Blood Bowl Second Season Edition review

Classic Warhammer game Blood Bowl has a new edition and Johnny's pretty keen on it - find out more in our review
This video is sponsored by Voodoo Ranger IPA
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[@luthiennenharma]

Came to the comments for remarks on Johnny's hair change, was not disappointed

[@camerontgore]

Same

[@suchaklutz]

Loving the lockdown looks

[@writeonshell]

Same.

[@trueanimefan]

Lol I was about to say I hear Johnny but I don't see Johnny 😭 his hair was so gorgeous

[@trueanimefan]

But he still looks good though

[@Auridus]

Sorry, Johnny. I tuned out every time my favorite pup appeared in frame. Honestly, though, this video was chill and I really loved it.

[@noserenda]

Same :D

[@little-earth-star6]

"You get tackled so hard, that you die." Sounds chill.

[@ThinEndOfTheSWedge]

It gets even better if you’re playing against an Undead team, because instead of an Apothecary (team medic) they have a Necromancer. Sometimes your dead player will get up and join the other team!

[@ArielTwain]

Johnny you forgot your hair! Looking good though

[@gloopygecko5972]

Couldn't agree more, we started a league at my local club a couple of years back. I picked up an Underworld team for a laugh, ended up losing half my team every game and still won the league, literally won the final with 4 players on the pitch at the end, I've never laughed as hard as I have playing BB.

[@crwmy]

I giggled when Johnny said that it felt really rewarding that he got his ass handed to him by his wife :D (19:23) Like how Johnny described them playing the game just sounds so sympathetic. With that what I giggled at, it feels like they have an engaging dynamic and lots of fun.

[@oriolgonzalez9328]

Watson spotted at 4:28

[@TheOneTheyCallJack]

Reflection of Watson at 3:46

[@riveramnell143]

Came to comments to see who else noticed. Such a cute doggo ^_^

[@AVspectre]

I was wondering who the unidentified floof was :)

[@HCBYRD]

I enjoyed this format for a review - it reminds me of the before-days where a friend (in person) could present a game to you and their passion for it would shine through. It makes for a more organic sell.

[@asmo1313]

my favorite ever: 40k second edition followed closely by necormunda. btw, Johhny, you mentioned in the vid how you guys havent seen each other for 9 months now. I just wanted to say that they way the gamer network (outsidexbox, eurogamer dicebreaker and outsidextra) handled the situation and bravely soldiered on with webcams and a lot of creativity is worth some ( a lot actually) of praise. its because of all those livestreams that I subbed to all 4 channeks now, instead of just Janemikeandylukeellenbox.

[@MCTicTac]

Blood bowl is great. I've played it since the late 90s, and anything and everything can happen! Nothing beats making a last minute long bomb pass, catch, and then sprinting for the endzone with two "go for its!" With no rerolls left, for a game or even championship winning touchdown. Edit: no hair, and glasses johnny is kind of scary lol

[@jessmaywin987]

Johnny you got me wanting to play this desite having never in my life played anything even slightly Warhammer related! Love your enthusiasm and eloquence I could listen to you chatting about the history of pickled onions and I would still be interested

[@Rangifulla]

The buzz cut is an extremely practical haircut looks good on you bro

[@dekkert5272]

Been playing since around 1986-7 (1st edition), and I still feel this way about the game. Embrace the chaos is my advice. Johnny, sounds like you're doing exactly that.

[@alexwright3180]

Johnny with the headset and cheat sheet reminds me of an NFL offensive coach.

[@DeverellWatson]

I appreciate all the videos and recommendations, including for Voodoo Ranger, which I have been happily buying since they sponsored you guys.

[@escherbacon]

Excellent vid, Johnny! I really like the format. Felt like sitting across the table with a mate, and just talking about games while painting. I, too, have jumped on the Blood Bowl bandwagon with this ediiton. Have a ton of playtime on the video game version. With this new and great-looking editon, as well as the rule updates, it was the perfect time to get started playing the tabletop version. Oh, right - and the extra time due to the whole pandemic.

[@lindenhollaway7317]

Had no interest in the game, only clicked because my first thought was “Johnny’s cut his hair!?!?!”

[@irvenman]

Glad I'm not alone in this.

[@allisonpozzo]

Same!

[@yaslanna7944]

Same

[@Fig_Newton]

His luxurious hair took days off for the holidays. It'll be back in January after two weeks of quarantine.

[@MrLewis555]

Really enjoyed the style of this video, just chatting about the game was very natural and your enjoyment of it really came through :)

[@seanrshivers]

Skaven putting the rat in irratic

[@andyquelch9652]

Thank you Johnny for this video. I had a starter/core set when I was a kid and never really got round to playing the game (or understanding it) properly. With this review in mind and your heartfelt review I think I will be following up on this. Thank you and take care.

[@Dazza_119]

Big hand for Johnny for his commitment in donating his hair to charity for those making wigs for cancer patients (I think it's Princess Trust) just another tremendous selfless act by an incredible man. So glad of this community.

[@mattsmithjkd9289]

If you're ever able to you should try out Blitz Bowl as well. Main problem is it's not officially available in the UK at the moment, but if you can source one it's great fun. 6-a-side Blood Bowl with a slightly simplified rule set that runs really quickly.

[@MikeDavies_sann0638]

Great stuff! Novices always welcome!

[@ThinEndOfTheSWedge]

Great review! Possibly worth pointing out that while you *can* screw up in your very first activation of the turn, Blood Bowl is a risk management game. Not every action needs a dice roll, but a lot do. There’s strategic player positioning which is almost chess-like. But your best laid plans are entirely at the whims of the dice god Nuffle!

[@CrazyJawas]

Thanks Johnny that was great, hope you and wheels get to play this soon.

[@funkpirate2496]

Blood-Bowl has always been a great laugh, and I've not played it in years. I may need to pick up this box and get my lizards back out there. Hope Bob & Bob are still mentioned in the book! Also as an addition, as a Skaven player myself, if you love them in AoS (which I think is a trash game), then try getting your hands on Warhammer Fantasy Battle, as they were much zannier and more random then, great fun to play. Plus moving 300+ minies in rank and file trays was alot easier than in AoS.

[@SootyWebster]

GW also has a cut down version called blitz bowl that is even easier to introduce into the bloodbowl genre. It might be more cost effective for some.

[@danbob9835]

Great review Johnny, I've been playing Blood Bowl for years but I'm excited for the changes to the new edition. Separating out passing from agility in particular, maybe I can play my Dark Elves without feeling like I'm cheesing now!

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

How did it take me TWENTY MINUTES to realize Johnny's hair is gone?!😱😂 Still looking awesome, though, Johnny.😉😁

[@shawnheatherly]

I won't lie, this video is really selling me on the game and it's never particularly interested me before this.

[@suchaklutz]

Me too!

[@speldrong5010]

It is a pretty delightful game, if you play to play, rather than playing to win. There is such a thing as getting better, and getting better is important, but Blood Bowl is a game that I would describe as "very easy to lose" no matter how good you are at it. You'll be teaching it to someone and they can absolutely wipe the floor with you no matter how ruthlessly you're trying to teach.

[@AVspectre]

I’m just starting to paint minis and am looking for an easy entry skirmish type game that has interesting minis. I never really considered this as I’m not really into sports but I like the humour element. :) Will have to take a closer look!

[@alistairpring8051]

It is a brilliant game of risk management and the dice are the great leveller. You may have coaches who are super skilled but even they fall victim to bad dice rolls. I find it hardly addicitive.

[@WildfireMagni]

I wasn't super into blood bowl at first since I'm not overly interested in sports or sport-adjacent things, but this video makes me at least willing to try it, if not buy. Besides, one of the teams is basically dinosaurs and that's a plus.

[@MSte21]

The swaying tree reflected in the glass really added to this review for me. 10/10, would watch again.

[@Ziggy203]

Excellent review and intro to Blood Bowl. Thanks man

[@azhog1723]

The video game Blood Bowl 2 is pretty good also. Awesome haircut by the way Johnny 👍

[@Clayton8278]

I like the haircut, Johnny. On a different note. This game sounds like to could be appealing to someone that normally feels overwhelmed by miniatures games.

[@TheNiebling]

I have been playing bb for 39 years, it’s the ultimate risk management game :) happy you liked it

[@bigfoot9405]

knew it. been watching you since eurogamer always knew that was a wig

[@varkesh456]

I have always enjoyed the first blood bowl but found the computer/console game manager options sadly lacking for being on a budget(generally pay to unlock faction) with not as much of the core teams as i would like. But when i was first introduced to the game it was great fun played my group of freinds decided we liked it so much and played a full season. The if the rules have not changed that much for season 2 your main ways of winning are skill or kill/injure sometimes a mixture just enough to incapicate a key player or 2 can kill another players plan. Can't recall the team name but i made it though to the quater finals i recall looking over all the teams that each team had either the skill or kill options but obiously favoured one over the other and had there own flavour in each race and so even if someone had the same plan the games were never quite the same. And the way seasonal progression worked also has some random elements to it with some quite big events that can happen which i feel captures that world of choas really well. Defiantly would love to invest in this again and might well have to give it another go after lock down as defiantly better playing in person because you do get that sport build up feel.

[@kaushtubhchauhan]

Looking good johnny!

[@DevilboyScooby]

I genuinely did a double take when I saw the video thumbnail. It took me a second to realise what was wrong with it.

[@TheOneTheyCallJack]

Rugby that’s even more violent? SIGN ME UP

[@JairamWaddell]

Once lost a tournament game after nearly saving a draw with a hero last play involving multiple dodges, a 6 pick up, a long pass, catching in TZs, more dodges. Only to fail on the GFI with a re-roll

[@JameSeraphim]

Okay, I take back my instagram reaction, your hair looks good lol

[@tedtest4787]

Loved this, always prefer the more casual videos.

[@Gooch359]

Love the new style my man. I cant wait to get the new boxset, I've never played befor but I was looking to start. Speaking of minature games based on sports, have you played Rumbleslam? Its another game im thinking of getting in to. Have a great day!

[@nataliehawkins9585]

My best mate loves blood bowl, so this it great for me to understand it all 😀 loving the new hair sir, it goes to an amazing charity

[@nathaniliescu4597]

Your best mate is a guy? Weird.

[@talos935]

Came for Blood Bowl, stayed to hear about the fight with the lawn mower

[@88ShadowAngel]

Can't wait to get this.. always love me some Blood Bowl

[@deleterinserepeat2079]

Good video Johnny. Everyone talking about your hair. You rock no matter what.

[@dannydorito9134]

Love Blood Bowl been meaning to get back into it for ages

[@asbo891]

Love the hair man, I assume the charity stream went well!

[@ObliviousNaga]

I'm excited for the 3rd ruleset that's releasing next year.

[@tristanlammey8530]

Johnny rocking the shaved head!

[@frodobaggins7710]

I'm really glad you're enjoying Blood Bowl. I've been playing it since I was in my mid-teens (mainly against myself) and I love how chaotic it is, so to see a new player is always fun. Plus since you're into Skaven, I highly recommend picking up a team of them for Blood Bowl because they are very fun to play

[@kcollier2192]

Have to say I've only played the video game versions of Blood Bowl but even those are a riot to play- anyone looking for brutal, creative mayhem should try it...

[@davidpacker7602]

First video of yours I have seen. You are very good at talking to camera.

[@alf4942]

This is one of my favorite games. But also the only game that will make me want to rage quit. Comparing it to Saturday morning cartoons is spot on. Luney Toons in a box.

[@Rob-nq6br]

Have you seen Blitz Bowl at all? Its basically an adaptation of BB but down to smaller teams and pitches. Kind of like a Rugby 7s variant. Its bloody great, faster and leaner so gives you a game in 45-60 minutes. Sadly a US only release so you may need to import it? Really good though.

[@alexanderbradburn6511]

As a man who shaves his head by necessity rather than by choice I'd like to say: it's a good look for you, Johnny - you've got a nice head!

[@SugarCandyMiniatures]

I'm also new to bloodbowl and very excited to play my first game once I get all my minis painted

[@BadgerLovingFluffster]

Great review, thank you. First time I've watched one of your vids and I reckon I'll be sticking around. By the way, 22:32 - Some established players might well think like that, I don't know, but I've played Blood Bowl since it's first edition in 1986 and I still get that feeling with the game. Looking forward to the latest box set being delivered :)

[@Smudger40k]

Love blood bowl, can't wait for the new rules 😍

[@DevilboyScooby]

Came for Blood Bowl and Johnny Acknowledged Johnny's new (lack of hair) Carried on watching 🤷‍♂️

[@DauntlessPanda1986]

It’s a very fun, light game to play. Fully agree with your views on this. Although I only meant to play Chaos Chosen (because Minotaur) and now have 11+ teams...

[@nunyobidniz]

17:29 hard to take too seriously?! But there's a *_sacred hotdog!_*

[@nickalotdegit]

13:00 No undercoat?! Bought both editions of the game on Steam, played neither (awks) bought Matt Forbeck's omnibus, was bored to tears, TT is still tempting. Favourite team, anyone? P.S. Kudos to JC for underlining the random nature of BB.

[@BrotherAlpha]

Bloodbowl and Cars Wars are two games I love to play; however, the amount of setup is so long that we never play it.

[@jimirowe7006]

Shout out to the dog that makes a cheeky appearance

[@Azuresilver]

Totally agree, blood bowl is by far their best game.

[@gamesbymanuel]

Really enjoyed the tone of this video. Do you think this would be appealing for people who don't generally enjoy sports? The thing I'm most curious about is the league play, even though I have no idea when/if I would be able to play it that way.

[@ThinEndOfTheSWedge]

League play is my favourite format- players gain points and level up in a similar way to Necromunda or light RPG systems. They also gain injuries too. You are the manager and hire and fire along the way including support staff which have a minor impact to the team. Plus you can buy stadiums and so on. A lot of local game stores have leagues or will do after lockdown!

[@teessidetyrants1989]

Great review. I'm so excited to get my copy of this game. This along with war cry are great games. Ideal for playing with less experience gamers.

[@phyllissmith5980]

Johnny I like your hair. I have always thought you are a cutie(don't panic, I'm an old lady) but I prefer you with the shorter hair. Thanks for all your great commentary.

[@nathaniliescu4597]

Why are you watching this oldie?

[@VonBlade]

Blood Bowl IS the one. I still have the old polystyrene pitch that is so bumpy the players need blu-tac'ing to it to stand up. Ahhh old games. (the only XY and Z problems are that Skaven Gutter Runners can ruin your day, and anyone who fields Elves needs kicking)

[@stuartmurdock2873]

Jonny what happened to your locks? 😱 great videos as always

[@talahar123]

Loved the cameo by bestest girl Watson.

[@ZackiFayre]

Sound good! Adding this to a things to buy soon.

[@elkudos6262]

Ух, давно Dicebreaker не смотрел. Самостриженный Джонни выглядит жутко знакомо.) Недобр этот год был к настолкам, я полагаю. 😥😅

[@wtfpantera]

I strongly recommend you check out Dreadball.

[@lordpheonix1059]

"football football.. Or soccer I guess".. - Video cuts what I assume is johnny talking crap about the name soccer for 10 mins - Lol

[@ja37d-34]

Seems fun, will buy that box.. Never played Blood Bowl even though I have been into GW games since 1992 or so.. Love those Black orc models! Mordheim and older 40k and WHFB was fun. The newer trash i can live without.. Farty K these days, a million dice you reroll to hit and then to wound because reasons.. Can´t stand that shit.

[@chromeego7903]

Blood Bowl is the dogs. Been playing it since back in first edition, and when you get a serious league on the go you will LOVE it even more. We had a league and one of the players was caught cheating (his team rosta showed he had ability points he could not have possibly amassed), so the league sprung a court trail on him with expert witnesses, play reenactments, and 12 (relatively) good men (and one woman) voted on his fate. The moral: Cheating isn't against the spirit of blood Bowl, getting caught is.

[@markthompson6675]

Came for doggo was not disappointed

[@richardmcluckie122]

Completely distracted by doggo...

[@thomasbailey4616]

Johnny!!! You got rid of your luxurious hair!!!! But hey if it's good for you go for it!

[@Fidgottio]

He did it for charity. He donated the hair to be made into a wig

[@thomasbailey4616]

@@Fidgottio well thats certainly cool.

[@ketchakik]

Love blood bowl. My LGS has had league play forever

[@f1sk8mm]

Newb question, how do you store the minis after assembled? Are people putting them back in the box? What's going on here

[@BbBb-zx6sx]

I use storage trays but you can just use the box. The minis are not delicate.

[@thomasjackson1738]

Johnny...if I may ask. WHERE IS ALL YOUR HAIR!?!

[@n3v3rm0r3]

He donated his hair

[@thomasjackson1738]

Oh, Johnny. [Slow Clap] I knew you were awesome, but that's something else!!

[@nunyobidniz]

@@thomasjackson1738 [joins in 👏]

[@keith4643]

You look awesome Johnny!

[@emmabyrne9274]

I wonder if there's any similarities between blood bowl and aussie rules football

[@kherubim1]

Looking good!👍

[@Tyr_Magnus]

Johnny just gonna pretend he doesn't know we're all going, "dude!? What the hell?"

[@FistOfFiori]

Hair today, gone tomorrow :o

[@frakbuddy]

I bought the last version, the Slave team....built everything, painted nothing and never got it played. Still tempted as hell to get this. I adore the game for nostalgia reasons (I only ever played it once as a kid), need to get friends to play once lockdown passes. I did exactly the same with Necromunda mind you (wish I handy lost that one Escher I built!).....

[@frakbuddy]

Damn autocorrect! Skaven team not slave, sweet zombie Jesus that's a totally different game.....

[@tristanlammey8530]

Nuffle = Mike Channel?

[@MCTicTac]

If Mike was in BB he would be a halfling team coach. Just food everywhere and kitchen utensils for armour 🤣

[@ThinEndOfTheSWedge]

No Nuffle is far more capricious and cruel.

[@jbaldwin1970]

‘Pre-prepared’? 😉

[@WulfRanger]

Love blood bowl, but have gone digital

[@weronikamatczuk8642]

I was really on the fence but I’m already sold. Of course the only sport I want to engage in is a miniature game. What a nerd...

[@seileurt]

Can't pay attention to the review because YOU HAVE NO HAIR

[@eliottdewitt893]

Ay johnny shaved his head just like me, have to say tho i look aweful it does feel better

[@nathaniliescu4597]

I shaved my head once and it looked terrible as well, I think it all depends on individuals hairlines and head shapes etc.

[@bersley]

Ohmagaad! What have you done to your beautifully lush hair!?