No Pun Included's Board Game of the Year 2020

#boardgames #review
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Music:
Ivy-Rose Lyon - Waddayaknow (Instrumental Version)
Nocturnal Spirits - All in Your Eyes
Find us here:
Website - nopunincluded.com
Facebook - / nopunincluded
Twitter - Efka - / nopunincluded Elaine - / nixedpun
Instagram - / nopunincluded
BGG Review list - boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/17...

[@NoPunIncluded]

This video is sponsored by Skillshare. The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/nopunincluded01211

[@agentorangecb1]

Would you say re-potting a 🌵 is... Prickly 🤪

[@lucypatton42]

“The breathest fresh of air” this is why I am subscribed

[@drewgrgich]

Came here to say this.

[@AdamDrew]

Ditto. I backed up to make sure I heard it right :D

[@agentorangecb1]

I just joined you guys. First vid, instant subscription!

[@philhov]

I applaud you for taking the audacious step of choosing a game that wasn't released in 2020 as one of your 50% Game of the Year. The King is Dead hadn't been on my radar, but now it is firmly ensconced on my wishlist. I love your videos.

[@VictorKolbe]

Your videos have come a long way since you started the channel - this is one of those where the quality upgrade of just about every aspect is very palpable. Good job.

[@seansteel328]

NPI's game of 2020: 50% a game from 2019 and 50% a 2nd edition of a reskin. Top work! 😋

[@ToddGretencord]

Late to the comment party, but just need to tell you guys thanks for this review of King is Dead. I was aware of it before, but didn't realise how interesting it was until your review. I was lucky enough to grab a copy and it has quickly become a favourite with my group. What a gem! Keep up the outstanding work you guys. I really appreciate it.

[@bored_pyro]

The quality of your videos is just fantastic! You got my sub after just minutes of watching my first video of your channel!

[@kathryndipietro8974]

"That's A Moray" 🤣🤣🤣 That's good 😆

[@gjkf]

The king is dead seems like a perfect boardgame for me and my friend. We mostly play 2p and we miss a game like this. It's cheap (on sale at half price right now) but soon going to be printed in Italian so unsure whether or not to wait for the deluxe edition. Decisions, decisions decisions! As always great games, great review and great video, I hope you are having a good start of 2021!

[@chiproush7480]

I see what you did there...lauded two games with "King" in the title, featured a (THE) Queen album in the background. God save the NPI!

[@NoPunIncluded]

It's the only Queen I accept.

[@kylerpolson4811]

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, thats a-moray!!!!!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

When an eel lunges out and it bites off your snout that's a moray!!!

[@Stomski]

Pretty sure we all got that already, but thanks just in case someone didn't.

[@inimitableminimalist]

When your lips start to feel like you're kissing an eel, that's a moray!

[@gunnfjodur]

This makes a Spider Robinson fan happy

[@natejones4590]

​@@johnathanrhoades7751 When the jaws open wide and there's more jaws inside that's a moray!

[@tehrookster]

Wow what a fantastic channel, can’t believe yt algorithm has never recommended it to me despite, wasting so much time watching other bg channels!

[@gqsnowman]

All bow before the mighty house of Smodney-Rith!

[@MrMetFanSC]

Never to be confused with that evil house of Rodney Smith, just plain evil house ignore them.

[@thedrunkenpawn172]

Awesome episode we’re gonna have to check out these games for sure!

[@Panda-qj5xj]

I got The King is Dead after listening to your review on the podcast. I thought it might end up being your game of the year. Can't wait to play it!

[@besidethebishop]

The King is Dead is one of my favourite games (played exclusively two-player so far) and the production of this edition is lovely. I'm so glad to see it getting some more attention thanks to this video.

[@unskeptable]

I tried the king is dead and it is quite a weird game. You end up in a tie all the time and then whoever played last or first wins the game. I don't really like the mechanics of this game . What did you enjoy most playing this game ?

[@anthonyhowgego8592]

Glad you enjoyed the King is Dead and particularly please you liked the advanced mode!

[@JELIFISH19]

Thank you for bring The King is Dead to my attention. I've been interested in Pax Pamir 2E but I felt it's too complicated for me and my friends. This seems perfect. And the icing on the cake is that the original version of this is the inspiration for Cole Wehrle.

[@DSAOrtwin]

That video.. much sooner than I expected!

[@thefollowingisatest4579]

"Welsh cubes" is a treat I'll have to try if I ever go there.

[@inimitableminimalist]

It's like Welsh rarebit in that it's not what it sounds like. They're actually just tetrahedrons.

[@wayner396]

Been wanting to play the kings dilemma from the moment I've heard about it. Hadn't heard of the king is dead but it sounds interesting as well. Thank you for the great review

[@MattzuFF]

I bought The King is Dead based on this review. It was an instant hit with our group. Played thrice straight away. Theme and mechanics work together well to immerse players and inspire plenty of terrible accents around the table. Great review, thank ks.

[@Jeepllama]

Every time I think they made a video I will enjoy, I’m right.

[@BoxofDelights]

Super choice ! Loving it to the moon and back x

[@elfoosy]

Just here to say that I was really puzzled by Elaine's choice and investigated further and oh boy thank you so much for putting it on my radar, what an incredible game The King is Dead is!

[@laudysmartinez1475]

This channel is gold.

[@guillaumecusson3219]

I really laughed at your goldfish analogy! It's a good one!

[@pzwackelmann7681]

What a great review! I didn't know "The King Is Dead" either. -> Backed a german edition right now on Spieleschmiede. Itś already funded. :)

[@caseypeterson5827]

The King is Dead sounds amazing, just hit my radar in a big way.

[@Tanks.With.Teeth.Malloy]

Can't wait to watch this!

[@stuartcoyle1626]

As a beekeeper, I cannot see the point in Elaine's criticism of The King's Dilemma.

[@dustinnygard3076]

Great review!

[@AthexTube]

I would agree with your take mostly, I would love for a second game like this but with less emphasis on the symbols on the card and more on guessing the outcome based on the story text.

[@dustinnygard3076]

I just played it last night on tabletop 3x's in a row. Amazing game. I couldn't stop thinking about it while I tried to sleep. Great recommendation

[@carpemkarzi]

Cool games and great video as always

[@trent391]

Both of your choices are fantastic.

[@GClubChannel]

The picture of The Welsh slayed me..."That's a Moray" “The breathest fresh of air”. More "oh boy" moments than the first season of Quantum Leap. And Grilled Cheese... This is why this is 50% the video of the year.

[@agentorangecb1]

Stock.. cubes... Gravy was a pretty good double entendre too though. Especially since 'gravy' or 'Its all gravy' is slang for 'it's all good'

[@scyldscefing3913]

"The breathest fresh of air"? nice.

[@wilmerholmqvist8705]

thank you for calling me wonderful :)

[@kaljakad]

Found the King Is Dead the other day and it instantly went on my wishlist

[@stevekingswell9143]

Great reviews

[@RyanHipp]

i thought it would be Sleeping Gods - I like the "dueling pianos" approach to this review. Nice job, guys.

[@jordankrecek880]

Sleeping Gods was released in 2021

[@davidenania7386]

Thank you. I'm going to buy both now. Just... NOW.

[@carpemkarzi]

Ahh great album on display..great taste and great album.

[@NoPunIncluded]

It's Queen - A Night at the Opera

[@gbdomingo]

Is the first edition good enough now there is a second?

[@Hzibit2]

We established the rule that you have to cover the preview of the outcomes of the dilemmas so that you not only have to discuss which is "best" for the the kingdom, but also about what outcome the story card could possibly entail. It really endorses listening carefully to what the cards say and sparks your creativity à la: "I think submitting to a religion of golden sheep is a good idea because they will allow slavery and thus increase wealth!" "No they will just decrease our knowledgde because we'll get even more stupid!" The discussion about the possible outcome is just as good as the bidding iteself! Thanks for the video!

[@danielsault7373]

Smodney Rith, brilliant

[@HereticalGeek]

Will King is Dead fit in my collection if Condottierre already hits the table quite often?

[@FuzzyLogic0]

I wasn't really interested in The King is Dead until you mentioned Pax Pamir 2e, which I have only played once and is not my usual type of game (hence non-interest in TKID) but now I'll give it a try given the opportunity. Also, separately, if Airecon goes ahead this year will you be going? It was my best con experience last year... and only.

[@NoPunIncluded]

I don't see any way how AireCon could go ahead.

[@FuzzyLogic0]

@@NoPunIncluded You are likely right, and I'd support that decision. I am not local to the area so probably won't be traveling until a vaccine is available to me anyway. But it was fantastic to see you guys there last year though!

[@HerrFinsternis]

Haha what happened to Ireland in this map? 😂 I can't unsee it now that I've noticed it. Looks like a very nice game though I'm stoked.

[@JumpOnYourHead]

I love the king is dead, but I can never play it more than once at any given evening. The game is not long, but causes my brain to burn every time. :)

[@rown2k4]

Does the King is Dead have another cover from the same publisher (Osprey Games)? I always overlooked the black box and thought about it as a GoT rip off. Does the black box also have the advanced rules? I'm putting it right now on my wishlist!

[@NoPunIncluded]

The first edition with different darker artwork does not have the advanced rules. That was added for the second edition.

[@feuerhirn]

I love both games, happy with that result 😁

[@NoirProxy]

Will you be reviewing Nemesis?

[@ddade11]

You won me over with a flying baguette!

[@henribcosta]

Great video! Wasn't expecting that! I'll have to try The King is Dead now, the production is looking super neat!

[@John-lf3iu]

When can we expect your next Arkham Horror LCG video?

[@A6by]

Oh holy shit, The King is Dead (first edition) is my favorite board game of all time - can't wait to ascend into the mainstream held aloft by a chorus of NPI angels.

[@A6by]

Also, now that it's back in print, I can stop awkwardly hoarding a second copy in case the other one is destroyed in a pub related incident. Yaay.

[@anonymouse8953]

Man, i love your haircut! Woman, i love your dungarees! Thanks for entertaining video :)

[@Pittigpiertje]

i was convinced to buy the king is dead because of this and found it new for 21 euros, big yay.

[@deiseach02]

Got the Quantum Leap reference. Why is that robed figure over there carrying a scythe?

[@marquisdan7659]

I feel like I haven't watched NPI since last year!

[@henribcosta]

I have a genuine question here. How many times do you guys, in particular, play a game in order do to a review about it?

[@jazzeejax5816]

'that's a Moray' oh my

[@Andy-Mesa]

König von Siam (2007) is a fantastic game with some fascinating history behind it. Every subsequent edition of the game has become more generic and added more superfluous elements, but it is still a great game. 👍

[@lucchamberland514]

Thank you GREAT review that got me a few big laugh, aaahhh Ze French ! carry on! ( like ze movie)

[@joshsimons7214]

Everything you said about The King is Dead made me think it would go over well with Tammany Hall fans.

[@distantbabble]

The King is Dead has been one of my favorite games for many years. In the first edition, I love the King Arthur theme. Losing to the Saxon invasion or having the game immediately end when Mordred's loyalists win a power struggle can truly change the decision you have to make. The shift to a French invasion seems interesting, do you feel the change is enough to pick up the 2nd edition? I admit I adore the edition I have.

[@ifnyou]

Does the previous version have the asymmetrical cards?

[@NoPunIncluded]

It does not.

[@darrylkopman378]

"But that would be stupid." LoL Brutal honesty is something that the rest of the world could use more of.

[@redsands1001]

Nice on the quantum leap joke

[@bartoszpol4766]

The king is dead - will it work to play with 4 players all-against-all instead team mode?

[@joerobert7847]

Own it. Agree completely!!!

[@st0ox]

Britain I miss you! Greetings from Germany.

[@hatenumbers]

I like and own the older version of "The King is Dead" but it tended to end in a tie too often (across multiple tie breakers) - possibly the new version is better

[@antonudd849]

That's a-morey

[@8odorakos]

Haze Amaze!

[@IamTHoiA]

The King Is Dead reminds me of the game King of Siam. Edit: I commented that a few minutes into the review of King is Dead....hehehe. Now that I finished the review I see....

[@DurbsBT]

The King is Dead seems a lot like 8-minute Empire Legends; limited money/moves, cube to add/move, small areas, various ways to win... Colour me intrigued!

[@oldfriendsneverleave]

Owning both of them I can tell you that they feel very different. The fact that "the king is dead" gives all players the same cards, makes it more a tactical card game with the board just representing the current status of power and control. "8 minute empires legends" feels a lot more like area control (plus set collection)

[@henryrodriguez6260]

Are there any rules differences between The King Is Dead and its original version The King of Siam? The King of Siam was amazing, a knife fight in a phone booth. Edit - Having watched to the end, it seems the advanced mode is the new addition to the game system.

[@bigsarge2085]

Noice! Thank you

[@lemandro9]

Annnnd purchased

[@Mylestrom]

Is that a Roots Manuva reference at 0:46???

[@NoPunIncluded]

It's a Rodney Smith reference.

[@frislander4299]

NGL I like the look of The King is Dead, but the borders of that map peeve me no end. Northumbria stretches all the way to Kings Lynn but doesn't reach Alnwick? Strathclyde takes in Berwick but not Penrith? 'Devon' is the name of the region encompassing historic Wessek and West Sussex? Why did they draw the borders like this?

[@ichifish]

Little late to the comment section, but wanted to blab a bit about King's Dilemma. TL;DR -it wasn't as good as we wanted it to be, but we'd definitely play a second version. We really liked the bidding mechanics, moment-to-moment gameplay, and the story threads, but were disappointed when the story threads didn't weave themselves into a coherent tapestry (tricky to do with branching narratives, of course). The most serious complaint about the gameplay was that the mechanics worked against the roleplaying: we wanted to roleplay our houses / our positions on the dilemmas better so as to not focus purely on the mechanics, but were constantly forced to admit that story was taking a backseat to mechanics. We didn't have the sense that "it's just like politics," as Efka said, but rather "it's just like playing a bidding game." But in a way it speaks to success of a design that at least got close to the Holy Grail of rping. In any case, we were thrilled, as people are, to open envelopes and find more surprises, and for the most part the designers pulled off an incredibly difficult challenge (not the least of which was keeping five players happily playing the same campaign for 13 sessions).

[@AlwayzFresh]

I don't know anyone who could even play a 3-5 player game in 2020 unfortunately.

[@ClockworkWyrm]

@@mikolajwitkowski8093 Right here! Two teens and a spouse at home regularly playing 4 player games. With the pandemic on we've actually been playing MORE games together which is fantastic for me (they're not all as gung-ho for board games as I am). But I sympathize for those without a built-in gaming group.

[@tourguidechuck]

You convinced me! I just bought it from BGG. Sort of.

[@tehrookster]

“Katamari up followers”. Nice.

[@marymamabear5415]

I have repotted a cactus.

[@leninsyngel]

Funny thing: Peer Sylvester has only 7 games rated a perfect 10 on bgg - 1 of which are The Kings Dilemma. WEIRD STUFF!

[@ClockworkWyrm]

I would love to play The King is Dead, it looks like a fantastic game! Sadly it's not the type of game my group would enjoy and the theme is unappealing.

[@siruglypants1688]

I'm surprised nobody has talked about how The King is Dead is very similar to Inis

[@josephpilkus1127]

Wonderful, as always. I missed The King is Dead, and as I play many titles with just my girlfriend, I appreciate your 2-player thoughts!

[@Shot007]

Really shocked no Jaws of the Lion

[@3v1lp1ngv1n]

game of half the year

[@carnegieCARLIN]

I like the review... but i like the dog more :)

[@CarlToonist]

So when a moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie... that's not Moray?

[@danhenry9108]

The King's Dilemma AND The King is Dead? NPI are staunch monarchists confirmed!

[@EvilTroopa]

I'm French and I approve this message.

[@daneofdanger]

Crap, I got the Osprey edition last year (well, last-last-year). I'd love to try those advanced cards!

[@DrRasputin2012]

+1 Like for Smodny-Rith gag

[@acomaslip5212]

BOUGHT