TDG: Cody's Top Ten Solitaire Games (February 2022)

[@LeftToWrite006]

I'll say what everyone else seems to be missing: that joke at the beginning was fucking great!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! Thanks. Expletive!

[@JesusKid13]

I have bought and enjoyed quite a few games based on your reviews and recommendations, so thanks for that and I really like watching your channel for the variety of game content as well as the military history! Very cool channel

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@michipoo]

Agree'd him and my co-worker have had me spend way too much in 2022 on board games. Thanks TDG

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@michipoo Thank you.

[@carrickrichards2457]

10. Zombicide 9. Maquis 8. Soviet Dawn 7. Bismark (solitaire) 6. Tarawa 1943 5. Freeman's Farm 1777 4. Pavlov's House 3. Marvel Legendary 2. Dune Imperium 1. Mansions of Madness I'd give an honourable mention to a few more: Comancheria, Nemos war, Castle Itter, The Mission (WhiteDogGames do good solo games) and John Company (great bot). Some of the big narrative games work well solo too. Just had an email saying VPG have reprinted their solo game set: 'Ottoman Sunset', Hapsbnurg Eclipse' and 'Cuba: Splendid little war'.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic.

[@ericengstrom2138]

MoM 1st does take a while to set up. Our group tends to prefer it overall because our Keeper sometimes makes small changes to GM the overall experience (so we don't follow all the rules verbatim). The hidden information on 2nd ed. rubbed us the wrong way one time when we had to all contribute successes to a puzzle, but there was no indication as to how many successes we required. After three rounds of doing nothing but rolling dice, we got so bored we just added a bunch of successes just so we could continue. 1st ed. is non-solo though, so that's a huge change.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah. I liked first edition, but it was just too fiddly for me. I'm glad you've been able to make it work

[@thesaint1012]

This is a great list! I get tired of seeing the same games on the other top 10 solo game lists.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. It's already outdated. I may have to do another one before too long.

[@carlossteffens7659]

Yesterday I commented on one of your videos, asking if you had a top 10 solitaire games... and look what YT just recommended!!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@tomnorris9867]

Great video, but what's the music playing at the very beginning? God, that sounds familiar. lol

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Music info in the end credits.

[@travisbicklejr]

Great list! I love Under Falling Skies.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!

[@douglaspearson4853]

An old long gone but one of my favorite solo games still is Raid on St Nazaire

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've heard good things about it.

[@dcal12]

Enjoyed your list. When you got to number one I was thinking OMG it’s going to be Star Wars Imperial Assault. As you were describing it, it totally fit, but you went with Mansion of Madness. Which I immediately ordered.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. Happy to help!

[@KabukiKid]

Nemo's War and Robinson Crusoe are two of my favorites to play solo. :-) I do also like Legendary Encounters: Alien solo, but I like to play it with two hands, so the Cooperate cards can do some work.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I love Alien too, but prefer to play with others.

[@KabukiKid]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Indeed... best with friends. :-)

[@fpgowner]

Excellent list.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks.

[@17thknight]

Dune Imperium is such an amazing game, glad to see you liked it

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Love it!

[@MihaiMihai-fw7do]

did you played The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth? how do you compare it with Mansions?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yes I have. Mansions of Madness is the far superior game, IMHO. It is played at separate scenarios, rather than a campaign. But I just think the app works much better for the kind of game it is.

[@harveydents]

You are an enabler!! lol i have to go out and ge tlike HALF of these games! Great vid as usual mate

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you my friend. Happy to enable.

[@stopsomewhere9104]

I’m completely new to even the idea of war gaming and come over from being a solo board gamer really only so this helps a lot!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help.

[@KarimTheilgaard]

My fav Small box solitaire games: Under Falling Skies. Maquis. Unbroken. Fav Big box solitaire games: Pax Pamir. Obsession. Nemesis. Last Aurora.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Cool. I think Nemesis as a solo is just okay. I much prefer to play that one with others.

[@StratfordWingRider]

I love those Pavlov’s House / Castle Itter games, really thematic and challenging to play. Try Burgle Bros if you like something which has a real edge of challenge to it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

They are great games. I haven't played BB. Thanks!

[@browe]

Dune: Imperium! Yes, yes, yes.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game!

[@jw50667]

Nice list. Eldritch Horror is my #1; however, I did recently pick up Mansions of Madness so I am looking forward to that. Bismarck Solitaire looks pretty neat and just may have to get it. I do have a question for you. GMT has US Civil War and For the People in their P500 and I just don't know which I would prefer. I have watched your review of US Civil War, but I didn't see For the People. What are your thoughts on the differences between the games? That might help me with my decision. I have ordered Washington's War via the P500 and am awaiting that.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I used to own a copy of For the People, but never got it to the table. Sorry.

[@Kili121416]

Nice list. Need to pick up a few of them.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!

[@harveydents]

agree with you on Mansions, I own both versions and the first one is fun, but the second one with all the expansions blows it away. And you are right its eerie and scary! espically when u get overwhelmed with monsters

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Right? I love that game.

[@rush0312]

have you tried the waterloo book by the bismarck designer? Just wondering which is better!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Stay tuned!

[@koppfrosch7439]

marvel champions lcg, arkham horror lcg, cthulhu death may die, gloomhaven, zombicide 2nd edition, zombicide black plague, lord of the rings travel in middleearth and gloomhaven paws of the lion. so many good games to play solo and so few time to play. think about it, the wonderfull time we life in with all the great games waiting for us to be played. and this is only the solo part of the hobby.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. Fun list.

[@fbdalian]

Have you tried "Gaia Project"?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven't. Good?

[@fbdalian]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Very, also in solo mode. But be aware it's a 100% eurogame.

[@BlackDiluvian]

Storm Above the Reich, quite a juicy solitaire game. Nice decision space without an app or a paragraf book. I was quite impressed by it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Tried playing it. Couldn’t get into it.

[@BlackDiluvian]

I thought the untangling of the bomber formations was fun. I almost convinced my self to try the advanced rules. You can follow a crippled bomber out of the formation and finish it off closer to the ground… comes of a bit cruel i guess, but the simulation part is pretty well made imo. Cant wait to go up against the B-17’s in Skies Above the Reich. Will be fun seeing the other side; i played a lot of B-17: Queen of the Skies ca 30 years ago.

[@tookiem7618]

This War Of Mine, Hostage Negotiator, and Black Orchestra would be on my list.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Black Orchestra is awesome. I believe it was on my last list like this. I've got TWoM, but haven't played it yet. I haven't played HN either. Thanks.

[@tookiem7618]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer You're welcome! TWOM is dripping with theme. You'll love it.

[@RottenJeeves]

I have a tough time with app driven games. I find that I am not engaged in the experience as much. Pretty sure I am in the minority on that opinion. Great list! Looking forward to more of your expansions (future content) ;)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!

[@NefariousKoel]

I'm the same way. I heavily got back into tabletop gaming about 8 years ago after working and playing on digital media, staring into backlit screens every day for many years. It was great to get back to strictly tactile tabletop stuff, get some escape, and exercise my brain in a different way. The few times I've tried app-driven games, they kinda robbed me of that disconnect I wanted. Even played a game of MoM 2e with a buddy and he felt rather the same way despite it being a great game.

[@NoNameAtAll2]

imo, app-driven games should become total pc release, without physical board

[@varovaro1967]

Great list (excluding the ones for kids 😅) and great channel as always!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!

[@tomm.thomas4185]

My favorite solo game is APBA Baseball, I played out complete seasons in High School.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven’t played that one.

[@michaelstearnesstearnes1498]

I've played APBA Baseball since purchasing my first game in 1961. (1960 season, 20 cards per team) I still enjoy an occasional game after these many years.

[@grantross2609]

.........the long long shadow of H P Lovecraft !

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@somerslim25]

thank you sir

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@leehutchinson7005]

Totally agree with MoM being totally immersive. Do you have a favourite expansion? I've bought Sanctum of Twilight but yet to play it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Probably Horrific Journeys. Fun stuff there.

[@progresspigment9593]

Is there a specific version of Zombicide (with or without expansions) that you would recommend for solo play?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think slowly Night of the Living Dead is becoming my favorite, although the first few scenarios are pretty easy.

[@progresspigment9593]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Thanks! Great content and list of diverse solo games. Keep up the great work 👍

[@thehappywargamer9122]

I like Combat! and Airborne Commander. You said you have trouble finding people to play with, I play a lot of games using Vassal, have you tried that?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Nope Z. Heard good things. Thanks.

[@rochedl]

Cool list, love the jokes my list Xia Dune Imperium Gia Project Welcome To ( original game) Gloomhaven Firefly, just see how much I can make in a certain amount of turns and some that are just fun Celtic Challenge, a simple tile pickup game that looks beautiful carcassonne, easy to play solo and very relaxing Thunder ally Twilight Struggle, fun to try to get both to win

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks a ton!

[@Eminar5]

Just ordered Bismarck Solitaire on your recommendation. 👍

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic! You’ll have fun!

[@grodd1016]

Have you tried Marvel Champions? I've found myself playing it a lot over the last year.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have not. Good?

[@grodd1016]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I really like Marvel Champions. It feels like you are playing as the hero and each hero plays differently from the others.

[@FinnCanDo85]

Have you looked into Valkyrie for Mansions of Madness? Tons of fan-made scenarios to keep you occupied :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have't. Sounds cool.

[@goldengriffon]

Too bad I just moved OUT of Wyoming. Oh well. Great list, though our tastes differ. I just couldn't get into the theme of Marvel Legendary (not a superhero fan). I did like Pavlov's House, but not sure I'd put it in my top 10. As far as Mansions of Madness... I'm not a fan of app games, but maybe I should give this one a try.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I just moved out of Wyoming, too! Hope you get a chance to play MoM. It’s great.

[@deadfalltropics6422]

Aliens by Leading edge, Final Girl and Fields of Fire. I need my dynamically generated stories.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Recently played FG. Stay tuned. Haven’t played FoF. Aliens? Which version?

[@deadfalltropics6422]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer the 80s one by Leading Edge. Easy set-up and breakdown, quick branching campaign with the expansion. You can play out your own version of the movie in 2 hours. Ticks all my boxes.

[@kevinashley9105]

Why not older games like the Ambush series?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I used to own Ambush but never got it to the tables. I’ve only fairly recently really been playing games solo

[@kevinashley9105]

The Ambush and Battle Hymm games were great!! Highly recommend if you can get a copy.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@kevinashley9105 Thanks!

[@malcolmsleight9334]

Have you played "Combat" and "Combat 2" from Compass Games? They are an immense improvement over the old "Ambush" games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I’ve heard they’re good but haven’t played them.

[@angioman64]

Combat gave me the same narrative buzz that Combat Commander gives but in a solo package. Bit of a learning curve and bloody expensive though. Still worth it.

[@MrBurgerhead]

Great list - thank you! My absolute number 1 favourite solo game is 7th Continent. For me it's the perfect survival/exploration game with amazing story moments. Hesitant to recommend as it's a reasonable time commitment, although individual play sessions can be short, and learning how to survive long enough to win the game is a bit of a barrier to entry. I can definitely see why the game is devisive. But when I (finally) got the hang of it and beat the game for the first time was the most satisfying moment of my gaming career - just epic. 🙂

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have played that one, but sounds interesting. Thanks!

[@carlossteffens7659]

No Raid on St. Nazaire? HERESSY!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Wrong! Orthodoxy!!!

[@scott3656]

Did you ever manage to beat Hidden Strike solo?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Not yet.

[@scott3656]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer it's a tough one!

[@Tombonzo]

Great List! Mansions of Madness…. Yep, my favorite non Wargame Solo and with others! Love Freeman’s Farm! Remember, in Solo mode, you use the singles outcomes Not the doubles! I need to try Tarawa, but it’s a little pricey! Silent Victory!! (GMT). One of my all time faves. Every patrol tells its own story. Do you shoot from close, medium or long range? How deep will you dive avoiding detection? Can you shake’em, or will the escorts find you for yet another depth charge run? Will you make it to the end of the war, or will you be sunk?? Great Game!! Also, I think Crowbar by Hermann Luttmann is a great game. I also am waiting patiently for his Horror at Plum Island (GMT) and also “A Most Fearful Sacrifice the 3 Days at Gettysburg!!”

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Freeman’s Farm, I thought just the solo player used singles.

[@Tombonzo]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer - Ah… you are correct! Singles for Solitaire opponent, doubles for the “Solo Player” tricky wording! Wow ok, so I “learned” me something there!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@Tombonzo Happy to help.

[@befirmbefair6674]

Cody lightening my wallet with the Dune recommendation. 🤪

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game.

[@jmann3705]

Combat! Should be high on this list.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Why? I haven't played it. I assume it's high on your list.

[@jmann3705]

It’s my #1. I thought you had played it. Give it a go!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@jmann3705 Is that the Compass one? If not, who publishes it?

[@jmann3705]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Yes, Compass. I believe a reprint of Volume 1 is coming this summer. Volume 2 is available now but you need Volume 1 in order to play V2.

[@silverfang6668]

Of all the states you could’ve chosen to move to,….why Oming?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!

[@shawns3911]

Soviet dawn…how timely

[@hcarlsson4810]

Same thought…

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@robbietorkelsonn8509]

a board game with an app takes the point out of a board game

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Completely disagree. When done right it enhances a game. Not every game should have one, but I’ve played a lot of great games that use apps. It’s really no different than say, electronic battleship.

[@warever37]

Too many dice rolling games; hard pass, but I appreciate the effort that went into making the video.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Is there any other kind? Thanks!

[@warever37]

How about some Euros that don't rely on so much luck.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@warever37 Not a big Euro guy.

[@carlossteffens7659]

Maquis sounds a lot like Whitechappel if you';re the ripper.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It's quite a bit different.

[@davedogge2280]

Jeffrey Toobin mistook this to be .... .... his favorite Top Ten Solitary Games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!

[@meenki347]

War in Ukraine just started but I'm more interested in boardgame reviews.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

We'd all like to get away from the real world for a time, no doubt.