Episodes

  • MN 581 Open Drafting Games

    MN 581 Open Drafting Games
    Jun 4 2025
    Episode 581: Open Drafting Games Episode release date is June 4, 2025 Show Notes This week we kick off our discussion of open drafting games. So, we are going to line up a bunch of games and choose some to discuss. Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Become a Chanameeple Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan Doomlings Douglas Andy David In board game mechanics, open drafting is a specific type of drafting where players take turns selecting items (like cards, tiles, dice, or tokens) from a shared, visible pool of options. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and how it differs from other drafting types: Key Characteristics of Open Drafting: Shared Pool: There's a central display or common area where all the items available for selection are laid out. Visibility: All players can see all the available options in the pool at all times. This is the defining feature of "open" drafting. Turn-Based Selection: Players take turns choosing and taking one or more items from this shared pool. Once an item is taken, it's removed from the pool (or sometimes replaced immediately, depending on the game). Strategic Interaction: Because everyone can see what's available and what others are taking, open drafting encourages a high level of player interaction and strategic depth. Players aren't just thinking about what they need for their own strategy, but also: "Hate Drafting": Taking an item that might not be optimal for you, but is crucial for an opponent's strategy, thereby "denying" them that piece. This can be a friendly jab or a crucial tactical move. Anticipation: Trying to predict what other players will take on their turns based on their visible boards or strategies. Adapting: Adjusting your own plans if a key item you wanted is taken by an opponent. How it Differs from Other Drafting Types: The main contrast to open drafting is closed drafting (often called "pick-and-pass" or "hand drafting"): Closed Drafting: Players typically receive a hand of cards (or a set of items) and select one (or more) to keep, then pass the rest of their hand to the next player. The key difference is that the pool of options available to the next player is unknown until they receive the new hand. Players don't see the full communal pool; they only see their current hand. Examples of Closed Drafting: 7 Wonders (the original), Sushi Go!, Blood Rage. Why Designers Use Open Drafting: Increased Player Interaction: Players are constantly engaged with the overall game state, not just their own limited hand. Tactical Depth: Decisions often involve weighing immediate personal gain against denying opponents. Transparency: All information about available items is public, allowing for more calculated and less luck-driven decisions regarding the draft itself. Emergent Strategy: The way the pool changes based on player choices creates dynamic and evolving strategic opportunities. Open Drafting Games Alchemist Land vs Sea Azul Azul Duel Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra Azul: Summer Pavilion Azul: The Queen’s Garden Storm Raiders Res Arcana Firefly: The Game Project L: Collector's Edition Altiplano P.I. Planet Unknown Truffle Shuffle The Gang 7 Wonders: Duel Faraway Thunderstone Advance Dominion Ticket to Ride: Europe Ticket to Ride Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game Gizmo Queendomino Clank!: Catacombs Nightfall Bootleggers Dice Forge Star Trek Deck Building Game: The Next Generation Doug’s Rapid Fire Mentions Cloud City The Witcher: Old World Revive Wonderland’s War Wingspan Wyrmspan 51st State Scarface 1920 Waste Knights Rurik: Dawn of Kiev Champion of Midgard
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • MN 580 May 2025 News Audio

    MN 580 May 2025 News Audio
    May 28 2025
    Episode 580: Meeple Nation May 2025 News - New Games, Announcements, & Crowdfunding! Release Date: May 28, 2025 Welcome to Episode 580 of Meeple Nation, The World's Okayest Podcast! This week, Nathan, Douglas, and Dave pull up a chair to the game table to dive into all the exciting news from the board gaming world for May 2025. We're covering a ton of ground, including: New Game Releases: Discover what's just hit the shelves and is ready for your game night!New Game Announcements: Get the scoop on upcoming titles that have the community buzzing.Crowdfunding Games: We'll highlight some intriguing projects currently seeking support on Kickstarter and Gamefound. In this episode, we chat about: Our Gaming Highlights: Nathan: Twilight Inscription Flip 7 Hadrian’s Wall Douglas: Arkham Horror Dave: Dominion Hot New Releases: Marvel Champions: Silk Hero Pack Marvel Champions: Black Panther Hero Pack (Suri) Cyclades: Legendary Edition Parks Second Edition Knitting Circle Zombicide 2nd Ed: PariZ Marvel Zombies Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance Santorini: Pantheon Edition Toy Battle Tiny Turbo Cars Dragon Eclipse Pokemon Critter Kitchen Emerald Skull Exciting Announcements: Battle for Hoth (Command and Colors) Risk GI Joe: Special Missions Risk Legacy 7 Wonders Dice Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth 7 Wonders Architects Slam Throne Pogs Sea Salt & Paper: Extra Pepper Lorcana: Reign of Jafar Grand Central Skyport Skyrise Cloud City The Anarchy Hadrian’s Wall Dry Erase Board SETI: Space Agencies Mystery of the Abbey In the Footsteps of Darwin: Correspondence 7 Empires Crowdfunding Spotlight: Kickstarter: Flamecraft Duels Gamefound: Aeon’s End: Beyond the Breach A huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors, Game Toppers and SaltCON! Whether you're a veteran gamer or just getting into the hobby, there's something for everyone in this action-packed episode. Join us for your essential dose of board game news and discussion! Connect with Meeple Nation: Website: Meeplenation.comSaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast: SaltPODEmail: MeepleNation@gmail.comPatreon: Meeple NationInstagram: @meeplenation Facebook Page: Meeple NationFacebook Group (Meeple Nation Off Air): Meeple Nation Off AirX (Twitter): @MeepleNation Discord: Meeple NationYouTube: Meeple Nation Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform!
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • SCPC - SaltPOD: SaltCON Summer 2025 preview.

    SCPC - SaltPOD: SaltCON Summer 2025 preview.
    May 28 2025
    SaltPOD 0005, SaltCON Summer 2025 Release date: May 27, 2025 Welcome gamers! If you are a board gamer, a social gamer, or someone who loves RPGs, SaltCON is a place for you. Welcome back to SaltPOD, your dedicated deep dive into the vibrant world of SaltCon and the incredible community that makes it tick! If you're new here, SaltPOD is your backstage pass, your insider scoop, your direct line to all things SaltCON. SaltCON – the biggest and best tabletop gaming convention in the Mountain West! We're here to explore the amazing games, the fantastic people, and the unforgettable experiences that make SaltCon a must-attend event year after year. Get ready to level up your excitement!" This episode we are discussing SaltCON Summer which is happening June 6th through the 8th at the Davis Conference Center, in Layton City. This event is smaller than the Spring event but still has three action packed days of events, tournaments, open gaming and amazing people. Vendor Hall The Gauntlet of vendors and wears and gaming goodies. Hot Games: Andromeda’s Edge Cat Blues: The Big Gig Creature Caravan Critter Kitchen Finspan House of Fado SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Slay the Spire: The Board Game Play to Win Games Friday and Saturday Gaming library A huge game library with over 2500 games to check out and play. Classic games, and new games alike. There were 278 different events the attendees could sign up for. 178 Total RPG events. 85 RPG events 26 Pathfinder events 67 Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers League events Game Swap Flea Market Saturday for 2-hours Tournaments Sabacc Events Broadway Murder Mystery - Groomed for Murder! Nebula: A 4X inspired Big Group Game Tichu around with Danny Blood on the Clock Tower Nine different event and one how to play event Mini Painting Seminar Saturday 1:30 64 total board game events Board Game Events 30 Board Game Events Meeple Nation events 34 Meeple Nation Board Game Events What a way to start the Summer of Gaming. So what is next? SaltCON End of Summer August 29-31 1000 badges Game library RPG area Hot Games Game swap Flea Market Miniature painting Vendors Reserved tables If you have any questions feel free to email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com. We are always excited to hear about new games and exciting times. And with that we have completed another deep dive into the salty goodness of SaltCon! We hope you're as excited as we are for all the fun and games. Remember, SaltPOD is your ongoing connection to these amazing events. But the board gaming adventure doesn't stop here! If you love in-depth discussions, diverse perspectives, and talking about all things board games, be sure to check out our other podcast, Meeple Nation! There we have episodes serving up fantastic content week after week. Until next time, keep rolling those dice, and we'll see you at SaltCon!"Thanks for listening.
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    26 mins
  • MN 579 Narrative Choice or Paragraph Games

    MN 579 Narrative Choice or Paragraph Games
    May 21 2025
    Episode 579: Narrative Choice or Paragraph Games Episode release date is May 21, 2025 Show Notes Meeple Nation discusses several games that include the narrative or paragraph game mechanic. Come join us at the game table and find some new and amazing games. Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Become a Chanameeple Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan Welcome to the Moon Douglas Clans of Caledonia From the Moon Andy Return to Dark Tower Zombicide White Death Narrative Choice and Paragraph Games. The Narrative Choice or Paragraph Games mechanic puts a strong emphasis on storytelling and player agency through making decisions that directly influence the narrative's progression. Instead of relying solely on traditional game mechanics like dice rolling or resource management to drive the plot, these games present players with textual descriptions, scenarios, and choices that lead to different outcomes and further narrative branches. Think of it like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book integrated into a board game experience. Players often read paragraphs of text that describe a situation, and then they are presented with a set of choices. Each choice directs them to a different paragraph or section, unfolding the story in a unique way based on their decisions. Here's how the mechanic typically works: Narrative Presentation: The game presents story elements through text, often in the form of cards, books, or even app-based interfaces. These descriptions set the scene, introduce characters, and present challenges. Choice Points: At key moments in the narrative, players are given distinct options on how to proceed. These choices can range from dialogue options and actions to strategic decisions that have narrative consequences. Branching Narrative: Each choice leads to a different part of the story. This might involve reading a specific paragraph number, drawing a particular card, or triggering a new event within the app. The narrative unfolds non-linearly based on the collective decisions of the players. Consequences: The choices players make often have consequences that affect the ongoing narrative. This could involve changes in character relationships, the availability of future options, the acquisition of items, or even the overall outcome of the game. Emergent Storytelling: While the core narrative is pre-written, the combination of player choices leads to a unique emergent story for each playthrough. Different groups of players, or even the same group playing again, will likely experience the narrative in a different sequence and with different outcomes. Narrative Choice or Paragraph Games Scythe Chronicles of Drunagor Stars of Akarios Above and Below Near and Far Star Wars: Outer Rim Star Wars: Outer Rim - Unfinished Business My Father’s Work Folklore the Affliction Gloomhaven Frosthaven Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated SeaFall Wingspan ISS Vanguard Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere Lost Ones Too Many Bones Tainted Grail Sleeping Gods The Witcher: Old World Vagrantsong Waste Knights Tamashii T.I.M.E. Stories Forgotten Waters The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The Adventure Game Sea of Legends Abomination: The Heir of Frankenstein Oil Town Roll Player Adventures Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island Kingdom Death: Monster Maracaibo This War of Mine The Witcher: Old World Legacy of Dragonholt Aftermath Oltree Nathan Andy Aeon Trespass: Odyssey Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure Game Near and Far Folklore: The Affliction The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The Adventure Game Abomination: The Heir of Frankenstein Sea of Legends Oil Town Etherfields Dragon Quest Sleeping Gods Douglas Scythe Too Many Bones Tainted Grail Sleeping Gods Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies TIME Stories ISS Vanguard The Witcher: Old World Star Wars: Outer Rim Clank! Legacy Earthborn Rangers My Fathers Work Waste Knights Tamashii
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • MN 578 Network and Route Building Games We Dont Own

    MN 578 Network and Route Building Games We Dont Own
    May 14 2025
    Episode 578: Network or Route Building Games We Don’t Own Episode release date is May 14, 2025 Show Notes This week we are at the final connection of our Network or Route building games discussion. All routes are closing in this episode. For those who may have missed it, network or route building games where players are establishing connections between points on the board or map. For this last episode in this series, we will be looking at the larger list of top rated network or route building games according to BGG. I selected the Network or Route building Mechanic and limited that search to games that are rated with 7 stars or higher, and each of these games must have a minimum of 2000 user ratings. So let’s get on board and punch the ticket of this discussion of network building games at the game table. Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Become a Chanameeple Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan Beer and Bread Gift of Tulips Tower Up 3000 Scoundrels Great Western Trail Ahoy Targi Stamp Swap Welcome to the Moon Living Forest Bonsai Douglas Biome Gray Knight Games Andy Top network or route building games Concordia Concordia Venus Smartphone Yokohama The Guild of Merchant Explorers Age of Innovation Terra Mystica Gaia Project Terra Nova Ginkgopolis Carnegie Imperial Steam Empire Builder 1846: The Race for the Midwest Clans of Caledonia Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write DinoGenics Near and Far Pipeline Framework Keyflower
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    40 mins
  • MN 577 Our Top Five Network and Route Building Games

    MN 577 Our Top Five Network and Route Building Games
    May 7 2025
    Episode 577: Our Top Five Network or Route Building Games Episode release date is May 7, 2025 Show Notes This week we are at the middle point of our Network or Route building games discussion. Once again network or route building games mean players are establishing connections between points on the board or map. For this episode we will be focusing on our top five games that make use of the network or route building. So let’s return to the game table and continue the discussion of network building games at the game table. Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Become a Chanameeple Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Douglas SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence LCGs!!! Marvel Champions Arkham Horror Lord of the Rings: Card Game Our top five Network or Route building games. Douglas In the Hall of the Mountain King Trails of Tucana Cloud City Ticket to Ride: Japan Railroad Ink Challenge Andy Empire Builder Underwater Cities Terra Mystica/Gaia Project Planet Unknown Windmill Valley Nathan Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West Planet Unknown Power Grid Looot Attika US Telegraph
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • MN 576 Network and route building games

    MN 576 Network and route building games
    Apr 30 2025
    Episode 576: Network or Route Building Games Episode release date is April 30, 2025 Show Notes This week we kick off our discussion of games that involve network building. The "network building mechanic" refers to the gameplay element where players construct and expand interconnected systems, often representing transportation, communication, and resource distribution. It's about establishing links and leveraging those connections for strategic advantage. Some of the main concepts of network and route building include: Connectivity: The fundamental element of establishing links between nodes, such as locations, cities, or points of interest. These links from a network. Expansion: Players progressively expand their network, reaching new destinations and making further connections. Expansion is often tied to resource management, technology advancement, or through fulfilling objectives. Strategic advantage: A well-developed network provides: efficient resource movement, faster travel or delivery, control over locations, increased scoring opportunities, and influence over other game elements. Player interdependence: Networks can create interdependence between players, either through competition for resources and routes or through cooperative efforts. Come join us at the game table where we are going to talk about networking games, and I bet it includes more than train games. Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Become a Chanameeple Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan Clans of Caledonia Douglas Aqua: Biodiversity in the Oceans Andy That Escalated Quickly Network or Route Building Games Ticket to Ride: 10th Anniversary Ticket to Ride: Europe - 15th Anniversary Ticket to Ride: London Ticket to Ride: New York Transamerica Tsuro Carcassonne Metro Street Car Fairy Trails Thurn and Taxes On Tour Iwari Web of Power Airlines Europe Terminus Revive Next Station: London, Tokyo, Paris Get on Board: Paris & Roma, New York and London Metorunner Brass Burmingham Hansa Teutonica: Big Box Nucleum Dice Hospital: ER - Emergency Roll Tokyo Highway Maglev Metro Games not Mentioned Douglas Smartphone Land vs Sea Catan Cloud City Andy Railways of the World Near and Far Catan Kingdom Builder Android Catan: Junior Aeroplanes: Aviation Ascendant Nathan Concordia Venus Maglev Metro Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write Takenoko Catan Terra Nova Maharaja: The Game of Palaces Building in India Free Ride Wormholes Saboteur 2 Dice Manor Sanora Globetrotting Tucana Builders The Settlers of the Stone Age Spy Connection Falconry
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    58 mins
  • SCPC 0004: Ways to Buy and Sell Games at SaltCON

    SCPC 0004: Ways to Buy and Sell Games at SaltCON
    Apr 25 2025

    It is time for the SaltCON SideCast.

    Episode 4. This week the hosts of Meeple Nation talk about the four ways to buy, sell, and trade games during SaltCON Spring, Summer, and End of Summer Events. There are four organized options, the no ship math trade, the virtural flea market, the game swap, and the in person flea market.

    Come join us at the game table as we discuss and come join us at the next SaltCON event, SaltCON summer this June from the 6th through the 8th.
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    26 mins
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