Best Geek Fight Club Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 534 - Let them Fight: Andromeda's Edge vs. Dwellings of Eldervale 1:18:25

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3d ago1:18:25

1:18:25

This week we're pitting two heavy weights of recent gaming against one another, both with a similar design and common designer: Andromeda's Edge and Dwellings of Eldervale. Which is worth tracking down? Find out in our newest VS. episode. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boardgameacademic…

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596. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert Review 1:46:26

10d ago1:46:26

1:46:26

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 533 - Best Bang for Your Buck Games 1:00:57

10d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

This week, we asked all the listeners for the games they own that offer the best bang for their buck - the games you play a lot, were inexpensive, or have additional value outside of just playing them. We got a ton of great answers! Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boardgameacademics.com/r…

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Episode 532 - Board Game Club: Terraforming Mars 1:10:33

18d ago1:10:33

1:10:33

This week, Anthony and Chris do a deep dive into all things Terraforming Mars, along with the listeners, in our first Board Game Club presentation. We rereview each of the games and expansions, hear your stories and feedback, share a few of our own hot takes and generally talk all things Terraforming Mars for much of the episode: Join us at the Boa…

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Episode 531 - BGG Hotness + Board Game Draft Update! 1:03:27

24d ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Anthony is back this week with a big update on the BGG hotness, our board game draft, and all the amazing stuff on Gamefound that's calling for his wallet. Plus a review of Nova Era from Chris and previous discussion of Hobbit: There and Back Again (roll and write for the win!) Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of …

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595. The Business of Science Fiction (with Tom Gerencer) 1:11:47

27d ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Business of Science Fiction by Mike Resnick and Barry N. Malzberg. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 530 - The Top 10 Games on Everyone’s Shelf 1:12:04

1M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

Chris is joined again this week by Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to discuss the top "owned" games on BoardGameGeek, what makes these games so lasting and sought after. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boardgameacademics.com/register/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our first Board Game Club will featu…

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Episode 529 - Top Ten Dexterity Games 1:14:53

1M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Chris is joined this week by Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to talk about the top 10 dexterity games. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boardgameacademics.com/register/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our first Board Game Club will feature Terraforming Mars. Play the game and prepare to submit your commen…

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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London) 1:27:36

1M ago1:27:36

1:27:36

Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 528 - Our Favorite Games Gone Digital 58:07

2M ago58:07

58:07

This week we're turning to the voice of the gamers for a rundown of the games that we love that only got better through their digital implementations. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠⁠⁠https://boardgameacademics.com/register/⁠⁠⁠ Our first Board Game Club will feature Terraforming Mars. Play the game and…

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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine) 1:09:55

2M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 527 - Expansions that Fix Games You Now Love 1:08:59

2M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

(Apologies for the audio! Anthony's microphone had an oopsie this week, so his audio is the backup). This week, we asked the gamers among you to tell us which games were made all-time greats because of their expansions. Not just better, but to the top of your list. Plus we chat Golden Geek winners Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at t…

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Episode 526 - Games that Need a Crowdfunded Redux 57:03

2M ago57:03

57:03

This week we're looking at games that could use a revisit, revamp, or fancy, expensive redux on Kickstarter or Gamefound. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: ⁠https://boardgameacademics.com/register/⁠ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: SETI: Space Agencies Roll for Review: Shipyard (Second Edition) Feature: Ga…

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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha) 2:24:07

2M ago2:24:07

2:24:07

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…

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Episode 525 - April BGG Hotness and Fantasy Draft 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

This we take a deep dive into the BGG Hotness for April 2025, plus give an update on month four of the Fantasy Board Game Draft and review Stupor Mundi. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: The Great Library Roll for Review: Stupor Mund…

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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

2M ago2:39:59

2:39:59

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…

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Episode 524 - 25 Most Acquired Games of March 2025 1:04:28

2M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

This week we're looking at the most purchased or otherwise acquired games from March 2025 according to @MaaloxVoltaren (Andrea Bertani)'s Geek List on Board Game Geek. Link below. Join us at the Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: Battle of Hoth Roll…

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Episode 523 - Top 100 Strategy Games (on BGG) 1:40:55

3M ago1:40:55

1:40:55

On episode 523, we take a deep dive into the top 100 strategy games as listed on Board Game Geek, discussing which we've played, and whether we think they should be higher or lower. Join us at Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameacademics.com/register/ Episode Notes: Roll for Preview: Dragons of Etchinston…

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Episode 522 - Top Ten Magic The Gathering: Universes Beyond 1:00:34

3M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

This week, we take a deep dive into the ten set supplements and full sets that have been released or announced for Magic the Gathering, as the classic CCG digs into all the IPs. Nominate us for the Golden Geek! https://boardgamegeek.com/geekawards/boardgame Join us at Board Game Academics Conference at the Strong Museum of Play: https://boardgameac…

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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:49:40

3M ago1:49:40

1:49:40

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the book The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways" (1:08:16), "Not …

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Episode 521 - BGG Hotness and Fantasy Draft Update - April 1:14:52

3M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

We take a look at the BGG hotness and discuss the hottest upcoming games, plus provide an update of the 2025 Fantasy Board Game draft to see where everyone’s picks have landed so far. Patreon this week: No After Hours episode this week due to technical issues, but stay tuned for next week! Survey! Complete our audience survey for a chance to win a …

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Episode 520 - March Gamer Madness: Civilization Games - Part 2 2:19:06

3M ago2:19:06

2:19:06

This week, we're excited to welcome Geof Gambill to the show to help us wrap up the March Gamer Madness rundown of the best Civilization Games. Find out which game comes out on top as our pick for the all-time best Civ game. If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Bluesky (https://bsky.app…

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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna) 1:38:16

4M ago1:38:16

1:38:16

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 519 - March Gamer Madness - Civilization Games - Round 1 1:22:06

4M ago1:22:06

1:22:06

It's March, and you know what that means! We're back with another March Gamer Madness, running down the best of the best games in the Civilization genre. We start with 64 games this week and whittle the list down to 32. Be sure to join us next week when Geof Gambill, formerly of the Longview Podcast, joins us to narrow the list down to one and crow…

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BGA Episode 518 - New Theme, Same Great Game! 1:25:56

4M ago1:25:56

1:25:56

This week, we're looking at a bunch of games that didn't work for us on a thematic level, but that were updated in a way that resolved those issues and became much more interesting games. Plus a rundown of the recently announced Origins Awards nominations. Patreon this week: BGA After Hours digs into some of the recent best (and worst) viewing in o…

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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:28:33

4M ago1:28:33

1:28:33

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 517 - Fantasy Board Game Draft Month 2 58:24

4M ago58:24

58:24

We take a look at the BGG hotness and discuss the hottest upcoming games, plus provide an update of the 2025 Fantasy Board Game draft to see where everyone's picks have landed so far. Patreon this week: More BGA After Hours, with game discussions, what we’ve been watching and reading, and more. Survey! Complete our audience survey for a chance to w…

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Episode 516 - Top Ten Game Companies 1:12:42

4M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

This week, we asked the listeners (yes you!) to tell us your favorite game companies. Here are the companies that got the most shoutouts, organized into a Top 10 list. Plus, more duel games! Patreon this week: More BGA After Hours, with game discussions, what we've been watching and reading, and more. Survey! Complete our audience survey for a chan…

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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville 1:52:20

4M ago1:52:20

1:52:20

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over…

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Episode 515 - 10 Hottest Trends in Board Gaming 1:09:37

5M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

What are the current trends driving the way games are being made and promoted? We take a look at 10 of the hottest and discuss why they're hot and whether we're ready to move on. What are your favorite (and least favorite) current game trends? ======== Check out the upcoming Catan Masterpiece Series, featuring dozens of carefully crafted upgrades f…

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Episode 514 - BGG Hall of Fame: Hits and Misses 1:07:29

5M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

We take a look at the Board Game Geek inaugural Hall of Fame class, discussing the 25 games that made it and asking you all what games they missed and which ones would need to be removed to make room for them. ======== Check out the upcoming Catan Masterpiece Series, featuring dozens of carefully crafted upgrades for the all-time classic: https://w…

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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:59:04

5M ago1:59:04

1:59:04

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…

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Episode 513 - Fantasy Board Game Draft Month 1 1:16:35

5M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

This week, we're diving into the first month's results for the Fantasy Board Game Draft, with a rundown of everyone's teams, how the draft went down, and the next steps as we track the winners each month. ======== Check out the upcoming Catan Masterpiece Series, featuring dozens of carefully crafted upgrades for the all-time classic: https://www.ba…

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Episode 512 - Best or Worst Game Ever? 1:13:24

5M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

This week we asked you all what games have an overabundance of 10 or 1 point ratings in Board Game Geek, and we explore why this happens, some of the funny things people have to say about these games, and how to navigate the crowdfundification of online board game ratings. Patreon this week: Backers check out Chris's top 20 TV shows of all time Joi…

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Episode 511 - Choose Your Table! 4-hour Epic or 4 Light Games? 1:06:27

5M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Join us as we explore answers from our community about whether it would be more fun to play a single epic, 4-hour game or four separate lighter games of an hour each. Patreon this week: Anthony's Top 10 Video Games of 2024 Roll for Preview: Master of Orion: Ad Astra Roll for Review: Black Forest Feature: Choose Your Table! If you haven’t yet, be su…

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Episode 510 - Gifts that Got Us Into Gaming 1:07:03

6M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

To kick off 2025 proper, we're launching a new format, featuring the voices of our listeners and community members. This week, we discuss the gifts that got us into gaming and had a big impact on our lives. Plus a review of SETI and more. Special thanks to new Patreon backer Emily for joining us at the table, and to all of our contributors for thei…

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Episode 509 - Most Anticipated Games of 2025 1:20:29

6M ago1:20:29

1:20:29

It's that time of year again - let's look at the most anticipated games of the year ahead, featuring more than 60 games, expansions, and rereleases that we're (mostly) excited to see and play in the coming year. Plus we announce the launch of the BGA Fantasy Board Game Draft League. Learn more about the league and how to signup as a Patreon backer …

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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night 1:05:22

6M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 508 - BGA Awards 2024 1:18:43

6M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

We take a look back at the best games of 2024, with rundowns of 10 categories, plus a first time inclusion of the Listeners' Choice picks for each category. Listen for our picks in: Best Digital Implementation Best Family Game Best Strategy Game Best Overlooked Gem Best Crowdfunding Campaign Best Cooperative Game Best 2.0 Release Best Solo Game Bes…

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Episode 507 - 2024 Year in Review 1:16:45

6M ago1:16:45

1:16:45

We look back at all the many games we were most excited about at the start of the year to see if they were good, if we had a chance to play them, and overall what our impression of the year was in 2024. Question of the Week: If your local library could only shelve three board games, which three would you recommend they start with to reach as many p…

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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty) 58:45

7M ago58:45

58:45

J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 506 - Game Design Quantity vs. Quality w/ Geof Gambill 1:53:37

7M ago1:53:37

1:53:37

We're thrilled to have Geof Gambill back on the show, who previously hosted The Long View, to discuss game design quantity vs. quality. Join us for a lengthy discussion about how games have evolved, where they can sometimes go wrong, and what successful decision spaces look like for us in 2024. ===== Check out Victory Points: First Article is up fr…

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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:57:08

7M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs…

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Episode 505 - The 12 Days of Games Challenge! 1:32:27

7M ago1:32:27

1:32:27

This week, we're looking at 12 games that fit the theme of the season. That is, counting down from 12! Enjoy twelve games with numbers in their titles, plus a rundown of some of the games we've been playing lately, and our recap of PAX Unplugged 2024. Question of the Week: Acquisition Disorders: War of the Ring: Two Decades Limited Edition, Board &…

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Episode 504 - PAX Unplugged Preview 1:23:27

7M ago1:23:27

1:23:27

It's that time of year again - we're headed to PAX. Chris drives down and Anthony rolls out of bed to head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for three big ol' days of gaming. Find out what games we're most looking forward to playing this year. Join us on our new Blue Sky accounts: @bganonymous and @bgacademics Acquisition Disorders: Urbion (Sec…

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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:33:12

7M ago1:33:12

1:33:12

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…

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Episode 503 - 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 1:33:18

7M ago1:33:18

1:33:18

Tis the season! To buy a bunch of games, and we're here to help you find the right ones for the gamers in your life. 2-4 selections from each of 10 categories with ideas and suggestions for this year's holiday gift giving season. Plus acquisition disorder discussions of Hands in the Sea and Defenders of the Realm: Legendary Edition (before it was c…

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Episode 502 - Our Friends' Favorite Games w/ Adamantly Analog 1:38:45

8M ago1:38:45

1:38:45

We're excited to welcome longtime friends and listeners Corey and Harrison from Adamantly Analog to the show this week to discuss their favorite games, and all the good stuff that's been coming out lately. Question of the Week: It's been a bit! What are some of your favorite games (new to you or new in general) from the last 3 months? Acquisition D…

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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon 1:57:51

8M ago1:57:51

1:57:51

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreo…

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Episode 501 - Our Listeners' Top 100 Games of All Time 1:34:14

8M ago1:34:14

1:34:14

We've shared our favorite games of all time. Now it's time to bring in the listeners' to tell us what they think. Drawn from over 250 submissions from listeners, we've collated more than 1,000 unique game entries and present the definitive top 100 list, courtesy of you! Congratulations to our contest winners as well. Each them will receive a game f…