Top 10 Games with Great Theming

[@lasttruegypsy]

This one really needs a remake. This list would be incredibly different I bet.

[@koalabrownie]

We could also have a list without the bloody western ditty and igor voice. It's a bit of a trial watching these older vids for that reason.

[@ComicallySmallA]

último cigano verdadeiro

[@MehdiHusain]

Various understandings of this Top 10: Sam: "Themes I like" Tom: "Themes that are brought to life" Zee: "Themes that blend seamlessly with the rules" Definitely apples and oranges.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

I love watching these top ten videos! I think its really great that Sam, Zee & Tom each have their own different point of views as to what they enjoy more in a game.

[@furleyx]

I'd like to put in for a Dice Tower No-Prize. [Pushes up nerd glasses.] At the 13:00 mark, Sam says that he "wasn't in on the original run." But in Sam and Zee's Top Ten Games of 2012, at the 18:00 mark, Sam says that he did play the original. This is clearly a continuity error, unless one of these Sams is an alternate reality Sam or perhaps even a shapeshifter!

[@ericdollarhyde3296]

furleyx 😂😂😂

[@Goatfarmer03]

Man, the felt in front of Sam must be incredibly smooth.

[@TapCat]

It was interesting to see Sam be so aggressive in attacking Tom's choices as having themes that could easily be swapped out for something else when he listed two games that literally already have. Shogun is Wallenstein with a feudal Japan theme pasted on top of it. And Pandemic's gameplay was dropped wholesale into Defenders of the Realm very successfully and later used again in Forbidden Desert. Both games fail badly as being thematic using the criteria they laid out at the beginning of the video.

[@Jootie_de_Kop]

Great theme! I love Tom, Sam and Zee talking about games. Especially their top 10's.

[@brettski34]

"Top Ten House Rules" games that are pretty subpar, but become significantly better with certain adjustments

[@jasejesse8308]

you prolly dont care at all but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@tommyharrison5515]

@Jase Jesse instablaster =)

[@justsharki]

"We are experiencing philosophical difuculties, please stand by" That just made my day

[@Lex_Koncord]

Coming back to watch this one a 2nd time... still a hilarious episode guys, great work!

[@zenpvnk]

every time they said 'next one is feudal Japan..." I totally expected them to say Yedo. Can't believe that wasn't on any of their lists. I love reading all the flavor text on the mission cards, and am constantly amazed how it's all tied to what you actually have to do for the mission... such attention to detail, and obviously a labor of love by the game designers. Best tying of theme to game mechanics I've ever seen.

[@dddmmm21]

This list really needs an update! How about a new video guys??? :-)

[@johnr8095]

Every mechanic In there matches the theme really well, from the fsmily growth to the planting and harvesting of vegetables, to the animal production to the resources used. It fits the theme perfectly.

[@jshipman2005ify]

Betrayal at House on the Hill for me is top ten worthy. Especially if the person that reads the cards and scenarios gets into it. One of my favorites of all time

[@SuryaKresnanda]

You have to talk about this topik again in 2021.... Love it! 😁

[@blakebjb]

This is what good friends do. They bash each other and learn from it. Tough love as you will. This is why I believe him when he mentions that no one is ever offended. I enjoy the honesty of friends.

[@HiDefJesus]

What?! Not even a friendly nod to K2? That game deserves to be at least on someones top 5! K2 is dripping with theme!!

[@juddvance8104]

Even when I don't agree with you, you guys are highly entertaining. But where is War of the Ring?

[@andristic]

"Philosophical difficulties" Such great word play. Keep the videos coming please!

[@jimsmith7445]

Guys.... best list you've done since "Games we hated"... you had games that were really quality...great work.

[@suekuku]

A La Carte is great! I bought it for my 9 year old goddaughter because of your review, Tom. I also bought the Dessert expansion and am waiting to give her that for a birthday. It is a fun game that adults have fun playing. The little pans are amazing and so are the cardboard stoves (though I had to glue them together because they kept falling apart.)

[@kau6912]

Zee : "This is my Japanese themed feudal game". Tom : "Knizia's 'Samurai'" ....hahaha!!! :o)

[@ericdollarhyde3296]

from 2013!! why havent i seen this one!! this is my jam!! do a new one!!

[@homelessjoe]

To me this just shows how good of friends they actually are. You wouldn't be that comfortable to say those types of things to a stranger. Don't change a thing boys!

[@markdrejza4351]

Founding Fathers, Sam's #10, is among my favorites. I am glad to hear that among his favorites too!

[@kaitie210]

19:23 This part hits so different watching this video 10 years later

[@staciehaden8888]

The funniest Top 10 yet. Picked a few that I'll look into in greater detail. I'd love to see a list of themed family games. Which games would you recommend for a family wanting a pirate theme, an adventure theme, a space theme, etc.

[@steventremblay4691]

You guys have entirely too much fun doing these videos. Thank you!

[@DanielMarquez1]

This is the best top 10 yet! I love all the technical/philosophical difficulties you guys keep experiencing. And nice new table! Geek Chick makes some great looking tables. It takes a real mean to admit to watching Twilight; do not be ashamed. And I love the component pictures for each game. I wonder if you guys started doing that because of inputs from the recent survey. Thank you for the videos!

[@kustomkure]

I hate how Sam kills other guys' enthusiasm. Tom and Zee are much more amiable. And yes, Sidibaba is amazing. It's been a blast in our game group.

[@randallorndorff]

Agreed, the negative stuff (when the speaker has not played or may not even have heard of the game) is the worst part of these. Otherwise they are awesome.

[@Tr1pleOseveN]

I agree 1000 percent Sean how.....I think that's what make this so entertaining I love watching these guys.....the trash talking about the other person's game that's just a bonus.....keep it up fellas.....2 thumbs up

[@Gnarrkhaz]

Totally agree. The main goal for game mechanics in a thematic game are really to make that theme come to life. Although i highly agree with some of Sam's choices as well in that regard. For example Netrunner would be very high on my list.

[@fokos11]

I really liked the video. I also enjoy the way you disagree with each other which makes you explain your opions. Great job!

[@bbcoachkristen]

I love the top 10 lists. This one had me laughing out loud. Thanks for all the recommendations.

[@aripavlou4244]

Love the top 10 lists guys. I'm noticing that Zee and Tom are able to have rational arguments while Sam just has to be right about every one of his opinions.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I can't understand Noony's comments. Their banter at each other is what makes it so much fun to watch! Everyone has different opinions with their games and you need that variety in order to facilitate discussions. The "Philisophical Differences" gag is simply a funny joke which I always enjoy! It's a cool list, some discrepancies, but that's normal - this is actually a list I was planning to do on a podcast soon - will be interesting to see the similarities/differences.! And no Arkham Horror?!?

[@severijndw]

This one was the top ten where I was expecting Republic of Rome in. That game captures its theme like it's nobody's business. I even suspect that this game was the theme first and then mechanics that fitted its theme. And it's not just the old republic, it fits the entire history of the republic, from the punic wars to the final rebellion against the senate. Similarly, I would have expected Die Macher on this list.

[@PerKeltMusic]

I'm really happy to see Fury of Dracula twice there, especially the fighting system always makes us feeling "fighting the Vampire" rather than counting and deducting only... On the other hand, as I'm a BIG fan of very thematic games, I think the original Android could make the list easily, as well as Mansions of Madness, Mage Wars or Dreadfleet. Three great games I really enjoy and always feel the theme more than mechanics...

[@adammarquis]

I too would watch the heck out of you guys playing a bunch of games. Battlestar, Cosmic, Resistance, etc.

[@vibznoto8657]

Thanks for your video! BUT: No "War of the Ring(2nd edition)" by Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi & Francesco Nepitello? Check that out! The game is very, very, very loyal to the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Really One of the most immersive experiences I've had so far!You feel the atmosphere. The mechanics ARE the theming.

[@apazman123]

Totally agree with Sam... Flashpoint and Police precinct are the same mechanics with different themes and maps.

[@altecapollyon]

I would really like to see some of these lists revisited. I'd like to suggest JUNTA for one.... ....but also BOTTOM OF THE 9th.... ....REVOLVER.... ...SPACE ALERT.... ...COLT EXPRESS.... each of those games got us into the theme so deeply that we were role-playing with each other during every move. Love the podcast. Keep up the good work and please revisit these lists periodically! ;-)

[@TheFunLuvnCRIMINAL]

Junta made it onto Zee's hated list.

[@SamHealey6]

Actually, you'd be more accurate in saying that it is a re-theme of Scotland Yard. And this is why we mentioned Scotland Yard. I think the theme of Fury of Dracula makes it a better game over Scotland Yard. Then you add in the mix Letters from White Chapel, and you have a trio of games that really have some cool mechanics, but IMO the theme of FoD does the best in making those mechanics shine.

[@raygun1966]

Great show,you really have found the balance in your three person top ten format! GO ZEE!

[@emmanueldariofernandezarci792]

I second Cody there, I was a bit surprised that it wasn't mentionted even as a honorable mention or something... Love that game, as does most of my gaming group. When the time comes for one of us to make the roll to close a portal, there's always one of us that yells "SHUT THE DOOR!" XD

[@VernHestandIII]

Thanx, Zee! For turning me onto Sidibaba. Looks great!

[@socalnick]

17:25 "A glorious victory! 'straight'". LOL! Zee, your one liners are gold!

[@matpetheny]

cool episode as always. i'm a bit surprised nobody mentioned Tales of the Arabian Nights as this game is almost pure theme... actually you play it just to experience the theme, its not even important who wins.

[@kevinsullivan3448]

The theme of both police and the fire game could both be replaced by soldiers in A-stan clearing houses and disarming IEDs.

[@allluckyseven]

Two games that caught my attention: Key Largo and Sidibaba. The first one mainly for the theme. The second, because that mechanic of showing the tiles to the other players looks at least intriguing, if not cool.

[@johnr8095]

Agricola is actually a really good mix of theme and mechanic. The theme may be boring but every mechanic in there makes sense as w

[@sachaatiyah6489]

How much I love the use of spoiler alerts

[@lasttruegypsy]

I do love that Empires of the Void made this list. I can't wait for the upcoming KS campaign for the second edition.

[@pietrorasputin52]

I agree with Sam: Marvel Heroes is a fantastic game layered with so much rich theme! And it's so unappreciated and people rag on it for being "too long."

[@marcosfernandesdesousajuni9576]

To be clear, Battlestar Galactica isn't just a movie(or 2), it's also a pretty good series!

[@talronen9673]

Scotland Yard because it really feels like a manhunt where you all sit Around a map , survive because it really feels like you sail boats and drowning and stuff and a game of thrones 2nd edition because it really feels like you write the history of westrose yourself and it is also the only game where i felt like the expansion is a really big spoiler for some one who haven't got to that book

[@TheDelinear]

For me Pandemic is incredibly thematic, but it's the recycling card mechanic that makes it. Without that I'd agree it would feel too puzzly, but the fact that infected cities have a higher chance of being re-infected, and the mechanic of spreading to other cities if you don't get in there and deal with it really heaps some tension and a need to be reactive on top of the pure puzzly aspects.

[@MrLegrooveth]

Great idea. When I was starting my collection this was a big factor for me. I knew about so many amazing games but I didn't have much money, so I wanted to make sure I was getting the most out of the money I had to invest. Similarly, now when I'm suggesting other people's first games I want to suggest something that's great and that they'll get a lot of use from, I don't want to suggest a £50 game that we'll play 3 times a year..

[@sanderdb1]

No, it's not, you should read my post again. Z made a list of games with a strong, not pasted-on theme (objective), which he also liked (subjective). Tom and Sam made a list of games with themes they like (subjective). Eventhough some of those games really had pasted-on themes or the mechanics and the theme werent closely intertwined (objective). Maybe this isn't always 100% objective, but most of the time it pretty much is.

[@schindel6307]

Where's Mice & Mystics, Space Alert, Survive: Escape From Atlantis, Mansions of Madness, etc? Was hoping for an honourable mentions list, as I obviously need more games on my wish list! Lol Thanks for another great 10! :)

[@GamersGrind]

"With Great Theme .... Comes Great Responsibility" (C) Ben Parker

[@adammarquis]

I've literally never gotten the feeling that things were not in good fun between friends from the Top 10.

[@masoudtab]

Just to mention that in this category, "Nothing Personal" is for sure in my top ten.

[@DavidSupina]

I actually think Terra Mystica has a little bit of theme to it. It's not a thematic game, but it outpaces some other Euros in terms of how much it makes sense.

[@mike8217]

Thank god. I didn't think The Resistance was going to make it. Shouldn't be surprised. Zee always has the best lists in the Top 10s.

[@Umba]

awww no forbidden island? watching that island slowly then suddenly sink adds to the urgency to get everything and get out is amazing!

[@eadgbe13]

Also Mage Knight and Mage Wars, when I teach either I start with 'all the rules make sense'.

[@josh1674]

Love the voice in the countdown stings!

[@TheDeTocquville]

I think Monsters Menace America horrible mechanics make its theme better. It is clunky like a grade-b horror film. The mechanics lead to tensity and waiting that doesn't really mean anything, just like the films that inspired it.

[@DeltaAirbusFlyer]

I love the way you guys are constantly caressing and stroking the $15000 Geek Chic Table. "Ah my precious, who's a good table?"

[@MehdiHusain]

This is what makes you guys a very balanced team though ("The Theme Team"!). Many gamers fight over this aspect of gaming and your three opinions are a good sample of that.

[@wimnaessens]

I really liked X-Com The Board Game. I love the PC-game(s) and I really felt like they implemented the PC-game into a board game. Also like the tablet inclusion because it often feels like they are dragging that in there just cuz. But in this game it makes sense I think.

[@nonamesareleftt]

Love the videos, but I would like to recommend that the "face time" to "game time" ratio be about 50/50. Aka, the camera should only be on you guys for half the time, the rest of the time should be of components, gameplay, etc. Keep up the great work!

[@gronith]

What no Tales of the Arabian Nights?

[@kau6912]

In terms of theme, the game relies entirely on reading a "choose your adventure" book.

[@deanofgames4661]

K Au yeah not the point. That's mechanics not theme. The game has theme.

[@SuperAwesomeHobo]

I absolutely love you guys. "we are experiencing philosophical difficulties" Makes me laugh every time. keep making these lists!

[@laartwork]

Formula D is the perfect mix of mechanics matching the theme.

[@SaturmornCarvilli]

I agree with you. MoM is so tied to theme that I criticize it for not just going full rpg.

[@PaprikaSix]

Glad to hear that Founding Fathers is thematic! I have been thinking about getting it but I hate themeless games. Thanks for another great list!

[@Discalle112]

IS that battlecon devastation on the shelf in the back?!?!?! Cant wait for that review.

[@FMD-FullMetalDragon]

At least their #1's make sense. :) Of all the rest of them the only ones I could accept as games that fit the theme and mechanics are Battlestar Galactica (which is freaking amazing), Empires of the Void, Fury of Dracula, Android: Netrunner and Police Precinct. I probably would have had X-Wing Miniatures/Star Trek Attack Wing (combined choice), War of the Ring 2e, Mage Wars, Firefly, Star Trek Fleet Captains, and Mage Knight Board Game as some really thematic games on my possible list.

[@thedicetower]

Ooo! That's going to be our new name - "Fanboys that Ruin the Community." Kinda catchy! I do wonder why you think games you don't like are only for ten year olds. I don't mind playing games with ten year olds, incidentally, they have a lot of fun! Board games should never be an adult-only hobby.

[@treyeck8705]

Flick 'em up!!!!!!!!! One of the best themed games I have ever played.

[@cthulwho8197]

Trey Eck Indeed, but one that was released 2 years after this list was recorded. I think Tom would certainly include it now. 😄

[@williamcooper4471]

OK, now I want to see the three of you playing Sidibaba.

[@optimind]

In my opinion, Zee had the List most accurate to the purpose of this Top Ten. Still the frieldy hate on each other was fun to watch!

[@stohot]

What about "Nuns on the Run"? I just played that, and it fits a 'hide n seek' theme perfectly, with line of site, which way the user is facing, hearing directional noises, etc...

[@sanderdb1]

It seems they each had another defenition of this top 10 and again Zee is the one who got it right imo. Sam and Tom chose games with themes they like, not games where the implementation of the theme is done fantasticly, like Zee did. Take Pandemic, Sam just really likes this unique theme, but it really is pasted on, there's actually already proof that the same game with a totally different theme works just as well (Defenders of the Realm).

[@HighlenTerrain]

When I was young my aunt had a couple games that I have never seen but at her house with great themes. #1 Mothers Helper #2 Smoky the bear Have you guys ever seen them or played them?

[@3nergyst]

Zee's enthusiasm is absolutely infectious

[@rockxhero]

I know its Tom's game, but I'm a little surprised Nothing Personal didn't make the list! I haven't played the game yet, but it seems covered with theme!

[@trevorksanders]

I feel that War of the Ring has a pretty strong theme and the mechanics fit the theme perfectly.

[@Sweetestsadist]

Tom loves both of these games. It's sad they were overlooked.

[@otterbot]

Ca$h'n Guns and A La Carte are perfect examples of theme being the game. Zee gets it right. Sam suggested Shogun -- a dudes-on-a-map RETHEME? Monsters Menace America? Fire & Axe? Dudes on a map is thematic? TI3? Pandemic has rethemed several times. Wait, Fury of Dracula is also on a map. In Sam's world, MAP = THEME.

[@jeffboucherzamzo]

I'm pretty surprised that Android only got a minor mention and Chaos in the Old World, Yedo, Carson City, Republic of Rome, Tales of the Arabian Nights were not on any lists. Goldbrau captures theme far better than Vegas Showdown if you are looking for a building game.

[@PrestonTreetopz]

You guys are petting the table waay too much! :P hehe

[@EliasDKehr]

You ruined this video for me.

[@sanderdb1]

Or Tom's Vegas Showdown, where he actually admits the theme isnt really there, he just likes the theme of building casino's. Zee is the only one who got it right, because Sam and Tom's way is 100% subjective: they like those themes, some people maybe really despise them. But Z's way is objective: whether you like or hate those games or their themes, you must admit the theme is worked out really well, like A la carte for example. So good top 10, but I really wish all 3 would have done it Z's way

[@LucyGooseyLicious]

I was surprised not to see Lords of Vegas there... but gobsmacked not to see Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective there. I ended up thinking it must be on everyone's no.1.

[@kau6912]

How are the mechanics of Lords of Vegas thematic? Get paid for empty lots and all casinos of a color get paid when that color card is drawn

[@LucyGooseyLicious]

K Au Vaguely recall Vasel saying in his review of it that most choices in the game are a gamble and you're playing the odds, etc. Maybe that review has tinted how I see the game, but it really feels like I'm embodying the spirit of vegas when I play that game.

[@ukdane]

I'm suprised Robinson Crusoe didn't make Tom's list, although happy it made Zee's. Also glad at least one of you (Sam) had Android:Netrunner, which IMO oozes theme. I was also suprised that none of you had X-wing on the list. Am I off the mark with X-wing?

[@ExthalionNightshade]

A la Carte sounds like it would translate well to something to do with Alchemy like a potion making game :)

[@Diogmetes]

Monsters Menace America does have great theme but yeah, the mechanics are painful. You basically wander around being unstoppable for half an hour at least and then the whole game just ends in a dice-off with six sideds making everything you did feel nigh pointless. Also, I like Sam; his surliness and passion add a great dynamic to the group and make the videos really entertaining. As does Zee's sense of humor and Tom's knowledge.

[@kau6912]

I have some 'house-rule' ideas that might fix those mechanics. Let me try them out and see if the game is better.

[@Diogmetes]

Don't bother. I am sorry you own the game, too. But adding improvements to this game without a total rewrite is like a coma victim awakening for seconds to see his bewildered love one's pilfering his possessions before he finally succumbs to death.

[@kau6912]

I opened the game today and thought about trying to improve it and then realized that, nah, it's just not worth anymore thought. Someone else can try.

[@josh1674]

Go Surly Sam!

[@tengshow]

I like the disagreement. If everyone agrees, we won't need three of them talking. I think its a recipe when it comes to judging, just take American Idol for example.