Top 10 Ridiculous Components in Games

[@mikegoodrick]

I love that Tom spent the last 3 minutes of the video totally oblivious to the fact he still had purple worms on his hat.

[@toondankmagician8740]

Zee's show & tell was the best part of this. I can see now why he is a teacher. More of this guys.

[@Crowle83]

Zeetro Sam is a teacher, i dont think zee is...

[@vincivader]

Christian Kvam They all used to be teachers. Tom taught Math, Zee drama and Sam was history I believe.

[@NikolaIlic]

vincivader Zee's also an actor. Not famous (as he said) because less than 1% of actors are not famous. Personnally-like Sam's oppinions most-especially when his angry. Its like tiny bald Hulk...

[@pickles632]

Zeetro I made some funny gifs :) makeagif.com/lIjn93 makeagif.com/hgnl7y

[@ricksleurink5064]

pickles632 haha nice work

[@memeLaughLove]

That was amazing, one of the best top 10 to date! So much laughs were had.

[@rustedbeetle]

I really expected everyone's number one to be "the board" from Mousetrap. What an absolutely cool and completely worthless component to a game. It almost never worked, and you had to reset it over and over just so you could get it to work one time during the game.

[@SoloFalcon1138]

rustedbeetle but the board was the entire point of the game, sooo...

[@Aabra69]

rustedbeetle When I saw this list Mousetrap was the first game that came to my mind as well. I realize it's mass market but I thought it would be on the list for sure.

[@hermitthefrog53]

There was a copycat game called "Crazy Clock" that didn't bother with a board (I guess that would mean it's not a boardgame, though)

[@chesterdesmond666]

Exactly..whether the trap worked or not was the whole mechanic of the game. Sometimes you survived! I had it in the 70s and it actually functioned quite well for all its elaborate parts.

[@SoloFalcon1138]

ROOKTABULA most kids did. of course, once we became adults, somehow every game became absolutely critical.

[@geographist2000]

I have to say... this is one of the funniest lists you guys have done... well done! I loved the worms, borg cube, and rubber pants... too funny! When you got to your top 3, it seemed like many of those games were pricey to say the least... I think based on this list, you could easily do a top 10 of the most "expensive" games (that are either good or bad)

[@jasongilpin5124]

What a great list! Loved this one and Zee's show and tell was awesome. Tom's scream when the worms were on his hat... Lol!

[@whitenoise8668]

THis was probably the funniest Top 10 since a long time. Great video guys!

[@kaerwynne.]

You guys, this has to be one of your best vids--I was laughing so much throughout. Great job!

[@ricksleurink5064]

Look at that huge Diplodocus in Zee's pants!! - Great episode guys!

[@AbsurdandFantastical]

Rick Sleurink *I'm going to be annoying* it's a Brachiosarid ^^

[@ricksleurink5064]

Mythoscope I stand corrected. Had them mixed up... my bad :-P

[@MrAlienautopsy]

does it turn you on?

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

The best thing about the Cthulhu Wars figures is that it makes the puny chaos gods in Chaos in the Old World look totally "wrong"... I mean, you look at Warhammer artwork of a huge festering Nurgle, and then you get a small-ish lump of plastic not much larger than the other units...

[@petejones284]

One of the best Top 10's you have done!

[@bookman3380]

"Everybody's always sticking their fingers in my rubber pants." Almost shot coffee on my keyboard!

[@swiftjames7]

"Someone's always sticking their fingers in my rubber pants" - This quote will never die.

[@garesonc9672]

I'm pretty sure that I've seen all of your Top 10 lists but this was my instant favorite.

[@NeoGenMike]

"I'm going to eat the children..!" - Pastor Tom Vasel

[@lylejackson645]

I had a game as a kid called Curse of the Cobra. The most amazing game component wise, not a great game though. It had a big sarcophagus that had holes in it. You put little ankhs in the holes while reaching through an opening between two springloaded, ready to strike cobras. If you put your ankh in a hole and nothing happened, great. But if you put your ankh into the wrong hole, which was different every round, you'd wake the mummy, and the cobras would strike. A spring loaded head would spring out of the far end of the sarcophagus, and the cobras base would pop off, allowing the cobras to cool around your wrist. The sarcophagus would also make a weird, I think it was supposed to be a growling, sound. I loved that game as a kid!

[@sebastienzander5593]

This is a list I was looking forward to seeing. Great Work Guys.

[@TheWebsterGroup]

New Ring Tone "People keep putting their fingers in my rubber pants"

[@BachateroZumba]

One of the great DT Top 10s that I keep re-watching...very entertaining!

[@dbd31463]

The roll cup in Farkle. It's inside is beveled and doesn't let all the dice out frequently when you roll the dice.

[@cheezeret]

This is easily one of the most entertaining top 10s from The Dice Tower. Love Zee's Show and Tell!

[@dapineaple]

Awesome and hilarious episode. Thoroughly enjoyed this you guys.

[@elrodrigo6188]

25:53 - I don't know if it's just me, but it sounds like something is screaming in the background when Sam is wrapping up his #4 choice. There is also an odd jumpcut immediately after. What happened?

[@dndprofessor]

El Rodrigo i know you asked almost a year ago but they record these in Tom's house so it was likely his kids

[@theplaidpirate]

Travelling pants! Loved this top ten, Zee's show and tell was amazing, and you guys had some really good choices there. One I would put on my list is the completely unnecessary wooden bottle and box size for the stronghold games version of the Bottle Imp. Also all those Watch ya mouth dental pieces would be a decent option as well. Glad Zee said the Pillars of the Earth Cathedral.

[@garystitely1998]

Belfort has a "key to the city" token you give to the winner, then take it back because you are done and need to pack up the game.

[@a1ien1ogic]

I was surprised that the gears from Tzolk'in didn't make the cut. It adds a whole new level to the worker placement mechanic; but, getting them to move smoothly with the puzzle piece board takes some serious practice.

[@metalguru2007]

Great work! Another amusing episode of Dice Tower!

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Having good components is important for immersing players in a game. This episode was so much fun to watch and was hilarious guys!

[@susanjohnson318]

I loved Tom playing with one of the dinosaurs while Zee was talking about the other one. And the rubber pants on the dinosaur . . . I was dying!

[@hotdoggington6962]

Can't believe nobody said the tower from Dark Tower! Such an awesomely ridiculous, absolutely classic component and game.

[@Arkon540]

I thought Tzolk'in gears would be on someone's list as a 'good ridiculous'. But maybe it is disqualified because it's not frivolous like most of the things on this list, it is a interesting mechanic that is fully integrated with the game.

[@LessThanGeek]

Here are three from my early days of gaming: 1. Darkworld with either its turn randomizer, similar to the ones in incognito and spacefarers of catan. But it also had, for whatever reason, plastic miniature weapons painted gold to represent the more powerful weapons. 2. Battlemasters is the only game I have ever played that replaces the standard board with a vinyl mat. That and the fact that it was more than 4' x 4' was also impressive. 3. If you have never seen the VHS video that came with DragonStrike, you are missing out. I found it on KZbin and it is every bit as cheesy as I remember. And no, it does not have any effect on gameplay. Cheers!

[@jasongranat8416]

+Less Than Geek I was thinking Darkworld as well with the turn marker, revolving doors in the cardboard walls, and the huge "castle" platform. As for Battle Masters, the mat was always a pain, because if you didn't put it away correctly, it would be terribly creased. Since you probably were playing with it on your carpet or floor, you didn't want to actually lean on it, as you'd mess up where all the units were sitting.

[@franciscoguerra5439]

I quite like that Borg Cube. And the other large model, Deep Space 9. They both played a star role in our Attack Wing campaign recently.

[@ShaneMaesenko]

Francisco Guerra I'm not a big Trekkie, but I'd buy the Deep Space 9. So hard to find good space stations these days.

[@BoardAllTheTime]

How have you guys not remade this list yet? After 5 years of kickstarters there has to be a good change for this list.

[@bloodrunsclear]

'I'm going to eat the children!' XD I got Firefly flashbacks. 'Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!'

[@monoludico6166]

Hehe, that cube at the end of the video would be my number one without any doubt... Ridiculous! Besides that, what a hilarious and funny to watch video. Thanks guys!

[@Guile21]

That was a really funny top 10. Too bad Tom and Sam didn't gathered the pieces like Zee did, but however, the way it ended, messy as hell, is indeed a proof how those components can be distracting. Nice video :)

[@metallsnubben]

The Incognito dispenser! So good and horrifying at the same time!

[@jcb3393]

29:00 - "and not even very well!" Indeed! There are so many times that it just gets stuck on 6 (or some other number) for 4, 5, 8 times in a row! Ugh... so frustrating, especially to someone with a math and statistics minor.

[@Pandapeep]

Epic play in X-wing with the huge ships is great! With the new imperial one coming I'll bet Tom gets the Tantive out on the field more.

[@Ruperdepuup]

Lol, that Borg cube should come with a button, so that if you press it, the cube says "We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."

[@keithhainzl8813]

Hey guys, incredible video. I've noticed that when Sam talks about his number 4, Cleopatra, it actually says number 3 in the subtitles, just so you know. ☺️🌟

[@saykhia]

That bit on Queen's Gambit. Moving the pieces is the actual gambit.

[@davidwayneflowers]

There are tons of ridiculous stuff to choose from now, but growing up it was always the little "bank teller's" bill thing for Scotland Yard and the entire board for Fireball island.

[@YTDaimera]

I was really waiting for The Omega Virus. An electronic board that actively threatens and mocks you while you play.

[@susanjohnson318]

My husband owns this. Ohmigawsh, it is annoying!

[@JacEr79]

The most ridiculous thing I have ever found in a gamebox I've bought was a CD with thematic "music" for the game "Fortune & Glory". I played about 10-15 seconds of each track, not knowing if I should laugh or cry. Also Fantasy Flights "proof of purchase" chits.

[@dextermercy5088]

The advantage of the Pop-O-Matic was that kids playing the game couldn't loose the dice.

[@acemind1]

Considering the plot of Pillars of the Earth the book centered heavily around the constructing of a cathedral, I think the cathedral idea is super thematic and a great way to capture a huge element of the book.

[@krazykorean42069]

This was a really fun episode to watch thanks to all the components that z brought!

[@MidwestArtMan]

Every time I go to Fantasy Flight, I stare at the Borg Cube and wonder, "Why?"

[@Haladras]

It's WizKids, right?

[@SoloFalcon1138]

Nick Anderson huh?

[@ezequielblanco8659]

Zee's #2 - The Pyramid in Camel (C)Up. I actually played this game not so long ago and the pyramid was not difficult to use. I just left it facing down and used both my hands to shake it a little and extract a dice. Yeah, it could be replaced with something simpler, but I really think it adds a little to the game theme.

[@dapamico1]

Instant classic. Good job, guys!

[@mrmichaellatham]

I Love the Borg cube... I have never used it but there it sits... So awesome!

[@HainishMentat]

I keep coming back to this one for great laughs. "Maybe you should not be so big, with smaller fingers!" *smack to face* Classic Tom/Sam interaction.

[@ezequielblanco8659]

Tom #3 Trouble - Pop-O-Matic. This was actually a really neat component because it was supposed to be "travel friendly". You could actually play it in the back seat of a moving car. The board was also designed to be played during an earthquake or something, it was hard plastic and had this holders for the pieces in every single posible position. In any case, I don't think I ever played in a place that was not a still table, but I think it was designed with "play-in-the-back-of-your-car" purpose in mind. By the way, the version I had was called Ludo Matic since I live in Argentina. And one more note: I found this for sale in a supermaket the other day and it surprised me that they havent changed the box art in more than 20 years. It has a very 80s style picture of a family playing and smiling. Game: http2.mlstatic.com/ludo-juego-mesa-D_NQ_NP_811911-MLA20661988356_042016-F.jpg Box: cebra.com.ar/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x800/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/7/7/7798016018012_1.jpg

[@omnitheus5442]

Tom don't put the mic under your armpit mate...

[@mitchalibi2794]

An Excellent "Top Ten" show, you guys!!!

[@RossEphgrave]

I have one to add, after several years without comments..... the volcano in Volcano Island Countdown!!! After playing a few times it will drive you nuts. Also the timer on original Scattegories

[@Fafum20]

Great idea for a list! Really the only thing I can think of that I've played is the first player marker from Alchemists. I want like six of them to be used as fancy coasters :D

[@Shuckleking87]

Also thought of the game Mouse Trap in general, and the crypt with the headless ghost in Goosebumps terror in the graveyard

[@cowmansr]

I recommend dusting detailed objects with a big paint brush. I first learned this when I used to display Lego sets.

[@kaitie210]

I’m watching this about a million years late but that Borg Cube is incredible

[@donalddimitroff4105]

A very ridiculous component is the catapult from Carcassonne: Catapult -- shoot tokens on to the game board with the catapult.

[@homelessjoe]

I immediately thought of queens gambit. I'm glad you said it. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@Dan-ms4oq]

Tiny epic galaxies, the box says "dice tray" on the inside.

[@romyoh]

Very entertaining video! The top ridiculous game component that I have seen in person is the 3-D plastic game board from Clue: The Great Museum Caper. Very chunky for a functionally small game board. It looks cool at least.

[@jonthebaker123]

Great video guys. I'd like to defend Kaosball real quick though: I do love those busts. It's actually one of my favorite things about the games aesthetics. The die is very unnecessary though.

[@keel1701]

I'm surprised, since they've been mentioned before, that there was no mention of Trotofant and Spinergy. Also the ship from AH's Cosmic Encounter is worth mentioning from me.

[@LegoAssassin098]

I would love for this top 10 to get done again!

[@ellikasevelin4513]

This list made me realize just how many ridiculous components we have in our games. I think the guillotine piece in guillotine and the balaclava which says evil in war on terrorare the worst

[@jcb3393]

Awesome list, guys! I'm just 5 minutes into watching it, and it is already looking hilarious! BTW, has anybody mentioned the zombie frog token in "Last Night on Earth"? WTH? Another game with "ridiculous" components is "1313 Dead End Drive". Gotta love the piggy bank that drops out of the safe or the boar's head that hangs from the wall... but my favorite has to be the rotating fireplace. Every time I play, I try to get the kitty cat in the fireplace, just so I can make the joke, "Watch me turn this cat into a dog. [rotate fireplace] WOOF!"

[@zimbo5521]

Cthulhu Wars is an INCREDIBLE game with SUPER AWESOME miniatures!!

[@Wh0isTh3D0ct0r]

21:30 "I mean, it's a great looking.......miniature." I totally thought Sam was actually going to say "bust." LOL!

[@davidtroutman9906]

Zee's #8: Aren't there plastic stands you can buy (a la King of Tokyo) which you could use for those standees?

[@Syncopator]

The pop-o-matic is good for kids games because they won't lose the die, or choke on it...

[@andrebrynkus2055]

... And yet the pegs in Trouble are even smaller than a d6 so what was the point?

[@Ch3knraz3]

The reason for the pop-o-matic is so that the kids 1) don't lose the die and 2) so, they don't roll the die off the table...since, it is for ages 5 and up.

[@ezequielblanco8659]

"Alerta Roja" is a game about special agents chasing a radioactive barrel around a city. It has a similar mechanic as "Scotland Yard". In any case, it has a very cool figure of the radioactive barrel. It's transparent and it has a skull inside of it. Really cool. Image of the barrel: lh5.ggpht.com/-4bvgdyTSSQM/U7QRhNVMoFI/AAAAAAAABDw/O9VWcUr_wSc/s1600/IMG_20140622_132942.jpg Alerta Roja: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15791/alerta-roja Scotland Yard: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/438/scotland-yard

[@AxiomofDiscord]

for raised platforms I just use peanut butter lids or something like that slightly elevated buy whatever size you want ... reuse, reduce, recycle.

[@Mandrake42]

I like the little cactuses and stuff in Colt Express. I would have preferred the playmat though, that does sound cool.

[@Spazzfist]

@Zee - no Truffel Schnuffel? I was waiting for that one!

[@TheAlfsterino]

The Borg Cube and Tantive are expansions not components...yes picky. The Forbidden Desert ship is superb as when you win you pick it up, take off and make airship noises. The Colt Express cacti etc are great little additions...but I do agree that a paper play mat would have been easy to include but would have reduced the number of play mats they could sell...

[@blackkedrick]

I wonder if those rubber worms could be used to catch a real fish. Dual purpose game components just might make a great Kickstarter.

[@RobotJeeg]

Very funny! I like this video a lot!

[@BrettspielDude]

Actually I always enjoyed the Pillars of the Earth cathedral. Its another nod to the book which (obviously) is all about building a cathedral. So While you are playing the game, you can SEE that the building is being built.

[@sabrinabelle7340]

1992 gave us a game called Dark World which had some nice Hero Quest type gaming but unlike HQ, DW players had to go through the same exact dungeon every single time. The wall that spins revealing a secret door might look neat the first time you see it but to pretend each time you play that the same secret door is hidden from view... And then, there is the wand with four colored balls in it. You roll it each round for initiative only you have to really imagine you aren't shaking a baby rattle! Its only real link to the games are that the wand sits atop the big plastic dungeon alter the main baddie uses and the fact that said bad guy is holding a wand just like it. I guess even the baddie has to roll for hero initiative instead of... I dunno, attacking the good guys! Seriously, it played fine once... Maybe twice. At least the minis were pretty good.

[@MikeDye86]

I wish more games had the pop-o-matic! Keeps dice from knocking over the board components or falling off the table. I'd use one for Catan and just leave it in the desert.

[@martinba9629]

OK. When it comes to ridiculous, I think the boss mob from Mechs vs. Minions is also high on the list. (Which, obviously, was released way after this list.) A new list is needed in the age of the Kickstarter :-)

[@grkpektis]

That was a great idea for a list

[@donalddimitroff4105]

The most ridiculous components are the components from "Weird U.S.: The Game". Components to be placed on the board but don't fit properly, a very strange spinner, and a car that lights up when moved into the proper position.

[@adam19742007]

Where's the start player anvil from King's Forge?

[@chrishenderson3691]

but...I still love Cthulhu Wars...Ancient ones should be BIG and menacing :)

[@TyrionXavier]

The first thing I thought of was the Borg Cube and the Tantive IV. Glad to see them both here.

[@iuribachnivsky3022]

Adding to Zee's comment, I would upgrade the propeller from Forbidden Desert as more ridiculous than the ship. That is the one part so hard to pull off properly.

[@NANONilsWORLD]

cool, the Samurai swords... cool extra gadget ^^

[@schemesof40k]

1# ridiculous game component = Chaos World Killer Ship {Gothic Fleet Battles} These where on flight bases. You measured range, base stem to base stem. The models would hit each other before you could move them into weapon range to fire.

[@christian6911]

I wish you guys show pictures of the games you talk about more often.

[@Redfoxe]

I lost it at the finger pants

[@Scottishstorm]

This is probably one of my favoutite Top 10 lists. :) I expected someone to include the foam guns (black with orange tips) from Ca$h 'n Guns, though.

[@shawnblack9840]

One of the best so far

[@MMOGood2Go]

This was a great episode. I didn't know these games existed.