Games of the year 2020

[@alfyb4512]

“And the game of the year is... Lalaland!”

[@DanteStiglitz]

same dissapointment

[@republikadugave420]

Hobby needs couple of "slow" years so we can catch up and play great games from the past...

[@klapaucius7339]

I really love that you do a "new to me" game. I agree, and I keep discovering older games as well. In fact, I really enjoy finding older and sometimes obscure but good games. Just picked up Upon a Salty Ocean, for example and think it is very good.

[@scottchladek1770]

Thanks to your review, backed the Kickstarter for Galilean Moons. Should be delivered here in the US next week. Great picks on your awards, looking forward to more videos from ya.

[@OverlordZephyros]

In the uboat part, I absolutely agree with you on the star trek theme kinglon game. Im dumbfounded as to why it hasn't happened yet , Oh boy that would be glorious, Qapla!

[@3MBG]

It was be great. Perhaps the 3d would get tricky though

[@AndrewWhise]

Getting strong "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes" vibes from your description of Uboot. I'm very interested!

[@3MBG]

Yeah, totally. Its one of those games where app and physical blur and blend pretty perfectly.

[@joerihessels8230]

Fully agree with Jagged Earth, the new spirits are absolutely amazing & thematic. The amount of replay value is redicilous with all the spirits, adversaries, scenario's, fear cards etc etc etc. I am the type of person that reads every card/piece of text when unpacking a game, and Jagged Earth nearly cost me a day :)

[@3MBG]

Ha! I'm the opposite, i did not read the powers and events so i could be surprised.

[@joerihessels8230]

@@3MBG My curiosity/enthusiasm gets the best of me! But with so many powers/events I still get suprised, can't remember them all.. :)

[@AhJong0]

As if the superb format wasn’t reason enough, but when your three “best new game to me” awards are three of my all time favourite games - what a channel 😄

[@3MBG]

Hahaha, ok, any recommendations for new games this year then based on that?

[@AhJong0]

@@3MBG lol now the pressure is on! Teotihuacan is a definite, can’t wait to play that with my group when restrictions drop.

[@3MBG]

Noted, i've only played T'zolkin of that series, but i enjoyed that. Paul from gaming rules taught me it online, theres even video of me learning to play (and crushing everyone at it)

[@AhJong0]

@@3MBG aw Paul Grogan is a beast - got me through the rules of Through The Ages! T'Zolkin is one of those games that I know is Good but it just didn't gel for me (gorgeous concept and take on worker placement).

[@3MBG]

Good chance i won't be covering any in that series though, i was always a bit wary of them, but recent incidents with the designer have kinda brought it home.

[@jertlemiah]

Jagged Earth is sooooo good, just hot damn. How is Spirit Island so excellent?

[@3MBG]

I have no idea. I'm designing a complex game and i've played hundreds and hundreds of games, and I still have no idea about how Jagged Earth ended up so damned good

[@billybirdy9507]

Awesome video. Thanks. I’m going to get Isle of Cats for my daughter.

[@3MBG]

So that is my games of the year, and for once, I don't think any of this is going to be particularly shocking to anyone who watched the channel last year. What were your standout titles of 2020. And, specifically, what were some of best solo games you played this year if you played any.

[@DnDarrenJ]

My family got Crew for Christmas and we've really enjoyed it a lot!

[@maxpowr90]

The Crew has a new version coming out this year and can't wait for it.

[@Stuffthatsfunny1]

A sequel or just an updated version?

[@partymeeple5633]

I think awards are cool and I have an awards story; One of my old poetry club friends is a sculptor. At a post gig party she once complained that she'd never won any award for her work. I pointed out to her that she's constantly getting commissions for her work. She has some very large pieces all around the city and throughout the state. Designing sculpture is her work and she's very busy. "Oh come on L, art awards are for artists who are struggling to make it and need some help. That's so not you L".. ~ smiles ~

[@mattbounds]

I backed Jagged Earth on Kickstarter, had it delivered a few months ago, but I haven't gotten to play it with other people yet because of the Pandemic. I've played a few games solo but I want to play it with my group and it's killing me lol

[@3MBG]

That sucks, it really does, i'm sorry

[@rantsreviews3573]

I've just recently just started building a board game collection to play with my gf. The Crew was her favorite game this year easily, followed by either Splendor or Castles of Burgundy.

[@benjaminstoehr376]

My friends and I are on mission 46 of The Crew with two friends on Board Game Arena, and have to say... I don't get the hype. I realize I'm the weirdo here, but it never particularly thrilled or really very much entertained me. I've been looking forward to the end of it for a while now. I don't think I played any other 2020 games, but Orleans, Grand Austria Hotel, and Russian Railroads were the best new to me of the year.

[@3MBG]

Wait..... you've played 46 games of a game you don't like???????

[@benjaminstoehr376]

@@3MBG Way more than that if you count all the times we failed. We generally play four or five games at a time and I didn't want to bail on my friends who want to finish all the missions. Since it's online it only takes a couple clicks. I don't hate the game, but after 25 missions or so I didn't find it was giving me anything new.

[@3MBG]

Fair enough. I wonder if playing it face to face would work better. All my games were in person. I totally get thats not really a thing a lot of people can do right now though

[@benjaminstoehr376]

@@3MBG That's entirely possible. If I ever am fortunate enough to make another trip to New Zealand I'll look you up and we'll give it a go ;-) (just kidding, I'm not a stalker)

[@djmurp2]

Best actor in a comedy for 2020 ...................... Spirit Island!

[@3MBG]

In previous years i tried not to double up awards, this year, i was just "F*** it", the right game got the right awards :)

[@jasonminer9871]

Love your videos and completely agree with The Crew and Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion being deserving of awards. At some point I really hope to get Spirit Island and the expansions. Thanks for the great content and analysis!

[@gerrade71278]

New to this channel. I love the different pics. Oscar categories = mind blown. You are also the first I've seen mention Jaws of the lion. When my son is sick of Clank! That looks to be the next goto title. Thanks

[@lucia4831]

Spirit island and the crew :) agree 100%! I will check the others..

[@KarimTheilgaard]

Okay, you’ve already got me buying Obsession and this past week Brass Birmingham and now I hear you whispering “Sssssspiriiiiit Iiiiiislaaaaand” in my ear - very loudly too! I was already uhmm’ing and aah’ing between that and Brass before, when I chose Brass but it probably won’t be long now...

[@ilneozelandese]

But he's not judge Judy and executioner!!!

[@TabletopGamesBlog]

I fully agree with your choice for the Game of the Year award. :)

[@gamehaus6386]

Great set of awards! I particularly loved the Gaia Project and Spirit Island: Jagged Earth awards - both are outstanding in solo AND multiplayer modes (once you get past the learning curve and into the amazing gameplay). Thanks for the video.

[@Rufiy0]

I see isle of cats, I click like

[@3rdmillenniumfuture607]

Love your videos. You introduced me to Spirit Island for which I will be forever grateful. Thanks

[@monkeylordofdoom14]

Love the list and can't wait to try Isle of cats and the Crew!

[@stevecollins9993]

When the heck did Gallilaion Moons come through? Also: LONG LIVE SPIRIT ISLAND! Solid picks as per usual. Keep up the good work boss.

[@3MBG]

Got mine last month. It came to NZ first, should be landing elsewhere shortly i believe.

[@nykandrusiakmusic]

My copy of Galilean Moons is In North America... somewhere... should be finding it's way to me in Canada any time!!

[@josefpdx]

Man I have Jagged Earth and Branch & Claw both unopened just sitting on my shelf for four months. I've been playing Terraforming Mars and Root, but every time I start to try to learn B&C or JE I get so overwhelmed by them. Its not necessarily the new tokens, but all the new spirits look so difficult to learn. Anyone else have difficult with the sheer size of it?

[@3MBG]

I eased into it slowly, playing a lot of core before adding B&C. By the time JE turned up id played like 40 odd games of it. No need to rush to add it all, the core game has plenty of depth

[@stevecollins9993]

@@josefpdx crack open Branch and Claw if you get a moment. Can get used to using tokens and get a good feel for new spirits. On watch for the next batch of Jagged Earth though

[@Makcimak]

0:37 is that Dashcon, the greatest convention of all times?

[@3MBG]

Dashcon was a better con than most of the cons in 2020 ;)

[@cwb95k]

UBOOT was a good choice...never care to play, but greatly appreciate the detail and style.

[@donaldkehler7029]

Love this list! The crew is so good! I’ve got the Jagged Earth expansion but have not been able to get together with my group this year. Might have to start playing solo.

[@scottbecker319]

I like that term Foundation game. I also like Isle of Cats.

[@ianh2787]

Just got Galilean Moons TODAY! I'm excited to get the rules read and then to the table!

[@happyhell1]

I'm so jealous of New Zealand. No COVID and the most gorgeous damn views I've ever encountered. Not to mention the amazing wine and somehow even more amazing people. And this KZbin channel.

[@3MBG]

Hahaha, cheers. yes, this year more than most i have felt quite blessed to live here

[@pitbullkeys3752]

I need Bitcoin to go up significantly more so I can move there. I need to get out of this shitty country (US).

[@st0ox]

The crew eliminates in my opinion everything that I didn't like about Hanabi and adds actual fun to the coop trick-taking game genre, where you have to remember every card that has been played by everyone.

[@AhJong0]

This is really interesting, Hanabi is one my favourite games and I loved The Crew. What was the stuff about Hanabi you didn’t like that The Crew improved on? 🙂

[@st0ox]

@@AhJong0 the other players I played Hanabi with. They are some Bridge pro gamers who don't understand fun. Just kidding. Maybe I just like seeing my own cards. Because if you play with very professional players they really get mad if you forget which information you had about your own cards. I also like the campaign aspect of the crew. It is not perfect, there could be more variety of mission types and the missions don't get necessary harder. My solution would be that you can skip some optional missions, but you can gain some advantages that you can use in other missions. Hanabi had also different difficulty settings, but you just didn't had the variety of different challenges like in the crew.

[@AhJong0]

@@st0ox ah grand thanks for explaining.

[@fogbrother4576]

I always enjoy an end of the year review/awards vid from a gaming channel I respect... well done sir.

[@МилаЗайцева-э9ы]

In Russia The Isle of cats disappeared from all shops. I’m eager to play this game at least once

[@3MBG]

That sounds kinda sinister phrased that way :) Hopefully it becomes available again

[@Iamwrongbut]

In soviet Russia Isle of Cats plays you.

[@LameryLame]

Hello, great list as usual. I wanna ask, how much is the Jagged earth playable without the Branch and claw?

[@3MBG]

it is playable without it, but asides from saving some cash, i really woudln't recommend it.

[@bmackVR]

You should check out In the Hall of the Mountain king. Its a fascinating game, very unique but easy to grasp. I think it would check a lot of boxes for you. I believe its a 2019 game.

[@aevanism]

Actually. I just bought and played gaia project too in 2020. And become my hardest and most enjoyed game of the year.

[@sailorsblues]

Loved the ball pit

[@3MBG]

Dashcon, lol. This year, all cons were Dashcon

[@mbrochh82]

Loved all games in the list... except... The Crew. Fell completely flat on its face with both groups I tried it with. Weird. Time to finally buy Gaia Project... 🏃🏻‍♂️

[@ryansaunders7923]

I had the same experience, Martin. Two groups I tried to play with could not get into it. I started playing it on Board Game Arena and I guess my confidence in teaching and playing it got better, because when I introduce it now to groups, they are getting it and loving it.

[@kirkbeiserlynxlakegames768]

Isle of Cats is my game of the year. Holi is making a charge up my list. Not great at 2p but I have really liked it at 3+4p. Fossilis and Tiny Epic Dinosaurs are also great.

[@DarkadeTV]

I'd like to agree with you but I almost didn't played any games this year :c (and I kind of resent you for having a competent government and being able to get together with friends 😂)

[@3MBG]

Cheers, Steph and I were small parts of that competent government as well :)

[@DarkadeTV]

@@3MBG

[@andrewh5568]

I've not played Uboot but I've always wanted a Klingon/Romulan version of Captain Sonar which is a similar but simpler game than uboot.

[@christianm.6151]

thanks 3 Minute guy, now I realize no one would like to be called like that. still thanks for your content love that

[@3MBG]

I don't mind :) But most folks call me J

[@AnimeLoftus]

Great award show! You just need some music IMO. Maybe something from NZ bands?

[@michaeleames5336]

Amazing videos, great at summarising the key points. I really value the idea of 'new to me'.

[@paolopiccione7470]

Thanks for the nice video.

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

Isle of Cats looks great. Too bad it’s sold out everywhere 😩

[@3MBG]

It will no doubt come back, because its a great game and they normally do. I'm waiting on a similar looking game about terraforming called planet unknown, that could be another one worth checking out when it arrives

[@DermoniS]

Because of you, I bought myself Spirit Island last year. It is my best board game I ever played. Thank you !

[@3MBG]

Fantastic, glad you like it as much as i do. Hopefully you'll like Jagged Earth just as much

[@DermoniS]

@@3MBG It is on my wish list already but it is out of stock for a long time in my area.

[@DermoniS]

@@3MBG I have one more question. I just read that there will be 2nd print of JE expansion next month. Did you found any issues with first version of print ? We just found JE in stock on one website and we are not sure whether should we buy it or wait for 2nd print

[@davidd.l.leblanc2432]

I have to say, thank you for your video. I've started to watch your channel in october 2019 with your Nemesis video and, I have to say, you hook back me at board games. I started a collection of board games that help me to pass through the global pandemic and I have to thank you for this. Tho some games are still missing of my collection (like Bloc by bloc, Spirit Island and your game), but you made me discover my favorite game of all, Dune. tēnā rawa atu koe from Canada :)

[@3MBG]

Ka pai David :) Thank you

[@mbemda]

Nice one for your nation. Applaud your nations efforts If only the UK didn't have a complete cockwomble in charge Not even watched your 2020 awards yet I do like your straight to the point assessments (Fk the reviewers who talk and talk and talk without saying anything) You are in my favorite reviewers and I know that making something streamlined takes a lot of effort. Hugs xx

[@3MBG]

"(Fk the reviewers who talk and talk and talk without saying anything)" These were the words on my lips when i came up with the idea for the channel :)

[@jonathanpickles2946]

Solo I played a lot of Marvel Champions and some A Feast for Odin. Spirit Island I prefer 2 handed , or 3 and solo that is too much work for me - same with Gaia Project and the Automa. I prefer not having to process enemy turns as it is the ultimate "busy work" and what computers are for. Same with COIN if I ever do those solo I play each position rather than using the flowcharts. GP and Brass are two of my favourites - the engine building in Gaia Project is what elevates it over Terra Mystica for me.

[@3MBG]

The engine building in GP is what does it for me as well. And the tech tracks being way cooler than the cult tracks. And a tiny point, it just looks nicer.

[@cwb95k]

Noooo..I would have picked Viscounts...so great!

[@ob1quixote]

I want to buy and play an IKS D7 version of that submarine game right now!

[@matthewpeterson3926]

This is the year I got into the hobby so for me pretty much every game I have played this year is new to me. Because I have played with mostly my family this year, Trekking the World, New York Zoo and Santa Monica have been my favorite new titles of this year because for people who don’t really care that much about games they are great! I have been lucky enough to get about 10 scenarios deep on Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion with 3 of my buddies and that has been the highlight of the year. I have also been really lucky to discover such an awesome hobby and play so many awesome games, some that stand out to me are the North Kingdom and West Kingdom games, Clank!, space base, quacks, tiny towns, horrified, near and far, and Islebound. Thanks for all you have done, your channel has been one of my go to channels to look into games to see if I’m willing to give them a try, and watching your coverage on Raiders and suggesting the app is what got me into that game and all of the Shem Phillips games and gave me the courage to try games that were a little out of my comfort zone. Cheers!

[@3MBG]

Cheers Matthew. Santa Monica is on my "to play" shelf, picked it up on discount recently in a post xmas sale.

[@benjamincarter6095]

Wow, we have different tastes. I do enjoy spirit Island though.

[@twentysides]

Your 3 new-to-you games were massive hits for me too.

[@3MBG]

Those really were ahead of the crew for me as well, like 3 absolute classics ill keep for a long long time

[@bigwi7613]

Kiitos? And NZ game? Okay never heard of it but its Finish word for Thanks. Funny wierd thats all

[@jarrattgray]

The designer is full of glee when explaining the name. He is a massive word geek. The gameplay is about finishing a word together which you try and evolve as you play a letter so that your opponent is forced to play the next letter and you finish the word. I’m not sure if the rules state you should say Kiitos at that point but it feels right. It’s a great little word game.

[@larrye]

Absolutely fantastic video. Thx.

[@cwb95k]

I feel I should recommend you watch The Expanse on Amazon Prime...just a thought

[@3MBG]

Watched the first 2 seasons, did enjoy.

[@preslavvachev1047]

Maybe do a 3 minute review of Fossilis? I think it's great

[@cwb95k]

Haven't had a chance to play Jagged Earth...I would have voted Wingspan Oceania.

[@3MBG]

Fair, have not played despite it having local birds in it. I did include it in an article I wrote for a major NZ news site on games people could buy over summer

[@afrank525]

Was hoping Kiitos would get the award

[@3MBG]

Close for sure

[@wbeytel]

Fantastic awards list! Thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown my Galilean Moons is still stuck in customs. I can't wait to get it to my table.

[@3MBG]

Balls, that sucks man

[@wbeytel]

@@3MBG I should be getting it in a week or two 👍

[@LukeVenables]

Great list. I've got to try Jagged Earth. I would love to see a list of what each winner beat. e.g. Did Spirit Island beat Root for best app? Could The Cost be eligible for a New To Me award next year? Don't know if that's even plausible using Board Game Atlas.

[@3MBG]

I was thinking of showing runner ups when i wrote the vid, but life kinda complicated that process this week. (Steph spent most of it in hospital, and me going back and forth all the time)

[@LukeVenables]

@@3MBG I read something along those lines on Twitter. I really hope everything is all good now or will be soon. The video is great as always. Even more impressive that it was done during such a difficult period. 👍

[@3MBG]

Shes hopefully coming home tomorrow, which is great, because i'm quite the sad sack when shes not here

[@cwb95k]

I like the "Foundation Game" award. Not sure if I'd give it to Isle of Cats...but not a bad choice either (imho)

[@3MBG]

Isle of cats has the 2 rulesets which actually helped it in my thinking. Simple rules that are easy to learn, and then more complex "gamery" rules.

[@cwb95k]

@@3MBG I like when game designers consider both sides of that. We ended up shuffling all the baskets and purple cards together in one pile and all the other cards into a separate pile. When players draw cards, they can draw from either pile. It tends to prevent players from getting a turn with 'no baskets' and allows for a bit more strategizing during gameplay.

[@RacingDamon]

My group tried The Crew on Board Game Arena and really didn't understand what the fuss is about. Is this one you need to play in person?

[@jaydeestrong]

Well your way of communicating (kinda) is through slight hint in actions or facial expressions, and there is just little to no tension if you play it in BGA i assume

[@3MBG]

I think the nervous glances and tension are much stronger in person

[@gaillardlionel]

100% agree with your game of the year

[@sipmarton]

I've never heard a German term that was mispronounced this well :)

[@3MBG]

Lol, i am so so sorry.

[@davidhebart-coleman8610]

Just sitting in MIQ at the moment - and I am seriously looking at Galilean Moons at the moment - and your stupid review might push my over the edge, darn you. I also picked up the Fisher and Paykel 50th Anniversary Game..

[@3MBG]

OMG, you mad fool! I shudder to think what it cost

[@davidhebart-coleman8610]

$25 NZ - incl shipping. On trademe. Still in shrink. So I did alright. It is going to be nice to play with people after MIQ or go to events like cricket. My old game group has planned a bach board game weekend in a couple of months which will be great. Gaia Project will be one of the many games that I will lose at.

[@3MBG]

Fantastic. I saw someone sell on to the US for $400 USD. Which is madness

[@davidhebart-coleman8610]

@@3MBG Yeah, very lucky. I like the quirkiness of it. Plus I have a boardgaming friend in Austria who is an engineer in the healthcare industry that I could try this with - if I dare to take it out of shrink.

[@Stuffthatsfunny1]

12:23 you can't communicate rocket cards

[@3MBG]

Yes, we figured that out after making the video

[@ahabwolf7580]

I've had spirit island on my list for a while now. Definitely looking forward to playing that eventually.

[@VampguyN85]

Me too.

[@slapthekillswitch]

That app is great it’s exactly like the board game

[@slapthekillswitch]

Unlike Tainted Grail which is nothing like the board game

[@TheEmmaHouli]

I've also had it on my list for years because of the recommendation here. I finally bought it for my birthday this year and it is THAT GOOD

[@MTGEDH]

Just have the base game but I am getting the expansion hopefully in a couple of weeks

[@VincentLobster]

I like this format a lot! I'd like to see a "Best New Edition" award in the future

[@3MBG]

Would def have to play some new editions each year :)

[@dentdedragon]

"If you have a family" That was so dark, I was stunned!

[@3MBG]

Was not intentionally so. But, Steph was in hospital when i recorded, so some maudlin may have crept in.

[@dentdedragon]

Oh! Is she okay now?

[@3MBG]

Yeah, at home now, recovering well.

[@reallyidrathernot.134]

could put a Māori head on your avatar bloke hey, maybe some tats.

[@3MBG]

I'm not Māori and Ta Moko are sacred, so no, that sounds like a bad idea.