Top 10 Kickstarter Games

[@codydavis3100]

I'm only in the first part of the video and I really feel like the live videos are hurting the quality. They take a lot of energy out of the three of them, Tom obviously rushed his list and quality definitely suffered. Zee seemed tired or bored. Sam was the only one that seemed on top of things. They should go back to pre recorded top 10s but maybe make the top 100 games live.

[@stibbsta6828]

Cody Davis read the other comments and you will see you aren’t alone in your summation. I know (think?) the guys read all these comments and clearly take them on board (first few rushed top 100 vids anyone?) so hopefully they read these and are interpreted as they are intended; a heartfelt message of support and a reminder that, hey, if you aren’t up to doing a live video for whatever reason (particularly the top 10s), don’t worry about it! Take the time to be in the right frame of mind and do it another day! We can wait! And will still love what you do.

[@hanseathl]

Joel Stibbard well said! I subscribe to everything you wrote.

[@bethanyrimington-warner7757]

Cody Davis very true! Very well put. Much better than I did lol.

[@TeChNoWC7]

I think its the topic dude. What's to debate about? Oh yeah, that was a kickstarter, forgot about that. Yay. Onto the next number.

[@preymantisss]

If multiple forgotten games is the price paid for live lists or for lists that are a revision of an older one, might I suggest less of them? These lists are usually my favorite videos but knowing that a list is done 5 minutes before shooting and, as we watch, we realize that said list is 33% inaccurate, it takes some shine off of it. Don't get me wrong, I still love your lists and videos and will continue to watch, but this offering was just really odd.

[@Andrew.Griffin]

After browsing the comments, I have to agree with a few. It looks like the Dice Tower needs a vacation. Everyone looks and sounds like they were up all night the night before this aired.

[@gamera2351]

Ok let me get this straight: - Toms #1 game of all time is Project Elite. - Project Elite was ONLY available though Kickstarter. It was never sold retail. - Tom didn't put Project Elite on this list. - Scythe is one of the biggest Kickstarter games ever. It's famous for being a Kickstarter game. Tom admits he forgot to put it on his list. - Tom admits he forgot Chronicles of Crime as well. This is what happens when you rush out a live video every day. Quality control! Slow down with the live content and work on quality please.

[@juanc5118]

Isn't Tom's favorite game is Cosmic Encounters?

[@hyatbradful]

You must not have actually watched the whole thing. He talks about Project Elite at the start.

[@hanng1242]

You know, two things happen when you get old: First, your eyesight goes...and I forget the other.

[@codydavis3100]

@@juanc5118 Used to be. It's number 2 now I think.

[@gamera2351]

@@juanc5118 It was. The latest time Tom did his 100 of all time Project Elite is now his #1

[@rabidpickle]

I’d love to know the story behind this video. Zee is SO off! No build-up to his picks, he isn’t laughing at or mocking Tom for forgetting certain games, he isn’t teasing Sam relentlessly. Not my business at all, but Zee was not happy that day! I know Tom doesn’t drink, but he seems drunk in this video. I love it

[@natelinhart114]

Happy Valentine's Day you three! As evidence of your Kickstarter, you are much loved by many people on here! Thanks for all you do & hope ya'll had an awesome day!

[@sanfranfan72727]

I'm impressed how seamlessly pictures of the games and segue videos are incorporated into the live show

[@benlauson555]

What's wrong Zee? Hope what ever is bothering you gets better. God bless brother.

[@seraphonica]

Seems like Zee did a list of the 10 games that benefited most from Kickstarter, Sam did a list of the 10 games that he enjoys playing most that happened to be Kickstarted, and Tom did a brainstorm of the first ten games he could remember that were on Kickstarter. There's plenty of comments here saying the guys should have spent more time thinking through their lists, and they're 100% right, but coming together beforehand and making sure you're all building a list for the same topic is another wheel that fell off of this wagon, and is more likely the root of the issue. This could have been fodder for several different lists - Sam's and Zee's interpretations are both interesting, and something like "overlooked Kickstarter games that are still worth buying the retail editions of" would be a nice list for viewers to actually be able to take action on - good luck getting a KS complete version of Rising Sun on the open market without paying through the teeth for it, but if you grab the sanely priced retail version instead, you're losing out on entire clans!

[@ezeekiel101]

I'm fine with having different ways of constructing their lists as they explain it and its makes it more interesting. But this time it feels rushed, especially with the amount of missed games.

[@duncancole1742]

Looks like the heated exchange from the live breakfast show earlier in the day bled into this one. Zee a bit moody and Tom overcompensating for that. Sam was totally in his element though and really saved this one. Like many have already said, maybe slow down on the live content guys. Two in one day is obviously a bit much.

[@megalodon2012]

Zee seemed bored and/or frustrated and/or tired at the beginning of this one. Still watching so not sure if that changes.

[@stibbsta6828]

Ben Cartier it doesn’t change, and I agree with others that all 3 gents seemed a little tired, or ill prepared in Tom’s case. 😉 I have no doubt that the KS was a great achievement but also generated lots of pressure for the DT to deliver upon. But sometimes less is more and quality (particularly in respect to the guys being ‘present’ in the videos) is better than quantity; I started watching a couple of years ago and primarily stuck to the top 10s because they were funny and energetic. I fear now that their tight schedule and making everything live might rob us of that. Perhaps the new editor will help (Zee mentioned how much of his day is taken up with editing) but gents, if it gets too much just remember what worked for you in the past and stick with that.

[@Covepsy]

I think Zee read the comments on other videos of people complaining that he makes too many jokes. I really hate it when people complain about someone having fun.

[@stibbsta6828]

phred1325 yeah well if that is the case that’s ludicrous. Joke on Zee man!

[@eddieb8054]

I just love to rewatch a few minutes at a time. These videos where Sam and Zee’s banter kicked tushy. You guys are the best. Hoping to see you all again in a real in person Con again soon.

[@Noland55]

It didn't have the miniatures like the Others & Rise of Moloch but I also love Vindication.

[@benjaminspears8488]

In Tom’s defence, there are A LOT of games being released on Kickstarter. It’s nice that there’s some variety in their choices and they highlight games others might have missed.

[@corrado8955]

Interestingly on BGG you can go to the crowdfunding: kickstarter page and look at everything with that tag including sorting by rankings to see what is most likely to make these types of lists. Stuff happens though, Tom! Not sure if I'm loving the live top 10's, but you guys are getting better with the graphics cutting on them for sure. Perhaps they're a bit easier to do since you don't have to go crazy editing them? I can understand wanting to try and work out the kinks if that's the case.

[@ZakiJeppe]

My top 10: 1. Gloomhaven 2. Blood Rage 3. Spirit Island 4. Aeon's End 5. Scythe 6. Argent: The Consortium 7. Rising Sun 8. Brass Birmingham 9. Yokohama 10. Anachrony

[@chopperdan2021]

Champions of Midgard was not KS'd, only the expansions were.

[@ZakiJeppe]

@@chopperdan2021 Oh no you're right. Only expansions... Well slide everything up on my list and Anachrony becomes #10

[@Calistake047]

Hey, is Zee alright? He looks a bit under the weather

[@Viper6390]

No Dinosaur Island! I'm surprised that one wasn't on your list Tom since you seemed to love that one. Also, it just got an expansion recently.

[@ks3333]

this game really sucked, compare to other better ones. (i played)

[@sirkaleb1359]

Tsukuyumi. Guys, this is one of the best asymetric games ive ever played. The battle system, world and fractions are absolutely gorgeous. The standees are also absolutely functional and genius. But if you are a miniature fan, wait until the new grey fox kickstarter version. Comes out in march of this year ❤️

[@Straddllw]

Words that I only ever hear Zee use repeatedly: Esoteric

[@mrbiofan12]

My favorite kickstarter was the Doomtown set I bought, came with every card for a game I loved so I could finally get into it. It was also my first kick starter.

[@cmelo4757]

Good to see Zee is still with the Dice Tower after BGB. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@LeoLewis]

What?

[@cmelo4757]

@@LeoLewis That was my attempt at sarcastic banter related to the alpha gamer discussion on Board Game Breakfast this morning. It is not meant to be taken seriously in any way.

[@boardgametrucker9376]

I'm always entertained by these lists especially the live ones :-). Although I would have appreciated a list that focused on why the game's benefited from being on Kickstarter rather than just games that happen to be on Kickstarter. A lot of these games it didn't really matter if they were on Kickstarter or not. Say like, murder in Hong Kong. Kickstarter wasn't essential to the making of the game or helping produce it in a unique way. Whereas something like Kingdom Death monster, to be extreme, could not have been made or funded without using Kickstarter, its invention was essential with the use of Kickstarter. Anyways thanks for the list :-)

[@argel1200]

I'm seriously regretting backing the KS this year and probably won't back it again if this livestream push continues. I work during the day, so I can't watch them live, so all I'm getting is a significant reduction in quality and longer lengths. I come to the Dice Tower for the prerecorded+edited content, which used to be frequent and good quality. Now they're an endangered species. Edit: And this list was a horrible idea. I didn't learn anything new because so many of these were predictable. Do a KS list that excludes the big publishers next time (e.g. no CMON).

[@mikeprice6816]

One man's "overproduced" is another man's "table presence". I LOVE the tree in Everdell. I don't care for games with loads of miniatures, but that doesn't mean they are "overproduced".

[@johnr8095]

not sure if Roll Player was kick started. But the expansion definitely was.

[@TranShar]

Roll Player was a Kickstarter. That's how I got it, then later also backed the expansion.

[@johnr8095]

Tran Shar I must have missed the original games Kickstarter but I heard people talking about it. I also backed the expansion Kickstarter.

[@EHngelic]

Both base game and expansion was kickstarted. Keep an eye out for the new expansion, Fiends and Familiars, to be launched in the next couple if months

[@leonardspadaveccchia2764]

Zee’s death stare at Tom when he talked about near and far was priceless

[@EviLNox8]

Looks like Tom is sleep deprived and zee just wants to hurry!

[@c.w.2000]

I think some of the comments about the quality of this list are a little harsh. At least Tom readily admitted to his omissions. I'm so glad that not all my days at work are videotaped. I do agree that Sam was particularly engaged when describing his selections. That said, if it's vacation time for you all, please go enjoy yourselves and don't worry about us for a week or two.

[@richardsaunders9214]

Spirit Island, Mythos Tales, Agents of Smersh, Aeons End, Co-op: the co-op game, The captain is Dead

[@BeyondTheLineProductions]

My favorite was the rising sun kickstarter deck you guys made! Just did an unboxing of this!

[@shanerion]

Root is NOT in a second edition yet. The third printing has some rules updates which will be fixed for preexisting owners through some upgrade components. Still in First Edition.

[@keel1701]

Exploding dice have been around since at least Vampire RPG.

[@feekygucker2678]

I'll kick it a couple more years earlier to the open-ended rolls of Rolemaster, but I'm sure it'll be in even earlier games; anyone...anyone?

[@IdlestHands]

@@feekygucker2678 Tunnels & Trolls is the earliest (1975) I can think off

[@laurihyttinen9500]

A very fun top 10 list although maybe not the most polished one. Maybe Tom could make a quick solo video about his real top 10 :D

[@Steve-L]

Exploding dice - Relic from 2013 had exploding dice, before ArcadiaQuest, but can't say it was 1st. Relic is basically Talisman updated in space using the Warhammer 40K universe.

[@funkoxen]

Why is Tom dressed as Pancho Villa?

[@FabianNeumann]

One of the weaker lists, imho. Kickstarter is so varied these days that the top 10 games lacked a common thread. Maybe "top 10 games that would not have made it w/o KS" would have been the better premise. And in that regard I disagree with Zee on Chronicles of Crime: crime/mystery etc. is trending, apps have been mostly with bigger publishers before. I think that game didn't need KS.

[@Jhoratio]

Wild that Alien Frontiers appeared on no one's list. OG Kickstarter and a fantastic game at that.

[@joshroberts8278]

I thought Sam would have put Commissioned on the list.

[@LeeroyPorkins]

My top 10: 1. Massive Darkness 2. Blood Rage 3. Dinosaur Island 4. Space Cadets: Away Missions 5. Dice Hospital 6. Alien Frontiers 7. Zombicide: Green Horde 8. Arcadia Quest (A beast of a set up/tear down) I own TMNT: Shadows of the Past, but haven't played it yet. Heroes of Land Air and Sea will be on top of the list once I get it.

[@ecfwho]

Our household was pretty excited for Dinosaur Island and Fireball Island, for sure. But there's so many great Kickstarters... :)

[@annjourney14]

My Kickstarter Top 10 (consisting of only games I've backed): 10) Tumblin Dice 9) Inhabit the Earth 8) Conan 7) Merlin 6) Lisboa 5) Viticulture Collector's Edition 4) Scythe 3) Between Two Cities 2) Dinosaur Island 1) Apex Theropod

[@zodiacprime]

My list is easy since I just started supporting Kickstarter boardgames late last year. I haven't even had 10 games delivered yet! 😋 But of the ones I've received or purchased at retail: 1. Dinosaur Island Xtreme Edition 2. Claustrophobia 1643 3. Blood Rage (retail ed.) 4. Fireball Island 5. City of Kings 6. Escape the Dark Castle 7. Bloody Sails (PnP) 8. Map Maker (PnP) 9. Evil Overlord Mysthea, The Faceless, Shadowrun: Sprawl Ops, and Omen Saga are all on their way so I'll soon have enough for a legit top 10! 😁

[@derekgarcia3069]

Actually, after Sam mentioned Tsukuyumi...I'm curious if Grey Fox will make the minis work. I actively dislike standees in games, but the ones in Tsukuyumi are extremely functional; they have all of the unit stats printed on them. These stats are important for a lot of the actions in the game, and useful to have at a glance.

[@Steve-L]

1. Architects of the West Kingdom - my 3rd favorite game: this game did not make my top 10 in my 1st play, but each play afterwards increased its rank. I love the player powers here! 2. Alien Frontiers - my 11th favorite: one of my 1st games in the hobby and still love it. Expansions are great! 3. Xia: Legends of a Drift System - 24th favorite with only 1 play. I doubt I will ever play it again, but would love to, but would not play a full game 4. Colosseum - 25th- this got a few plays but has slowed down. needs to get back to the table, but quite enjoyed it. 5. The Pursuit of Happiness - 28th: a family favorite, and really enjoy the expansion. the theme is thin unless you read the cards aloud but quite enjoy this. 6. Evolution - 35th: another game only played once, but maybe twice, not sure. Really loved it, also doubt I will play it again. 7. Unexploded Cow - 37th: I played this once a few years ago, and put it on my "to buy"list, and finally got it a few months ago. My family and I love it. 8. Dead Men Tell No Tales - 40th: Only played twice, but really enjoyed it. Perhaps my favorite co-op. Another game I doubt I will ever play again though. due to availability. 9. Sagrada - 48th: a beautiful game, one my wife enjoys more than me, but I do appreciate it. 10. Run, Fight, or Die! - 60th: a fun game, that has not been getting as many plays lately, and while I hate the theme, I quite enjoyed this game play.

[@ChristianAdventureGamer]

You should really try Folklore: The Affiction. No miniature to put together, they come preassembled.

[@sirjonsnow]

Maybe it shows up again later in the list, but Zee should have mentioned Everdell shipped like 6 months early too!

[@TranShar]

Zee did, it was early on his list.

[@patcon314]

Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done is a great game released on KS, and where the KS exclusives for the deluxified version enhance game play and enjoyability. I agree with the comments about the live lists suffering in quality.

[@Valcurdra]

Zee no subterra?

[@ks3333]

i played subterra...not bad, but there are dozens of better kickstarter games...

[@Valcurdra]

@@ks3333 It's Zee's top 20 of all time, he probably forgot it was KS

[@nicolaskerenski5294]

I agree with multiple commentors: Prerecord the Top 10s. I honestly do not see the value of live performances. On the topic of Top 10s however: I was unable to find Top 10s based on lenght of play. Like Top 10 games under 45 min or Top 10 long (4h+) games. Maybe I missed those?

[@steveweshinskey2117]

Sub titles have the Guys listed as Tom Bass Holmes, you Garcia and Same Healy :)

[@tamidorwindtaenzer1377]

As the new Tsukuyumi Kickstarter is around the corner. I would love Sams opinion of the game leaving out the component quality. Could the rating and the spot on the top 10 list go up? I thought deterministic compat wasn´t his cup of tea for example.

[@chopperdan2021]

My Top 10: 1. Dogs of War 2. Conan 3. Trickerion 4. I, Spy 5. Scythe 6. Xia: Legends of a Drift System 7. Zombicide (Modern) 8. Fleet 9. Yokohama 10. Among the Stars

[@Katasunder]

I only have Fate of the Elder Gods and Rising Sun as a Kickstarter game but my god Fate has the best production quality ever. Everything is extremely high quality, even the box is amazing(shiny tentacles). The game is pretty good, but it's was just worth getting it for the quality of it.

[@TheHouseofPanda]

Why was Tom so embarrassed while Zee was talking about Scythe?

[@griffglowen5555]

Why does Sam prefer Zombicide Black Plague to Green Horde?

[@stevenjudd2383]

I want to see Tom's top 10 scribbled out with a red pen. :D

[@FeartheMalice]

TMNT Shadows of the past, Grimm forest, and The omega Sega if it would of been out by now but it still has not been shipped out.

[@LeeroyPorkins]

How is Shadows of the Past? I haven't gotten around to playing it. Does it work well for 2 players (My Wife and I)?

[@FeartheMalice]

@@LeeroyPorkins I recommend getting the new one when it comes out if you want to play co op with her. Shadows of the best works better when you have 3 players or 5 players because the game is 1 vs 4. And it is no longer available because they want people to buy the new one because the problems the old one had was pretty big. But if you do not care about miniatures sizes or little bit of misplaced villains in the chapters and do not mind playing the bad guys while your wife plays all four turtles then it is a pretty good game. If not wait until the new version comes out.

[@LeeroyPorkins]

@@FeartheMalice I was planning on getting the new one as it has better minis & more importantly solo/co-op mode. I want to try Shadows first as then I can get a feel for the system.

[@stephenlowman3067]

Zee have you tried Fortress America for an All vs ONE game. Yes I know its old; but I have enjoyed this everytime I play!

[@GamingWithSantanas]

15 minutes into the video and decided to come to the comments to see if zee was off or bored on this top 10. Top comment sounds about right. Hopefully it switches in the last half or so. But it's hard to keep up the charisma if your tired

[@FatherTime89]

I couldn’t understand him, but what game was the guy in the red taking about when he said it would be his number one but he forgot it was a kickstarter?

[@09Lumberjack85]

Dice Throne ? Too Many Bones ? Sword & Sorcery ? Tiny Epic Galaxies !!?

[@keel1701]

And technically I have the KS version of Colosseum so I'd put that on the list, even though I fell in love with the original.

[@TheHouseofPanda]

AEG launched Edge of Darkness on Kickstarter before Thunderstone Quest, didn’t they?

[@zangster2k]

Looks like Zee's number one Kickstarter is Ambien.

[@laurihyttinen9500]

The only games I've kickstarted are Western Legends, Awkward Guests and 7th Continent so I can't make a top 10 yet :)

[@bethanyrimington-warner7757]

Woof, y’all need to take some naps before your next live play y’all look sleepy and tired! Lol Love the videos as always.

[@derekgarcia3069]

I'm kind of surprised Zee didn't have Deep madness on his list. Also, where was The Edge: Dawnfall?!?!?!?! :)

[@robthomas6758]

Yeah, I was thinking that Deep Madness may be in Zee's list. Maybe he hasn't played it much yet

[@lldalmatians3923]

My number 1 kickstarter is call to adventure LOVE IT!

[@TheRealMrKGB]

Tom's next top 10 list should be Top 10 games Tom forgot were Kickstarted

[@keel1701]

I like Agents of Mayhem by Academy Games but its easy to miss if you don't care for the theme. Also you missed Dinosaur Island!

[@kotieerwee2593]

I would also like to second the opinions in the comment section. The negatives on these live lists by far outweighs the positives.

[@Kentchangar]

I didn't hear anything Zee said for his Number 6. :D

[@jimsmith7445]

This was a superior Top Ten. I enjoyed the cross talk, and exchange of opinions. I have supported a lot of KS games.... love Nemo's War, Xia, Dual Powers, Wearing the Purple, and Cogs and Comrads.... also loved "This War of Mine" and "John Carter of Mars

[@perfectloveweddings]

Can't believe Gloomhaven was on only 1 top 10 list!

[@FatherTime89]

Surprised Tom didn’t mention Sentinels of the Multiverse

[@GlamMetalKim]

What´s the intro song? Sounds like a good 80´s rock song :)

[@benjaminchernik7330]

this was a really great top 20 list from tom

[@KabukiKid]

Ah... I forgot Nemo's War! :-) Another great one.

[@teswest]

Cant believe Sam missed Fireball Island

[@dallasuphold1745]

When is Tom going to do standup? He's killing it!!

[@IronSalamander8]

Love Gloomhaven. No Cthulhu Wars though?! :o

[@ThomasMcCancejr]

Zee said esoteric? Take a drink!

[@Andural69]

Idea for a top 10, top 10 campaign\legacy games

[@arcubal]

Wow! A lot of dungeon crawls on the lists, although Gloomhaven is overrated. I feel like Near and Far and Stuffed Fables have been around longer than just this year but, yeah, I love them both! Fate of the Elder Gods and Rising 5 are the only ones on the lists that are underdogs and didn't get a lot of widespread love (yet?) And if Tom wants to control a big monster, I can't wait to see how high Skulk Hollow will score next year!

[@johnrochester1419]

Tom is funny. Don't be too hard on yourself Tom for forgetting games on your list. Tom has a condition we've come to know as gameitis. You've played too many games Tom. :)

[@ktotheramer]

@Tom, what, no Roll Player?

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

If you guys need a vacation take one. I know you all work hard but rest is just as important as hard work. Glad to see project elite didn't make it.

[@ViperaRaddei]

Zee, I’d love to be your gaming buddy. You’re a funny dude. :)

[@pcuimac]

Why do games always been ordered in a 10..1 way? Can't you three just come up with your 20 best Kickstarter games or so? I don't care for "who is on top of the list?".

[@mrtricky1313]

Aww, no one mentioned TMNT: Shadows of the Past.

[@TheProteanGeek]

Games I'd pick but not in any particular order. Rising Sun One Night Ultimate Series (Werewolf, Alien etc) Kingdom Death Monster Gloomhaven Xia Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Hive Mind Orleans Dinosaur Island

[@theadamkirsch]

50:15 the start of some Zee gold

[@raszXavos]

Roll Player and Paperback....

[@VillainCollector1]

Thanks guys. Fun video

[@TapCat]

Apparently, every game that looks good is now "overproduced." Maybe we can lobby publishers to just use paper maps instead of boards, and slips of paper with hand-written text instead of cards. No need for all that wasted money going into components!

[@mgk2020]

Your reaction is as guilty of hyperbole as theirs are.

[@windbane69]

Unnecessary components that made the game cost too much is over produced. I do not think Everdell is a victim of that, however. The tree looks really cool, and it's still just cardboard, so it doesn't add a lot to the cost.

[@aarcade6676]

What I hate is when people call a Deluxe edition 'overproduced'. It's a Deluxe edition for a reason.

[@salmonblox]

I think Zee uses the term “overproduced” whenever a game has components that are rather superfluous to actual gameplay. Abyss and Everdell are probably the biggest examples, as they are essentially card games with amazing art and components. Dial back the production and the games still function as games. That said, I don’t understand your reaction. Did they say overproduced was bad? I believe Zee immediately said he LIKES games that look good, and Sam and Tom are usually quick to agree with that. Who’s complaining?

[@DCAMM720]

Zee and Sam always seem so irritated or bored when Tom is rambling.

[@exiledsonofhawaii3934]

Stockpile???

[@jonathanmiller1273]

Battlecon. Battlecon. Battlecon. Battlecon. Battlecon. Battlecon. Battlecon. Enough said.

[@Sajatzsiraf]

i wish i had you guys for colleagues...