Top 100 Games of All Time - 100-91

[@jackdempsy7104]

I remember the days where the Dice Tower crew had to bring their own waters. Now, with a quick funded kickstarter, all they have to do is hint at wanting a water and within seconds someone appears offscreen with a water delivery. My, my how times have changed. ;-) Wishing you well, Zee!

[@FemmeSensei]

As well it should be! In 10 years they'll say "Man, I'm parched..." and the ceiling will open up and douse all of them!

[@thedicetower]

You can't do that on television.

[@richardshort2001]

@@thedicetower I don't know about tha...

[@FemmeSensei]

Not to take away from any other content creator...you guys are gold-standard. There's so much to love about this format and how you go about these top 100 videos it's just fantastic. I bet a ton of work goes into them, and it shows!

[@anothername2730]

Agreed. Their reviews are also excellent. I’ve found out about so many good games from them.

[@AhJong0]

Mike channelling the spirit of Sam with his very long intros - love it!

[@Fissi0nChips]

The screen behind Tom should be higher up the wall if you are going to continue to put people in front of it. The empty space above it should be below it.

[@FemmeSensei]

I've thought that in every video I've seen for months now lol

[@Skarpo89]

That could really work

[@bricelory9534]

Good call, smart use of screen space, I think.

[@nothing3376]

Lol yes

[@m-sousa]

It doesn't bother me at all to be honest. They still show the images in full screen at some point. Plus, that would mean an all re-do of the room: setting back the camera(which will mess up with the "back room" space they have settled now) and get that upper space ready to be shown on camera... Honestly, I don't think it is worth that investment. More so if there are still more videos showing less than 4 people on this set.

[@brynnhardwick7623]

Lol The banter and commentary in this video is hilarious. A great start to the Top 100! Great job, guys!

[@TheRASDEL83]

By far my favorite series... so glad the top 100 is back :)

[@Oaklestat]

This series is one of my favorites every year.

[@bryanscollick8305]

Wow! Mike finally gets his own theme this year!!!! Nice!

[@middleclassboardgamer]

I’m about to watch a second time through. I’m so glad they’re back to being in the studio together. The chemistry is so much better.

[@JacobPorterLadder]

Chris Yi could read me a phone book and I'd enjoy it. The true voice of the people

[@speedandstyletony]

"I like games too much" - Tom. This could become the Dice Tower's new slogan!

[@unlimitedrabbit]

Put me down for a large in black when the T-shirt with this slogan on it becomes available.

[@ExBeeOne]

In my experience, Quest for El Dorado is a much better introductory deckbuilder, than Ascension. Much better. Mike nailed it.

[@DTChrisYi]

For the record, I really hate Ascension. But an introductory game should be geared towards the person you're teaching, so if people want to fight monsters and have special card power combos, Ascension or DC Deck Building Game. I would personally lean towards Summer Camp or Dominion for my favorite deck building game to introduce to people.

[@dylanjacobchin4237]

Waited all year for this!! love the addition of Mike's theme!

[@sKoLb86]

I've said it before I'll say it again, that TV behind you, it can go a lot higher on the wall.. Tom is blocking half the screen 😆

[@borreholic]

I'm guessing it'll then be too high for more zoomed-in videos featuring only one member. But here, yeah, clearly not optimal.

[@Skarpo89]

@@borreholic I have never seen this, but I'd like to believe someone must have invented some kind of rails system so you can move the TV up or down. It might not look pretty though which is important here

[@m-sousa]

I said it in another comment: I don't think it is that big of a deal. We still have the full screen images from what it is showing up, so I don't think it matters that much if the tv is blocked when they have 4 people on set. Specially taking in consideration everything that would have to be done to change that for a few videos.

[@procrastinatingperfectioni278]

Great video I look forward to these top 100's all year

[@NintenBro]

This by far is my favorite group! These four need to get back together more often!!

[@alexmoisant5732]

Core 3 are A+. But Chris is a tough listen. He’s easily my least favorite 4th. Seems like he just has a much different skill set. But he doesn’t bring a fresh perspective like the other 4s do.

[@patrickvalo8822]

Love these list videos. Its up there with my favorite content on yt. Its almost like a podcast and comedy show combined with board games. What more does one want

[@jarrodbabel533]

The point made about 7 wonders vs 7 wonders architects as a gateway game is spot on. I taught 7WA to a new gamer and they loved it, understood it immediately. Then tried 7W and the extra concepts were over their head for the first couple plays. 7WA is an AMAZING intro to the hobby.

[@zmollon]

Unfortunately I think the lustre fades rather quickly with this game. There are other games id rather play like sushi go to introduce drafting and then build to the much meatier and long lasting 7w. Architects was fun for about two plays and then I realized it has no staying power. If I wanted to pick between two things I'd rather play love letter or even kingdomino

[@WhatUpRob]

Mike with the knuckle glasses “SNAKE!” bit 👏 👏 👏 I freaking love that joke so much! Such a hilarious sequence of Crowdsurfing I couldn’t stop laughing. I seriously want to get one of those knuckle glasses and whip that out randomly while playing a game with Mike some day.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Zees reaction to the tictacs floored me!

[@Migmeister13]

I watch you guys every year once you are done. I love your top 100, I love the different point of view and sometimes, it's nice when you agree on something. For this first part, my taste are very much align with Tom, not that your games are listed at similar ranks compare to my top 100, but that you mentioned 4 games that are in my top 100, 2 that are just off and one that I'm really interested in playing. I just want to add, that Quest for El Dorado is an excellent introductory game and that the 80+ maps you can find on BGG are very interesting. The latest stand alone expansion gives it a nice, heavier twist, which is very interesting when you are trying to move newer player to more complex game, without offering something overwhelming! Can't wait to watch the next episode! Keep up the good work!!

[@Moetdat1900]

I loved this episode, so much chaotic energy, it was really entertaining.

[@robertbouley7697]

My de facto Top 100 series. Thanks for doing this another year!

[@iamignored7052]

I love this time of the year because of this series!

[@scottelam3726]

Playing off Mike's explaination for Takenoko, made me think of a new Top 10 List - games we love to teach, but don't seek out (or somthing like that)

[@ramonosuke]

Mike dilisio is the G.O.A.T, and best addition to the dice tower. He’s giving Zee a run for his money when it comes to quick witted humor 7 Wonders is still one of my favorite of all time, and architects looks like a much better intro to the system, but the price throws me off, especially considering it lacks replay.

[@nothing3376]

I absolutely love the tic-tac discussion.

[@NoNicknameRequired]

I'm with Mike - "The Quest for El Dorado" is a perfect game to play if You want to introduce someone to deckbuilding. After I played it with friends I was hungry for more titles like this. Also, one of my friends immediately decided to buy his own copy.

[@duncancole1742]

Mike is 100% correct RE El Dorado: it's much easier to teach to newbies since the majority of the cards are super clear and everyone understands a race. Your objective isn't as abstract as it is in almost every other deck builder and that can be a bit of a barrier to new comers.

[@ryanbartlett672]

Just started, but first comment: Zee is right! Assuming the site correctly matches up every game. But now that I've finished the video...Mike brought up the nostalgia factor...yeah, I see that too ! Keep going, Chris -- don't let those guys bully you :-) Nobody talks games like the Dice Tower! long time fan.

[@sakrelaasta]

I can not understand which site is that they say they use to match the games?? Which is it?

[@wishmeheaven]

Love how the video is break into parts! Thank you for that..

[@cherylduval1965]

I love watching you guys. I agree with your choices, although some I haven't played or heard of.

[@alternativemilkspdx]

Gad you kept the music for this one, lol. Very comforting in these uncertain times.

[@joshuahill60]

For his 91, I was waiting for Mike to say “Not new to my list but a new game this year…”

[@jankogo]

Mike: You are totally correct about the gateway deck-building appeal of Quest for Eldorado.

[@normanhutchinson3504]

You know, I came back to rewatch this again because I just went through my top 20 again after playing some new games I really enjoyed, and I'm more on-board with Tom about the PubMeeple ranking. I used it but then I end up massaging it a lot afterward.

[@TheSchaef47]

1:18:00 the main reason I wouldn't put Ascension as the game to teach deck-building is that it has two different currencies: you have a river with both items and monsters and you acquire them using what amounts to either buying dollars or punching dollars. Same with Marvel Legendary, but they improve on that model by having villains in a different row from heroes to recruit. I don't know if Dominion would be my default - I'm maybe 70% on that choice - but it would be some kind of game with only one form of currency for getting new cards. The point in El Dorado's favor is the entire ruleset is 8 pages end to end, including examples and a glossary. Doesn't get much simpler than that.

[@Fighterfan69]

Surprised some of the bigger games are so low yet there are a lot of games out there and players have different preferences. I can't even think of my top 100 even though I have over 100 games myself. Notables from this list that I play consistently are Terraforming Mars, Anachrony, Aeons End, Cartographers, Orleans, Roll Player, Dinosaur Island, Dice Throne

[@dionisisstefanitsis6497]

Mike is right: quest for el Dorado is an excellent game and easier to introduce to new people, compared to other deck builders, due to the racing element. Also, the idea of using your cards as 0.5 coins is neat.

[@NATOnova]

love this series! Are yall planning on doing another top 100 analysis video with boardgameco?

[@codym6376]

No time stamp for Mikes 95 and 94 and People’s choice 95 is a minute late. Thanks for what is there but though you might want to fix it. Always enjoy these videos guys. I hope the A-team gets to do there’s later this year so we can see what Roy’s been up to.

[@jdtyler7]

Azul will be around and in print in 20 years. It'll be like Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride in that regard. The sequels won't. At least in my opinion. They're well liked, but not nearly as well received. I know lots of people that own Azul. I don't know anyone who owns one of the sequels.

[@realjeremybrooks]

I have Stained Glass of Cintra. We like it. Haven't played the OG or Pavilions so I have nothing to compare it to. Took several plays before we figured out the scoring correctly. That helps a ton.

[@tvdavis]

I am inclined to agree. Regular Azul is certainly the easiest to teach. I was able to teach it to my 75-year-old mother over the phone while playing on Board Game Arena. I also have the giant version of Azul, so I can’t see myself bothering to get stained glass, or summer pavilion. I’ve played them, and they were OK, but I still prefer the original.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Mike, you gotta protest your intro song. 🤣

[@antoniogg1986]

1:03:46 Mike proud look to the camera should already de saved to the 2022 video of best moments

[@kingfishergames2158]

Great The Lorax reference right at the end 🤣 we watched that a few times in December

[@SJAC2]

I love Takenoko and there's a lot of my friends that really enjoy playing it, so I'm glad to see it in this list :)

[@leenicholas278]

No joke I was about to sit down to read one of two rulebooks as I was watching this and I thought, "Hm, I'll watch through #99 then I'll choose." One of those choices was Obsession, which was the very next game mentioned. Thanks for making my choice for me! Sorry Forbidden Stars... You'll have to wait!

[@thwilee]

Mike’s intros are from Stephen Colbert’s school of Meanwhile, lol!

[@CE3_1905]

I'm interested in how many Catchupalooza games will on the respective lists, if there are any🤔

[@PatrickBrophy]

I’m glad to see Oath as I haven’t finished reading the rules to play my Kickstarter copy yet. LOL

[@Straddllw]

I’ve finished reading out the rules and played through the recommended play by play and I dreaded teaching this.

[@jenniferhaar7934]

Frisky ranking system!!...love it!!

[@CosmicTavern]

It's the most, wonderful time of the year. Regarding Azul...it IS a ton of fun but I wish the components were a bit better. I'd love dual layered scoring boards and dual layered boards where you place the tiles. I think that would be a great add on.

[@RadishTheFool]

The expansion gives you exactly that. It didn't appeal to me since I love to slide the tiles into place. But it might be perfect for you.

[@derabkoemmling]

The discussion 45:05 would make a great top 10 list, wouldn't it? Top 10 games you devoted a lot of or the most time to. I certainly was interested in you, Tom,w continuing your list of Roll Player and Sleeping Gods.

[@Leonadter]

Great lists! This would be mine: #100 - Star Realms: Frontiers #99 - Tapestry #98 - The Taverns of Tiefenthal #97 - Roll Player #96 - Star Realms (Played a little more than Frontiers) #95 - Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases #94 - Egizia: Shifting Sands #93 - Foodies #92 - Unlock!: Timeless Adventures #91 - Unlock!: Heroic Adventures

[@paweborkowski6959]

You actually own(ed) each of the 100 games you listed?

[@Leonadter]

@@paweborkowski6959 majority of them yes, but others I’ve played belonging to other people

[@scraboz8187]

You guys should start a "The Dice Tower Jr." I volunteer... Although I feel like I am the only kid I know who loves board games and dreams to be the next Phil Walker Harding or Reiner Knizia.

[@xinnanli2239]

Wondering if you all can add cameras so that we can see their expressions when talking.

[@joncasso]

Terraforming mars at 91 for tom was the biggest surprise for me

[@j-plarouche9959]

7 wonders was my entry to ''modern gaming'' fisrt game i ever bought for myself had to teach it to everyone around me lots of them you could have called non-gamer at the time. It NEVER failed its such a clean desing there is only a handfull of gameplay rules to know and not so much more scoring rules. Its biggest strenghs are its gametime and scaling its super easy to do an age 1 to teach then reset and start for real. Anyway its definetly gateway in my book and im curious about Architechs but I don't know if i will try it someday

[@zmollon]

Try it on board game arena. It's bad. I would never willingly play if 7w was another option.

[@FletchforFreedom]

Been waitin' for this one. Great start!

[@kandacemoore7853]

You guys should do a video on your favorite games to teach new gamers.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Obsession intrigues me.

[@ESCTom]

My Crossovers 90-100 Tom: 4 (awkward guests / blood rage / dixit / Orleans) Zee: 2 ( cosmos encounter / COC) Mike: 3 (blitzkrieg / rising sun / takenoko) Peoples choice: 1 (7th continent)

[@mlleloo7225]

"Sorry that you have to look like this" 🤣❤️

[@randalladkins7452]

0:59 - If the other guys are now the A-Team, can Tom, Mike, and Zee now be the Mega Force? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYuodn9_gsqshc0

[@louissimonlefebvre8254]

I know this wasn't the point of the video, so sorry for the tangent. I have to disagree BIG TIME with Tom about aeon's end legacy. The way they introduces mechanic from game to game is BRILLIANT. Its the perfect way to introduce a fairly complexe game to newcomer, and really give you that feel of going from apprentice to master. If it wasn't for that,I don't think I would have been able to introduce the game to my partner, and since then we have shared many joyeuse moment with the game. Learning about the différent parts of the game for session to session was truly an amazing design décision. Apart for that, great video! Excited for the rest!

[@thedicetower]

I get that, and actually agree, BUT what if you already know how to play. Then it's slow torture.

[@louissimonlefebvre8254]

@@thedicetower I guess if the table was full of experienced players, that could happen. I had already played a couple dozens game when I start my first session, and I was playing with 2 persons that had only played once. I have to admit the first 2 games weren't super exciting gameplaywise for me. I was still super engaged because of the story. And once you start to get customizable options, like your starting deck, breaches and abilities, the rpg fanatic in me had more than enough to be content. Same thing happened the second time I played through it with my partner. Those first couple boring games are more than worth it for the story, the ability to create my own unique mage that I can take from game to game and the ability to easily introduce people that aren't super gamers like me to this wonderful game. I totally respect your opinion by the way, I'm just very passionate about the game ;p

[@sohailsadaqat6684]

I feel like the software that ranks the games for you by comparing, would've changed the list a little bit. I know mine has because some biasness about older games would've gone now

[@ryandriver541]

Why is Roy lurking in the background on that recycling game??

[@elink2k1]

The List no one asked for... mine (in my collection): 100 - Troyes Dice - Solid Roll & Write but no interaction between players 99 - Star Wars: Outer Rim - This is Star Wars adventures... create your own story but game is ehhh... 98 - Dark Domains - Plays a bit like Pillars of the Earth but with an interesting twist with tile placing on player boards 97 - Newton - I hate explaining this game but I love the modular aspects of this and engine building 96 - Century: Eastern Wonders - I think putting Century 1 and 2 together is probably the game I want to play 95 - Nova Luna - The scoring is difficult for some reason to explain but it is a race with only hate drafting as the interaction 94 - HATE - This is a really fun game but impossible to table because of the tournament style play 93 - Abyss - with the expansion is a great set collection game with a bit of pushing your luck 92 - Quetzal - This is one that may climb, love the bidding and blocking player interaction... how do you want to get your points? 91 - Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers - This one will definitely climb... It may even make it within the top 50. It just works. Love watching you guys and your silly jokes! Can't wait to watch the rest.

[@benjaminspears8488]

1:07:31 Chris was so fancy that he broke the stream for a second!

[@bricelory9534]

Pronouncing the "t" in valet is because often British de-French French words that are in English.

[@bricelory9534]

@akplmn I'm no etymologist, but the first Google word origin search of "valet" says it comes from 12th century Old French as a variety of "vaslet" which meant manservant. That would put it right in the timing of the Norman occupation, when the French would have had manservants in England and as the language of the nobility, the French words would have likely been more prominent, especially for such a socioeconomic word. And it would also make it an easier leap to why American pronunciation would lean toward French conventions: as we standardized American English, we wanted to distinguish ourselves from British, and at the time there was a history of positive French interaction across America (French fur trading helping settle and explore areas, alliances from the Revolution, etc.). I am sure it's more complicated than that, as well, but it fits known history and trends that were happening in English at those times.

[@Liz290895]

I knew I was a fan of Chris, Aeon's End is the best! I just got my Legacy of Gravehold pledge and can't wait to dive in :)

[@DTChrisYi]

Oooh yeah, the pledge already delivered for you?

[@Liz290895]

@@DTChrisYi Yes, it did, but I'm in Europe so we are probably on a different fulfillment schedule. It looks awesome! I hope yours arrives soon too!

[@gbrim20]

This, Aeon's End rocks.

[@dancondonjones]

Aeon’s End is my number 1. Interesting that Tom said he likes deckbuilders to not feel like work - as I’m pretty sure he likes Imperium Classics/Legends. I absolutely agree - and that’s why I hated Imperium and love Aeon’s End.

[@Liz290895]

@@dancondonjones Yes, I agree with this! I only played Imperium Classics once, but it felt like much more work than Aeon's End. Unless you're talking about the set up. I will admit that my complete set of Aeon's End has gotten a bit out of hand and hard to manage 😃

[@Steve-L]

Quest for ElDorado mixed with the stand alone makes it my #1 game of all time.

[@ThaGamingMisfit]

Can't wait for Chris' personal top 100 if I'm totally honest !

[@legendsoftoday]

Dice tower you guys are the best!!

[@DumahAtreides]

Full agreement with Mike that OG Azul is the best (so far)

[@JosephFlemming]

Cartographers would possibly rank In my top ten games of all time. I love playing on the all despite it only having the base game only.

[@hitomikojiru]

Move that TV up a foot or two.

[@JosephFlemming]

Dinosaur Island is still in my top games of all time but the new roll and write is very good too.

[@WhatUpRob]

Decided this year to track the games you all mention according to 1. Games I want (w) to play 2. Games I’ve played (p) 3. Games I own (o). In this stretch: Zee: (1) #93 (W) Tom: (2) #99 & 91 (o both) People: (4) #96, 95, 94, 92 (o, w, p, p) Mike: (5) #99, 96, 94, 92, 91 (w, p, o, p, w) Totals: Own = 4 Played = 4 Want to play = 4 Funny haha. Notes: 1. Want to play can mean I want to own it, I just haven’t played it or outright bought it before playing it. (El Dorado & Obsession fit this description) 2. 1 crossover was with Mike & the People with El Dorado.

[@rekasil]

offtopic - the monitor behind you guys could be a bit higher

[@aaronmoore54]

I just acquired R-Eco and it’s a neat little game. I think it could use some refinement, but I like the card play of it a lot.

[@pwnership1337]

Instead of ratchet games (that doesn't sound thematic... I'd go with one way choices or one way path (and that suits the theme of the games this mechanic seems to appear in)

[@middleclassboardgamer]

Here we gooooooooo!!!!!

[@RetroMaticGamer]

Does anyone actually make a big deal if Tom drops a game from, like, 5 to 97 or something? I mean, Tom has played literally THOUSANDS of games by now. His entire list represents a small fraction of 1% of all the games he's played - a game getting on the list AT ALL, much less staying on it more than once, is a heck of a feat!

[@m-sousa]

I do actually believe people make a big deal out of it. Either by thinking he now hates something or accusing him of how wrong he is.

[@txsportsfreak02]

how do i vote on my favorite games.

[@Redbeard013]

As someone who has never played TFM (don't hurt me) but is very interested, should I get Ares expedition first and see if it feels like enough for me? I know TFM has a lot of expansions, which is why I am a bit hesitant to dive into it now that Ares is out.

[@TheGlassesPush]

I haven't played Ares, but I have heard that some of the TM magic is lost in Ares. If you're interested in TM, I'd say go for the full version. For expansions, I hear Prelude is a good one to speed up the game (a rarity for expansions!).

[@ThymeKeeper]

For me Ares isn't light enough to really be considered a light game, and there are specific things about it that I am "meh" about, but it's definitely lighter than full TM. If you've never played either one and you lean towards lighter games, I would start with Ares. It's sort of a tough call, but if you are unsure between two choices then it makes sense to start lighter because it's less of an investment.

[@LeeKenshin7]

Play TM with Prelude which I consider an essential expansion. AE is a watered down version that really isn't that much faster. You can also wait to get Ark Nova which apparently already "kills" TM for some. I love the interaction in TM so gave away AE to a friend and heard Ark Nova has less interaction, so likely will pass.

[@jaimesinclair9585]

Go for the real thing. Tom must be drunk dropping it from #7 to #91 because of Ares. You won't be disappointed.

[@sordhacker]

I backed High Rise with the plastic minis, it's delayed as most kickstarters, should get it this March.

[@AndreWDYounitedRevolution]

maybe you should make a TOP 10 of games that you like to teach someone else because you don't feel as much joy with them anymore :P

[@dancondonjones]

Who is the other Dice Tower person who recognises the brilliance of Aeon’s End?

[@DTChrisYi]

Wendy, haha. We both loved playing through Legacy and the other boxes, we're both excited about the new Legacyif Gravehold coming out.

[@dancondonjones]

@@DTChrisYi then you both have great taste. I look forward to seeing AE on the A-Team list.

[@DTChrisYi]

@@dancondonjones no spoilers 🤫

[@daimianbrittanydunn988]

Please do more Catchupalooza videos!

[@aaronmoore54]

I’d like to see the gameplay, as well, but get that it’s a lot of work.

[@welersoncarvalhodeavila4499]

Whats the name of the app you guys used?

[@DTChrisYi]

Pub Meeple

[@gamera2351]

The original Azul is still the best. Looks like more of Mike having the best taste in the group and Tom being wrong. 😅

[@dougwarr9459]

Bravo Mike!!! Original Azul is the best!

[@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56]

Chris was not the best because he killed quickly, he was the best because the crowd loved him! Love from Sweden!

[@rollingwithrob6579]

Totally agree with Tom! Terraforming Mars has definitely left my top 100 for the same reason! Love Ark Nova and Ares Expedition

[@Leiderg]

Are you guys not doing most anticipated? I mean the main guys

[@DTChrisYi]

Top 100 takes priority for timing, but I would expect to see one from them.

[@FemmeSensei]

I love that you have a People's Champion! But I want Chris's top 100 too! How do I get that? :)

[@DTChrisYi]

The A-Team Top 100 is a stretch goal in the kickstarter! That would be Roy, Camilla, Wendy, and myself if we hit it. That would be a little bit later in the year.

[@nickhershberger8411]

All of my favorite games are at the bottom of the list. ;-)

[@RulebooksForYou]

Lucky Duck Chronicles of Crime :)

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

Are you guys saying “pug meeple?” And is this a website?

[@clarenceneal2622]

Pub meeple- yes it’s a web site.

[@Poiuytrew.Q]

Pug meeple sounds cute!