Top 10 Board Games of the Year

⬇️ BUY THE GAMES BELOW
🟠 WATCH THE BONUS VIDEO: / actualol
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I share my Top 10 Board Games of the Year. To see my 20-11 picks from 2023 - I've made an extra video for my patrons.
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🛒 Links to buy:
🔟 The Last Kingdom - geni.us/thelastkingdom
9️⃣ Triqueta - geni.us/triqueta
8️⃣ Match of the Century - geni.us/matchofthecentury
7️⃣ Empire’s End - geni.us/empiresend
6️⃣ Orion Duel - geni.us/orionduel
5️⃣ Forbidden Jungle - geni.us/forbiddenjungle
4️⃣ Thunder Road: Vendetta - geni.us/thunderroadvendetta
3️⃣ Zoo Vadis - geni.us/zoovadis
2️⃣ Perspectives - geni.us/perspectives
1️⃣ Ra - geni.us/raboardgame
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RELEVANT LINKS:
OG Games Guild: boardgamegeek.com/guild/3948
Form to send me your details for Actualol Video editor work: forms.gle/rpXqeAUr4LKt8E7n7
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SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
📃 Get the monthly newsletter: / actualol
💷 Make a one-off donation: paypal.me/actualol
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FOLLOW ME:
♟️Board Game Geek: boardgamegeek.com/user/jonpurkis
Facebook: / actualol
Twitter: / actualol
Instagram: / actualol
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:54 Ten
03:36 Nine
05:54 Eight
07:54 Seven
10:24 Six
12:48 Five
15:33 Four
18:25 Three
22:00 Two
24:36 One
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[@actualol]

What was your favourite game from 2023?

[@pedroartur2230]

Dune Imperium

[@naomig8997]

I loved the first case of Perspective. Can I bring just the envelopes on a trip I have planned or do the second/third cases need the box by any chance?

[@actualol]

No they don't need the box. Great idea!

[@ettrian3742]

Star Wars deckbuilder. Hero Realms had been a staple with my game group and probably got more plays than every other game combined. Years later, Star Wars comes out with some fresh new mechanics that I'm quite fond of and as a lifelong Star Wars fan, it can't be beat for 2023.

[@MrEddy3991]

​@@pedroartur2230i bought it recently but still need to try it, its that good?

[@user-xy7vr1ef7y]

It’s always a good day when actualol uploads

[@edmundsiu322]

Agreed! This channel always has some interesting games to recommend 😁.

[@RebeccaAlis]

Yes!! Agreed!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@smeariestbat5544]

This though

[@THESP-rz3hg]

Quick show of hands- who wants a podcast of Jon ranting about the trend in games for anthropomorphic theming

[@actualol]

Be careful what you wish for!

[@daleprather3026]

Absolutely! As long as you don't hurt their feelings.

[@diagonalleaf]

🤚

[@Simrck]

I actually like anthropomorphic theming. I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was hurting so many of you :(

[@rileymcphee9429]

That was so hilarious 😂 Was sitting here like, "how did this game make the list after this 10 minute rant about it's theme?"

[@tuntemon]

"...I play video games about killing people and I don''t do that anymore either." This made me choke on my drink! Nice one!

[@joelface]

Haha, I had to pause the video and come find someone quoting this line in the comments after hearing that. Too hilarious.

[@vaarios]

It actually makes for a fun joke actually, but I think the true metaphor there would be playing a video game about playing Mario but not actually playing Mario or something xDD

[@Wezla]

Love these reviews and your witty writing to match. "plagued by floods and flooded with plagues" was really good

[@actualol]

Thank you!

[@idokoren4333]

"At the usual exchange rate of a thousand to one" is genius

[@giovannizunino7283]

That “Forbidden desires” joke almost made me spit out my drink laughing 😂 Brilliant!

[@mikehuff2693]

Fat kid eating all his sandwiches at 10am did it for me.

[@AJEddy99]

John you are not just my favorite board game enthusiast. Not just my favorite youtuber. But you might be my favorite person. You are awesome John and we are blessed to have you to entertain us and make us smile. A lot.

[@actualol]

Thank you ☺🥰

[@TheTravelingPrince81]

"It's perfect to fit in my wife's handbag for when we go to a dinner party and I want to take a game that we never end up playing." Oof. Next time just @ me.

[@luiscarlosqg]

I already stopped taking games to places 😢

[@TheTravelingPrince81]

@@luiscarlosqgNever give up. How will we know in our hearts that we are gamers if we don't feel the weight of a tichu deck at all times just waiting to be ignored?! 😛

[@ryanskrenes6247]

I really appreciate your independent reviews of games that are just plain great.

[@GoodEnoughParty]

I would be onboard for a 3 hour video rant on the Anthropomorphic animal themed epidemic! It really gets my goat!

[@actualol]

I hate your goat

[@GoodEnoughParty]

@@actualol He's easy to hate. But you can't blame him, he's just a kid.

[@virgilalighieri7192]

So in German it's pronounced Zo, which rhymes with so and quo. And as you know (haha) Reiner Knizia is German. I'll also argue and say that I absolutely love the anthropomorphic animals trend. I get so bored staring at art that looks like it came from my Latin textbook. Give me Redwall art any day.

[@actualol]

There's got to be a middle ground! Does the Empire's End box art look like it came from a Latin textbook?

[@jeremyfrank5253]

"... if Vincent Dutrait is busy" Shots fired! Genuinely interesting picks, added a few to my 'hunt down and play' list, thanks!

[@luiscabral9194]

Love all your Actualol videos. I can't get enough of your humour!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Yes! 😊

[@MichaelZipkin]

"Like that moment in an M. Night Shyamalan movie when you finally realize it's really bad." 🤣

[@pedroartur2230]

I' ve never laughed so hard at this channel before,

[@kevinboadomonteslier32]

Caught me off guard

[@seth5362]

18:30 as someone who loves every game to have cute animals in it... this is great for me. Also they would have never thought to do the special powers without the animal theme.

[@pranavrai99]

"For example this V means Very good" had me LoLing so hard.....😆😆😆

[@jasonmenard3098]

The joke writing on this script is as tight as ever.

[@M7MD-]

Every video you upload makes a dent in my wallet, a dent that brings tons of fun moments and joy to me, my family, and my friends. As much as I like other creators in the industry, your choices suited me best numerous times. Keep up the good work. Just keep in mind that what you do really helps other people connect, bond, maybe even heal and have fun together, as board games are rarely played alone. Games you recommended definitely helped me and my wife get through tough times. Thanks ❤

[@actualol]

Thanks for the nice comment :)

[@M7MD-]

@@actualol I spent the last two days trying to get my hands on Match of the Century but it’s insane how it’s out of stock everywhere in the UK. I would really appreciate if you can help! Maybe you know someone who is willing to sell theirs.

[@justbank5007]

..."learn through misery," which was the motto at my school. 😂😂😂

[@Bleuchz]

I feel you on Last Kingdom's production but one thing I never hear anyone shout out is how delightfully slim the box is. I have everything sleeved with a plano to sort the minis and its like one of those CMON troops on a map game that fits in a box 1/4 the size. A big reason why it'll probably stick in my collection over some games that maybe are a bit better?

[@actualol]

You're not wrong!

[@anthony449]

I've never been drawn to that chess game because I only knew one thing : it's by the watergate people. I love watergate, but I thought it was basically a retheme... This video sold me to look into it more!

[@thebeardedmother1535]

This was ridiculously entertaining. Too many gags to choose from but the Australia joke was a comedic uppercut :) A thing of beauty. Greetings from across the pond.

[@markwilson455]

Love seeing the OG Guild shoutout at the end. Glad you're enjoying Ra!

[@joannakrolikowska187]

Thanks for the video. There are a few games which caught my eye, which I hadn't been aware of.

[@GirlyGamer-BoardGameGran]

Great list, the only one I'm super interested in for myself is Perspectives, just because it's so different.

[@JohnWII]

"...it's perfect to fit in my wife's handbag, for when we go to dinner party and I want to take a game that we never end up playing". Why did you have to attack me like that?

[@adamwill559]

All of your stuff is amazing! Thanks for all the ideas!

[@TabletopTurtle]

Actual LOL is like the event of board game content creation. Video releases once a month and everyone who follows watches in a day or two. Brilliant stuff!

[@PeterFreese]

John, I don't always agree with your favorite rankings, but I love your perspective on games and especially the humor in your writing. Every video features some quip where I think to myself "That's brilliant. I need to borrow that."

[@Kheldar633]

"Mad Max: Fury Road" is great fun and requires no Mad Max lore knowledge.

[@9thandbaklavey926]

Seconded, one of my favorites

[@Puzzu]

Great post, I learned about so many cool games, will have to go check them out! You explain each game in such a simple and humorous way that they sound super fun to play, love it.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Thanks for telling me about what Match of the Century is about. I heard about it - and of course, I was intrigued because it is a board game about chess - but I had no idea what it was like until now! 😀

[@ManishaGeorgina]

I hope you get the recognition you deserve... Thank you so much for these videos!

[@irakyl]

Great list, great video! Good luck with the editor!

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

Great list. Some of my favorites here as well. And I can't stand the anthropomorphic animal theme trend as well. You and I would get along splendidly.

[@bengreen1181]

Some cracking games in this list! Great video ✌️

[@TheMartinChronicles]

I got Colt Express on your recommendation and *love it*. Welp, off to check out the Thunder Road Kickstarter.🤓

[@jamessherman7797]

Enjoyed your review and list! An unusual amount of ads that disrupted the flow of the video.

[@1Galaron]

"Like having a child who plays Warhammer." I will be stealing this little bon mot, and will not be crediting you.

[@andymacleod752]

I could watch Actualol all day!

[@TheJasonvange96]

Great list! Refreshing games aswell 😊

[@AhJong0]

The wonderful one liners and "games other channels haven't raved about" goodness of ActualLol 😊

[@daleprather3026]

Fantastic list!

[@Tomdabom876]

This was a hilarious watch, thanks for the great reviews!

[@25thCenturyGames]

Thank you for the kind words and including our version of RA in the list. Much appreciated, Jon. - chad

[@colinmorton8074]

Love a good list!

[@griffglowen5555]

Love the comedy in Your videos. Sadly I only meet the first 3 of your video editor criteria but come on is a knowledge of video editing really needed for a UK candidate that loves actualol AND board games!?!

[@tyshchenkoserhii]

Thanks for such a great list! I'd love to try out Perspectives but my concern is English as my 3rd language and most of my friends do not know it too well. Will it be an issue while dealing with clues for cases?

[@SonoftheMustardTiger]

Great video

[@Nidhogg13]

I was a KS backer for Thunder Road: Vendetta, and one major thing I like about it is the expansions are all really meaningful and aren't a pain to incorporate.

[@ZezimaContra]

The goat is back!

[@terhuneb]

Check out that platinum on the shelf back there. Looks good on you!

[@FernandoAPrado]

I love how you add some clever and funny comment in every sentence.

[@branboom3342]

You crack me up man, awesome video, informative reviews, great jokes. Btw, in German, "zoo" sounds more like "zoh" and thus rhymes with "quo." 😋

[@jessbachman331]

Great content. I hadn't heard of any of these games

[@actualol]

Thanks, glad you found it interesting!

[@paulhamrick3943]

Two theories on the retheming of Zoo Vadis: let's face it, games that feature images of Roman men in togas on the box art give the impression that it's maybe an overly "serious" game with a "dry" historical theme. But it might also help you steer clear of any offense-seekers out there.

[@David-ym2vk]

The writing in this was so damn good! Had me smiling and laughing throughout. Well done!

[@onedeadsaint]

just picked up thunder road: vendetta. looks fun and hopefully a decent commission.

[@345345asdasd]

Dude i gotta say... your jokes are underrated. Very funny videos and i don't think a lot of people catch them. Watching an older vid of urs and you said, "...yea so i was just disappointed in this game, and I'm disappointed in you" and i nearly spat my drink out. Cheers

[@cwb95k]

Love the rant! Lol!

[@atheist_addict]

They slapped an ad right in the middle of your ‘killing people any more’ punchline. Bloody KZbin.😂

[@Kristin-hx7us]

I love the Anthropomorphic animal themed epidemic and I like your rant against it. The name Zoo vadis is so ridiculous, chapeau.

[@IsaacPiera]

In roman numerals V means Very good and X means eXtremely good

[@patrickabby2589]

Great list. I look forward to this video every new year. Gotta say tho I VASTLY prefer the animal theme of Zoo Vadis over Quo Vadis. It makes the sell so much easier when the theme is fun animals and not historical, fantasy, or sci-fi.

[@blindey]

Damn you Actualol, like half of these sound super interesting and I want them. At least some of them are on BGA..

[@guandjs]

You are really witty and clever so I enjoy the video very much though what I love in board games is very different from the OG style that you favour. I am very happy that new games don’t have that much meanness and threats as many OG games. They may not hit the emotional highs but they also don’t make me feel like I am spending the evening attacking others or being attacked. I do love that you still have Cascadia behind you as that is a game I like a lot! Thanks. PS I also hate seeing animals in pants. Let animals be animals!

[@sarahwatts7152]

I like the look of Perspectives! Good for people who say they don't like board games

[@user-lb7sr6cx6f]

Loved the humor ❤

[@cwb95k]

My favorite 2023 is pretty easily Scholars of the South Tigris. A long, arduous grindy process toward translating point scoring scrolls.

[@bangazboom9925]

I think the whole animal characters in board games has come as a reaction to a very vocal group of people on boardgamegeek who seemed to have limitless issues with representations of people; they even took umbrage regarding comments made about illustrated representations of fictional gods from fictional worlds. So now we are at the point where designers are using pictures of animals instead because representations of humans or characters that look like people upset some board gamers on a forum.

[@EngMadison]

Huh, I kind of passed on Empires End at first glance, but now im pretty intrigued by it. Thunder Road Vendetta is also a game that is not one I typically like, but ended up being my favorite 2023 release. First Rat, Wandering Towers, and Donut Shop were other good recent releases for us.

[@evanhaut]

thanks for the loud laughs!

[@joewalsh1031]

Uploaded yesterday and Orion Duel is available nowhere in the US. That game looks very good

[@parkersimpson4023]

The last line of the #8 bit caught me so off guard 😅😂

[@Thermalions]

7:48 Careful, John Wick thought he'd retired too.

[@melissamorrell5239]

Orion Duel looks really cool - reminds me of the paper and pen game Hex, but more intriguing. Too bad I can't find anywhere to buy it in the US.

[@mitachu]

Forbidden Jungle looks good - might grab it at Airecon

[@Paul-ro6py]

We continue to enjoy the reprint of RA, the colours just pop! The mechanics are simple and work.

[@kaustubhverma5266]

Having good friends and a good board game is so good. I lack both of them

[@naramoro]

Lol you got some great zingers in there!

[@jimicapone]

Great video, as always. You should have upgraded to the Ra Pharaoh edition. Totally worth it.

[@branboom3342]

Ra was new to me with the recent reprint and I thought the retail version was great, but its become my most played and favourite game this year and I desperately wish I could get the deluxe version now! 😫

[@25thCenturyGames]

@@branboom3342 - reprint KS campaign for the deluxe coming this summer!

[@elaniarkady7351]

I keep zombie dice with the expansions in a ziploc bag in my purse. It has saved my sanity over the years waiting for things with my kid. 😂

[@darrenb1522]

The last kingdom has a similar mechanism to "The King is Dead" with the cards and limited choices - The King is dead finishes in about 20 minutes.

[@ImagenaryFriendd]

I love how you casually implied that you were alive during ancient Egyptian times.

[@actualol]

🤐

[@atheist_addict]

The cookbook joke was a thinker.😂

[@paolomigliorati6141]

The puns in this video are over the board (eheh) nice done!

[@mitchhorton9178]

Where to sign up for the OG community :)? Love simple rules with interaction game play.

[@actualol]

There's a link in the description.

[@aosggame]

Would you say Match of the Century could replace Air Land & Sea, if you had to pick one between the two to keep?

[@actualol]

Hmm, not necessarily - both good for different reasons.

[@atheist_addict]

Last Kingdom showed up at my gaming club and I was the one who had never heard of it.

[@AndyVandercoy]

So many good lines and great selection of games. Empires End all the way. Well...I am poor now and dont really want to pay mortgage anyway. Thank you Actualol 😂😢

[@actualol]

Paying a mortgage is like playing Empire's End - make sure you've got enough wheat!

[@AndyVandercoy]

I do!!

[@FiveZeroSafaris]

Magic videos! I would love to sponsor a video for a review of my game - what is the best way to get in touch with you?

[@TheRichardkino]

Great video and all... but you have to watch Mad Max: Fury Road before we continue.

[@youedged]

People who have played Thunder Road Vendetta, do you need expansions? Does it get boring or have short replayability if you only got the base version? Do you think expansions are necessary @actualol ?

[@actualol]

I've not played the expansions. I think it's great without them. But I guess it depends how much you plan to play it. To me it's not the sort of game I'm craving lots of depth or variability from. I'd usually caution buying an expansion at the same time as the base game but I realise that Kickstarters don't allow for that.

[@banjohumphrey]

PowerGrid is a 10/10 game, I'm gonna have a look at Ra after this

[@asmallcat]

The worst thing about the Ra reprint is the pointless boat. It's an objectively worse way to track when the age is ending because you can easily forget to advance it and there's no way to check whether you actually did once you're past age 1. Luckily you can flip the board and just track using the Ra tiles as you draw them, which is vastly superior.

[@mikeghanley]

What was the other auction game?? Was it “art society” because I have it on back order but might cancel in favour of Ra

[@actualol]

It was 🤫

[@Coyotek4]

I thought one reprint of Ra to be awful as I could barely tell what each tile was; the old-school version (of which I have a copy) makes it very easy to tell what's what. I will say that this new version looks nice but functional. I'll keep an eye out if this version appears at WBC in 2024.

[@DenisRyan]

Goodness! Orion's Duel looks great! I love Matagot, and this looks like a pile of fun! Thunder Road Vendetta was my Game of the Year for 2023! I've never played the original, I've only seen Fury Road (also highly recommended), and I neither yearn for the desert, nor been in a car crash...unless you count the time I had to watch Prometheus in theatres. I simply adore this game and every play I've had of it. It makes me howl with laughter, win or lose. I backed the original KS for the full Maximum Chrome edition, and I'm already in on the new KS for the Carnival of Chaos. Which means, Thunder Road Vendetta will most likely be my GOTY for 2024 as well!

[@YungGravyOfficial]

New to board games. Once you beat prospective can you not play it again because you already know the case? Or does it switch up every time?

[@actualol]

You can only play each case once because you already know it.