Top 10 Game Surprises of 2022

[@utahman06]

It’s not Rodney Smith but he’ll leave you to figure that out on your own 😂😂😂😂 10/10 Mike

[@MegaSilver]

I liked the table set up more, but we'll see how this setup works first. The table version felt more casual.

[@mrwhalen1]

Now it's a podcast!

[@elaineabreu282]

Agreed

[@martayharmay]

It might be Chris' tie tbf

[@johchadow]

Yeah, not enjoying this setup at all.

[@danacoleman4007]

This is fine

[@sethgivens]

Can I make a technical video suggestion? Maybe you have a reason for doing it the way you are doing it but I think the overall image would be more visually pleasing if you set the camera at eye level to the talent and then frame the shot so that their faces are in the top third of the frame instead of the middle. Then put your image overlays over the coffee table in the middle. I know you would lose the top of your background scenery but it is only a background. Just a thought. I love your content and I really appreciate your channel. Thanks for all you do!

[@Bllurr1]

Hmm. I'm surprised at how much the vibe of these really changes for me without them being at a table. I'm not sure I like it as much, because I fear change. But hopefully it'll grow on me.

[@Ras137]

I feel like Tom needs something to smack. It's usually the table, so how about...Mike?

[@eVanDiesel]

Man vs. Meeple have been doing this "fireside chat" setup for a long time. It works!

[@ConeDefense]

@@eVanDiesel they do, but their background is a lot cleaner which makes the view ability significantly better

[@bricelory9534]

The change also changes the vibes for those there - it feels more like an interview than it did. As someone who has been on stage, literally having something between you and the audience can change how you feel, for sure!

[@shdeyerle]

Everyone looks so squished and uncomfortable, and I also miss the TV in the background. It looked better imo than the overlay in the top left. I think this studio could be really good for certain content but it's a definite downgrade for top 10 lists in my opinion. Despite that, you all are still super entertaining and I'll be watching either way! I appreciate all the content you put out.

[@SGgrayfox]

The fact that there was a little side talk about Sabaton is awesome. Great band.

[@RynoKenny]

Haven't seen a new studio vid without mic issues. Other than that, I'm looking forward to getting used to the new place!

[@danielangevine1346]

planted is a banger of a game at that price. picked up a copy when i was in the US visiting. Opened the box and was blown away by the components and then we played it, and played it. like 6 or 7 times the first weekend and still regularly. good length, good flow, and great art

[@elaineabreu282]

I like the idea of boards on cloth because the board usually determines the size of the box. I hate massive boxes.

[@danacoleman4007]

Interesting.

[@alkafluence]

@The Dice Tower I know you are still working out the kinks, but this is the 2nd video where the source only offers a max of 720p vs the other studio which offers 1080. Also, the sound is a bit muffled. Hoping that you guys get it all worked out.

[@thewynnersgameroom]

Im happy to see that Im not the only one really liking Age of Atlantis. Its definitely been a surprise on how strong the gameplay is. We keep matching up Mike!

[@Oaklestat]

I love seeing Age of Atlantis on here. I was in the exact same boat with Mike here. Im excited to continue playing and learning this game further.

[@OrangEEverything9822]

A nice new format, but the mics are not that great. it is very muffled and hard to hear.

[@petargnip6164]

No table means I get to see Mike and Tom's matching sneakers and it just makes me chuckle for some reason. 🤭

[@tash8085]

I noticed that as well :P

[@hairbrainedgames3127]

A Battle Through History is one of the greatest highlights of the year. Chris Yi just went up 100 levels in my coolness meter. :)

[@speedandstyletony]

...and the winged hussars arrived!

[@hairbrainedgames3127]

@@speedandstyletony Awww, yeah!!!!!

[@SensualLemons]

​@@hairbrainedgames3127mjjj

[@39Lords]

Then the Winged Hussars Arrived!! Coming down the mountainside! Coming down they turned the tide!

[@Phoenixastro]

Wow. First, they have legs!?! B: We now have a new challenge: Tie/Sock Wars between Tom and Chris. I'll give the edge to Chris this time. And now I know why Chris is there: bright, silly clothing accessories. He just needs some cool hats.

[@PinothyJ]

First and foremost, Chris Yi, you look sharp. But secondly, having seen you mostly in casual, my first thought was "He is going to nail that job interview!" ;) Also, we need a desktop microphone for Roy. His occasional colour commentary is always a gem.

[@johannesblank1552]

Yeah, he looks like he's about to harshly criticize Bruce Campbell for coming too late to work on a Monday morning.

[@Skarpo89]

I'd love a mic for Roy!

[@stevenamamoto585]

We played Resurgence last weekend. I knew nothing about it going in, but it's solid. It's a Euro with bag building, worker placement, resource management.

[@justwright]

Professor Chris is looking spiffy! Looks great guys

[@danpsou]

For someone with headphones, the volume fluctuations on this one were literally painful, especially Tom screaming every once in a while.

[@GenghisWanghis]

That's part of the DT experience

[@Pithecius]

In Dutch Lama stands for "Leg Alle Minpunten Af". Loosely translated to Throw All Minuspoints Away. Referencing the mechanic where the winner can discard a points chip

[@Boardgamegyrl]

Love the new format. It’s nice to have choices, but tell me the truth! Is the loveseat comfortable? I think 4 chairs would have been nice too.

[@KingMePlease3]

Loving Mike's pick of Dead Reckoning...just wish it was on top 10 of the year list. Someone at the table has to know the rules inside out (mainly due to the different scenarios that could come up since it is sandbox style game), and if you have that the game is a blast. The player interaction through area control and battles, deck building/card crafting to create some powerful turns at end of game, sandbox feel from moving almost anywhere on the board, and player achievements to help trigger endgame make this one of my favorite games of all time. It is complex due to the amount of rules, but the game play is smooth and very satisfying. Keep telling them Mike!

[@SteveRB511]

One of the immediate benefits of the new studio is that the team can now model gaming socks. 😉

[@hucz]

here for the legs

[@lungeranon7645]

Stay for the thighs

[@JonReid01]

You predicted the top 100 40-30 😂😂😂😂

[@hanseathl]

The sound is worse than it has been for quite some time but I always enjoy these list and the discussions

[@Jeff321]

Missing the 1080p quality option. 720p is the maximum on this video.

[@CountDewkeww]

To each their own I guess Zee: gunslinger vs ninja = stupid Me: Black Widow vs Dr. Strange = stupid

[@Nightwind0]

Hey gang, you might want to angle things so your heads aren't in the middle of frame. Rule of thirds.

[@dean7713]

when my favourite band in the world gets mentioned in a completely different hobby of mine. O_O "WHEN THE WINGED HUSSARS ARRIVE!"

[@danacoleman4007]

This is not a complete thought. Nor is it a sentence. Please try again.

[@dean7713]

@Dana Coleman what... are you even trying to get at? I expressed joy about an aspect of this video... 3 months ago, and apparently, that's not OK with you? How about instead of me "trying again" you pop your little grumpy head elsewhere and wind up someone else. 😁

[@stevensum2011]

Hmm..The new layout looks like a jerry springer show. Can we have the game table in front of you pls. I prefer the old layout.. Great top 10.

[@Dr_C_Smith]

Glad to see Village Rails get some love. It’s a really good and accessible game. And, well, trains. 🚂

[@thwilee]

Lol! Zee’s hangup on space games is irrational, says the guy who hates a game he won’t play because he doesn’t like the nerd music written by the designer.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

36:55 Yep, completely agree with this one. I played it - and it is a fun party game.

[@jaredbeiswenger3766]

Ha! Tom Vaselism "foilialage" 😂

[@koalabrownie]

Tom loves Duel of Ages but doesn't want to give Battle through History a shake?

[@Nightsorrow1]

Thanks, came here to say that.

[@danacoleman4007]

He's nothing if not inconsistent

[@mozzikum]

The Guild of Merchant Explorers moment made my day

[@madebyhman7996]

I’m glad the boys gave Tom a hard time for the comments on Battle Through History being dumb, I feel like it was somewhat harsh.

[@jonathangullason3799]

Like the new studio. I will miss the TV in the background though. Perhaps there is a way to bring that in

[@petergross7235]

Well. Most of the picks are games that don't do much for me. But they're all very decent and you guys backed them up with good commentary. This was very entertaining thank you very much. Love the new studio! Anyone else notice Mike and Tom have the same shoes?

[@Andrew_NJ]

Chris needs to review A Battle Through History!

[@mikebollen9238]

Finally, the one thing the Dice Tower has been missing - legs!

[@john-qz3fu]

Oh yeah, perhaps we might get lucky with some shorts shots in the future!!

[@tash8085]

I absolutely LOVE the new studio!!

[@ChewieHuey]

Star Wars - The Clone Wars. A Pandemic "Get your hands out my pants" System. Three 8.5s... and Mike said something. So glad to have hugged Zee at Pax U. I won't even wash my Folded Space shirt.

[@TheHEAVYDAN]

I love Powerwolf the band...kinda wanted to try the game just because of that lol

[@rudyjansen4242]

Yes, Knight fall great to see it in this list.

[@michaelzuchold9703]

Can't say that the new studio is better. Rather not. The previous setting feld "closer", more like being part of it. You guys are pretty far away now. Sound is not good. But the Top10 list is a hit as usual;-)

[@Skarpo89]

I personally preferred the old more casual style too, I'm sure this can look great for say interviews, but it doesn't look like a DT top 10 studio

[@sethwinslow]

I agree, sound is a bit off. And Mike is supposed to be on the right, Zee on the left. This is just wrong. :)

[@chauveet]

I think the studio itself is great, it looks amazing. But 100% agree that I do not like the setup of the guys sitting around the coffee table. Sitting at the gaming table was a far better look. And the audio was not great

[@JonReid01]

How do you feel anout it now a year later? Just curious

[@Joshua_Tymchyn]

Well 2022 top ten list for Mike already has an upset after this top ten. I was SURE Dead Reckoning would make his list as it reminds me so much of Scythe's design and nearly overtook it as one of my favorite games ever.

[@chayashida]

Glad to see *someone* dressed up for the event. ;-)

[@AlamarianJ]

Is that a game in the top cubby between Tom and Zee? What is it?

[@daimianbrittanydunn988]

Love this setup! Looks more professional and clean!

[@roblong1727]

I'm enjoying the look of the new studio, especially the backdrop!

[@WolandSilent]

I enjoy the overall look. Just try maybe less cyan(cold) lighting/color correction

[@TheDisengaged]

Can the streams from the new studio please be recorded at 1080p?

[@MarioPBCSa]

Agreed. 720p looks terrible on my tv. Not sure if that’s a limitation from KZbin.

[@ConeDefense]

To Mikes line about The Crew, Cat in the Box will be forgotten about by the end of next year. It’s too slow for a trick taking game.

[@georg194]

L. A. M. A. is "leg alle Minuspunkte ab", meaning "loosen all minuspoints away"

[@Lines42]

and what does the first L stand for?

[@cailin5301]

There were so many funny jokes in this video 😄

[@JoeHindermann]

Hey Mike, do you like Search for Planet X since it has more thematic deduction rules? I find my self really like the game because it almost tricks me about the logic math which is pretty basic and dull. Just curious! :)

[@michaeldilisio557]

Yes. Search for Planet X is really good.

[@JoeHindermann]

@@michaeldilisio557Awesome! I’ll have to check out Tiwanaku, looks beautiful!

[@vanzetti7]

Thanks for the video guys! I like you sitting at a board game table way more when you do your top 10s - you guys seem way more comfortable there.

[@cgrice1971]

The sound quality in this video is not as good as normal

[@dreadpirate907]

"Get your hands out my pants, Z-Man" - Zee Garcia

[@bricelory9534]

I think your far left and right chairs should be more center-facing. I know you want everyone to be camera facing, but Chris and Mike feel a bit out of the conversation, visually, because they have to turn to speak and make contact. That works with Tom and Zee since they're right next to one another. I just think the chairs can be angled in to center stage a bit more. I like the direction: nice change of pace. Looking forward to where you take the studio.

[@tabletalk4729]

Great list. Tempted to try along Shot. I love racing and gambling but I hate roll and writes

[@kane2239]

Tom need to listen to "Christmas Truce" by Sabaton :)

[@shinyhappymeeple]

As usual another great video but why only 720p?

[@Polskimg]

And the sound 😢

[@hondito]

This isn't the new Avatar. It's 4 dudes sitting statically talking about games. Isn't 720 enough HD for that?

[@lungeranon7645]

@@hondito Well said.

[@nicholasschneider6655]

I don't know about 720p, but the video quality is much worse (grainy, and the lighting seems off) than the old videos. Audio seems a bit distant too. First day in the new studio, so I guess they're still working things out.

[@TheHeirof50]

Chris, please tell us there's a card that let's you yell "AND THE WINGED HUSSARS ARRIVED!!"

[@pikkdogs]

I love the DT crew without the table! Gives a nice talk show vibe. The table just got in the way.

[@toddmolenda]

Chris dressed as a car salesman

[@zdelorean]

'I wanna see ya in a Kia!' vibes

[@elbandor6763]

Especially at 12:37

[@pro_jamex]

My first thought was insurance salesman

[@ziomalZparafii]

In my opinion he looks very stressed without board game table in front of him.

[@tdizzle2144]

Bring back the table!

[@tonygilbert5256]

Albuquerque IS the new Manhattan!

[@elayeth]

I don't want to nitpick here, but next time you should reeally consider interior designer.

[@chauveet]

Chris...I caught that DuckTales reference.

[@markmoss8677]

Dont L.L.A.M.A stands for “Dont Let Lammas and Markers Accumulate”….. According to the original rule sheet :)

[@rockthemic12]

Don’t Llama Dice reminds me of Blackjack, but versus other people instead of versus the house.

[@TheSchaef47]

1:08:08 oh, wait, I thought that was Textile Merchants: Norfolk Edition

[@johnrogers5264]

definitely do not like the new set up as much. always loved the vibe of sitting around the game table. thx for all the dice tower does.

[@treyeck8705]

I completely agree with Zee about the space aesthetic in board games. It just isn't a good look imo. I love Xia but I really hate all the empty black space.

[@hanseathl]

Finally we can take a look at the socks these guys are wearing.

[@pro_jamex]

What’s the story with Mike and Furnace?

[@Uthe007]

Furnace was on his "top surprises" list in 2020 and 2021. XD

[@pro_jamex]

@@Uthe007 hahahaha the irony!

[@koalabrownie]

I like some space games, like old tactical starship combat games but- I get what zee's saying when it comes to computer games. Play a 4X space game and it's just a bunch of oversized stars on a black background. Far less interesting to look at then continents, forests and mountains of a planet-side 4X game. That said I still have a soft spot for MOO1

[@richardmagel4247]

I mentioned that Killer Bunnies was mentioned as having come out 20 years ago to the Killer Bunnies online community. Instead of a brief “neat”, I instead got the push back of “Actually it was invented in 1989”, even by the game creator himself. Nerds 😂

[@stephenjones2857]

Tom's found the right glasses.

[@jdotco23]

Whoa, Island of El Dorado is NOT a terrible game. Sure, it has its flaws, but I like it. I agree about Windward; it was mediocre at BEST, but mostly not good. I need to try Age of Atlantis.

[@freeheeler00]

I am continuously surprised by Chris' taste in music. He has subverted my expectations on so many occasions. In a good way, mind you. On the other hand, Tom was kinda acting like a child in regards to his choices in music and games. "I just hate it and I don't know why" is not a good excuse for anything. Did he forget what the topic of this list was for a minute?

[@thedicetower]

I think it's okay to hate music? That's not particularly childish, I would assume. I like classical music, and I know a lot of people hate it and that's okay!

[@freeheeler00]

@@thedicetower Well, I guess I just try to not teach hate in my house. You can dislike something or not agree on something once you've given it a shot, but to hate something is on a whole other level in my mind. No big whoop though. I respect you all! But for the record, we are all adult children. That's why we are here. :p

[@twinkle04evr]

Can't find Planted in Canada :(

[@metal_helm]

@chris yi. Make sure you check out any album from Bolt Thrower. All lyrics encompass war and are influenced by warhammer 40k. 🤘🤘

[@IndianaGeologist]

Bring the table back! This weird chair arrangement isnt working and just weird to look at

[@john-qz3fu]

I love looking at their pants stretched out on their legs!

[@kathleenlonergan]

💯

[@pca1987]

Yeah, I agree.

[@TabletopTussle]

100% Agree

[@Boardandgame]

How they sit isn't why I watch, makes no difference

[@Nubbins86]

Nice to see Chris give a shout out to Acts of the Evangelists.

[@josephmenchey2871]

Agree with zee💯 I do not like the look of space games. And tend to not like space games.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Burncycle was streamlined and easy for you? What?? When are you applying for Mensa? They got a whole rules reference book full of keywords. I'm enjoying it plenty, but it's a frequent rule book checker. And dead reckoning also? That has a ton in it!

[@PandaOfElastic]

This. I actually laughed out loud when I heard them say that. It was an alright game, but I would never describe it as being "streamlined" or "easy to learn". If anything, my main complaint is that it seems like it had some unnecessary pieces that could have been removed.

[@DTChrisYi]

Comparatively, that is. Relative to Cloudspire for example.

[@lastburning]

Every board game is easy to learn unless the rulebook sucks. Some games might require more time to learn though. Like Empire of the Sun.

[@PandaOfElastic]

@@lastburning When people say a game is "hard to learn", the amount of time it takes to learn/teach is typically the metric...

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

@@lastburning lengthy time to learn is by its very definition not easy to learn.

[@pwootton24]

Y’all need to crank down Tom’s mic. He kept blowing my ears out.

[@jimc3786]

It's funny how you guys don't like the cover of Guild of Merchant Explorers. . . It's pretty much the only game I've ever bought specifically because of the cover without knowing anything about the game. . .lol

[@corsa180]

Sabaton is amazing.

[@john-qz3fu]

Acts of the Evangelist is good people. Its good. I've played it with several different groups who all enjoyed it. I'm glad it made it on this list.

[@theweebchannel4850]

WHAAT. Powerwolf is one of my favorite bands of all time :( (the game was not very good though)

[@shawncrowley5304]

Plant Vs. Zombie part was funny

[@bricelory9534]

The irony of Tom mocking the "too much Marvel" sentiments when commenting on the lines of too many plant games. We get it, you love Marvel so seeing Marvel theme on something is a positive. But for those who are getting sick of Marvel (it's been prevalent for 10+ years), seeing versions of games get the Marvel treatment is enough to make us uninterested in the version. Too much Marvel is a sentiment that the old Marvel games don't magically go away: they build up, and there's a LOT of it out there, both in board games and, frankly, over-saturating pop culture in general. I've been growing weary of Marvel this-and-that for the last 2+ years, honestly. So it's no surprise to me that people are commenting on "too much Marvel" even if it's only a handful of games being created each year. It also isn't a sentiment that ignores that other games with other themes come out, just that people are getting weary of Marvel heroes getting pasted on a wide variety of types of games.

[@daem0nfaust]

One does not simply L.L.A.M.A. dice

[@yodaforclass]

Why is this video in 720p?

[@johnpozniak8897]

Then the Winged Hussars arrived!

[@CaptainTruelove]

Powerwolf!!!