Roasted Games

S4E7 - Belly up to the Gaming Table

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:41:19 +0000

The boys are back to talk Imperial Settlers: Empire of the North, Radlands, Valeria games, and much more.

S4E6 - The Chill Episode

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:20:02 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz chat revisiting some classic faves, some new faves, and maybe even some Flava Flaves?

S4E5 - Solo Shenanigans

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:21:25 +0000

Bill and Kaz are back to finish their list of top 10 solo games.

S4E4 - Games for Me Time

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:13:32 +0000

Sometimes you just need some time alone. Some Me time. This week Bill and Kaz kick of their list of top solo games.

S4E3 - Discoveries New and Old

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:16:46 +0000

Rez Arcana resurrected, Vindication, a picturesque New England village, and roll and writes galore!

S4E2 - Memorable Memories

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:04:53 +0000

Bill and Kaz return to close out their list of top ten gameplays from 2021. Mysteries will be revealed!

S4E1 - Season Four Back For More

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 06:41:59 +0000

Season 4 begins! Bill and Kaz jump back in the saddle to talk their most memorable plays of 2021.

S3E15 - Glorious Game Stories

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:29:48 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz regale you with tales of games played, games wished for, and game night anecdotes.

S3E14 - The Lost Ruins of Dune Imperium

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:32:55 +0000

There is a battle a brewin' to determine the best worker placement/deck builder board game. This week Bill and Kaz compare the two main contenders, The Lost Ruins of Arnak and Dune Imperium. Is there space enough on the shelves for both or must rule triumphant above them all?

S3E13 - The Final Countdown

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:18:13 +0000

Bill and Kaz finish their countdown of the top 10 games of their collections as ranked by BGG. Top 1-5. Best of the best baby!

S3E12 - The Countdown

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:08:08 +0000

Bill and Kaz take a look at their own collections and see how BGG ranks their top ten games. Do the games deserve their spots?

S3E11 - Questions of the Future

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 06:22:50 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz talk Whistle Stop, Merchants Cove, and contemplate the future of the hobby with all the craziness these days.

S3E10 - The Fun Episode

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:46:41 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz have some guests on the pod. It's Corey and Donnie from Concept Medley games! The guys are here to discuss their design process, current games they're working on, and how to make sure the 'fun factor' doesn't get designed out of your game.

S3E9 - Conspiracy Under The Sea

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:42:20 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz chat about Medieval Builders, Unmatched in detail, and a Conspiracy under the sea. Also, Bill may have a drafting mechanism addiction and Kaz tries to describe another game he has never played and knows very little about but he's sure he likes it.

S3E8 - Testing, Testing, 123

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:22:43 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz chat about a recent playtest of a game Bill is working on. Plus! Pax games. What the heck are they? Are the worth playing? Also, the temptation of LOTR the card game for Kaz continues.

S3E7 - Minisode May Die

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:16:00 +0000

Back this week with another minisode! Bill and guest host Joey (Bill's son) are back on the mics to breakdown a recent gameplay of Cthulhu: Death May Die. So confusing! The name of the game that is. The episode is very understandable. Enjoy!

S3E6 - Cleverer Fuchs

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:31:48 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz get chattin' Gonz. Gonz Schon Clever that is. One of the best roll and writes out there. ALSO! Drafting dinos, 1890s architecture, Puerto Rico, and a myserious play through which they maybe can't talk about.

S3E5 - Minisode Macabre

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 12:40:01 +0000

This week on Roasted Games, a mini episode! Bill and guest host Joey (Bill's son) hop on the mics and breakdown a recent gameplay of Abonimation: The Heir of Frankenstein.

S3E4 - We're Wearing Shades

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 04:44:17 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz receive their first game specifically for review from a publisher. The guys are moving up! Then they chat about a Horrified sequel, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Cthulhu Death May Die, and Smartphone Inc ( a cell phone board game?!?!?!). Plus, what games to bring to a family gathering to get your non-gamer family hooked.

S3E3 - The Dwellings Episode

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:26:00 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz take a look at the game that's been demanding their focus for the last few weeks, Dwellings of Eldervale. Plus, is the game you've been playing a lot lately a good game or just easy to get to the table? Do games with extra modes earn their keep or are they just marketing fluff?

S3E2 - Hitting the Groove

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:32:27 +0000

This week Bill and Kaz talk jumping into popular LCG series years after everyone else, compare recent game plays, and discuss Pan Am, Kolejka, and Dwellings of Eldervale. It's compare and contrast time baby!

S3E1 - We're Back!

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 05:55:00 +0000

It's been a long year and then some. Ah the dark times. But! Times are dark no longer because Bill and Kaz are finally back to talk games, game design, and what changes have occurred in their lives over the last year. Woo hoo! Excitement all around!

S2E16 - Apes in the Apiary

Mon, 18 May 2020 05:30:16 +0000

Bees in the apiary, apes in the bee.....thing.... Well, the pun computer failed. Oh, well. This week Bill and Kaz talk about a recent playthrough of a Concept Medley work in progress, Pocket Apiary. Honeybees, wildflowers, and competition! Plus, let's talk about Phil Walker-Harding's Silver and Gold. To the Apiary!

S2E15 - Short and Sweet

Mon, 04 May 2020 06:21:47 +0000

The guys recap a long over due game play and try to figure out what makes Kemet so great. Everything. Everything does.

S2E14 - An Example of Perfection

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 06:18:02 +0000

Bill and Kaz are back to talk about some great games they've played. Have they witnessed perfection? Probably not, but pretty darn close!

S2E13 - A Calming Distraction

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 07:24:47 +0000

You know what we all need right now? Something to look forward to: An epic adventure, an exciting challenge, a comforting journey. Luckily, the guys have some suggestions of games that do an extra special job of pulling you into their worlds and letting you take your mind off the things going on in ours.

S2E12 - Stayin' Alive

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:45:33 +0000

Bill and Kaz reunite after a brief hiatus to discuss what they've been up to and compare notes on game design competitions, games played, and games they're excited to get to the table. Also, how are you getting in a game session these days? Let the guys know!

S2E11 - Where Have All The Game Groups Gone?

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 02:13:46 +0000

Going stir-crazy yet? Miss your game group? Us too. In this episode Bill and Kaz go over some options to get your gaming fix with friends while staying far away from them. So, take that shower you've been putting off for the last few days, boot up your digital devices, and get ready to play some games!

S2E10 - The Luck of the Irish

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:57:56 +0000

This episode is all about luck. Can the guys discover the magic skill/luck ratio that makes the perfect board game? Does it even exist? A mysterious luck based episode for your St. Patrick's Day listening pleasure.

S2E9 - Let Me Take a Little Bite Outta You

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 05:57:50 +0000

Shambling, shuffling, and moaning. They are among us! No, not the elderly, the undead. The guys break down their choices for top 5 Zombie games.

S2E8 - Glorious Tales of Buffoonery

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:43:43 +0000

If you've listened to even just one episode of this podcast, you've probably realized that Bill and Kaz are not perfect. Despite what they might say. Far from it! This lack of perfection has led to some interesting mix-ups. Let talk about them!

S2E7 - The Great Expanse(ions)

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:09:47 +0000

Everyone could use an upgrade sometimes, even our favorite games. The guys talk expansions this week and compare the ones that work to the ones that make you wonder why they ever bothered.

S2E6 - A Game Night Dilemma

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 15:29:02 +0000

The guys discuss a recent a recent negative presence at game night and ask for your solutions. Plus! Some games sit in your collection unplayed, for months, maybe even years. Why do we keep them?! Bill and Kaz rank the games in their collections that they just can't bring themselves to let go and explain why they never will.

S2E5 - Teaching it Right

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 06:43:26 +0000

The guys get some professional input from an expert in instruction on how best to teach a game. Spoiler Alert! They've been doing it wrong. Yelling, 'Why Aren't You Getting This?!?!' is apparently NOT the best way to teach a board game.

S2E4 - 204 - Let The Teaching Begin

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:53:41 +0000

Teaching a game can be tricky, what with all the rules and such. The guys break down their choices for most favorite games to teach newbies. Now if only they could teach themselves to love.

S2E3 - 203 - Meeples, Meeples, Everywhere

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:33:52 +0000

Aren't all the best games the ones where you get to move a lot of pieces around? Who knows. But they sure are fun to play. This week the guys, discuss their picks for unique worker placement games. Let's move some meeples!

S2E2 - 202 - Double Deuce!

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:51:39 +0000

Let's build our dream city. This week Bill and Kaz rank the top 5 best city building games. Oh the power of playing God. Yes, yes I will put this heavy factory in the suburbs! And there's nothing you can do about it! MUAHAHAHA!

S2E1 - 201 - Season Two Here We Go!

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 07:16:09 +0000

Bill and Kaz start season two with a recap of the year that was and look forward to exciting plans for next year.

Season Two Promo

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:46:01 +0000

See you in Season Two!

S1E32 - Episode 132 - Twas the Night Before Game Night...

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:44:52 +0000

It's that time of year again. A time to reconnect with family, friends, and that legacy game you've been meaning to finish for the last 6 months. That's right, the holidays have arrived. But what to play??? Bill and Kaz have some suggestions to make your celebrations perfect with just the right game for any group. Get the chairs and cram that last cookie in your mouth. It's game time!

S1E31 - Episode 131 - Jamaica Justice

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 05:11:15 +0000

The tables have turned. He that was once the judge becomes the judged. Jamaica hits the table to be deemed worthy or unworthy. This time Kaz is in the hot seat to prove the worth of this classic racing game and Bill is the skeptic to be convinced . Will he succeed? The tension is palpable. Thankfully, Jamaica is silly.

S1E30 - Episode 130 - Ragusa Redemption

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 06:34:18 +0000

The time of reckoning is upon us. Scores will be settled and chits called in. Ragusa comes back to the table. Bill and Kaz replay Ragusa after a contentious attempt several weeks ago. Bill likes this game, Kaz does not. Will Bill be able to change Kaz's mind or will this game be forever banished from game-night? Exciting!

S1E29 - Episode 129 - Swing and a Miss

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:38:49 +0000

Bill and Kaz flip the script from last week's episode and talk about the mechanisms that just fall flat. Can these mechanisms regain to their former glory? Were they ever really that good? What is the meaning of life? Two of these questions will be answered. Well, one for sure. 42.

S1E28 - Episode 128 - Guaranteed to Improve Your Mood

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:30:00 +0000

Surprise compliment! I think you're really great. Didn't that make your day? I hope so champ! The guys trade compliments and get into the mechanisms that make them perk up and take notice when a designer incorporates them into a game. Is player elimination and heavy take that on the list? No, no they are not. Also, your outfit is on-point today. Gotcha again!

S1E27 - Episode 127 - Let's Find Some Common Ground

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 04:47:28 +0000

Sometimes a game is just contentious. The guys break down a recent play of Ragusa, a game that Bill absolutely loved, and Kaz absolutely did not love. Can their relationship be repaired? Will they ever play games again? Only time will tell.

S1E26 - 126 - Give a Nice Game a Chance

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:52:16 +0000

Chess finally has a worthy successor! Also, an epic tale shipping woes and Kickstarter heroes. Then the guys unveil discovered secrets of the Board Game Geek rating system and go through their choices of games that deserve to be higher on that list. Research!

S1E25 - Episode 125 - A Board Game Built For Two

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 07:10:00 +0000

Scaling! It's not just what's happening to your skin in the winter, it's also how well a game plays with different player counts. Go figure. Bill and Kaz discuss how some games do it really well, while others just seem to fall off a cliff at certain player counts. Then the guys breakdown their choice of games for 2-players. Head to head, baby!

S1E24 - Episode 124 - Do I Feel Lucky, Punk? Well, Do I?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 04:31:07 +0000

Luck can be infuriating in board games, but sometimes a bit of luck can take a game from good to great. The guys break down some games that take the press your luck mechanism and make it shine. Plus, the final Spooky games recommendations! Happy Halloween ya goofs!

S1E23 - Episode 123 - Epic Tales of Space Adventures

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 07:39:43 +0000

After breaking down some recent game experiences, Bill and Kaz regale us with an epic tale of battling aliens on a derelict space craft. Then the spooky list continues to help you with your October board game choices. Spook on!

S1E22 - Episode 122 - A Wild Western Tropic Haunt

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:59:02 +0000

This episode is jaaaaaaam-packed. Bill and Kaz build reefs, become master painters, and manage a farm of the chunkiest animals imaginable. Then the guys interview Len Kendall about his most recent board game, Western Tropic. It's a beautiful take on Poker that incorporates board game mechanisms to create a unique experience.

Also, it's October! Time for some spooooky recommendations.

S1E21 - Episode 121 - Don't Worry Where I Heard About It, Just Check It Out!

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:12:14 +0000

Bill and Kaz return to the mic with a discussion of how people find out about new games these days. How does a designer/publisher stand out and reach that audience?

Then the guys go over the games that just don't shine as brightly as they used to. Some of them may surprise you and some may make you nod your head silently in agreement. Write to us and tell us which was which!

S1E20 - Episode 120 - More than 4 friends? No problem!

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 04:19:22 +0000

Kaz gets some games off the shelf he's never played but has been meaning to. Then the guys talk their top 6 games that play 6. Do they even know that many people?

S1E19 - Episode 119 - Puffins, Muffins, and Weird Giraffes

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 06:14:42 +0000

Kaz gets grumpy at Stefan Feld's magic bread as he and Bill recount their recent Carpe Diem experience. Then the guys sit down to chat with Carla Kopp from Weird Giraffe Games about her approach to design and lessons learned after several successful years in the industry. Also, is Puffins Love Muffins the best name for a game ever? Yes, yes it is.

S1E18 - Episode 118 - Let's Talk To Some Weirdos

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 06:11:51 +0000

Bill and Kaz remember when they used to be terrible human beings and were shipwrecked on a mysterious island for jerks. They did escape but while sailing home to the quaint little town of Amity, New York, they were attacked by a giant shark named Mandibles. Close the beach!

Then it's off to game night for some game group interviews and shenanigans.

Also, Kaz can't stop saying 'love' at the end of the episode. Weird.

S1E17 - Episode 117 - Who Chooses These Colors?!

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 04:00:51 +0000

Why the heck are some game art designs soooooo bland? Are art designs room badly lit? Do Germans hate color? Is it a practical joke gone awry? Kaz and Bill contemplate these deep thoughts and the games that just keep getting better the more you play them.

S1E16 - Episode 116 - Welcome To... This 12th Century Cathedral Full of Bears

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:46:40 +0000

There is so much construction talk in this episode you might just be inspired to slap on some overalls and try your hand at this 'carpentry' stuff that's all the rage these days. A french suburb under construction, a Gothic English cathedral being built brick by brick, and designing your very own gosh darn bear park are just a few examples of the types of games the guys get into before taking a deep dive into the mechanism of deck building.

S1E15 - Episode 115 Sure, But Have You Tried...

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 03:50:26 +0000

This episode is an olive branch to anyone who has fond memories of classic games. In an effort to find some common ground, the guys have come up with some modern gaming alternatives to the classics. So, the next time you're floundering, trying to come up with the perfect game to intro to your Risk/Monopoly/Sorry/Clue loving buds, you'll have some good suggestions to reach for. Enjoy, and happy gaming to all!

S1E14 - Episode 114 - No, Not Monopoly

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 05:58:37 +0000

Bill and Kaz spend a minute trying to figure out just how you explain the hobby to the non-initiated. Kaz goes down a rabbit hole obsessing over a game he just can't figure out, which spurs the guys to talk about what to do with games that just don't measure up.

Plus a rundown of some top drawer co-op choices. It's so much fun when we put aside our differences and work together, am I right?

S1E13 - Episode 113 - Arkham Horror You Magnificent Bastard

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 03:48:18 +0000

Bill and Kaz get into some fun recent playthroughs, one of which was designed by god-among-men and Roasted Games darling, Phil Walker-Harding! Also, do they like The Mind or do they not like The Mind? It's hard to tell. Then they take a minute to talk over their Arkham Horror 3rd Edition experience and some tips for getting big games to the table. Thanks for the suggestion Dillon!

S1E12 - Episode 112 - I don't just have vices, I have Capital Vices

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 07:31:27 +0000

Bill and Kaz reach out to designers Corey Andalora and Donnie Coleman to discuss their current Kickstarter project, Capital Vices. The get into design team dynamics, individual design approaches, gaming preferences, and some exciting upcoming projects, OF THE FUTURE!

Also, the guys talk about Wasteland Express TWICE in one episode, so you know, it's probably pretty good.

S1E11 - Episode 111 - A Whole Lotta Guatemala

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 08:41:34 +0000

Bill and Kaz correct an unforgivable mistake from a previous episode and get into the oldie, but still goodie, Tikal. Then they run down some of the games in their collections that are crying out desperately for a first playthrough.

S1E10 - Episode 110 - Music Mashup!

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 05:18:54 +0000

Bill and Kaz challenge each other to match up song clips to their board game counter parts. Do they succeed? Do the songs make any sense? Have they lost all reason and direction? All these answers, AND MORE!

Also, Tikal is in Guatamala, not Mexico. It's pretty famous. Probably should have known that, KAZ.

S1E9 - Episode 109 - Elements of Elephants

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 02:18:20 +0000

Bill and Kaz recap a busy gaming week, including a shiny new German export (Die Tavernen im Tiefen Thal) and a rare Battlestar Galactica session, among others. Then the guys go through the top 10 games that took them by surprise and in doing so realize they've created a new list called, 'Games We Need To Get To The Table Again Really Soon!'.

Also, isn't it nice to end on a positive note? Should we start ending these with daily affirmations?

S1E8 - Episode 108 - Beware. Super deep manly voices in this one.

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 04:34:27 +0000

Fighting through stuffy noses, like real manly men, Bill and Kaz talk 2 new game experiences and chat about the games they wish they had designed. Plus! A super exciting update about their game in development.

S1E7 - Episode 107 - Why won't this game let me like it?!

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 05:15:58 +0000

Kaz brags about crushing a 10 year old at game night. Then the guys run through their list of games that went THHPPPPPPPPPTTT. Also, Bill is wrong about Jamaica. So very very wrong.

S1E6 - Episode 106 - Kickstarter Christmas Comes Early

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 02:58:17 +0000

Kickstarter Christmas! Bill and Kaz play some new kickstarter arrivals and then give their thoughts. Also, what game does this song remind you of? Then let's get lost in boombox logistics.

S1E5 - Episode 105 - This Episode is Honey Roasted

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 05:30:55 +0000

Quacks of Quedlinburg is a great game, especially if you play it right! Also, what is going on, EXACTLY, with the game the guys have in development. Oh, and CLAAAAAAANK!

S1E4 - Episode 104 - I'm a game group? You're a game group!

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 05:34:31 +0000

Bill and Kaz talk about the origins of their game group and why it's been successful. Plus, there's some really great co-ops out right now. Check them out!

S1E3 - Episode 103 - Play it again Sam, er, Kaz and Bill

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 06:15:08 +0000

Bill and Kaz rave about one of the blandest (but most fun!) games they've ever played and then discuss how Kickstarter is becoming a massive game publishing house and will slowly take over the world.

S1E2 - Episode 102 - We're sorry Eric Lang. We really are.

Mon, 27 May 2019 13:52:37 +0000

Episode Notes

Bill and Kaz want you to know they really do like Blood Rage...buuuuut...

S1E1 - Episode 101 - Kingdom Death Monster is still tops, but we've never played it.

Sat, 18 May 2019 07:28:33 +0000

Episode Notes

Bill and Kaz kick it off with a discussion of where board games are headed over a surprisingly strong beer.

For a 30-day trial to Audible go to www.audibletrial.com/easedrop

Episode 00 - The Beginining

Sat, 18 May 2019 07:25:25 +0000

Episode Notes

Kaz explains what this is.