Looking for tabletop game to play with your spouse that’s both fun and won’t wind up with one of you sleeping on the couch? Join Michael and Suzy as they discover new games each week, while tasting a new wine, beer or spirit!
Here are the show notes for the episode Bosworth and Freakshow Chardonnay from Meeples & Wine—your podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand! Hosts: Michael & Suzy Wine We’re Tasting Today:Freakshow Chardonnay 2024 by Michael David Winery Location: Lodi Appellation Profile: Golden straw color with aromas of apricot, citrus, and herbaceous notes. Flavors of Asian pear, honeydew, and juicy peach pie, finished with a lasting oak-inspired touch. Details: 50% aged in new French oak for 4 months, 50% stainless steel (no oak), 99% malolactic fermentation (softens that tart malic acid into smoother lactic acid). Pairings ideas: Buttery dishes, rich cream pastas, broiled fish with butter, steak with garlic butter, buttered rolls. Winery site: https://michaeldavidwinery.com/ Game We’re Playing:Bosworth (1998)A chaotic 2-4 player chess variant where pieces are cards drawn randomly from your personal pile. Same classic chess pieces (pawns, knights, rooks, bishops, queen, king), but with twists: pawns move/capture sideways too, kings can capture their own pieces to escape check, and it’s all about multiplayer mayhem on a 6×6 board with blocked corners and face-down covers. Goal? Checkmate everyone else’s kings—last king standing wins! BGG page: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/645/bosworth Designer: Mark Alan Osterhaus (also Apples to Apples, Shipwrecked) Artist: John Kovalic (Munchkin, Cash ‘n Guns, etc.) Publisher: Out of the Box Publishing (defunct since 2015) Rating: 5.8/10 | Weight: 2.1/5 | Players: 2-4 Historical nod: Named after the Battle of Bosworth Field — https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Bosworth-Field How It Plays with Two Players & Our Takes Super fun with two—keeps the random draws and tension without too much ganging up. Fun Score (1-10): Michael: 8 | Suzy: 7 Couch Score (will it wreck the relationship? 1-5): Michael: 3 | Suzy: 2 (mild trash talk potential, but mostly laughs) Time Sink to Learn Rules (1-5): 1 — Pick it up in one or two games, no heavy YouTube needed. Expansions? None. Final SipHow’s the Freakshow Chardonnay evolved since opening? (We chat about it in the episode!) Last Call – Kickstarter/Gamefound SpotlightBoktor: A Cooperative Dungeon Quest by Fox Troll GamesFast-paced dungeon crawler for 1-6 players—explore modular dungeons, evolve your heroes, battle Tyrants, and stop the Vortex. Quick setup, intuitive rules, real strategy, all in ~60 minutes.Check it out: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/fox-troll-games/boktor-a-cooperative-dungeon-quest Contact Us! Email: meeplesandwine@gmail.com Voicemail: (707) 572-5282 Or leave a message via Speakpipe (link in episode) If you enjoyed the show, share it with a friend! See you next time on Meeples & Wine! Buh-bye! 🍷🎲
1/25/26 • 55:50
🎙️ Episode 97: Beer & Bread & Butter Welcome to Meeples & Wine, the podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand! I’m Michael and I’m joined by Suzy. Today we are balancing our pallets and our game boards with a “harmonious” pairing. 🍷 The Wine: Bread & Butter California Red Blend We aren’t overthinking it today! Our pick is the Bread & Butter California Red Blend, a classic everyday red that’s all about relaxed vibes. The Vibe: An affordable crowd-pleaser, usually found for $14–$17 per bottle. Style: A plush, velvety, medium-to-full-bodied blend often heavy on Cab and Petite Sirah. Tasting Notes: We’re getting juicy black plum, dark cherry, and blackberry with smooth layers of chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. Stats: It holds a steady 3.9/5 on Vivino as of 2026. Pairing Tip: Perfect for burgers, pizza, or a cozy movie night. Check it out here: Bread & Butter Wines 🍞 The Game: Beer & Bread This week we’re hitting the fields with Beer & Bread, a multi-use card game designed for exactly two players. The Premise You represent rival villages sharing a monastery’s fruitful lands. Over six years (alternating between “fruitful” and “dry”), you’ll harvest resources, brew beer, bake bread, and upgrade your facilities. The “Twist” 🥨 Balance is key! At the end of the sixth year, you only score the coins from the category (beer or bread) where you earned the least. If you go all-in on beer and ignore your bread, you’re going to have a bad time. Quick Stats: Designer: Scott Almes (The Tiny Epic guy!) Artist: Michael Menzel (Catan, Dominion) Publisher: Deep Print Games Complexity: 2.36/5 on BGG Links: BGG Game Page | Our Tiny Epic Dungeons Episode Our Ratings: Michael’s Fun Score: 8/10 22 Suzy’s Fun Score: 9.5/10 23 Couch Score: 2/5 (Won’t wreck your relationship!) 🚀 What Else is Brewing? Kickstarter Spotlight: We’re keeping an eye on Grassfed: A Farm to Tabletop Game from the Ascension team. Check it out on Gamefound. MGC 2026: We will be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year (April 25–27)! 📬 Contact Us! What everyday reds are you reaching for this winter? We’d love to hear from you! 27 Email: meeplesandwine@gmail.com Socials: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn Voicemail: (707) 572-5282 See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!
1/11/26 • 50:31
Hello everyone! We are Michael & Suzy, and welcome to Meeples & Wine—your podcast of board game reviews for couples, always with a drink in hand!What we’re drinkingWe love exploring different bottles, so what wine are we tasting today?We are sampling the Vin Glogg from the Glunz Family Winery, located in Paso Robles, CA.According to their profile, their Glögg recipe is fairly traditional. They start with a base of high-quality California port and red wine. To this, they have blended oils of citrus fruits, nuts, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a couple of secret ingredients.For pairings and serving, they recommend serving it gently heated. It’s great if you add a cinnamon stick, cloves, or a twist of lemon or orange rind. Later in the show, during our “Final Sip” segment, we discuss how the wine has changed since opening.What we’re playingWe covered a lot of ground in this episode, mentioning a huge list of board games that we have played over the last year! We’ve got the links added to each title linking to where you can purchase it! (If you use our Amazon link, we do get a little scratch back)Here is a rundown of the games discussed in this episode:Miniature Adventures: Adventure 1 – Goblin TroublesThe Mix Arkham Horror: The Card Game Terror BelowPixel TacticsKiri-ai: The DuelALIEN: Fate of the NostromoTargi Board GameDice Throne: Season One ReRolled – Pyromancer v. Shadow ThiefRadlandsHiveGenius SquareAzul DuelBunny BoomSea Salt & PaperSmash UpCasting ShadowsSummoner WarsWe also asked the big question: What’s your #1 Game for 2025?If you like the show be sure to share it with a friend!Contact us at meeplesandwine@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Have something to say? Leave us a voicemail at (707) 572-5282 or use our Speakpipe link.See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!
12/15/25 • 77:38
Goblins, Dice, and 14 Hands Merlot: Episode 96 Recap Welcome back to Meeples & Wine! It’s Michael and Suzy here, bringing you another board game review for couples—always with a drink in hand. In this episode, we are diving into a portable RPG adventure and sipping on a wine that pairs perfectly with a backyard cookout. Let’s get into the notes! 🍷 What We’re Drinking: 14 Hands Merlot Today’s bottle comes from 14 Hands Winery, located in the Columbia Valley of Washington state. The Profile: This vintage offers rich flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, cherry, and mocha. The Pairings: If you’re hungry, this red goes great with BBQ ribs, grilled tri-tip, burgers, or even spaghetti with meatballs. 🎲 What We’re Playing: Miniature Adventures We are tackling Miniature Adventures: Adventure 1 – Goblin Troubles. Published by Lowtek Games LLC and designed by Jon Lowman, this is an exciting co-op card game inspired by old-school 16-bit RPGs. The Premise: The Kingdom of Delriah is having some serious goblin issues, and they need an adventuring party to help! You choose a Hero and a class, then work together to overcome four levels of challenges: Misty Forest Mountain Path Goblin Fortress Goblin Throne How it Plays: It plays 1–4 players and relies on dice rolling mechanisms. You slot your rolled dice into your character card to determine your Initiative (speed), Power, and Actions. You have to survive various Encounters, including Mobs (enemies) and Challenges (perils), to win. 🏆 The Scores Is it fun? Will it wreck your relationship? Here is our final verdict: Fun Score: We both loved it! Michael: 8/10 Suzy: 8/10 The Couch Score: (Will it wreck the relationship? 1 = Safe, 5 = Danger) Since it’s co-op, it’s pretty safe! Michael: 2/5 Suzy: 1/5 Time Sink: We rated this a 1 (No Problem)—you can learn it in one or two games without needing hours of tutorials. 🔦 Kickstarter Spotlight We love checking Kickstarter for the coolest new games. This week we shouted out Maiden of the Dark, a Game Boy game by TigerChainsaw. 📞 Connect with Us! If you liked the show, be sure to share it with a friend! Email: meeplesandwine@gmail.com Voicemail: (707) 572-5282 Socials: Find us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!
11/24/25 • 46:23
Shaking Things Up with ‘The Mix’ and a Mescalita Hey, and welcome back to Meeples & Wine! We’re Michael and Suzy, and this is your favorite spot for board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand. This week, we went fully thematic. We’re reviewing a cocktail-making board game, so naturally, we had to skip the wine and mix up a cocktail! 🍹 This Week’s “Wine”: The Mescalita We’re sipping on a Mescalita, and it’s a fantastic smoky, citrusy, and spicy combo. If you want to make one at home while you listen, here’s the recipe! What You’ll Need: For the Rim: Tajín Clásico Seasoning (or make your own with 2 parts kosher salt and 1 part chili powder). For the Drink: Lime wedges (for the rim and garnish) 1.5 oz mild mezcal (we recommend Del Maguey Vida) 2 oz fresh orange juice 1 oz fresh lime juice Optional Add-ins: 3 dashes of orange bitters (for an extra orange kick) 1 to 3 bar spoons of sweetener (like agave nectar, simple syrup, or orange liqueur) The notes for this drink suggest pairing it with smoked meats, cheese, chocolate, tropical fruits, or even spicy curries. 🎲 This Week’s “Meeples”: The Mix The game on our table this week is The Mix by Ruse Games. You play as a brand-new recruit at the famous Foxtrot Bar, and your goal is to become the top mixologist. You’ll be honing your skills, learning new recipes, and serving customers to earn the most Victory Points (VP). It’s a strategic, cocktail-themed game that blends engine building, resource management, and worker placement. Here are the quick stats: Statistic Details Players 1-4 (It has a solo mode against an automated “Fox” opponent!) Time 25+ minutes Age 14+ Designer/Artist Guime (Guillaume Boudreau) Publisher Ruse Games Key Mechanics Worker Placement, Engine Building, Resource Management, Set Collection How It Plays The game is all about efficiently using your “Mixologist” workers. On your turn, you take actions like: Taking a Clients Card (an order you need to fill) Grabbing ingredients from the supply Acquiring new Technique Cards to get better at mixing Getting more Shakers (which expand your capacity) Preparing Cocktails to complete your orders The “engine building” part really kicks in during the Setup phase at the end of your round. This is when you get bonuses from your Setup Track, your unique Mixologist Card, and your Technique cards. The game end is triggered once 15 total Clients have been completed. You tally up your VP from completed orders, set collection bonuses, and remaining money, and the highest score wins! A quick note: The rulebook we saw was still marked as a “Work in Progress,” so some final rules might change. 🚀 Where to Find It We look for the coolest games coming out on crowdfunding sites, and this one is heading to Gamefound! You can back it HERE! 📣 Last Call That’s all for this week! What do you think of the Mescalita recipe? Are you planning on backing The Mix? We want to hear from you! Email Us: meeplesandwine[at]gmail[dot]com Leave a Voicemail: (707) 572-5282 Find Us on Socials: We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you loved the show, the best thing you can do is share it with a friend. See you next time on Meeples and Wine!
11/14/25 • 56:14
Unraveling the Mythos with Meeples & Wine Hey board game lovers! Welcome back to Meeples & Wine, your podcast for couples’ board game reviews with a drink in hand. We’re your hosts, Michael & Suzy, and this episode we’re diving deep into a world of Lovecraftian mystery, monsters, and madness! 🍷 What We’re Sipping Today, we’re getting cozy with a glass of Witches Brew Mulled Wine from Leelanau Cellars in Northport, Michigan. The Vibe: It’s got those warming holiday spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Best Served: We enjoyed it warm/hot! Pairings: We didn’t have any specific pairings listed, so let us know what snack you’d pair with this spiced wine! 🎲 The Game of the Episode We jumped into the horrifying, yet captivating, world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game. Title: Arkham Horror: The Card Game The Gist: It’s a cooperative Living Card Game where you and your partner take on the roles of Investigators trying to solve a scenario’s mystery before the forces of the Mythos overwhelm you. You’ll be using Action Points to move, play cards, and test your skills (Willpower, Intellect, Combat, Agility) against a random Chaos Token drawn from the bag. Get those clues, progress the Act deck, and try to survive! BGG Rating & Weight: It holds an impressive 8.1/10 on BoardGameGeek and is definitely a thinker at a 3.56/5 complexity. Designers: Nate French and MJ Newman (who also worked on Marvel Champions: TCG and LOTR:TCG). Awards: This game is well-loved, having won the Dice Tower’s Best 2 Player and Best Co-Op Game in 2016, plus several BGG Golden Geek Awards! Learn More: You can find the game’s page on BGG right here: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/205637/arkham-horror-the-card-game Expansions: There are TONS of expansions, including scenario boxes, investigator decks, playmats, and more, if you’re looking to expand your Arkham experience! Our Ratings Fun Score (1-10): We both gave it a super high 9! This is a great co-op experience. Will it Wreck the Relationship? (Couch Score 1-5): A low-stress 1 from both of us. It’s a great game to play with your partner! 🎙️ Last Call We always take a peek at the latest and greatest coming to crowdfunding, and this week we checked out Joyride: Full Throttle by Rebellion Unplugged. The Game: This is a high-octane racing game for 2–6 players where you choose your racing line, trade paint on corners, and smash opponents! This new edition includes an expanded team mode, portals, and new cars, items, and maps. Find it Here: You can check out the campaign on Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/projects/rebellion-unplugged/joyride-full-throttle BGG Page: Read more about it on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/380728/joyride-survival-fastest 👋 Meet-Ups & Contact See Us In Person! We’ll be at Lodge Con on November 1st at the Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone, IL. The halls are open from 10 am – 5 pm, but gaming is open from 8 am till midnight. Stop by and say hi! Email Us: meeplesandwine@gmail.com Socials: Find us everywhere—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn—by searching Meeples & Wine! Voicemail: Leave us a message or ask a question at (707) 572-5282 or use our Speakpipe link. If you liked the show, please be sure to share it with a friend! See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!
10/26/25 • 51:01
Meeples & Wine: Dodging Worms and Sipping Reds in Terror Below Hey there, Meeples & Wine fans! It’s Michael and Suzy, your go-to duo for board game reviews tailored for couples, always with a glass of something tasty in hand. Got a game or wine you think we should try? Shoot us an email at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or leave a message at (707) 572-5282 or via our Speakpipe. Let’s jump into this week’s episode! We’re kicking things off with a bold pour of Dearly Beloved I Thee Red 2023, a red blend from Lodi, California. This wine’s got serious autumn vibes with its Dia de Los Muertos-inspired bottle art. Crafted from a mix of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Tannat, and Tempranillo, it’s bursting with dark cherry, plum, and spicy vanilla oak aromas, plus flavors of blueberry, black currant, and toasted vanilla bean. It’s perfect for sipping solo or pairing with aged cheeses, roasted meats, or pasta with a hearty red sauce. We’ll check back later to see how it’s evolved since we popped the cork! Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Terror Below from Renegade Game Studios. Designed by Mike Elliott (known for Marvel Dice Masters and Thunderstone Quest) with art by Eric Hibbeler (Sky Team), this game has a 6.7/10 rating on BoardGameGeek and a light 1.94/5 complexity, playable by 1-5 players. In Terror Below, you’re racing through the Nevada desert, collecting Worm Eggs, delivering them for bounties, and maybe even hunting giant W.O.R.M.s (Weapons of Remote Massacre) if you’re feeling brave. The catch? Moving fast attracts those vicious underground worms, so strategy is key! Here’s how it plays: your goal is to hit 20 Victory Points first by collecting and delivering Eggs, completing bounties, or slaying worms. Each turn, you play a Vehicle card to distract a worm, moving its Target token to keep it off your tail. Then, you spend Action Points to move your pawn, clear rubble, pick up Eggs, or deliver them to Locations for points. Special card abilities add some flair, and you refill your hand to three cards at the end. Between turns, worms might attack, dropping Eggs and Rubble—or worse, catching you in a fight. If you’re armed with Weapon or Item cards, you can hunt the worm for a VP or bounty; if not, your Leader might bite the dust and you’ll respawn with a new one. It’s a wild mix of action points, dice rolling, grid movement, and pick-up-and-deliver mechanics with variable player powers for extra spice. Oh, and there’s a Hidden Cache Expansion if you want more chaos! Before we sign off, we’re hyped about some upcoming games we found on crowdfunding. Check out Dice Throne Vanguard on Kickstarter and Trenchcoat Raccoons: A Chaotic, Fail-Forward Heist RPG by OneShot TPK on Gamefound. Next week, we’ll be diving into another game—stay tuned for details! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know what you want us to play or sip next at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or via (707) 572-5282 or Speakpipe. That’s all for now—keep sipping, gaming, and loving those game nights. See you next time on Meeples & Wine! Buh-Bye!
10/17/25 • 54:23
Meeples & Wine: A Tactical Sip and Battle Hey there, friends! It’s Michael and Suzy, your hosts of Meeples & Wine, the podcast where we review board games perfect for couples, with a drink in hand to keep things fun. We love hearing from you, so drop us a line at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or leave a voicemail at (707) 572-5282 or via our Speakpipe. Also we’ll be at Lodge Con on November 1st! It’s at Will County Fairgrounds Atrium710 S. West St., Peotone Illinois! Let’s dive into this week’s episode! Sipping Something Special Today, we’re pouring a delightful wine to set the mood for game night. It’s WATER from the fridge, hailing from our kitchen. We’ve had quite a few Oktoberfest celebrations in the last few weeks, and for our own health and ability to function we have decided to skip the tasting for this episode. Remember everyone, re-hydrate! Game Night: Pixel Tactics This week, we’re playing Pixel Tactics, a head-to-head tactical card game that’s all about outsmarting your partner. You can find it on BoardGameGeek, though sadly, it’s no longer in print from Level 99 Games. Designed by D. Brad Talton, Jr. (the mind behind BattleCON Fighting System) and with art by Fábio Fontes and Maciej Mutwil, this game has a 6.8/10 rating on BGG and a medium-light complexity of 2.62/5. It’s strictly for two players, which makes it perfect for our couples’ game night. So, what’s Pixel Tactics all about? Picture a pixelated battlefield where you and your opponent each command a 25-card deck. You secretly choose a Leader card to anchor your strategy, and their unique abilities shake up how every other card in your deck works. Each card can be played in three ways: as a Leader to start the match, as a one-time Order for a quick effect, or as a Hero placed in a 3×3 grid around your Leader. Heroes’ powers change depending on their position—Vanguard (front), Flank (sides), or Rear (back)—so placement is everything. The game plays out in a series of matches, either best-of-3 or best-of-5. Each match has rounds split into three waves (Vanguard, Flank, Rear), where you take turns making moves like drawing cards, recruiting Heroes, attacking, playing Orders, clearing fallen Heroes (aka corpses), or shuffling your grid around. Combat’s a blast, with melee attacks hitting the closest enemy in a column, ranged attacks sniping anyone (unless blocked by a Hero with Intercept), or special attack powers for extra flair. The goal? Take down your opponent’s Leader to claim Trophies. First to two or three Trophies wins the game. Oh, and if you’re losing, you get to draw extra cards in later matches to even the odds—pretty clever! There are tons of expansions out there, pulling in themes from video games, other board games, and even quirky crossovers. Check out the full list on BoardGameGeek if you’re curious! How’s It Play for Couples? So, how did Pixel Tactics hold up on our game night? Michael gave it a 7/10 for fun, Suzy, on the other hand, was all in with a 9/10. As for whether it’ll wreck your relationship, we’re happy to report it’s pretty safe. Michael gave it a 2.5/5 on the couch score, Suzy agreed with a 2/5. Learning the rules took a bit—let’s call it a 1.5/5 on the time sink scale. It’s not a quick pickup, but once you get the hang of the waves and card roles, it flows smoothly. Expect a full game to run about 30-60 minutes, perfect for a cozy night in. Wrapping Up Before we sign off, let’s talk about what’s coming up. We’re super excited about Wizard Community College by David Marron, a cool project we found on Kickstarter. Next week, we’re diving into Terror Below from Renegade Game Studios—check out more details here. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or let us know what games and wines you want us to try next! Reach out at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or drop a voicemail at (707) 572-5282 or via Speakpipe. That’s all for now, folks! Keep rolling dice, sipping wine, and enjoying those game nights. See you next time on Meeples & Wine! Buh-Bye!
10/6/25 • 43:24
First things first—what’s in the glass? We cracked open a bottle of Junmai Ginjo Super-Premium Sake, aka TYKU Black from the TY KU Sake Brewery. Brewed in Japan and bottled in Ewing, NJ (fancy, right?), this bad boy clocks in at 15.5% ABV with a 60% polish ratio—meaning they’ve shaved down the rice to unlock those silky flavors. We’re talking rich texture, hints of natural sweetness, peach, and vanilla on the nose. Over 200 flavor components and higher amino acids make it a killer white wine stand-in. Pairing-wise? Oh man, it’s perfect for full-flavored seafood, marinated proteins, or oven-roasted dishes. We imagined it with some grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken while plotting our next move. Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a bottle here on their site and let it breathe a bit. By the end of the episode, that final sip? Still smooth as ever—no harsh changes, just pure elegance. Cheers to that! The Game: Kiri-ai: The Duel – Clash of the Card-Programming Titans Now, onto the star of the show: Kiri-ai: The Duel, a super-quick two-player brawler from designer Kamibayashi (with art by Unreliable Wizard) and publisher Mugen Gaming (US distribution via Lucky Duck Games, the folks behind Flamecraft). “Kiri-ai” is a badass compound word—”kiri” for “cut” or “sword,” and “ai” for “meeting” or “clash.” Basically, it’s the poetic way to say “let’s throw down.” This one’s all about programmed movement and rock-paper-scissors tension. You’ve got a hand of cards for moves, attacks, and special strikes on a simple battlefield. Each round, you both secretly play two cards face down (the one closest to the battlefield goes first), then reveal and resolve ’em one by one. Advance, retreat, strike high or low—land two damaging hits on your opponent’s samurai, and boom, victory. BGG rates it a solid 7.1 with a light 1.42/5 complexity, so it’s accessible but sneaky strategic. Quick Rules Rundown (No Spoilers, Promise) Components: 16 cards total (2 samurai, 10 actions, 4 specials), plus a battlefield card (standard or advanced side). Setup: Pick your color (Red or Blue Samurai), slap down the battlefield, deal 5 action cards each, snag a random special attack, and ditch the extra. Start in Heaven stance, three spaces apart. Play: Program your two cards, reveal ’em. Movement first, then attacks. No passing your foe—if you try, you cozy up in the same space. Specials like Kesa or Counterattack add that “oh snap” factor—one use only, then they’re gone. Endgame: Return your first card to hand, bench the second for the next round. Rinse, repeat. Two damage? You win. We even chatted about the Don-ten no Kiri-ai expansion variant—flip the battlefield, divvy up all three specials, pick your starting spots and stances. Bonus: Corner your opponent in their back space without dying? Instant win. Check the full deets on Mugen Gaming’s site for the nitty-gritty. For two players? It’s chef’s kiss intimate—like a chess match with swords. Pure duel energy, no downtime, and that simultaneous reveal had us yelling “What?!” more than once. Fun factor? Let’s just say it sparked some laughs (and maybe a little trash talk). Couch-banishing potential? Low—it’s quick and fair, unless you’re really competitive. Head over to BoardGameGeek to geek out on ratings and expansions. Last Call: Eyes on the Horizon Before we pour one out, our Kickstarter radar pinged on Capybaras vs Pelicans by Disco What—a wild, absurd showdown that’s got us hyped. Capybaras chilling in hot springs? Pelicans dive-bombing? Sign. Us. Up. Back it here on Kickstarter and tell us what you think! That’s a wrap, friends—another round of games, drinks, and zero regrets. Hit us up at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, drop a voicemail at (707) 572-5282, or slide into our DMs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Love the show? Share it with your game-night squad! See you next time on Meeples & Wine. Buh-bye! 🍶🎲
9/17/25 • 43:16
We’re back and asking; Is Alien Fate of the Nostromo good for two players and how do you actually pronounce “Vinsobres”? For our tasting we’ve got Trader Joe’s Reserve: Vinsobres a French wine from the southern Rhone Valley. The Vinsobres region was given its own special AOC status in 2006, putting it on par with other notable areas like Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The wine is a blend of 52% Grenache and 48% Syrah. You can expect a spicy aroma with notes of dill, cinnamon, and clove, along with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and licorice. Alien: Fate of the Nostromo has been out since 2021, and has been sitting in our queue for a while. Made by Ravensburger this co-op game faces the ill fated team of the Nostromo against the Xenomorph, will the Alien win or will the crew survive? Here’s the link to the “Directors Cut” rules that the game designer Scott Rogers put together on the Board Game Geek forums – Here’s the PDF and here’s a link to the forum THREAD. You can find out our thoughts on the ruleset in the show! For our Last Call we’re taking a look at the new Bezier game “The Game Makers”! You want to know more about the game The Game Makers in a blog post style? Let’s dive into it. Ever dreamed of building your own board game empire? The Game Makers lets you do just that! This game, from the designer of hits like Suburbia, is a love letter to the board gaming hobby. It’s a “meta” game where you become a board game manufacturer, racing against your opponents to create the greatest collection of games. So, how does it work? You and the other players are represented by little forklifts (yes, forklifts!) that move around a central warehouse. On each turn, you’ll grab components to fulfill contracts and build real-world, licensed games. We’re talking about games you probably already have on your shelf, like Wingspan, Terraforming Mars, and Brass: Birmingham. It’s a really cool, nostalgic experience to “manufacture” your favorite games. But it’s not just about collecting games. You’ll also be managing your own factory on your player board. You can use those same components you collect to upgrade your factory, unlock special abilities, and even boost your marketing tracks to score points. The game moves at a quick pace thanks to simultaneous play, so even with a larger group, you won’t be waiting long for your turn to come around. If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
9/4/25 • 53:31
Borsao Selección Blanco is a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Macabeo grapes. The Chardonnay brings bright, fruity aromas, while the Macabeo provides structure and body. To preserve its vibrant fruit character, the wine is aged briefly, fermenting in French oak barrels. The Macabeo grape, also known as Viura, is a versatile white wine grape found on both sides of the Pyrenees in Spain and France. Its flavor profile is quite dynamic; when harvested early and aged in stainless steel, it can be fresh, floral, and aromatic. However, when harvested later and aged in oak, it develops a more weighty, honeyed, and nutty character. This makes it a great wine to accompany your appetizer or pair with fish like hake or monkfish. (In case you’re wondering the image below is a monkfish…) Tonight’s game is Targi, a highly-rated 2-player board game with a BGG rating of 7.6/10 and a complexity weight of 2.34/5. Designed by Andreas Steiger and illustrated by Taira Akitsu and Franz Vohwinkel, this game is published by KOSMOS. In Targi, you take on the role of a leader of a Tuareg tribe. Unlike other cultures, the Tuareg men, known as Targi, cover their faces while the women do not. As a tribal leader, you’ll trade goods like dates, salt, and pepper to earn gold and other benefits, all while trying to expand your tribe. The game is played on a 5×5 grid, with 16 action spaces along the border and nine blank spaces in the center. Players take turns placing their meeples on the border spaces (avoiding corners and spaces directly across from an opponent’s meeple). Once all meeples are placed, you collect cards from the central grid that correspond to your meeple’s row and column. You can also carry out the actions on the border spaces. We also have our eye on a cool game on Kickstarter: Camp Grizzly Second Edition by Trick or Treat Studios. After being out of print for over 10 years, this horror survival board game for 1-6 players is back. You play as camp counselors stalked by a maniac named Otis the Bear. To win, you must collect objectives to trigger one of four Finales. The game is filled with Easter eggs and lore, promising 80’s horror moments through the whole game. If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
8/17/25 • 49:28
So you’re looking for best 2 player board games for couples? Have you come to the right place! Join Michael and Suzy as they delve into finding games that you and your sweetie can play without winding up in counselling over a dice roll, and along with this, you get a review of a new bottle of wine (or other drink) every episode! This week we’re in our 4th dive of the popular Dice Throne series, with Pyromancer vs Shadow Thief! Play either the fireball chucking Pyromancer or the poison-tipped dagger wielding Shadow Thief using your skills and cards to win! From Roxley games, the Dice Throne series has been going for two seasons, with multiple 1v1 boxes out there to try from, so definitely check them out! For our wine this week we’re tasting a dark, smoky, Cabernet Sauvignon called Borne of Fire. From the Colombia valley of California this woodsy, tannin heavy cab has us kind of split on opinion! Our last call this week from Backerkit, is SHIVER Corporate: A Corporate Horror Comedy TTRPG, where thinking your workday is a living hell is completely possible! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
8/3/25 • 51:11
Welcome to Meeples and Wine! Your podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand! This week we’re playing Radlands by Roxley Games, a two-player only card game that pits you and your opponent as rival gangs in a post-apocalyptic world! Drawing from the same deck, you’ll defend your three camps with people ranging from the super accurate sniper to the lowly punk (though, remember, PUNKS ARE PEOPLE TOO!) Find synergies and combos to do damage and eventually destroy your opponent’s camps, while launching your raiders to do direct attacks! You can find Radlands at Roxley’s page HERE. (We don’t get any commissions, just helping you find it easy!) We’re sipping on The Culprit red blend! “The Culprit” is a fruit-forward wine with intense aromas of ripe raspberries and toasty vanilla oak. It offers rich flavors of blackberry jam and dark chocolate, framed by a velvety texture, with a long, lingering, and smooth finish. For our Last Call, we’re discussing “The Pawn’s Gambit” a chess card game on Gamefound right now! The Pawn’s Gambit is a chess-inspired card game for up to 6 players, blending strategy and tactical duels. Players aim to checkmate rivals or be the last with a surviving king using three card types: Opening Cards, which set unique strategies with medieval characters; Piece Cards, reflecting classic chess pieces; and Imbalance Cards, depicting warfare scenarios that shift game conditions. Win by securing two rounds or outlasting opponents in a chaotic, strategic showdown. You can get notified when it launches HERE! If you love the art, as we did, you can find their Instagram HERE. If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
7/16/25 • 45:07
Welcome to Meeples & Wine, your podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand! In today’s episode, we’re tasting Clad & Cordon Vineyard’s Cordon Blue, a blueberry wine from Creal Springs, Illinois. It has a sweet and fruity profile with ripe blueberry notes. This blueberry wine pairs well with creamy desserts, various cheeses, light salads, sandwiches, and even certain meats like chicken or fish. We’re playing Hive, an abstract board game where the goal is to trap your opponent’s Queen Bee. It’s a two-player game designed and illustrated by John Yianni, and published by Gen42 Games. Each player has 11 insect pieces, including a Queen Bee, Spiders, Beetles, Grasshoppers, and Ants, each with unique movement rules. The game is played without a board, and pieces must remain connected in a “hive”. We also discuss expansions like the Ladybug, Mosquito, and Pillbug, which add new movement abilities and strategic options to the game. For our “Last Call” segment, we looked at “Trenchcoat Raccoons” on Gamefound, a fast, rules-light tabletop RPG about chaotic heists and cartoon logic. Players control raccoons in a stack, pretending to be a human in a trenchcoat. Next week, we’ll be reviewing Radlands by Roxley Games, a post-apocalyptic game where punk bands fight to destroy rival tribes’ camps. You can contact us at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can also leave us a voicemail at (707) 572-5282. If you like the show, be sure to share it with a friend! See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!
7/7/25 • 40:08
This week we’re celebrating our anniversary by going to the Galena Uncorked wine festival! We’ve come back with the two player game “Genius Square” and are trying Massbach Ridge Winery’s Daffodil sweet white! For the Last Call we’re going to Kickstarter to take a look at Even Deeper Regrets: An Unfortunate Fishing Game Expansion, where you can pledge at here! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
6/28/25 • 35:51
This week we play Azul Duel by Michael Kiesling, a two-player only version of the classic Azul, with art by Maëva da Silva! We also taste Anticiclone Tinto Red Blend, that we picked up from Costco, a nice Portuguese blend of Aragonez and Castelao. For our Last Call we have a game with only a week left on Kickstarter, Murder on the Rocks. This Clue/Werewolf social deduction game keeps players in the game even after they have been murdered! We have three Conniption Gin canvas bags to give away! (see image above!) Thanks to Paul out at the distillery! Just give us a call at (707) 572-5282 and answer this question! What was the first and last tabletop RPG that Suzy played? Hints are: It was in 1996, it’s a fantasy/sci-fi setting and she played a Dwarf Mechanic. The first three correct answers get the bags! Leave us a way to get in touch! Oh, and here’s that video that Suzy was thinking about! https://youtu.be/CG7SyxaXGwU If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
6/11/25 • 51:38
This episode Michael and Suzy spend their Easter afternoon playing Ruse Game’s recent release Bunny Boom, fresh out of their crowdfunding on Gamefound! Your quiet village is being overrun by hordes of soft and cuddly rabbits and you work to push as many as you can to your opponent’s board! Lay your cards down on the board to build the village, matching suits to close out the space so no more cards can be played, or don’t match suits to play that card that may win you the game, but you’ll get more bunnies as a penalty! Force your opponent to take the carrot, which adds more bunnies, and you can use the burrow and the fox to add even more buns! The one with the least bunnies wins! We also taste a traditional Easter brunch cocktail, the mimosa, but with a twist! From Coffee and Champaign, it’s the French 75 Mimosa. With a dash of lemon juice and citrus simple syrup, along with gin this is a delicious alternative to your standard sparkling wine and orange juice. We used Conniption American Dry gin with this one, after tasting it at the local store (Thanks Paul!) it’s citrus rind and spicy nose complemented the drink nicely! The Final Call for the week is Cleaning Service – Print and Play! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
4/21/25 • 45:29
This week we play PandaSaraus Game’s “Sea Salt & Paper” a nice relaxed set making game with some fantastic aquatic origami images with Sea Glass Winery’s Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc. Lately we’ve been playing some serious “take that” games like Smash Up, we take a 180 turn with Sea Salt & Paper, where you gather shells, octupi and other sea life to gather points to win. But be careful, if your opponent thinks they’ve got more points they can declare “Last Chance” and put all their (and your) points on the line! We’re tasting Sea Glass winery’s Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc, a California white that keeps a citrus nose with a pear flavor, but keeps the bright acidity that New Zealand wines are known for. Remember that if you want to get in touch, just give us a call at (707) 572-5282! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
3/3/25 • 36:25
Welcome to episode 80! This time around we’re playing the deck-drafting game Smash Up! by Alderac Entertainment Group. This 2-4 player game pits all the teams that you’ve wanted to see fighting against each other to lay claim to bases to score 15 victory points to win. Have you ever wanted to play Zombie Truckers, Kung-Fu Sheep, or Robot 70’s Vigilantes? All possible in Smash Up! This episode we’re also not tasting a wine, but a cocktail, the Whiskey Smash (see the connection?) This simple cocktail with only a few ingredients, whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and mint. It’s easy to make and has a nice sweet/sour flavor that goes well with just chilling out and playing your favorite game. The Kickstarter last call is the Fallen London RPG based off the long running online text-based game of the same name. Venture into the world of Fallen London, which now sits at the bottom of a miles deep chasm, where demons and monsters dwell. We also have an actual voicemail line now! Call us at 707-572-5282 and leave us a message! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
2/17/25 • 43:54
Welcome to Meeples and Wine! Your podcast of board game reviews for couples with a drink in hand! This week we’re playing Casting Shadows from Unstable Games, maker of Unstable Unicorns and Happy Little Dinosaurs (you can find our review of that HERE!) We also have a sip of Two Brother’s Cellar Club 2018 Barrel-Aged Barley Wine! For this week’s Last Call we look at two games on the Kickstarter horizon, first is Lewd Dungeon Adventures: A Date to the Grand Ball an “RPG Dating Sim” for…two or more, your mileage may vary. We also eyeball Granfondo, a cycling/racing game where you manage a team of three, one sprinter, one climber and one long distance cyclist, you mange the draft lines, determine when they’re going to make a break for it, and…dope up and hope you don’t get caught?! Also we are going to be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year hosting the Tabletop Stage! The MGC has been expanding more and more into tabletop and board games, which is great! If you’re going to be in the Milwaukee area on the weekend of the 4-6th, head to their Get Involved page HERE and submit an idea! Be sure to mention us and the Tabletop Stage! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
1/29/25 • 41:48
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! For our first show of the year we taste Ménage à Trois – Northern Seduction Red Blend, and play Summoner Wars! This hearty red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has some intense tobacco and leather notes on the nose with a solid dark cherry flavor, some tartness and a mild tannin at the end. We also talk about our play-through of the Vanguard vs Fallen Kingdom in Summoner Wars. We’re also going to be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year! You can find more info on this great gaming event at www.midwestgamingclassic.com. They’ve recently moved into Tabletop and Board Games, Michael and Suzy will be hosting the “Meeples and Wine Tabletop Stage” again this year! If you would like to assist, or if you are a game designer or in the gaming industry go to their Become a Presenter page! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine!
1/15/25 • 58:43
Meeples & Wine Episode Recap: Curious Beasts and Squarriors In this week’s episode, Michael and Suzy dove into the darkly whimsical pairing of the Curious Beasts Red Blend 2021 wine and the post-apocalyptic card game Squarriors. While both offerings boast intriguing packaging, they revealed some challenges beneath the surface. Wine Highlights:The duo sampled Curious Beasts, a gothic-themed red blend with bold flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of oak and pepper. Its standout feature? A dramatic bottle design featuring skeletons in festive hats and violins. However, the wine’s origin remains as mysterious as its label; with the winery appearing inactive since 2018. While Michael described it as a great “burger and pizza wine,” the couple agreed its sweeter notes wouldn’t pair well with richer meals like lamb chops. If you’re drawn to eye-catching bottles, this one’s for you—but don’t expect to find it easily. Game Review: SquarriorsThe episode also explored the card game Squarriors, a mashup of Magic: The Gathering mechanics with a dystopian squirrel-filled universe. Set in a world where animals have gained sentience after humanity’s fall, the game combines deck-building, dice rolling, and tactical combat. Michael picked this up at a bargain from Half Price Books but discovered it’s an abandoned project, with little online support or updates since its 2017 release. While Suzy admired the stunning card art, the couple found the rules incomplete and gameplay overly complex for newcomers. With no expansions or active fan base, Squarriors remains a niche curiosity for collectors rather than a game-night staple. Final Thoughts:Michael and Suzy ended the show by reflecting on the eerie parallel between the wine and game: both are visually captivating but haunted by the specter of abandonment. While they enjoyed the experience, these might not be first picks for your next gathering. Check out the links below for more details: Learn about Squarriors on its BoardGameGeek page. Discover the (brief) history of Curious Beasts Wine on wine directory sites. And don’t miss Michael’s GameFound highlight: Christmas Rolls, a festive roll-and-write game launching soon! Tune in next week as they sip, strategize, and share more gaming and wine adventures! 🍷🐿️ Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might “destroy the marriage.” Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game.
12/6/24 • 42:44
In this episode of “Meeples & Wine,” we review the 2023 Protea Dry Rosé from Anthonij Rupert Wyne and the board game Alice’s Garden, and talk of how freaking big a Protea can get (image below!) We also have a twofer for the Last Call, with Knitting Circle by FLATOUT GAMES and Dice Throne Outcasts + Adventures Unchained which are set to complete on Fri, December 13 2024 and Mon, November 18 2024, respectively. So get on that if you want some great new games! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
11/11/24 • 54:39
Meeples & Wine: Buffy and the Devil’s Cellar! Welcome back to Meeples & Wine, where Michael and Suzy bring you the latest in board game reviews for couples—alongside a delicious glass of wine! In this episode, we dive into the world of both vampire slaying and Chilean wine. We’re tasting Casillero del Diablo’s Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold cherry and blackcurrant notes with a hint of vanilla, perfect for pairing with grilled meats and mature cheeses. With medium body and marked tannins, this wine unfolds a story as rich as the legend behind its name: “The Devil’s Cellar.” On the board game front, we’re taking on the supernatural forces of Unmatched: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With a versatile lineup of beloved characters like Buffy, Spike, Willow, and Angel, players battle it out using unique abilities, whether it’s Buffy’s iconic cartwheel kick or Willow’s foray into black magic. With a BGG rating of 7.6 and a complexity of 2/5, this action-packed game plays well with two to four players, offering a great mix of strategy and fandom. Will Unmatched: Buffy prove to be a relationship builder or a couch sleeper? Tune in for our “Fun Score” and “Couch Score” ratings to find out! To wrap things up, we explore the evolution of our wine over time and highlight a new Kickstarter find—an upcoming Discworld RPG by Modiphius. Don’t forget to follow us on social media, drop us a voicemail, or reach out via email at meeplesandwine@gmail.com. And remember, sharing is caring—so pass on Meeples & Wine to a friend! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
11/3/24 • 49:11
Hello, Meeples and Wine listeners! This week, we sunk our teeth into The Hunger, a vampire-themed deck-builder by Richard Garfield. In the game, you play as vampires hunting humans to gain points, but there’s a catch: you need to make it back to your castle before sunrise, or you’ll burn to ash! It’s a fun push-your-luck experience where you must balance collecting points with your race against time. We paired the game with a bottle of Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, which was a solid hit with its smoky, oaky flavor and rich notes of plum and mocha. The game was great for two players, but we both agreed it would be even better with a few more friends to compete against. We also touched on the expansion, Hunger: High Stakes, which adds werewolves and vampire hunters into the mix, making the game even more intense. If you love spooky deck-builders, we definitely recommend giving this one a try, especially with some vampire wine on the side! More info on the wine here. If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
10/15/24 • 57:50
In this episode, we review Fire Tower and taste Toasted Head 2022 Chardonnay, along with the Last Call Kickstarter “Wild Imaginary West”. 00:00 Welcome to Meeples and Wine00:24 Meet Your Hosts: Michael and Susie00:47 Contacting Meeples and Wine01:02 The Voicemail Debate02:13 Today’s Game: Fire Tower02:39 Wine Tasting: Toasted Head Chardonnay08:41 Fire Tower: Game Overview12:04 Fire Tower: Game Mechanics16:42 Fire Tower: Strategy and Gameplay21:04 Fire Tower: Special Cards and Roles22:25 Winning Strategies for Shadow of the Wood22:47 Champion of the Wood: Special Abilities23:34 Fire Tower: Rising Flames Expansion25:23 Playing Fire Tower with Two Players26:11 Balancing Offense and Defense27:51 Fun Score and Relationship Impact29:17 Final Thoughts on Fire Tower32:35 Wild Imaginary West RPG41:06 Meeples and Wine: Where to Find Us
9/18/24 • 44:34
Greetings! This week Michael and Suzy play Apollo: A Game Inspired by NASA Moon Missions, by Buffalo Games, and also holds our record for the longest game title to date! Choose your role as either the team of Astronauts or Mission Control as you attempt to successfully either orbit the Earth in the Gemini II mission pack or make it to the moon and back in the Apollo! This won’t be easy, as every turn you must handle systems breaking down, succeeding in your mission level goals and managing to get some experiments done while floating through the black! You can pick up Apollo at our Amazon Associates link HERE! We also sample Blueberry Spaceship Box, from Superstition Meadery in Arizona. This dark, sparkling cider is a mix of fresh blueberries and granny smith apples, a dark and tart beverage that goes great with the hot summer sun! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
7/28/24 • 42:39
This week we review Unexpected Games’ 3000 Scoundrels, a futuristic wild-west shootout of bluffing and misdirection! In this game you and up to three more of your friends play rival leaders vying to gather as much of the technology left behind by the mysterious “Traveler” who has just disappeared. Gather your posse together by joining the trait and transparent job cards to create new Scoundrels to hire, will you have a Corrupt Printer, Filthy Dog, or Helpful Banker? Play your poker hand to gain cash, scout the tech loaded safes, and then steal them, but be careful, if you get caught bluffing you’ll lose reputation in town! If you’d like to pick this one up you can follow our Amazon Associates link to 3000 Scoundrels HERE! (We do get a little cash on this, and you get a great game!) We also sample Aldi’s 3 Rein Red Blend from Colombia Valley, Washington! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
7/22/24 • 45:42
Welcome to Meeples and Wine! This week Michael and Suzy play Flock Together from Sea Cow Games, taste La Vieille Ferme Rosé, and test out two new microphones! (Let us know how you think it sounds!) Yes, in this week’s game we take on the role of two chickens trying to survive three seasons against the elements and the predators that surround our coop, as Madame Chickovski and Cluckerberry Finn we go claw to toe against such villians as Professor Moleiarty, Chicksune and Cleopoultra! We also taste La Vieille Ferme Rosé, a fruity light wine for hot days, and attempt a cocktail with it also, with mixed results. Our Final Call is the Scented Realms Kickstarter, a scent based system to get just a little more depth and immersement to your tabletop games! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
7/13/24 • 43:30
This week Michael and Suzy play Shadows Amsterdam, from Libellud games, an abstract clue giving game where players guide their teams across the map to discover clues, avoid the police, and find their client before their opponents do (or the timer completes!) That’s our Amazon Associates link up there, if you use it we will get some cash from it! Instead of a wine, we taste a mixed drink this week, the Phillip Marlowe Gimlet. This sweet tart drink made of Bombay Gin and Rose’s Lime Juice, with roots going back to the 1800s! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicemail you can go to https://www.speakpipe.com/MeeplesandWine or call at (707) 572-5282! You can also check out our quicklinks page! https://podcast.show/meeplesandwine/
7/3/24 • 40:20
