Hot Game Magnet: Board game reviews

It's time to get into the fish displaying business. Aqua Garden By Uchibacoya is a cute and surprisingly cut throat game about building the most lovely (and profitable) aquarium. Fill your Aquarium with clown fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks. Enjoy the beautifully crafted fish meeples but make sure that other aquariums don't get all the best displays before you do.

Dinosaur Island is one of our all time favorite games. It's not perfect but it perfectly captures the fun and imagination that dinosaurs inspire. A big part of that fun was the excessive amount of blingy components and available dinos to play with, or so I thought. Dinosaur Island Rawr 'n Write replaces all the meeples, and coins and literal stacks of dinos with not much more than a couple pads of paper and some cards, but oh my gosh is it ever fun! This could be our new favorite game for real!

This week we had the opportunity to speak with Jacek of Gindi games about Goldenstar: The Galactic Tournament. Goldenstar will be launching on October 5th on Gamefound. It was really interesting to talk about what goes into developing such a big game and a bit about all the new options available to creators for funding.

It took us 25 minutes to talk about a game that takes 5 minutes to play. Five Minute Marvel is a super quick game but oh my goodness, it's so fun. I did not expect this game to be such a hit, but it is already one of our top 5 games for the game group.

game preview. This week we got the chance to play a preview of Battle For Goldenstar, an area movement and hand management game, with a pretty cool conflict resolution mechanic. This game has a ton of the stuff I like to have in a good sci-fi space game. It's got space planets, it's got space pirates, but it's only got one Goldenstar. Which is the point. Battle for Goldenstar! * A few notes from the creator 1. The expansion introduced 4 extra character's, which gives a total of 12 playable characters, not 20. 2. The launch is postponed about a month to late September/early October

This week we have a talk with Jason Washburn of Talon Strikes Studios about their new game "Top Pop". It's a fun chat about what makes Talon Strikes Studios unique, and why Top Pop might be the perfect game to add to your collection.

June came and went pretty fast. As have a lot of great looking games on Kickstarter. This week we have a look at a few of those games that are still going and that you may want to back. There's something for everyone. Honestly, I'm tempted to back all five games, but I probably wont. Maybe. I shouldn't. LOL!

I'm a sucker for bright colors and gonzoid themes. Crash Octopus from Itten Games does not disappoint. It's a light-hearted dexterity game that is just challenging enough. Set up is easy and game play has a built-in time limit using a round tracker. Oh man! I just love that giant pink octopus.

This week I got to speak with the designer of one of our all time favorite games. Actually, we talk about this game all the time and use it as a bench mark when discussing other games. If you haven't guessed already the game is Feudum, and the designer is Mark Swanson. I got to find out about how Mark goes about creating a game, and why he decided to do game design. We also got to talk a little about his next game, the much anticipated follow-up to Feudum.

I don't think there are any games that we have played too much, but there are definitely games that we haven't played enough. Hellboy was one of our favorite games from 2019 but surprisingly we haven't played it at all since the first month we got it. This week we revisited Hellboy to see what we've been missing out on, and perhaps figure out why we've been missing out.

There is something magical about the boardwalk beach fronts and developments of coastal cities. Santa Monica is one of those iconic locations, and Santa Monica the board game with art by Jeremy Nguyen captures that magic on appearances alone. The game itself is a lovely lower medium weight tableau builder, that is adequately crunchy and plays very well with two players.

Is Zombicide the perfect board game? Well, they made a second edition so maybe it had some room for improvement. Is it now better than ever, or is it not worth the upgrade? What do I do with all my old Zombicide mini's? Today we talk all about Zombicide 2nd Edition and why we think it's the best Zombicide yet!

It's time for another round up of what's cool on kickstarter. This month we found a few big miniature driven games, on which you can spend all of your money (or maybe just a lot of your money). There are also a few very interesting mechanic driven games to talk about. I think perhaps there's something for everyone.

Travis and Holly Hancock launched Facade Games in 2015 with the kickstarter release of their first game, Salem. They never thought it would be anything more than a fun side project. However, it was a huge success and has lead to the creation of their dark cities game series. 6 years and five games later, I talk with Travis about his adventures in game design and what the future holds for Facade games.

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Pete Walsh of Pigeon games. I talk with Pete about his games past present and future, and about how his love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lead into a career in Boardgame design!

Some games are an absolute must have, but for some reason I keep not having them. today we talk about one of those games that is so good there really is no reason for it not to be in my collection. Yet, for some reason I keep not getting it. Everdell.

What a magnificent haul of new games on kickstarter! I wish I could back all of them but I guess I'll just have to be happy to talk about them... and also back a few. LOL!

Have you ever had a great idea and then doubted yourself to much to try putting it out there? Creating something great can be a lot of work, but the hardest part is probably just taking the first steps. Today we talk to Jeff Pearce who almost on a whim entered a game into a game design contest. A few years later that game has developed into the hit game Silverwood Grove which is currently doing fantastically well on kickstarter.

Some games just have legs! Today we talk about a simple game that we can't seem to stop bringing back to the table. The surprisingly re-playable Love letter! http://kck.st/3kw2iWD

It's time to round up all our favorite games coming out on kickstarter! This month we talk about cowboy Zombies, warring factions of woodland critters, a monster cafe, aliens invading mars, and a game about racing up a mountain to get to a public toilet! (we're a little partial to that last one. LOL!)

Ah Raiders of Scythia. Who knew that doing math and learning about history could be so much fun? I guess everyone that already played Raiders of the North Sea knew. Are we late to the party, or is Raiders of Scythia the perfect game to jump onto the renegade game studios with? I certainly do like all the eagles and horses and blood lusting ladies with bows, and such lovely art.

This week is a huge episode! We talk about our Game BushPoo! It will be launching on kickstarter on March 1st. Click the link below to be notified on launch! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hotgamemagnet/bush-poo?ref=clipboard-prelaunch

This week we review a game that is completely different from any game we played before. Sonora is a "Flick and Write" game from Pandasaurus games. Is it a dexterity game or a puzzle game or both? is Fun? What's a Flick and Write? Where is the Sonora desert anyway?

In today's episode we talk about Wayfinders by Pandasaurus games. In this game you get a to pilot a seaplane and set up hangars on remote islands. It's a game of strategy and can be quite crunchy and yet is still whimsical and simple. Listen to our full review, and check out the game here https://pandasaurusgames.com/products/wayfinders

is there anything more fun than building a fort with your friends in that golden era between being a kid and being not a kid? Maybe not, but Fort by Leder games comes close

2020 is all wrapped up, and so it time for us to wrap up all of our favorite games from the year and pick our best game of 2020! We played a ton of great games so it wasn't easy, but we narrowed it down to our top five. In this episode we talk about those five games and decide which one is number one!

I Think what I love about euro games is that no matter what the theme is the game can be fun. I have zero interest in trains, but the kids and I can't get enough of ticket to ride: first journey! Why is this game so much fun? because it's really really well designed. easy to learn, simple to play, but with depth of strategy that even a 6 year old can grasp.

Time for our last round up of kickstarter campaigns for the year of 2020! We found a few games that look like they might be winners, but only time will tell.

We keep finding new types of games and mechanics that we haven't played before. Pendulum by Stonemaier games uses a unique version of the timed round mechanic, in which all players must carefully time their actions to benefit from the movements of three differently timed sand timers. What at first looks like a game of frantic play turns out to be a game of carful calculation.

What gives a game staying power? Werewolves of Miller's Hollow is a game that has been around in one form or another for decades, or maybe even longer! It seems like it may be too old to be fun, but like the werewolf on the full moon, it just keeps coming back!

Today I speak with Matt Carlson from Wandersquares: The Underwood Tunnels. Matt is the soul creator, marketer and designer of this cool new family friendly RPG. To be honest I haven't ever played an RPG, but this game is so cute I had to find out more. Matt has generously provided his print and play on the Kickstarter page, so you really have no excuse to not check it out. The WanderSquares Kickstarter is here

In this episode we speak with Jason Washburn from Talon Strike Studios, about his latest game Shadow Network: a game about spies. We cover everything from game play, to how the game came about and what to expect from Talon Strike in the future.

It's Almost November but that doesn't mean we don't have time to covet all the many games now available to back on kickstarter right now in October!

Everybody knows the best part about being a scout is achieving merit badges. In Camp Pinetop by Talon Strike Studios we find out how much fun that really is, and you can do it at home, or while your camping if you want.

In this week's episode I speak with Juli Bierwirth from Distant Rabbit Games, Mantis Falls. This was their first game and it launched on Kickstarter earlier this year, and made over $180,000! In this interview we discuss the game, and the Kickstarter. Juli is very honest and forthcoming with her information- so I hope you all learn something- even if it's just- 'hey yeah, social deduction games should work for only 2 people!'

Raccoon Tycoon with the Fat Cat expansion created by Glenn Drover and Forbidden Games. Is this our new favourite game about adorable woodland creatures competing ruthlessly for domination? It could very well be.

SIlly Shapes is the gateway game I was looking for to introduce my kids to gaming, as well youth that insist on playing U-no-what. In this episode I interview Benjamin Lannen, the creator behind Silly Shapes, a fun family game which integrates multiple game mechanics to create a mashed up fun party game. We discuss how the game came, all the mechanics and what to expect from his up and coming Kickstarter in October. This game has been thoroughly thought out, play tested and is SUPER fun. If you're interested check out his game at https://www.facebook.com/silly.shapes.

It's time again to round up the best and most interesting games on kickstarter and beyond. We really enjoy doing our kickstarter roundups, because even though we can't always by every game we want it's good fun to learn about them and discuss.

In this week's episode I speak with Brian Fisher from Kickstarter game Boss Babe. This game is different than anything we've ever seen before. It isn't so much a game, it's more like a statement against multi-level marketing companies, and how they have taken a hold of some of our nearest and dearest. It's funny and it's satire and it's not at all heavy. I'm not sure if Brian is a genius or has just tripped too far down a rabbit hole, but this game might be just the gateway game that some of you all need to channel your energy from talking about shampoo to joining our board game table. The branding is slick and the punch line is on, so if you are looking to introduce someone special to a lifestyle of social interaction check this out. And if you're not interested, I suggest you listen anyway, as this is the edgiest show I've done.

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we interview the guys who made Syndicate, a 4x game where you get to play as a mafia organisation in the year 3105. A very specific year in the future because that's when organised crime challenges "The Sovereign". Greg and Josh tne creators of Syndicate leave nothing out! They explain everything from their creative process, the mechanics of the game, and how to have a super successful Kickstarter despite initial hiccups. If you are interested in backing Syndicate (yes there's still time) this episode is a must!

In this week's episode we talk with Jackson Wood from Tokyo Sidekick about their current Kickstarter. Tokyo Sidekick is a cool game that uses Japanese comics in a cooperative game where you play as a character and a sidekick. The two can compliment each other giving you a unique game every time. The components look super slick and this game is straight out of Japan but nothing like we've ever seen before. Listen as we discuss everything from how it plays to how it fits in the box.

In today's episode we discuss the latest CMON game to arrive at our place: Marvel United. It's a fun cooperative game where you get to be your favourite super hero, fighting against a super villain- or even just a glorified side character. We discuss everything nothing is held back in this review/ gossip session about what is going on with this game. Marvel United is fun and more. We backed the Kickstarter, here is our review.

It's time for a kickstarter roundup! We talk about 4 games that are currently up on kickstarter for funding. There are of course many more but these are the ones we thought looked most interesting.

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we speak with Haplo Da Biggs creator of the Backyard Cricket Dice Game. This game is unique in its marketing and design and will give you an insight into a uniquely Australian game. In this interview we cover everything from how the game was created to how it is marketed and sold, how to play the game and how you can get your own copy. If you're interested in the game, check it out at https://lildbiggs.com.au/

Soft Poached Hedgehogs is an up and coming card game involving you being a hedgehog Chef trying to add ingredients to bake enough recipes to win the game. Today I talk with the creator, Suzette Conrad who is currently in the early stages of development. It involves all the competitiveness of a great game coupled with cute woodland artwork and slightly 'questionable humour'. We talk about all the success and struggles Suzette is facing with getting her game to market. Soft Poached Hedgehogs is currently available for PnP. So you too can get this freshly baked treat.

In today's episode I interview Nalin Chuapetcharasopon, founder of Meeple Marketing, and ask her how someone would go about marketing a board game ready for Kickstarter. This is such as loaded subject as there is so much out there and it is difficult to know where to start. Nalin breaks it down for us and shows how simple it really can be to get your board game out there and ready to launch.

Today's episode is very special because it's our 50th episode. Also, it is our very first interview. Today we talk with creator and comic Ray Cashman about his up and coming Power Slam card game. The artwork is high action with a cheesy 80's 90's pro wrestling feel. The game is easy to pick up and has a unique pin mechanic. When Justin and Alison met first met in Japan we used to watch hours of professional wrestling on tv as it was the only thing on that was in English, so Power Slam card game's theme really resonates with us. If you are feeling nostalgic too for some ring side action the Kickstarter is launching July 27, 2020.

In this episode of Hot Game Magnet we discuss our new favourite game Black Angel. This game from Pearl Games has been on our shelf since Christmas, but we have only just got it out. Black Angel the board game is a hand management worker placement game. You are playing as an AI on a space ship: the Black Angel. In the far flung future all of humanity is being ferried to our new planet. There are 4 AI's, representing different nations, competing to be the best at ushering said humanity to our new planet. The AI's job is to protect the sleeping remnants of humanity, making sure they arrive safely and protecting them from 3 different alien threats. The AI that does the best job, wakes up their faction first thus making them the ruler of the world. In this episode we discuss the art, the replay-ability, the components and anything else we can think of. This game is super photogenic, super fun and super crunchy. For more info listen to find out what we thought of it.

Three for the price of 1! This week we discuss what's hot on on our game table this past week, what's hot on Kickstarter right now, and HotGameMagnets hot new game Push Poo!

Sometimes its nice to play a game that's all about the endeavour to push the limits of what humanity can achieve in science and exploration. Most importantly, it's nice to do it better than your opponents. Godspeed, by Pandasaurus games; a game that's not so much about achieving greatness on an alien world as it is about doing it first and for the glory of your chosen nation.