Brendan examines the recent posts on boardgamegeek as though the threads are there as questions for him. Join us, won’t you?Negotiation in GamesSpiel des Jahres NomineesTrying to replace a stock image – need help8 Board Game Re-Themes I Made for FunLooking to get into more complex Euros… what is a good “step up”?New to board/card game design so using simulation to test mechanicsOn Board Games 589: TeachabilityMultiple or singular artists?Hello New ComersHow to choose the best board game ?Requesting 10 GG to start a guild for a local gaming groupWhat do you think of this format? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?Postcards (2025)Leviathan Wilds (2024)Episode 027: Shadow of the LeviathanMANTIS (2022)“Why the MANTIS shrimp is my new favorite animal.”Fugitive (2017) (revisited)What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares his thoughts about what makes for a great beginning to a game. This follows up on the previous episode about ends of games. Join us, won’t you?Happy Salmon (2016)Bruce Voge IIIPaku Paku (2017)Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012)dude (2018)Agricola (2007)Res Arcana (2019)3 Chapters (2024)Calico (2020)Las Vegas (2012)A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011)A Handful of Stars (2017)Sidereal Confluence (2017)Pandemic (2008)Honorable Mentions:Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)The Resistance: Avalon (2012)Which games do you hope think have amazing openings? Share your thoughts with the guild over on boardgamegeek, #3269. See you there!

Brendan talks about how games end, and recommends five games with compelling endings. Join us, won’t you?Skull King (2013)Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016)Monikers (2015)Escape! The Curse of the Temple (2012)A Study in Emerald (2013)Honorable MentionsRes Arcana (2019)The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011)QE (2019)What games do you think have good endings? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?Light Speed: Arena (2025)Core Worlds (2011)Verdant (2022)Underwater Cities: Data Era (2025)What do you think of these games? What have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares the films he watched during March and April of 2026, and what he thought of them. Join us, won’t you?An Honest LiarTrickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015)Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie (2022)Birds (workaround for Listers)ListersWingspan (2019)Project Hail MaryDaybreak (2023)The Search for Planet X (2020)The Naked GunDeception: Murder in Hong Kong (2014)Poetry for Neanderthals (2020)Empire RecordsEmpire Records (themestorm)Red, White & Royal BlueFog of Love (2017)Road HouseFree With Ads podcast “Road House”Vengeance (2018)What films did you watch in March and April of 2026? Share your viewing and game recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan examines the games that came out between 2001 and 2004 (inclusive), and shares his view of which games are best. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 games from 2001-2004Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)Ticket to Ride (2004)The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)Coloretto (2003)Alhambra (2003)Best Game whose revised version is great: A Game of Thrones (2003)Best Game I don’t like that much: Power Grid (2004)Best Game I haven’t played much: Puerto Rico (2002)Best Game with a BORING theme: Ingenious (2004)Best Stabby game: Lifeboat (2002)Previous Look Back episodesWhat are your favorite games from 2001-2004? Which ones should I seek out to try? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares his gameplay stats and experiences from April of 2026, and his plans for May. Join us, won’t you?Top of the Stack, April 2026New Game – Light Speed Arena✓Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – RootOne More – Core Worlds✓Shelf of OpportunityMy Top 50Top of the Stack, May 2026New Game – AhoyTop 50 game – Lost Ruins of ArnakOld Game New to Collection – TeotihuacanOne More – Level 7 EscapeWhat did you play in April? Share your plays and your plans in our boardgamegeek guild #3269!

Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?Gnome Hollow (2024)Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023)Horrified (2019)Horrified: American Monsters (2021)Horrified: World of Monsters (2024)Awkward Guests 2: The Berwick Cases (2023)Clue (1949)Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016)Seasons (2012)Res Arcana (2019)What games have you been playing lately? What do you think of this episode’s games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.

Brendan talks a bit about Earth Day and games that reflect on the topics related to it.Environmental ActivismEndeavor: Deep Sea (2024)Endangered (2020)Daybreak (2023)Animals and NatureWingspan (2019)Wild: Serengeti (2022)Cascadia (2021)Undergrove (2024)Earth (2023)Environmental BalanceHarmonies (2024)CO2: Second Chance (aka CO₂: Second Chance) (2018)20th Century (2010)What games would you add to the discussion of Earth Day? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.