Top 10 Anticipated Games of 2018

[@TimeSlayer3]

Any chance you guys will come back on last year's list to see if the games you mentionned, after multiple playthroughs, lived up to your expectations, disappointed you or exceeded your expectations?

[@vipierisraddei5352]

I like this idea. Do this idea. :) Here - here's some kickstarting funding to help it happen...!

[@jennyaustin7343]

Ithink this is a great idea!

[@brutaleyezer]

I logged in to suggest just that. It would be pretty cool and interesting.

[@jimgrant9081]

It’s hard to get too excited about Kickstarters that I didn’t back because so many have Kickstarter exclusives that won’t be available if I try the production game, like it, and want to add it to my collection. Sometimes even the base game itself may not even be readily available. While Kickstarter is great in many ways to help great ideas come to life, the lack of an inclusive retail strategy makes me want to avoid them altogether.

[@plouf1969]

Sounds silly, but I think the way you sit around the table gives much more perspective than when the 3 of you are just facing the camera. You guys look at each other more, it's just much better.

[@SharlzG]

"Don't talk about bushes and trees when there are werewolves!!" 😂😂

[@DieNische]

1. Secrets of the lost station 2. Darklight - Memento Mori 3. Deep madness 4. Sine Tempore 5. Darkest Night - 2nd Edition 6. Centauri Saga - Season 1 7. Village Attacks 8. City of Kings 9. Defense of the citadel 10. Metal dawn

[@DutchYoda]

Also from Portal is Monolith Arena. I thought first of this game when Zee said Portal, since it is set in the Neuroshima universe.

[@Allansteel82]

Most looking forward to rising sun. I'm also looking forward to the scythe expansion and seeing what the batman board game will be like

[@angelaurdaneta4097]

The edge of darkness game that uses the mystic vale card crafting system is what I’m looking forward to this year :)

[@hardbathsalts3143]

Angela Urdaneta edge of darkness. Yes I'm eagerly awaiting that.

[@undersci]

My top two are Victorian Masterminds (Eric Lang & Antoine Bauza) and Empires of the Void II (Ryan Laukat). I suspect both of those will be on some Dice Tower top 10s in a year.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

undersci This guy knows what's up! VM is my #2.

[@sasaradojcic8505]

I expected Tom to at least highlight Victorian Masterminds...

[@thelongviewpodcast5008]

It's pronounced Cole (Whirly) Wehrle. His previous work with heavy games and as a Phil Eklund protege have made him uniquely prepared to push the design team of Leder games into their own special place in the hobby.

[@frogggirl2]

Sam - your GoT book analysis is spot on but, yeah, Eric Lang GoT sounds fascinating!

[@RestorationGames]

OK, Tom, you're off the hook. ;-)

[@NicholasElkins]

Restoration Games - need more info!!! Different colored balls do different things??? Please throw some more morsels of goodness with Fireball Island our way! This is an instaback for me. My fingers are crossed that it comes in a huge 3’x2’ box like the original

[@RestorationGames]

Can't do the giant box. It's just not commercially viable these days. I am working on a very long update that I hope to post to the site this week. Thanks for your interest.

[@NicholasElkins]

Restoration Games - yep, I didn’t think that a huge box would be viable given shelf space restrictions/shipping/etc... I was actually surprised when I saw it at BGG.CON at the box size. It was fun to get it back to the table and really got me excited for the KS.

[@mnopo1]

Introduce a legacy component so you can claim you need a box the size of Gloomhaven/KingdomDeath

[@victorgonzalez2927]

I NEED FIREBALL ISLAND!

[@mistyfair5798]

Such a simple change in the seating arrangement and the show looks so much more professional.

[@shawn90o22]

I would like to see dice tower re-visit this list and see if the games met their expectations.

[@angewomon143]

Thank you for not giving up on betrayal Tom, Zee and Sam, I understand why you don’t like it so its ok, hugs all around

[@mrsuitcase9799]

Definitely looking forward to Detective: City of Angels the most.

[@Zion-18]

"Kick a dead horse." Yup, that's definitely the expression.

[@paleblue8922]

If you really want to go into Joan of Arc you can late pledge on the 22nd of January. (This is no comercial just a information only for miniture players).

[@wroot_lt]

So they have figured out how to beat Jason and secretly kickstarting a game for that :D

[@keel1701]

I'm with you Zee! When I first heard about Detective from Portal I was hooked. Definitely interested in seeing what they do!

[@TylerAndToast]

Rewound the video to see Zee hanging his mouth open. Lol

[@Morsvelox]

One game to rule them all: Vikinghaven, a 2-4 coop game that plays under 60minutes, featuring card AND dice drafting, which are used for politics, technology, economy and warfare. Each player controls a different viking clan with varying powers which are only usefull as support for the others. The Overlord (England) is controlled by an app developed by Portal Games, FFG and RIchard Garfield for the randomness factor.

[@Bangerz12]

I think a nice touch would be putting "Sam", "Zee" or "Tom" under or near the number on the overlay of the game. While scrolling through the video, it's sometimes hard to keep track of who's number is who especially when all three are commenting on each other's lists. I realize the colors are supposed to correspond to each of them but dunno how well that comes across and I often don't remember or pay attention to that.

[@CosmicTavern]

Epoch and Alone look great. I hadn't heard of those.

[@NileSings]

I wanna play Flower Patch now!

[@davisthompson2614]

Thunderstone: Quest is definitely my most anticipated game this coming year.

[@vipierisraddei5352]

Hmm, the Detective game is kinda the only one that caught my attention; my wife just yesterday suggested we play Robinson Crusoe again (but I didn't care for First Martians.) Interesting...

[@melvinj.124]

The new century looks awesome

[@victorgonzalez2927]

My most anticipated games of 2018 1) Rise of Tribes 2) Fireball Island 3) Tyler Sigman's Crows 4) Roll Player: Monsters & Minions 5) Nemesis 6) Cult: Choose Your God Wisely 7) Robin Hood and the Merry Men 8) Stuffed Fables 9) Batman: Gotham City Chronicles 10) Dare to Dream * Must mention - Dice Throne: Season 2 (Need to pick up season 1) I 100% agree with Sam on hating Dice Masters business model. I love the game I just hate the grind and dumping money into finding certain cards or dice. I am sure Tom loves that it brings money into the store but it's just like trying to stay current with Magic, which is why I also stopped playing that game as well. If this Warhammer version though comes with everything I need for a total campaign I'd be interested in it. I do agree with Tom that GW is ridiculous with the different factions of Space Marine's; they are basically all the same. Root reminds me of the Steam board game Armello. Now I wish they would create a physical version of Armello, but Root looks similar. I am with Tom on being enamored over the remake of Fireball Island. This game was one of my favorites as a child and seeing it remade brings back memories. I will be backing or buying this game as soon as I can get my hands on it. So Warhammer 40,000: Heroes of Black Reach is basically "Heroes of Normandie" with a Warhammer skin? I like it! Mark my words that it will also be available on Steam as well. Just picked up Heroes of Normandie on Steam and it's fun.

[@GeneralKetchup57]

Roll Player expansion, Downfall, Dice Hospital, Rising Sun, Rise of Nobility, Clash of Rage, Crusaders: thy will be done, Brass, Age of Towers, Archmage

[@MathieuVIII]

Rising sun, Heroes of land air and sea, Lorss of Hellas

[@Ultr4l0f]

MathieuVIII got Lords of Hellas as well.. Might be because I kicked it, But it looks damn Nice.

[@TheRatedOniChannel]

-Treasure Island: The amount of lying, distrust and hair pulling was well worth it, GREAT GAME! -Western Legends: Probably the best Wild West game out, and even now it is so fun, GREAT GAME! -Century: Eastern Wonders: My favorite of the trilogy, there is a lot going on with such a small box, but they packed a great game inside, GREAT GAME! -Dice Hospital: If you don't manage your dice, the pressure starts piling up, it is a very fun game for its size, besides, there aren't that many good hospital games, GREAT GAME! - Elder Sign and its expansions: It is a fun, easier to get into game from the Arkham Files, sadly it was overshadowed by Arkham Horror LCG, GREAT GAME! -Vikingjarl:... never even heard about that game, was it good? -Imaginarium: that was such a left field game when it came to the artwork, but it is Bruno Cathala baby! GREAT GAME! -Alone:... meh, PASS! -Museum: Even to this day I want a copy of that game; maybe a little repetitive after a while, but it is a GOOD GAME! -Master of the Galaxy: It is such a boring game! PASS! -Tsukiuyumi: Still hasn't played this, but it still looks amazing to this day. -Founders of Gloomhaven: Not what anyone expected, it is a tight game, really tight, it was a GOOD GAME! -Zombiecide Green Horde: Still the better Zombicide, GREAT GAME! -WH40k Dicemasters: Why! Why it has to be so freaking hard to get a copy of this thing! -Rise of the Queensdale: I have never got the opportunity to play this game. -Root: It is a more complex and nastier game that it seems, but it is so freaking good! Love me the otters! GREAT GAME! -Reavers of Midgard: Just get Champions with the Valhalla expansion. -Betrayal Legacy: The best legacy game out there! GREAT GAME! -Micropolis: Cathala games always have interesting art, it is a GOOD GAME! - Epoch: PASS! -Detective: city of Angels: It is so freaking good! Great mechanics and great ideas in the game, sadly the game has something of a shelf life, GREAT GAME! -A Song of Fire and Ice: Sadly, with everything happening to the franchise, the game was first too hard to come by, then it was just everywhere, still, it is a GOOD GAME! -Rising Sun: Could never get into the game, the miniatures were absolutely not needed, it is mostly a zone control and not a strategy battle game. -Time of Legends: Never seen it anywhere. -Fireball Island: A childhood classic. -Heroes of Black Reach: Again, Games Workshop and their license problems. -Detective: A Modern Crime Boardgame: Nice game, but sadly, Chronicles of Crime became bigger.

[@christopher3226]

It's alright, Sam. Any real gamer who sees exclusives by or inside the trash would dive for them! (For a game they love!)

[@martinba9629]

Not watched a single GoT epsiode. Man. Sam's my new hero. Didn't know you were actually still allowed to admit that. 🤐😉

[@aanler]

Why is Sam on the box art for Western Legends? :D

[@timroot-shoshin4287]

That was Zee's number 12. "Viking Patch" -- would love to hear ideas for this game...

[@logicguy37]

For being a big Borg fan Sam, why is Commands and Colors: Medieval not on your list?

[@giannisc.5254]

I haven't seen it, but maybe it's the components as with every other C and C game ?

[@johnrogers8876]

Yeah blocks no minis. GMT produced. Personally I prefer Ancients to the others and dig the blocks but Sam would likely prefer minis.

[@KissellMissile]

Looking at the scenario list, I think a lot of people will be disappointed.

[@StefanLopuszanski]

At first I was like "wait, there's a Star Trek game with Borg in it?"

[@flobbablopp630]

I thought: "Strange name for a Tennis game"

[@bastiv7806]

Hi guys! Don't like the lighting. I kind of blueish. I would like it al ittle bit more warm. Nice list!

[@Gabranth86]

Kinda surprised that Thunderstone Quest is not on Toms list since he said in a preview that is could be the best thing he ever played. But maybe that's why its not on the list because he played the game already :)

[@mattblattner3217]

Zee's Century game looks very similar to a game i backed on kickstarter a year or two back, Captains of the Golden Age

[@Lexgamer]

I love you guys, but is there any way to speed these up? Or at least drop the lists in the description?

[@noeldillabough2153]

Having a problem with Legacy, not that I don't like it (I know I would LOVE it) however getting the same players together for a game even two times is difficult with RL responsibilities and "alignment of the schedules" being like a solar eclipse lol. Every time they release a legacy game I feel like I'm missing out.

[@Keithustus]

Gloomhaven fixes that since it is great with drop-in, drop-out play.

[@bigd7383]

Also looking forward to Brigade (fantastic artwork) & Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done (same designer as Eminent Domain)...

[@heikodoubleu4774]

You guys have heard of "UBOOT: The Board Game"? A cooperative submarine wargame where 1-4 players have control over a german Typ VII sub. It's appdriven and has a amazing model of the sub. You def. should check it out ;)

[@Keithustus]

Interesting idea but unknown developer so hard to get a top-anticipated list without playing a demo.

[@SharlzG]

A few interesting things coming out. I'm really intrigued by western legends, and I agree that Treasure Island does have a great look. Detective has also piqued my interest.

[@Boxle]

I'm looking forward to 7th Continent, Epoch, Who Goes There? Monster Slaughter and Monsterlands! I backed allllll of them. I missed Museum.. I'm so sad I did, it looked AMAZING!

[@buasuda0]

You guys are a pleasure to watch. Great info.

[@StrayFire]

The Rise of Queensdale will surprise you!

[@rogerrigby7943]

Hey Sam. There’s a new game coming out in 2018 by Eric M. Lang. It’s called Viking 40k ultra marine returns to the Stone Age. I think you’ll like it.

[@williammatthews4267]

Can't wait for my copy of "Who Goes There" from Certifiable Studios!

[@marcodavi777]

Cannot read all the comments, but yes, in founders of gloomhaven there would be a moment when players decide ok, this game is for real and the winner will get to add a card to gloomhaven. Ot something like that if I remember the ks correctly

[@Barney5G]

Great video! I’m looking forward to “Who goes there?” and “H.P. lovecraft ReAnimator” and “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Also, you guys haven’t watched Game of Thrones? Whaaat?

[@TheWilly2fly]

Barney5G Game of Thrones is nothing more than Hugh Hefner’s Lord of the Rings

[@mikesangster3570]

Oh Sam, you are awesome!!! Dumpster diving for the games we need.

[@Monkeyb00y]

Yes, Doc Holiday is a playable character in Western Legends

[@hellboy7424]

Last expansion for Scythe is awesome !!!

[@jasoncoker4031]

Always love the three of you together, really fun video

[@nizmotube]

Time of Legends is from Mythic Games, no partnership with Monolith for this one

[@kennethfharkin]

No mention of Monolith's Batman!?!?

[@spatt1104]

Super pumped for Betrayal Legacy. I don't usually enjoy legacy games, but I'm a big fan of Betrayal at House on the Hill so yeah.

[@petertaylorarts]

Agree with Zee. Detective (Portal) looks the nuts

[@mithralnuggets8437]

Your not alone Sam. I'm a huge fantasy fan but somehow have managed to never watch an episode og Game of Thrones yet.

[@johnrogers8876]

Cole Wherle (like Whirl-eee). And yes his games are amazing. Very interesting, very unique, definitely representative of their topics and settings, and very deep. I particularly like An Infamous Traffic. Root is my first Kickstarter backed project. It also has a bit of a COIN (GMT) influence Tom. Cole does fantasy COIN? Yes please.

[@brentonswenson4125]

Surprised nobody had the Monolithe Batman game. That's my #1.

[@gamera2351]

The Kickstarter is next month..but when will the game be released and shipped? I thought 2019.

[@killgun2]

I think because it is kickstarter only, they are not looking forward to it. I wanted to play it at Essen, but when i knew it was an exclusive, I didn't wanted to play because i knew i couldn't afford it

[@guillermoz4914]

Batman is a 2019 release, we’ll see it on nex years list for for top 10 2019 anticipation

[@leonodenbrett4697]

looking forward to scarlet pimpernel game, looks interesting and I will be curious if they can connect the euro game with the theme of the book and it could be great and could be a dud.

[@svensiemen7489]

What game is Sam talking about in the end from his shortlist? Villain attacks?

[@SamHealey6]

Sven Siemen Village Attacks

[@aogorkowa8785]

Why Nemesis was not mentioned ? That can be really amazing game :)

[@marcohoehener463]

How is Lords of Hellas not on Sam‘s radar? Cannot believe that he would not absolutely love this game. This game is never mentioned by anyone of the Dice tower crew. You‘re in a feud with Awaken Realms? :-)

[@rogerrigby7943]

I’m looking forward to enchanters; d day dice 2nd edn; sorcerer. Zees elder sign pick is a must have for me.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I also remember the original of Fireball Island. Just as Tom, we WANTED to like the game, but it was just horrible. I hope this new version is good.

[@kelliehouston2185]

Time of legends: Joan of Arc looks amazing!! Love minis games and this looks fantastic, cant wait , shut up and take my money

[@Phelixc]

I'm really looking forward too deep madness :)

[@johnsowerby7182]

Sam, you and I need to get a game of Heroes of Black Reach in once Jean and I are done with the festival. I have the Dropzone demo ordered

[@teslavoltagames3208]

I would buy Twilight Imperium the Miniatures Game. That would so cool!

[@lonelyheart949]

I looking forward to Nyctophobia.

[@non-alphagamer3618]

I looked at Western Legends, but it looks like Spurs Light to me.

[@S.L.INK.13]

I thought Victorian Masterminds would have been somewhere in this video.

[@johnrochester1419]

Zee Garcia's voice chambres so much I always have to turn the volume down like 10 levels when he starts talking. It's very tinty or baritoney. This isn't a complaint, just an observation. Has anyone else noticed this? He must talk with his diaphragm more than the others.

[@hornakchannel7734]

Batman from Monolith is my number 1

[@natelinhart114]

I'm a huge horror fanatic and obsessive board gamer who can't stand Betrayal. It's random and had horrible rules. However, if Betrayal Legacy is done right ... that's easily my most hyped game of the year! ;)

[@Keithustus]

Still waiting for Daviau to Legacyize a game I like!

[@MrGreyDot]

Prehistory looks nice

[@teslavoltagames3208]

Clinic is getting a reprint. That is a hospital game. :)

[@Jowanson33]

Shadows of Brimstone: Forbidden Fortress

[@rolandbruno686]

No History of the World? Who Goes There? Hannibal & Hamilcar? Lords of Hellas? Clash of Rage?

[@smoggygames6464]

Stuffed Fables for us! 😁💛⚂

[@steelpenfiddler5333]

So did Will Stamper just do a gig for League of Legends, or did they just steal his thing?...

[@Vader240183]

Zee where is Monolith Arena.....:) Neuroshima Hex like game in fantasy world.

[@69robtaylor]

Wowser Betrayal legacy. Count me in. I’ve backed founders of gloomhaven and western legends also looks amazing.

[@sad0happy]

Pax Pamir and Cole Wehrle are both awesome, ROOT should be good.

[@CreatureX99]

Too Many Bones Undertow!

[@kruskisking2062]

Guardian’s Call by Druid City Games

[@wroot_lt]

Pandemi Ping-Pong. The ball evolves :D

[@Rb-hm5ml]

Black Reach !!!!

[@jimsmith7445]

Sam... really interested in the "Joan of Arc" game... going to do a review about it, when you can? I'd love to know more.

[@WhoniverseReview]

I don’t get the appeal of legacy games. There are tons of great games out there that have replayability.

[@RGcrasyRG]

Rising sun is the one for me.

[@billconlin1315]

What about somebody making an Abstract Legacy game? oh sorry

[@brianbord5508]

Wow... no Who Goes There? Just the game mechanics alone being as different as they are should merit some attention!

[@hardbathsalts3143]

Brian Bord do you know if the game is going to be available in stores? I'd love to play this, but Im worried that I won't be able to afford it in time (the campaign may even be over already)

[@johchadow]

Betrayal LEGACY!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me? I think that is going to sell a lot more than 38k copies.

[@angewomon143]

johchadow that was the game that made me most excited that they mentioned

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Many ppl in the mass market don't know what Legacy is or means (even by now) and might shy away from a destructible game. And in our expert/niche market there is also a big "hate"-faction on the old Betrayal...so I would be a little hesitant with these numbers tbh. But we'll see.

[@nicksbordone5271]

As long as it sells at least 38k copies, he's not wrong...

[@OrcDragon65]

There is a Hate Faction on Betrayal? Anyone offline I've ever met either didn't know about it or absolutely loved it

[@johchadow]

Actually I didn't care for it, but I think adding in the Legacy aspect would sell it for me. The original was just too hit or miss, one scenario goes well and you get a fun play with a story to it, and then next play it's a huge mess that doesn't work at all, at least that's been my experience with it but ymmv. Also it has player elimination and it can be a very long game, I was out before the haunt one time and was sitting there for an hour waiting for it to end, fun.

[@ZakiJeppe]

My top 10: 1. Rising Sun 2. Batman: Gotham City Chronicles 3. Zombicide: Green Horde 4. Thunderstone Quest 5. Century: Eastern Wonders 6. HATE 7. Betrayal Legacy 8. Imaginarium 9. The Rise of Queensdale 10.Spirits of the Forest

[@gamecadet8679]

Darkness strategy card game