it over Caverna for me easily. Always makes me sad when people say they prefer Caverna. I need to check out some of the other card decks than the base set, though.
Even without the drafting, just being dealt a random hand of cards is so much more satisfying than having the exact same assortment of buildings available each game like in Caverna. - Carlo
Other than 2-player only games? Hmmm, I'd say Race for the Galaxy, Carcassonne, Renature, Babylonia, The Quest for El Dorado, Ginkgopolis, Santorini, Nusfjord, Hallertau, Le Havre... these are all really good with 2 players.
Oh yeah, it's best with 3 for sure, but then I'd actually say it's next best with 2. I like it least with 4 because you don't get many turns and the randomness of the tile draw can feel more impactful.
Libertalia is really reeeeally good AND FUN BUT I just simply prefer Mission Red Planet (at 3 players) and Citadels (at all player counts) over Libertalia... I own all three, but... yeah its less spicy (aka mean, interactive) and more rulesy thsn the other two.
I really want to try Mission: Red Planet, but I have to say so far my games of Citadels have always felt like they take way too long... maybe it's just my group. - Carlo
Maybe its just you guys or maybe not. I rarely hear this problem;) normally when people dont like Citadels its because they got killed and robbed 4 turns in a row in one too many games - which is just/... Possible, yeah. Its like Mafia - its fun, but someone will likely not have that much fun, and thats okay, they will likely have a great game next time. But if you say it takes too long for you guys, my questions are: 1. Why are you playing with General (switch him to Diplomat or at least that third guy - General really prolongs game for no reason) 2. Are you playing to 8 buildings? Newer editions say 7 unless its 2-3 players but people often still play to 8 buildings. But yeah, General is not a good design, fortunately there are 2 great alternatives that shorten the experience. General obviously destroying buildings moves you away from ending, which is not what you want for sure! :) @@AllYouCanBoard
Also - MRP is simultaneous-ish like Libertalia, and not everyone playing their own turns separately like Citadels, so that may make it more up to speed you want from this kinda experience;) it is also in the middle of "spicy" negativity between Citadels (hard take that) and Libertalia (if you are a eurogamer it may feel takethat-y but for me its barely spicy at all :D)@@AllYouCanBoard
@10:04 I lost my Kickstarter virginity with this game; I got (lie, I will get) the Pantheon edition. Santorini is to arrive in June if I am still alive. Cost $109.00 USD.
Certainly not, but a good chunk of my plays are with family members who don't play a lot of games. Because of this, I often find myself trending towards party/lighter games. - Braiden
I tried Santorini for the first time this month and I really disliked it. It felt unbalanced and mean. It's also overproduced. I'd rather play Hive any day. Yes to Modern Art in every list, one of my few 10/10.
Some matchups definitely feel like one person has a bit of a steeper hill to climb to victory. But I will say that any time that I’ve played there’s still always felt like there was a path to victory and a way to pressure your opponents. We also play Best of 3/5/7 to offset the luck/randomness a bit!
I actually can't point out why it feels meaner than most. I got the same feeling playing Raptor. For context, some of my favorite games are just as confrontational and none feel as mean: Hive as mentioned, Pax Pamir, Food Chain Magnate, Bus...
I think Modern Art is just average, maybe a little below average. I can appreciate it as a game to be played with gateway gamers, but then that leads to AP. The lack of control in this game (a novice throwing the game to the person next to them) + AP (which is common in new players) makes it a subpar experience almost every time. I would much rather play estates every time
I guess it depends how you choose to pass the time and what you consider to be a game. We respect your opinion but all 3 of us would have to disagree with you on this.
Yeah, unfortunately, as a huge Reiner Knizia fan, I have to say Mille Fiori doesn't really hold up to repeat plays. It looses the magic imo. I'm glad you are enjoying it now, though! Lovely game.
It was my biggest faller. The theme really started bothering me and Blood on the Clocktower just replaced it completely for me. I still enjoy the game but don't know if it'll get back to the table. - Braiden
Great vid as always! Can't seem to find modern art in canada - been looking for 2 years now. I see BoardGameBliss has Modern Art the Card Game - is that any good??
I really enjoy these videos from AYCB. If this hasn't been said enough already, Braiden has been a great addition to the team. I wish you guys happy holidays, a happy new year, and can't wait to see your upcoming content. Thank you for contributing to our awesome community! You guys are truly appreciated!
Hansa Teutonica and Race for the Galaxy are the best games I have that no one wants to play with me. I play mostly with my kids and "light" gamers. Gonna have to check out So Clover and Decrypto.
Carlo is 100% correct about Agricola. The tightness and the card draft brings me back again and again. It’s a popular opinion to prefer Caverna nowadays. But Caverna isn’t even close to Agricola in my estimation.
YES. Here's what I've found: most people who prefet Caverna over Agricola seem to enjoy Caverna enough but not many seem to have it as a TOP game of theirs. Whereas so many people who prefer Agricola have it as their #1 game of all-time or pretty close. So Agricola is definitely the more divisive game, but those who like it a lot are OBSESSED with it. #TeamAgricola - Carlo
I've played all 3 and so far I like Caverna the least, but I've only played Caverna on BGA so far. We'll see if my thoughts change once I play it in person. - Carlo
I have a running bet with my group, that if we fail 3 dungeons in Gloomhaven JotL, we'll get a GH tattoo. We lost our first map the other day. I'm getting scared now 😂
Amazing lists, guys! 😊 I sold both Keyflower and Modern Art this year, despite loving both, because I could just never get them to the table 😢 I felt the double auction just moved Morden Art from simple teach to a little bit awkward.
I'm a little sad to hear you couldn't get those ones played, but happy knowing they're hopefully going to someone who will get to play them. Good on you for making that tough call. - Carlo
Hi guys! Great discussion and awesome video shots! I was so glad to see so many good old classics or family games among your choices, when most channels worship heavier games or the cult of the new.
Yeah, it's a shame there's such a strong emphasis placed on having the ideal first play with new games these days. I recently tried Terra Mystica for the first time, and like Agricola I didn't love it at first but it's growing on me with each play now and I really like it. Many of the best games don't excel on their first play. - Carlo
As an Euro gamer, trying to dip my toes into RPGs like Gloomhaven, Frosthaven (just coz of the bgg ranking really), which one is better? Also, will Frosthaven have a JOTL-like spinoff? Where do you recommend I start? And at what player count?
It is possible to complete your quilt in Patchwork, but it's extremely rare. I have played a ton and it's only happened once. Been very close many times but usually things don't line up perfectly for you to complete it.
Nonsense. First off, we talked about almost 30 different games in this video, and only a few of them are party games... and there's nothing wrong with party games. The most humiliating, off-putting thing for the hobby is people who think their opinion is the only right opinion. Everyone is entitled to like whichever games they like, it's all a matter of preference. Every game is "a real board game" and you're in no position to be a gatekeeper and put other people down for liking different games than you. Hopefully you're not as closed-minded about other aspects of life as you are about board games, because it will limit your perspective and the experiences you can have. I urge you to reconsider your feelings on this, and think about how your comments come across to other people. - Carlo
What was your biggest surprise from our Top 50 or Top 10 this year?
The EPIC fall of FFO
Ticket To Ride Legacy: Legends Of The West 😉
Final Girl
Just love the balance Braiden brings to the team! Meanwhile, Carlo and Dylann were already such a great pair with their distinct tastes. Well done, friends!
Thanks so much, Ted! We really appreciate all your support and comments and your presence in the discord. And running the AYCB BGA tournaments too! And totally agree on Braiden! -Dylann
@@AllYouCanBoard Hoping this was going to say "And totally agree on Braiden! -Braiden" hahaha
@@thegreatdane908 Couldn't agree more, especially on Braiden!
- Braiden
- Dylann
- Actually Braiden
Really? I was thinking all 3 have similar tastes
I really love the diversity of tastes and styles in these lists. Dylann focuses in on the mechanics and experince of it all, while Braiden zeros in on the social aspects, then Carlo brings seems to view things from a competitive standpoint. It really makes a rich tapestry of oppinions. It makes these videos so enjoyable to watch.
Thanks for another year of awesome table top discussion.
Thanks! Yeah the variety in our favourite games and our tastes is something that makes our gaming sessions and gatherings great as well, we play all kinds of games!
I’m at the stage where my favourite games are the ones that make it to the table with friends that aren’t all at the same level of enthusiasm/experience. Not necessarily gateway games but ones where they don’t get discouraged when I take out the rule book.
I love how your top 50 includes a lot of those brilliant easy to learn but still strategic games.
You guys are fun to watch and I have come to really trust your reviews. Happy new year fellow Canadians! :)
Thanks so much! Really glad you’re enjoying the videos. ☺️
@42SDG
Q: Will you share your top 5 list here? (Or more. More is more.)
@@curtisrobinson7962
I would say the ones that make it the most often in my duffel bag :
For 2:
Schotten Totten / Battle Line
Patchwork
Splendor Duel
Lost Cities
For more:
The Crew Deep Sea
Wizard
So clover
Just One
No thanks
I have more complex games that I take out with specific groups.
Thanks for your lists guys! I got Just One as a Christmas family game and we loved it! I used your recommendations to get Quest for El Dorado and Patchwork this year. Also so excited to add Lost Cities roll and write and Azul to my game shelf this month - board games are so fun!!!
Highlight of the year, AYCB Top 10. Thanks boys, another great year of videos. Here's to a happy, healthy, and successful 2024!
Thanks so much for the kind words and support! And for the Super Thanks!
Great lists as always. Personally it’s interesting to see how my own tastes have changed so much throughout the years. There are some constants (euros), but I’ve really moved away from some genres (deck building, dungeon crawlers), while gravitating towards others (dice placement, push your luck)
I love that too! Seeing which games you gravitate towards now compared to previously. And it depends on who you’re gaming with too each year! -Dylann
I’m new to the hobby and your channel is my favorite! Who would have thought I’d be anticipating a video about 3 dudes’ top 10 board games so much?
Welcome to the board horde!
Great video and great choices! Please please please get rid of that countdown timer though. It’s a long form, slow chill video. I dont think a countdown adds anything to the video but creates a sense of urgency in what’s supposed to be a chill video.
Noted! Thanks for the feedback 🙂.
Loved watching your top 50 (going to be honest I binged it in the last 2 days). Great dynamic with the 3 of you and im eager to watch some more of your content. I’m also a huge knizia fan and haven’t played modern art! So I will go watch your play through. Appreciate the content guys and keep it up!
Definitely play Modern Art when you have the chance! And thanks for the kind words, so happy you enjoy our videos! ☺️
Love ya'll end of year wrap ups! My fav videos!
Aww thank you!! 🥰
Always love the keyflower love. Glad to see some people still realize it should be number 1.
So goooood! Just played it this week again too. -Dylann
I got bit by the gaming (and collecting games) bug right around the time you did your first Top 50, and this was the first channel I came across and really connected with (and still my favorite). I love your humor and your warmth; love the channel and the Discord. Braiden has been a wonderful addition to the team! In earlier days, Keyflower was always in the background of the videos and I was just enamored by the cover. So pretty! I still know nothing about the game. I should make a point of learning that on BGA (as I've said/thought about a gazillion other games). Wishing you all a blessed 2024!
Thank you so much for the kind words ☺️. And Keyflower has been really fun. I actually just played it for the first time yesterday! Definitely one to watch out for 👍🏻. Thanks for watching!
- Braiden
Braiden wins. He has decrypto highest in his list, and he also has two of my other favourite games (so clover and just one). I'm now going to rewatch all of his reviews so youtube shows you those parts were viewed the most.
Haha, thanks so much zmollon. I appreciate the support 😁.
- Braiden
@@AllYouCanBoard by the way how in God's name did you play Botct more than 50 times in a year?
@@zmollon mostly online through Discord servers :).
Biggest surprise is the decline of A Feast for Odin!
Always love the variety in your top 50 lists - the mix of old and new games as well as gateway/party and heavier games. So glad to see Carcassonne getting a mention in the top 10. My husband and I played it 2 player this week and had a great time as always. I find it hard to rank games like So Clover and Just One (which I love!) against heavier games like Castles of Burgundy because they're all fantastic but so different, so it's nice to hear about what you all consider when going through the ranking process.
I still need to try Keyflower - maybe this year! I'm also interested in Caesar's Empire, which reminds me a bit of Concordia. Have you played Caesar's Empire at 2 player? That's my main player count so I'm wondering if it's worth getting or if it needs 3-5 players to shine.
I have now played Caesar's Empire at all player counts. I think it's best with 4 or 5 (not sure which I prefer), still great with 3 but a noticeable step down, and it was okay with 2 but if that's the only count you'll play it at it's tough to recommend buying it before trying it. It works fine with 2 but it doesn't shine.
- Carlo
When does Braiden get his AYCB mug? Still a few tests left to pass?
1 like = 1 vote for Braiden to get his own mug.
@AllYouCanBoard boy, I hope someone see this reply then^
Alright Dylan I can agree with you on the kingdom builder but this time Im with Carlo on this one with the estates and for it to reach that high after so little plays really says something. Well fellas thanks for another year of content, the top 50 was great.
I’m willing to have my opinion change since I’ve still only played it once! -Dylann
Carlo got some good taste
Thank you! #TeamAgricola
- Carlo
Great video guys!
The game that was a big hit for 2023 with my family was a surprise for me because it is a cheap game but everybody loved it and it was the Mind and 2nd was Codenames.
My favorite solo game is actually Dicey peaks which isn't a solo game but I turned it into one with my own rules to make it solo.
Thanks so much. Both The Mind and Codenames are great games!
- Braiden
I am with you Carlo, Agricola is my #1 game of all time. Keyflower is also a great game Dylann and nice list from everyone.
#TeamAgricola
- Carlo
The only game i have played from this top 10 is Azul, Im gonna check out So Clover, Modern Art, For Sale, Kingdom Builder, and Caeser's Impire more to see if i would want to by them.
All great ones to check out!! Would be curious out of those which ends up being your fave.
I just found you guys this last year on TH-cam. Love your content. It’s always very laid back and more personal sounding.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad to have you here 🥰.
So glad y’all added Braiden so I have someone to relate to ;)
Kidding of course! But I love the diversity of the list. I would LOVE to play some BOTC with y’all sometime!
- Max
Sign me up for BOTC too! -Dylann
I'm SO DOWN to play/run a game with you guys. 👊🏻
- Braiden
Nice video. Never seen your channel before. It seems like my gamer profile matches better with Braiden and Dylann, but that's only because I hadn't heard of a several of Carlo's games. :)
Welcome! We’ve got nice diversity in gaming tastes here and lots of people in our community who like all kinds of games!
Great to see the love given interactive euro games on this channel. As a long-time boardgamer (first-day member of BGG), I've seen the zeitgeist of the hobby move away from tight, interactive games to multi-player solitaire designs. But you guys are kickin' it old-school with this channel.
An older game you guys would love is Santiago. It's long out of print, but well worth tracking down in the used market. It's right up you alley - auctions, tile-laying, intense, cut-throat interaction, the rules are only a few pages long and it plays in a little more 60 minutes. Guaranteed it would make your top 50 list in 2024.
Oh yeah, when I did my 8 Grail Games video on the channel 2-3 years ago I had Santiago on there and unfortunately I still haven't found a copy but I'm really eager to play Santiago.
And thanks for the kind words about our channel!
- Carlo
@@AllYouCanBoard Just watched the video. I have Santiago, LotR the Confrontation (both the original compact version and big-box revised edition), Glory to Rome (black box), El Grande (original Hans im Gluck edition with expansions), and Euphrat & Tigris (original Hans im Gluck edition with the Doris Matthaus art). I also have Ra, Samurai, and Through the Desert. All purchased new at publication.
I see you've already picked some of them up. But if you're ever in Calgary (attending FallCon?) drop me a line and you can try them out.
Played Mille Fiori at dice tower! Then… I bought Mille Fiori at dice tower!!!
I think Carlo's list is the one that is most aligned with my taste! That being said, I can't believe you have T&E and Babylonia but not Y&Y on your list! I was wondering if you have not tried it yet. Also, if you like Renature, I highly highly recommend you to try Mexica. I think they have some similarities but Mexica has a bit more strategic value (?) Although I do love the neutral trees in Renature XD.
Yeah, Carlo matches me also the most. I love Mexica, however I enjoy Cuzco more. At least for now.
@@diamondmeeple Oh yeah Cuzco is definitely my favorite mask game but it's quite unique. When I first played Renature, it reminded me a lot of Mexica.
I haven't played Y&Y yet but we're expecting a review copy of the new reprint, Huang, at some point in 2024 so we'll try that and then talk about it on the channel. I've also heard good things about Mexica but I have a feeling I'm going to prefer Renature.
- Carlo
Enjoyed the lists and fun editing! Decrypto is great. Like Carlo, it sat on my shelf for awhile. And Like Braiden, I have trouble describing it lol ;). I end up just playing a tutorial round to teach it. Thanks and keep up the good work. cheers
It shouldn't be THAT hard to explain, haha 😅. Thanks for spending some of your time with us!
- Braiden
This is it guys. Everyone sees the words "Top 10". It's time to click.
Let’s not undersell people clicking because they see the word “Edition”
My Top-10 2023':
10. Nemesis 10* Nemesis: Lockdown
9. Brzdęk! Nie drażnij smoka - pokochałem tą grę od samego początku 9*. Brzdęk! Katakumby 9*. Brzdęk! Raban w próżni - jeszcze bardziej dopracowana wersja Brzdęka 9*. Brzdęk! Legacy 9*. Brzdęk! Katakumby
8. Diuna: Imperium - ta gra świetnie odzwierciedla klimat Arrakis i całej DIUNY
7. Wiedźmin: Stary Świat + dodatki - o jak mi ta gra się spodobała i pozytywnie mnie zaskoczyła, naprawdę czuć w niej KLIMAT Wiedźmina
6. Mage Knight - świetny klimat, świetny świat, po prostu Mage Knight !!
5. Anachrony - bardzo fajnie pomyślany świat i klimatyczna gra
4. Łowcy A. D. 2114 - o jaka ta gra jest klimatyczna i dopracowana…
3. Etherfields - klimat tej gry, mechanika i piękne grafiki urzekły mnie...
2. Scythe - klimat tej gry jest genialny... Świetnie odzwierciedla klimat konfliktu...
1. Bonfire
Nice list! Looks like you really enjoy a good adventure game. I really want to try out Nemesis Lockdown to see how it compares to the original. Thanks for watching!
- Braiden
@modlitwaSERCA
Is #9 an autocorrect?
Shud read: Clank.
Just wondering.
Ok I had to rewind and google that you guys are from Winnipeg!!
Just a few prairie boys who like some board games.
That’s awesome! I’m in Winnipeg too! I’ll have to check out that store. We usually go to gameknight or a muse n games.
Nice! Those are both great options too, but you definitely need to check out Victory Pints too.
I got 12 of those. As 2-player, Carcassonne is still my number one. I share Carlo's opinions about the depth of the game.
Suprises? Maybe Dylann's top 10 suprised me the most. He has some nice games on his list. Even if Feast for Odin lingers 🙈
I believe TZAAR, Cuzco and Through the Desert (both as 2 or 4p, not 3p) would have been on my current top 10. Tried them?
We haven't tried those 3 yet but I have Through The Desert and hopefully we'll try it soon.
- Carlo
Great top list series guys, I truly love watching these videos ;). Two questions (spoilers below):
.
.
.
.
1) Have you ever tried Race for the Galaxy with the Alien Artifacts expansion?
2) Do you play old Agricola (with the expansion) or the new revised set?
1 - no, not yet, but I want to.
2 - in person I've always played with my original 2007 copy, no Farmers of the Moor expansion, just some extra card decks for variety. But on BGA it's the revised edition.
Thanks for watching!
- Carlo
I've been playing games for a long time and Carcassonne is still a super solid game. Easy to teach and transport, quick to play and surprisingly strategic for something that is so simple.
Have you guys played Brass: Lancashire? (this specific version, not Birmingham). If not, highly highly recommended it!
Unfortunately neither of us have played either of the Brass games yet but we really want to. We might buy one/both this year or next year.
In that case, I just want to be one of the data point to say that Brass L is far more superior than Brass B. Espeacially, our gaming tests is quite similar in the aspect of leaning toward cleaner, more cut throat interaction vibes. (Keyflower/ agricola fans here 🙋)
Also other 2 that I think you guys would love to try are Ginkgopolis and Age of steam. These 2 are beasts! Will be your 10/10 defiently 🤣
Say goodbye to Valhalla
Dylann to be forever cursed by the Vikings confirmed.
I wanna play Clocktower with Braiden!
Come on down to our Discord! I'll be putting out some dates there and hopefully we can get a big AYCB game going soon! ☺️
- Braiden
Super down, what channel in the disc would that be on? #online-board-gaming?@@AllYouCanBoard
Dylan and Carlo, have you both tried Mandala? I think you'd both love it - it's so beautifully tactical!
I own Mandala! I really like it, I’ve played it a bunch.
-Dylann
They said that Frosthaven and Gloomhaven 2nd Edition will likely NOT be digital. Too many changes in Frosthaven (and ported to Gloomhaven 2E) for the developers to add to the existing app and I'm not sure their interested in another big, expensive Software Development project.
Ares Expedition is a funnier and slightly more advanced version of RftG. I like it much more, as it is bars to climb as a goal.
To each their own, I respect differing opinions but I have to outright disagree with you on Ares Expedition being more advanced. It might have more rules and a board so it looks more advanced, but the board serves no purpose and the nuance in the strategy is severely lacking compared to Race for the Galaxy. The game feels more on-rails from the start, I found most of the cards and combos to be too straightforward and boring. Plus, it takes way too long for what it is, you can play Race like 5-6 times in the time it takes to play Ares Expedition once.
There are tons of people who have logged hundreds and even thousands of games of Race for the Galaxy, I don't think the same can be said for Ares Expedition (I know it's much newer so maybe not a fair comparison there but I don't think we'll hear much about this game 3-5 years from now, while Race has endured for almost 20 years already).
Thanks for watching and commenting!
- Carlo
I commented on another video that I was thinking of buying Ceasar’s Empire and here I was reading the rules while it was mentionned in this top 10 😂 It’s really simple but there is no luck so I think it will be a hit with my family.
Let us know how it goes!
You can build Walls in FrostHaven! It's SO GOOD
What would Frosthaven be out of 10 for you? And then what would it be if it didn’t have the ability to build walls?
@AllYouCanBoard Frosthaven fills the Dungeons and Dragons need, mixed with the RTS/Towerdefense building I'm nostalgic for. I'd give it a 8.5/10.
Take my walls away, and I'll jump from one.
You should keep a photo of the game on screen while talking
Good suggestion!
My favorite game is Ra - one of my first two games (the other is Samurai) that I bought when I first got into the hobby around the turn of the century. So there may be something to the argument that we gamers have a 'first purchase' bias, given our sentimental attachment to the entry game and possible nostalgia for those initial plays.
Definitely something to look at when it comes to board games! And Ra is one heck of a game to be one of your first!
- Braiden
Someone had a lot of fun with the editing. 😄
SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
.
Here are your top games that I’ve played (plus my ranking):
SANTORINI (D: 9, B: 9, J: 309)
Haven’t played with god powers yet; apparently that makes the game way better.
AZUL (D: 8, J: 213)
My favourite in this series is Queen’s Garden, which feels nothing like the others. But each game is very good.
FOR SALE (B: 7, J: 283)
I like how this game has two parts. For some reason I can’t remember the rules so I have to relearn it every time! 😄
7 WONDERS DUEL (D: 6, J: 282)
I would like to try this with the expansions. I had a bad experience with the seesaw, because that takes away from the point salad nature of the game (the only cards available to my opponent made them win). I think adding a new win condition would help.
KINGDOM BUILDER (B: 6, J: 263)
This game is decent but uninspiring to me; maybe I need to try some expansions.
LIBERTALIA: WINDS OF GALECREST (D: 5, J: 362)
I have played both the original and the sequel. I agree with your friends that the sequel is better. My game tastes have changed a bit and I’m not sure this level of player interaction is something I look for these days.
DECRYPTO (B: 5, J: 197)
Only tried this once in Montréal. Want to play again!
CARCASSONNE (C: 5, J: -)
I played this with a couple who played it every week (before I started logging plays, which was why it wasn’t ranked). I got destroyed because they had the tile distribution memorised. I didn’t like how solved it felt.
SO CLOVER (B: 4, J: 210)
Tried once and it was good quick fun! Not usually a party game fan but this one is decent!
HANSA TEUTONICA (C: 4, J: 166)
I have balance concerns, and it’s a bit competitive, but the gameplay is enjoyable!
CASTLES OF BURGUNDY (D: 3, J: 109)
Need to play this more to see how much I like it. Seems fun from my one play of it.
A FEAST FOR ODIN (D: 2, J: 119)
I am astonished that this isn’t number one! Great game!
JUST ONE (B: 2, J: 233)
I agree that this is the most approachable game ever. People who hate games will play this!
RACE FOR THE GALAXY (C: 2, J: 305)
I have only played this once and it was very late at night. Want to try it again when I’m capable of thought. 😄
AGRICOLA (C: 1, J: 138)
I need to play this more as well, but I played Caverna a few times last year and it was really good, and I’m told they’re similar.
I should qualify that my rankings were not based on “which is the better game” but rather “which would I rather play at time of ranking”.
My top 10:
10. AGE OF INNOVATION (Gaia Project, Terra Mystica, Terra Nova). I took a 7-year break from the series, but Gaia Project roped me back in, and Age of Innovation is now my favourite of the series!
9. BEYOND THE SUN. Love the tech tree, production, and dice placement!
8. WAYFARERS OF THE SOUTH TIGRIS. Everyone on Instagram was disappointed in this game but I think it’s great! My most played game last year. Excited to try Scholars!
7. THE GALLERIST. My only Lacerda so far, but hopefully not my last!
6. CRYSTAL PALACE. This is higher player interaction than I usually like, but maybe it’s the economic aspect I find intriguing.
5. BRASS: BIRMINGHAM. New to my list. Enjoyed this a lot.
4. AUTOBAHN. This is like Ticket To Ride got an Ivy League scholarship! Promotion similar to Carnegie.
3. YOKOHAMA. The first time this hasn’t been my number one since I started doing these lists! Still a great game and I never say no to a game of it.
2. BLACK ANGEL. Love the interconnected mini-games, and the art is absolutely my aesthetic (gorgeous!).
1. UNDERWATER CITIES. Always high on my list but it’s just so interesting. You can add complexity with the expansion if you want, but it’s not so intimidating that people won’t give it a try. Beautiful original theme. I like how it’s different depending on what you get dealt.
Thanks for the in-depth comparisons and your own personal top 10! ☺️.
- Braiden
Surprised at no root in anyone’s top 10. Haven’t played a game as fun! Time to broaden my horizons it seems!
Honestly, I'm surprised it didn't crack Dylann's top 10.... Maybe next year though!
- Braiden
Played my copy of Modern Art for the first time recently and we loved it. I added a mini wooden easel for the auctioned card which everyone though came with the game ☺.
I need to revisit Hansa Teutonica.
Looking to your lists i think Concordia and Power Grid should be great hits for you all. Have any of you tried them? I have enjoyed watching you guys. You seem to have tastes similar to mine in general. Keep playing!
I believe Carlo has played Powergrid but I don't want to speak for him. I personally have always wanted to try Concordia.
Thanks for hanging with us!
- Braiden
first time I watched a video on your channel... and probably last time :) considering how different my taste is from yours. Anyway, thank you for the quality of the video and the nice editing
No hard feelings at all! Thanks for giving us a chance! 😊. Happy gaming!
Carlo, as someone who loves Race For the Galaxy which expansion would you recommend ?
Hmm, tough to say because I haven't played them all yet. Generally there are 2 separate routes that people will recommend:
1. The first arc (the 3 expansions in Expansion & Brinkmanship, which are Gathering Storm, Rebel vs Imperium, and Brink of War). I've played the first 2 from there and although they add a bunch of awesome cards, they also add some mechanisms too (some I like and others I'm indifferent towards, not sure I'd play with all the expansion rules/modules each time).
2. Alien Artifacts (just this expansion on its own) but without the Orb. This option is less popular than option 1, maybe because it was released later, but this one once you remove the Orb (which sounds awful and out of place for this game) is basically just a whole bunch of cards being added. Haven't tried this one myself but I have a feeling I'll end up preferring this over option 1 if I had to guess.
Option 1 changes the rules of the game more - goals for players to compete over, more intricate military stuff, etc. I guess to increase player interaction, but I think it's a matter of preference. Option 2 is the safer bet because you really can't go wrong with more cards... but if you get AA I don't think you can combine other expansions with it. I could be wrong though.
Sorry, kind of all over the place, I wish I could give a more specific recommendation. I hope this helps!
- Carlo
@@AllYouCanBoard appreciate the detailed response thank you 👌
Stained glass of sentra is my favorite version of azul. Have y'all tried it?
We have, we actually did a video a while ago comparing all 4 Azul games, here it is:
th-cam.com/video/dxSkdJHAE7Q/w-d-xo.html
Even though Sintra is my least favourite of the 4, all the Azul games are good. Thanks for watching!
- Carlo
Where are the best places to play online ? Can you leave a link ?
We use BoardGameArena.com! Tabletop Simulator is also great, it’s a program on Steam.
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME! ❤❤❤
Right back at ya!
Agricola is in my top 10 and the card drafting puts it over Caverna for me easily. Always makes me sad when people say they prefer Caverna. I need to check out some of the other card decks than the base set, though.
Even without the drafting, just being dealt a random hand of cards is so much more satisfying than having the exact same assortment of buildings available each game like in Caverna.
- Carlo
carlo suggest me games which is best at 2 players other than 2 players only...fyi i have seen too 10 2 players.....and simple rules heavy stategy
Other than 2-player only games? Hmmm, I'd say Race for the Galaxy, Carcassonne, Renature, Babylonia, The Quest for El Dorado, Ginkgopolis, Santorini, Nusfjord, Hallertau, Le Havre... these are all really good with 2 players.
@@AllYouCanBoard renature works for 2 ?
Oh yeah, it's best with 3 for sure, but then I'd actually say it's next best with 2. I like it least with 4 because you don't get many turns and the randomness of the tile draw can feel more impactful.
@@AllYouCanBoard thank you so much for the suggestion and reply....when you review the game pls suggest the best player count..thanks again
Lots and lots of party games lol
Sometimes you just gotta party
Libertalia is really reeeeally good AND FUN BUT I just simply prefer Mission Red Planet (at 3 players) and Citadels (at all player counts) over Libertalia... I own all three, but... yeah its less spicy (aka mean, interactive) and more rulesy thsn the other two.
I really want to try Mission: Red Planet, but I have to say so far my games of Citadels have always felt like they take way too long... maybe it's just my group.
- Carlo
Maybe its just you guys or maybe not. I rarely hear this problem;) normally when people dont like Citadels its because they got killed and robbed 4 turns in a row in one too many games - which is just/... Possible, yeah. Its like Mafia - its fun, but someone will likely not have that much fun, and thats okay, they will likely have a great game next time. But if you say it takes too long for you guys, my questions are: 1. Why are you playing with General (switch him to Diplomat or at least that third guy - General really prolongs game for no reason) 2. Are you playing to 8 buildings? Newer editions say 7 unless its 2-3 players but people often still play to 8 buildings. But yeah, General is not a good design, fortunately there are 2 great alternatives that shorten the experience. General obviously destroying buildings moves you away from ending, which is not what you want for sure! :) @@AllYouCanBoard
Also - MRP is simultaneous-ish like Libertalia, and not everyone playing their own turns separately like Citadels, so that may make it more up to speed you want from this kinda experience;) it is also in the middle of "spicy" negativity between Citadels (hard take that) and Libertalia (if you are a eurogamer it may feel takethat-y but for me its barely spicy at all :D)@@AllYouCanBoard
What sites would you guys recommend to play board games online?
Definitely check out Board Game Arena! That would be the first place I would go these days.
- Braiden
@10:04
I lost my Kickstarter virginity with this game; I got (lie, I will get) the Pantheon edition. Santorini is to arrive in June if I am still alive.
Cost $109.00 USD.
WHOA! Well hopefully you get many many plays out of it 😊
You really should keep the title on screeb when your talking about a game.
Thanks for the feedback! We'll keep this suggestion in mind for next time.
So basically Braiden only plays party games or easy light games?
Certainly not, but a good chunk of my plays are with family members who don't play a lot of games. Because of this, I often find myself trending towards party/lighter games.
- Braiden
where are you playing online ?
Usually board game arena!
I hate Agora. Only Pantheon ;) or just vanilla, its really good on its own too.
30 missed opportunities to list TI4 :\
Haha, I don't think any of us have had time to play TI:4 yet! But I could be wrong.
- Braiden
I tried Santorini for the first time this month and I really disliked it. It felt unbalanced and mean. It's also overproduced. I'd rather play Hive any day.
Yes to Modern Art in every list, one of my few 10/10.
Some matchups definitely feel like one person has a bit of a steeper hill to climb to victory. But I will say that any time that I’ve played there’s still always felt like there was a path to victory and a way to pressure your opponents. We also play Best of 3/5/7 to offset the luck/randomness a bit!
I actually can't point out why it feels meaner than most. I got the same feeling playing Raptor.
For context, some of my favorite games are just as confrontational and none feel as mean: Hive as mentioned, Pax Pamir, Food Chain Magnate, Bus...
I think Modern Art is just average, maybe a little below average. I can appreciate it as a game to be played with gateway gamers, but then that leads to AP. The lack of control in this game (a novice throwing the game to the person next to them) + AP (which is common in new players) makes it a subpar experience almost every time. I would much rather play estates every time
Just one and so clover. Excellent pastimes. Awful games.
I guess it depends how you choose to pass the time and what you consider to be a game. We respect your opinion but all 3 of us would have to disagree with you on this.
Agricola seriously? I can’t take this top serious now
I know, I know... it's so good that it shouldn't even be allowed to be in contention for these lists out of fairness to all other games.
- Carlo
Yeah, unfortunately, as a huge Reiner Knizia fan, I have to say Mille Fiori doesn't really hold up to repeat plays. It looses the magic imo. I'm glad you are enjoying it now, though! Lovely game.
Nooo don’t say that. I want to feel this way about it forever. 😩
Its okay just play more Tigris and Euphretes! Thats my #2 or 3. It will just have to move up your list haha @AllYouCanBoard
Question for Braiden - what happened to Secret Hitler? 6 to off the Top 50 is a pretty big drop in less than a year.
It was my biggest faller. The theme really started bothering me and Blood on the Clocktower just replaced it completely for me. I still enjoy the game but don't know if it'll get back to the table.
- Braiden
Try "Feed the Kraken". I've heard, this is the same game with an easier theme and even better mechanic but it works only with bigger groups.
Great vid as always!
Can't seem to find modern art in canada - been looking for 2 years now. I see BoardGameBliss has Modern Art the Card Game - is that any good??
Thanks! Really not sure, none of us have tried The Card Game version.
* Listening to Carlo talk about Agricola *
PREACH! ✊🏻
-Ryan
#TeamAgricola
- Carlo
I really enjoy these videos from AYCB. If this hasn't been said enough already, Braiden has been a great addition to the team. I wish you guys happy holidays, a happy new year, and can't wait to see your upcoming content. Thank you for contributing to our awesome community! You guys are truly appreciated!
Thanks so much! Happy holidays and New Year right back at ya! 🙏🏻
Hansa Teutonica and Race for the Galaxy are the best games I have that no one wants to play with me. I play mostly with my kids and "light" gamers. Gonna have to check out So Clover and Decrypto.
Thanks!
Excellent - thanks guys!
Our pleasure! Thanks for stopping by 😊
Channel support: Let the commercials play through and don't hit "Skip".
It's tough when the commercial is over 2 minutes; deep breaths, deep breaths.
Thank you for your support 🫡
Carlo is 100% correct about Agricola. The tightness and the card draft brings me back again and again. It’s a popular opinion to prefer Caverna nowadays. But Caverna isn’t even close to Agricola in my estimation.
YES. Here's what I've found: most people who prefet Caverna over Agricola seem to enjoy Caverna enough but not many seem to have it as a TOP game of theirs. Whereas so many people who prefer Agricola have it as their #1 game of all-time or pretty close.
So Agricola is definitely the more divisive game, but those who like it a lot are OBSESSED with it.
#TeamAgricola
- Carlo
Hot take: Caverna is better than Agricola and Feast for Odin
Still haven’t played Caverna! So even though I’m inclined to disagree, I’ll have to play it first to know for sure. :P
-Dylann
I've played all 3 and so far I like Caverna the least, but I've only played Caverna on BGA so far. We'll see if my thoughts change once I play it in person.
- Carlo
Don't feel bad catan would probably still be on my top 10 or 20. It definitely gets played the most.
the fancier and more over the top board game's components are the more suspicious I am of it and I am usually right.
What is the point of the timer?
The timer is just there to keep us moving! We were more strict about it during our previous 50-11 videos.
Has Dylann and Braiden played Mythic Mischief? I've not, but it seems like his type of abstract game. Great video guys (I'm still watching:) )
I personally have not played Mythic Mischief yet but I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.
- Braiden
Carlo coming in with The Estates 🔥 It's in my top 5. Insanely good and incredibly mean and opaque auction game.
Yup, I could see this one staying in my top 10 for a looooong time and maybe cracking my top 5 too. It's amazing.
I have a running bet with my group, that if we fail 3 dungeons in Gloomhaven JotL, we'll get a GH tattoo. We lost our first map the other day. I'm getting scared now 😂
Uh oh...😬
Caesar's Empire fell really flat with multiple groups of mine. Maybe we expected more out of it. But glad others enjoy it!
Ah that's too bad, and maybe it'll fade for me as time goes on but right now I'm loving it.
- Carlo
Amazing lists, guys! 😊
I sold both Keyflower and Modern Art this year, despite loving both, because I could just never get them to the table 😢
I felt the double auction just moved Morden Art from simple teach to a little bit awkward.
I'm a little sad to hear you couldn't get those ones played, but happy knowing they're hopefully going to someone who will get to play them. Good on you for making that tough call.
- Carlo
Hi guys! Great discussion and awesome video shots! I was so glad to see so many good old classics or family games among your choices, when most channels worship heavier games or the cult of the new.
Thanks Eric! 🥰
Castles of Mad King Ludwig is one of my top 5 maybe top 3. Played that game so many times and it never gets old.
Nice! I gotta get it off my shelf of shame this year. It looks so good.
- Braiden
Agricola is great👍😎 Agree that it takes a few plays before you see the genius of the game👍💙😎
Yeah, it's a shame there's such a strong emphasis placed on having the ideal first play with new games these days. I recently tried Terra Mystica for the first time, and like Agricola I didn't love it at first but it's growing on me with each play now and I really like it. Many of the best games don't excel on their first play.
- Carlo
If you like frosthaven
You will love oathsworn
I think you're bang on the money. Dylann and I are actually playing in an Oathsworn campaign right now!
- Braiden
Adding a amerithrash player to the group would be entertaining
I’ll see if I can find someone named Amanda so they can be called Ameritrash Amanda.
Great list, very diverse! I love your insights
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😊.
As an Euro gamer, trying to dip my toes into RPGs like Gloomhaven, Frosthaven (just coz of the bgg ranking really), which one is better? Also, will Frosthaven have a JOTL-like spinoff? Where do you recommend I start? And at what player count?
It is possible to complete your quilt in Patchwork, but it's extremely rare. I have played a ton and it's only happened once. Been very close many times but usually things don't line up perfectly for you to complete it.
Feast for Odin is the best game ever. Definitely deserves #2 or even #1. The GOAT
🥓🥓🥓
Bravo!
Charlie!.... Err... Wait were we doing the military alphabet? (Hehe) thanks!
- Braiden
Are you serious guys? It seems that I'm seeing the list of party games for casual gamers. Not a real boardgames.
That's humiliating for the hobby
Nonsense. First off, we talked about almost 30 different games in this video, and only a few of them are party games... and there's nothing wrong with party games.
The most humiliating, off-putting thing for the hobby is people who think their opinion is the only right opinion. Everyone is entitled to like whichever games they like, it's all a matter of preference.
Every game is "a real board game" and you're in no position to be a gatekeeper and put other people down for liking different games than you. Hopefully you're not as closed-minded about other aspects of life as you are about board games, because it will limit your perspective and the experiences you can have.
I urge you to reconsider your feelings on this, and think about how your comments come across to other people.
- Carlo