Episode 63 – Best Gimmicks in Gaming

This week, Chris, Daniel and Drew have some fun sharing their favorite gimmicks in gaming. Specifically the unique mechanisms, components, and artwork that make certain games stand heads and shoulders above the rest. We also get a few incredible games to the table and get to the Final (Fab) Four for our Tabletop Madness 2015 Bracket.

Drew is back with a full round of news, stories, and articles from the world of tabletop gaming. This week, he pulls together some interesting new mentions and stories in the realm of tabletop to join our special gimmicks episode.

Learn what games have the BGA crew eager to open their wallets this week. Surprise, there are more than would normally fit this space. Fortunately, we’ve made room for our feature this week, which means fewer games in the online shopping cart.

Big games at the table this week! The team gets Dead of Winter to the table again, a game that just keeps coming back and one that will pop up again later in our Final (Fab) Four. We also talk about Spy Ally, a classic bluffing and deduction game that is equally fun in a  game group as with the family. Finally, Chris finally gets a chance to play one of the top games of all time – Puerto Rico – and it’s an instant hit. Learn more about his thoughts on this BGG Top Pick.

Every game has its hook – that unique gimmick or idea that makes it one of a kind. Some games pull them off better than others, but when a good game matches up with a unique mechanic in a way that makes it stand out, people take notice. This week, the team collects some of their favorite gimmicks from gaming. Here are the picks, or you can start listening at 33:45 from the episode below:

• Abyss
• 7 Wonders Babel
• Dungeon Fighter
• Hanabi
• Colosseum
• Terror in Meeple City/Rampage

• Love Letter
• Dungeon Roll
• Diamonds
• Francis Drake
• Mice & Mystics

• The Game of Life
• Operation
• Mousetrap
• Word for Word
• Beat the Market

But the top Gimmick of all time has got to go to Dark Tower. No game was more legitimately exciting in the 1980s than this electronic classic. When it finds its way to a table, the entire room rushes over to see the tower – and the game isn’t half bad either.

Last but not least, the team pairs off and picks their favorites for the Final (Fab) Four games in 2015 Tabletop Madness. These are the games YOU will get to choose from in the next week during our ongoing poll. Help us decide if Dead of Winter, Race for the Galaxy, Caverna: The Cave Farmers, or Mice & Mystics deserve to go home with the crown.

Shout it From the Table Top: 1:55 (News!)

Acquisition Disorder: 11:25

At the Table: 15:45

Feature: Best Gimmicks in Gaming: 33:45

Final Round: 2015 Tabletop Madness: 50:21