Vox Republica: Podcast Of The Cardboard Republic

Episode 164: The End Length: 39:28 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: All good things must come to an end. And that happens to include the Vox itself. This week, Erin and Ryan explain the decision to bring this project to a close and then share some of their favorite episodes of its nearly five year run.     We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.   Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.

Episode 163: Reskins - The Good, The Bad, And The Formerly Ugly Length: 56:28 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: There are themes and then there are themes. And then there are themes. But...what if those are all the same game? This week, Erin and Ryan talk about reskinning games. When is it worth it and when is it a money grab? Can it be both? GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:28): Clans of Caledonia by Karma Games (BGG Link) Otys by Pearl Games / Asmodee (BGG Link) Merlin by Queen Games (BGG Link) The North Sea Runesaga (Shipwrights, Raiders, and Explorers of the North Sea by Garphill Games / Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (17:28): We discuss our thoughts on the second multi-day Granite Game Summit, a local convention w

Episode 162: Without a Fight: Aggressive Games Length: 57:49 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: In gaming, there's conflict and then there's conflict. This week, Erin and Ryan talk about why some competitive games are more aggressive than others, and what to do when a game demands a level of intensity that you don’t want to give to it. GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:28): Concordia by Rio Grande Games (BGG Link) The Last Garden by One Thousand XP (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (13:24): We discuss the recent drama around the cancellation of Deep and what that those kinds of public dust-ups mean for the industry. FEATURED TOPIC - (23:10): Competition can get more heated at some times than at others. But what is it about one kind of game versu

Episode 161: The Asmo-daze Length: 1:05:01 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: Well, we didn't even get six weeks in before Asmodee announced its first major company purchase of 2018. Just like previous purchases, the reaction from the community is varied and wide-ranging. This week, Erin and Ryan take a deep look into some of those various areas of discussion.  GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:57): Pandemic Iberia by Z-Man Games (BGG Link) Smile by Z-Man Games (BGG Link) Rialto by Tasty Minstrel Games (BGG Link) FEATURED TOPIC - (20:43): Asmodee has become a common name in the board gaming world due to their continued purchases of well known board gaming companies, with the most recent being Mayfair Games and Lookout Games. This sort of

Episode 160: Escape the Podcast Length: 1:25:52 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: 2018 may only be a month old, but that doesn't mean the hobby hasn't found itself stumbling over a couple notable mistakes by the publisher CMON. This week, Erin and Ryan dive into those issues, and gush about Charterstone, before diving into a lengthy discussion about what makes an escape room game challenging and memorable. GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:27): Charterstone by Stonemaier Games (BGG Link) Five Seals of Magic by Mayfair Games (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (16:14): Within weeks of each other, noted publisher Cool Mini or Not found itself on the receiving end of two PR messes pertaining to two of their games. The first revolved around the inclu

Episode 159: Gaming Predictions (And Omens) for 2018 Length: 1:10:27 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: A new year means different things to different people. For us, aside from running screaming from 2017, it means it's time for Erin and Ryan to sit down and make some predictions for what lies in store in 2018 regarding games and the games industry! GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (1:19): Altiplano by dlp games / Renegade Game Studios (BGG Link) Alien Artifacts by Portal Games (BGG Link) Deckscape - Test Time by DV Giochi (BGG Link) FEATURED TOPIC - (18:59): It’s 2018, which means it’s time for all sorts of annual predictions and prognostications about games and the gaming industry. Are they wild guesses or educated methodical extrapolat

Episode 158: What Even Is A Game? Length: 58:09 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: They say time flies when you're having fun, right? Well we must've been having a ton of fun, because 5 years have passed in a flash. That's right - The Cardboard Republic is now 5 years old! And this week, Erin and Ryan reflect on that fact, sharing some thoughts about the era when the started and what they hope for gaming in the future. GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:48): Unlock! The Nautilus' Traps by Space Cowboys / Asmodee (BGG Link) Charterstone by Stonemaier Games (BGG Link) Bargain Quest by Jonathan Ying (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS - (19:38): We briefly expound on this being the final Vox episode of 2017 and some quick programming announcements.  FE

Episode 157: Five Years Of Cardboard Length: 1:15:13 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: They say time flies when you're having fun, right? Well we must've been having a ton of fun, because 5 years have passed in a flash. That's right - The Cardboard Republic is now 5 years old! And this week, Erin and Ryan reflect on that fact, sharing some thoughts about the era when the started and what they hope for gaming in the future. GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:54): Harvest Dice by Grey Fox Games (BGG Link) Professor Evil and the Citadel of Time by Passport Game Studios / Funforge (BGG Link) Pulsar 2849 By Czech Games Edition (BGG Link) Through The Desert by Z-Man Games / Asmodee (BGG Link) FEATURED TOPIC - (25:42): The CR turned 5 years old

Episode 156: BGG Recap & Game Gifts For Non-Gamers Length: 1:05:40 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: Game nights may have been lacking lately, but Ryan returns from BGGCon to make up for that with plenty to spare! In this episode Erin and Ryan recap some of the highlights of this years's BGGCon and then pivot into the holidays by suggesting some games you can offer up at holiday events filled with adults who may not have touched a game since Monopoly. GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (1:11): None! Because of BGGCon! QUICK TOPICS - (1:11): BGGCon! Ryan discusses - at length - a number of game highlights, as well as his favorite part of the convention. FEATURED TOPIC - (34:13): Rather than rattle off our own version of a holiday gift

Episode 155: Charitable Gaming Length: 46:47 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: Gaming can sometimes be seen from the outside as a childish or selfish pastime. Contrary to that thought, however, the hobby is actually known for charitable acts both large and small. On the heels of one such event, this week Erin and Ryan discuss Extra Life and a few other board game charity events that take place this time of year. For donation links, please check down below! GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:35): Lisboa by Eagle-Gryphon Games (BGG Link) Flamme Rouge by Stronghold Games (BGG Link) Downforce by Restoration Games (BGG Link) That's A Question by Czech Games Edition (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS - (20:37): We recap our annual Extra Life charity mar

Episode 154: Escape Rooms, Essen Picks, and BFIG Expansions Length: 1:14:36 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: It's convention time! This week Erin and Ryan are joined by Caroline Murphy, CEO of the Festival of Indie Games, to discuss the past, present, and future of Boston’s home-grown indie convention. Before that, though, Ryan walks us through his Essen picks for 2017. GUESTS: Caroline Murphy RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:56): Exit: The Abandoned Cabin by Thames & Kosmos (BGG Link) Unlock! The Formula by Space Cowboys (BGG Link) Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle: Monster Box of Monsters by USAopoly (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS - (19:28): Ryan runs down five games worth checking out at Essen 2017 that aren't currently bound for the US, as well as h

Episode 153: Cardboard Noir Length: 1:00:30 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about the eclectic mix of recent games that made it to the table. Then they talk to Evan Derrick of Van Ryder Games about his new title Detective: City of Angels - a game adding a new take on an old genre! GUESTS: Evan Derrick RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:26): Xia: Legends of a Drift System by Far Off Games (BGG Link) Festival of Thousand Cats by Fukuroudou (BGG Link) AVES by Play With Us Design (BGG Link) FEATURED TOPIC - (18:51): In this episode's interview, we talk Detective: City of Angels with designer Evan Derrick, which has recently launched on Kickstarter. The game is a thematic take on noir…which means Erin goes on an L.A. Noire

Episode 152: The Business of Gaming Length: 1:05:34 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about the business side of gaming. Is the board game industry really so different from other industries? It feels like it sometimes. Why is that and where do we think it’s going? GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:00): Hellapagos by Gigamic (BGG Link) Mansions of Madness by Fantasy Flight Games (BGG Link) Overlords of Infamy by Obscure Reference Games (BGG Link) FEATURED TOPIC - (23:32): Whether you consider board games to be art or not, the idea that designers make poor business people persists in the board game industry. Why is this? And why do fans tend to react poorly when game companies grow and become more profession

Episode 151: A Qwixx Episode Length: 48:54 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan recover from their giant Gen Con episode by reviewing…probably one of the smallest games they have - Qwixx! They also talk about BFiG and some prototypes! GUEST: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (0:53): The Networks: Executives by Formal Ferret Games (BGG Link) Cerebria by Mindclash Games (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (21:48): The Boston Festival of Indie Games is coming up on September 23rd. We’ll be there playing games and presenting an award. If you’re in the Boston Area, swing by and say hello! REVIEW - (26:16): Qwixx is a small, speedy roll-and-write game from Gamewright. Over the course of about 15-20 minutes, 2-5 players take turns rolling d

Episode Special 01: Gen Con 2017 Length: 1:43:42 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: In our first episode out-of-normal-schedule special Vox, Erin and Ryan go into the details of their adventures at Gen Con 2017 FEATURED TOPIC Erin and Ryan were on hand for Gen Con 50! In this episode special, they detail their activities over each of the game's four days, and then wrap up by listing some of their biggest surprises, favorite moments, and why not having a marquee game at the con was actually a good thing.   We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at podcast@cardboardrepublic.com. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.   Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Ba

Episode 150: Escapewolf Length: 1:03:56 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about a few post Gen Con games that made it to the table and then interview Juliana Patel and Ariel Rubin, the creators of Escape Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment. GUESTS: Juliana Patel & Ariel Rubin RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:19): Champions of Hara by Greenbrier Games (BGG Link) Stop Thief! by Restoration Games (BGG Link) Mountains of Madness by IELLO Games (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (00:36): Stay tuned next week for a special bonus Vox episode focusing solely on Gen Con 2017! FEATURED TOPIC - (29:56): We speak to the creator’s of Escape the Room: The Werewolf Experiment about bringing physical escape rooms to the table. We tal

Episode 149: Card Crafting With John Clair And Gen Con 50  Length: 1:15:18 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan talk about a few games they managed to get played, announce some Gen Con plans, and Ryan tries to guess the Gen Con sleeper hit. Then they interview designer John Clair on his innovating Card Crafting system. GUESTS: John Clair RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:24): Qwixx by Gamewright Games (BGG Link) Macroscope by Mayday Games (BGG Link) Saga of the Northmen by Minion Games (BGG Link) Valley of the Kings: Last Rites by AEG (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (13:11): We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardboard Quills: A Written Reviewer Roundtable - a written reviewer Q&A. (If you can't make it

Episode 148: Combating The Pile of Shame Length: 56:07 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan go into detail on a few of the games they've had the pleasure of trying out, chat about some Gen Con plans, and then pivot into a discussion about the significance - or lack thereof - to a person's To Be Played game list (often called their pile of shame). Turns out it's only as significant as you want it to be. Who knew? GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (04:51): Caverna: Cave vs Cave by Mayfair Games (BGG Link) Sidereal Confluence by WizKids (BGG Link) Nemo's War by Victory Point Games (BGG Link) Lisboa by Eagle-Gryphon Games (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (26:27): We're doing a Gen Con panel! If you're going, come check out Cardb

Episode 147: Sea Captains And Solo Games Length: 1:10:37 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan go into detail on a few of the games they've been playing, then discuss the lingering stigma of solo board gaming. Then they cap it off by having on a pair of folks who know a thing or two about solo games: Chris Taylor and Alan Emrich, the minds behind solo game hit Nemo's War! GUESTS: Chris Taylor and Alan Emrich RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (00:36): TIME Stories: Expedition: Endurance by Space Cowboys (BGG Link) Visitor in Blackwood Grove by Resonym (BGG Link) Pirates Vs Dinosaurs by Jolly Roger Games (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (19:21): Branching largely off of the recent article around solo gaming stigmas by the site Gaming for Ju

Episode 146: Outside Trends Length: 57:39 Show Links: RSS | iTunes | Stitcher | Download Episode   Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast! We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long. Vox Republica is proudly supported by our Patreon. Consider contributing today! DESCRIPTION: This week, Erin and Ryan mention a certain Gen Con panel, recap some games that hit the table recently, ponder over the latest Monopoly hype, talk about the progress made (and still needed to go) with diversity in gaming, and then discuss at length outside influences that affect trends within the gaming industry. Phew! Did we miss anything? GUESTS: None RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (03:36): Tau Ceti by Out Limit Games (BGG Link) Leaders of Euphoria by Overworld Games (BGG Link) Exit: The Game - The Pharaoh's Tomb by Thames & Kosmos (BGG Link) QUICK TOPICS – (17:49): Monopoly Gamer is a new Nintendo-themed version of Monopoly that was just released, and is being sold ex