The three games in this episode created different reactions for us. One of them will be a jewel in our collection. One did not get the love that others have shown it. And finally, one created a split among us, something that seldom happens on RDTN. However, Unfair, Ethnos, and The Captain is Dead should not be missed.

Ethnos might make you raise your skepticism thinking that it is just another set collecting game, but there is plenty of strategy in this one. If you are on the fence with Ethnos, check out the Watch It Played video and maybe that will help in your decision.

Unfair is a pure engine builder with the theme of trying to build the best theme park. Like all engine builders, you will increase the efficiency of the engine as you learn the cards. One of the nicest features of the game is it comes with six genres to add to the replay-ability of the base game. The number of genres you pick from depends on the players and they all get shuffled together. Each genre has a different aspect too it, so it helps add to the randomness of the game. But at its heart, it is an engine builder.

The Captain is Dead is a co-op game that offers play up to seven people. Support for that number of people without being a social deduction game is tough to find and truly a gem in the cooperative gaming world. Another high point was that the A.P. in the higher player count did not show up. In our plays, people pretty well knew what needed to be done. All in all, three very solid games worth a look for sure.

In the Kickstarters we mentioned, the Big Viking Mats is off and running and is almost half way to the funding goal. Went back and looked at all options when it comes to finding a game mat to fit the table and while there may be some cheaper options, you really need to look at the type and quality of mat. I found a 4×8 mat for $50 and come to find out, is was great for the floor in a horse stall. But it is so heavy that it would not work for a gaming table. Big Viking Mats is a very good option and Paul is looking to be as accommodating with the design as he can be.

Chariots of Rome is also off and running and coming to the first turn in their funding. They have a ways to go, but plenty of time so far. This isn’t one of those huge scale racing game, but a fun frolic through the Circus where you are pushing your luck and trying to out think your opponents. Be sure to watch all their videos on their KS page to get a really good idea what the game is about.

Be sure to check out the two apps we mentioned as well: Tokaido and Terra Mystica

In our next episode, we go back to the movies for our summer preview and be sure to watch this space for how to enter in our next contest.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:59 — 59.6MB)

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