Top 50 Solo Games of All Time #10-1 - with Mike DiLisio

[@RaphaelCarmo]

Just wanna say that DiLisio in portuguese sounds like Delight. What a delight of man Mike is.

[@pca1987]

If I was the one writing your comment I'd say it sounds a bit like yummy. Your way of putting it is more elegant. 🤣🤣

[@gabrieljohnson6483]

Mike DiLisio: The Voice of the Lonely People? Seriously, I'm only just really getting into solo gaming, and this is fantastic!

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

Thank YOU Mike! Can’t remember a time where I was looking forward to an upcoming video so much.

[@antoyal]

Great list! Thanks for the hard work in planning, recording, and editing this series.

[@iralennon7233]

I know I am kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good site to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@remycanaan3168]

@Ira Lennon Flixportal xD

[@iralennon7233]

@Remy Canaan thank you, signed up and it seems to work :D I really appreciate it!

[@remycanaan3168]

@Ira Lennon no problem :)

[@zomborya]

Awesome series Mike. Thanks for putting this series together and great choice for #1. Appreciate your point of view on each game and you representing the solo community so well.

[@Yukamagic17]

I wonder how I miss this list. Thanks alot Mike. Also the intro is just awesome.😂

[@billyguinigundo4849]

Could it be just a couple of years ago where the DT didn't recognize a solo game of the year for its awards? And now, we have multiple solo reviewers. We've come a long way!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

Yeah, I remember when they would poke fun at Zee for solo gaming. It's become quite normalized in the last couple of years...

[@Maxraven16]

Great series. I need a 2023 update of this top 50 solo games Mike.

[@Ryanc696]

Fantastic series and insight!

[@crepusculo1027]

Thanks a lot for this Mike! You rule!

[@ghstrdio]

Thanks for the list Mike! Enjoyed it a ton.

[@crippledfoxgaming]

Thanks for this batch of videos. You've given me a lot of great ideas to update the library. And that theme?! *chef's kiss* Bravissimo indeed!

[@scoop0122]

Love Mike's reviews

[@stevenmill9887]

Great series of videos and highlights why we need more solo Mike. A good few omissions from Mike that would be on my list e.g. Mage Knight and Robinson Crusoe - but recognise these are on the heavy side which Mike tends to avoid

[@itsjustchris5412]

If Mike uses the term “satisfying” for the game he describes, you know he digs it.

[@cthulhupresidente]

What about Living Card Games? And Hostage Negociator?

[@brettspielkater7641]

Thank you so much for this fantastic list! 😍

[@gamerdude2023]

Awesome list thanks Mike

[@garys4067]

Absolutely loved this series! Thanks.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I _LOVE_ Spirit Island.

[@CosmicTavern]

Great series. I'm getting more into solo games these days for obvious reasons.

[@AahzmandusPervect]

Great list, some very interesting games on there. I was surprised, though, with not seeing Friday and Robinson Crusoe.

[@JimmySquiky]

That Joy Division style intro is amazing !

[@larrye]

Isle of Cats is a solid solo game. I'm not a huge solo fan but some others in my list are Gaia Project, Yedo, & Millennium Blades.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I went All-In on a blind bet with Everdell’s Kickstater. I hope that I enjoy this game. I'm happy to see that it has a good solo mode.

[@boardgamesnobs]

Who’s the jerk gonna give this delightful man a thumbs down!!

[@peepingThomist]

Thanks for the series!

[@Lordjunon]

Top 5 solo: 5: Bullet (Boss rush mode more than Normal mode) 4: Lost Ruins of Arnak 3: One Deck Dungeon 2: Dune Imperium 1: Empyreal: Spells and steam. If i'm playing a competitive solo game I want to feel like I'm playing against an opponent and not a set of instructions, or just trying to get a high score. (I don't mind bullets Time attack mode, but Boss rush is where its at)

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

TMB is a great pick! Warp’s Edge is also an amazing solo board game

[@joellen5984]

I really enjoyed this video! I wish that Dwellings gets reprinted so I can buy it - it's nowhere to be found right now. I am going to try Too Many Bones based on your thoughts -- it's outside my comfort zone but so many of your other recs I love so I'm willing to give it a go! Thanks so much - great series!

[@amchasteenable]

Great list! Totally agree with the Raiders of the North Sea pick.

[@richardhancock1505]

Time for an update on this list Mike?

[@victorgonzalez2927]

I wonder if Andromeda’s Edge knocks out Dwellings of Eldervale. I sold my Legendary Edition DoE to make room for AE.

[@richardmullens4707]

It's amazing how there are so many games with solo variants now that traditional solo games like Onirim, Friday, Space Hulk: Death Angel and Hostage Negotiator don't feature on your Top 50 list at all. I think Coffee Roaster is the only one that has stayed the course in that regard.

[@pilotvc]

I wonder where Terraforming Mars sits. #51? I heard Ares Expedition has a refined solo mode.

[@Drosophilax]

The vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true!

[@MauricioHoffman]

Hi Mike, great list. Lot’s of great games I know, and some I am now interested too. Have you ever solo-played (or played at any player-count) a game called Darkest Night? This one I really enjoy solo, and based on what you like and dislike I think you would like too.

[@michaeldilisio557]

I have played it. It was good, but also very difficult!

[@MauricioHoffman]

@@michaeldilisio557 i agree. I had a similar story with this game that you had with too many bones. The very first time I tried it with some friends was just a bit too much. But I came back studied a few of the characters and I ended up liking it a lot as a solo experience.

[@kellinwinslow1988]

After all this time my absolute favorite is still Star Trek Frontiers. The game is so good and it's so satisfying planing out moves it's hard to beat, especially if you're a fan of older,that is good,Trek. Just introduced it to a friend and he loved it. Otherwise I really like Sword and Sorcery. The choose your own adventure style gameplay is really cool. And of course there are mainstays like Arkham Horror LCG and Lord Of The Rings Journeys in Middle Earth.

[@jonathangillies6531]

Yes Frontiers is so underrated! Totally agree!

[@kellinwinslow1988]

@@jonathangillies6531 It's a great game. Only overshadowed because of Mage Knight,which is slightly better. Both are pretty great though and still hold up now. Frankly I'd rather play either game than most of the stuff that's come out since.

[@jonathangillies6531]

@@kellinwinslow1988 agreed it’s still relevant even today!

[@RichMulholland]

Fantastic list Mike, thanks. Out of interest have you tried Warps Edge?

[@michaeldilisio557]

I have tried Warp’s Edge. It was only my list of best solo games of 2020, but didn’t make my all-time list.

[@ChromaTick360]

100% agree with your number one choice.

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

Hey Mike, I recently found out TGG is going to reprint a 2nd edition of SOS Titanic. They are accepting pre-orders on their website for $35. Sadly, the shipping is another $12. What’re your thoughts on that? Is it worth it? Or should I risk the wait for the hopeful retail release…? Thanks!

[@jcdc9437]

Very nice list! I have to find Dwellings of Eldervale! Cloudspire that I play lately is a very nice solo too. 👌

[@jenwashi921]

Great list 🤩👍 will try out Outlive as solo game for sure. It is still unplayed on my shelf 😅

[@matenason]

Have you played “Edge of Darkness”? Seems like a game you’d really like. It’s my #1 solo, and I would be interested in your take.

[@michaeldilisio557]

I have not played it yet, but maybe I’ll get a chance in the future.

[@marcoscar6625]

A top solo list from the guy who once said that a 6-round solo game of Mage Knight takes 17 hrs.

[@richardhancock1505]

Thanks Mike! have you tried Dragon Castle solo? its qqquite a zen - calming experience. I shall be checking out Dwellings of E.

[@michaeldilisio557]

I’ve not tried it solo.

[@Makcimak]

Although it's your personal top list, I am still baffled by the lack of Mage Knight, the ultimate solo experience

[@rueyashirogane2710]

I too was baffled that Mage Knight was not even in his Top 50. But to each their own! I still really like Mike and enjoy his insightful views on Board Games!

[@Francisco-hg4hm]

Not being in this list is a failure (and inadequate bias). Independent of personal opinions about the game, it cannot be discarded outside any top list, when it's the most consensual top solo board gaming experience I've ever heard about...

[@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56]

Best Dice Tower list at the moment! Too many bones and Spirit Island are my most pleyed games at the moment! I did not see Warps edge, maybe nr 51?

[@bjornspindel6249]

The solo app for Raiders of the North Sea is neither free nor gratis

[@dfetz3]

Great list Mike! I’m curious where your favorite of the Oniverse games ranks on your solo lists.

[@patriziopastore9895]

Top man thanks

[@Werdiknight]

Cats love fish, that's a well known fact?! Öhm, Mike? Could you please discuss that matter with my cats? 😂

[@daviie]

How about terraforming mars? Is it a bad sologame, or didn't you like the game in general?

[@michaeldilisio557]

It’s a good game, and a fine solo game, but not one of my favorites. However, the new Ares Expedition card game version made a very good first impression with me.

[@QuiveringEye]

​@@michaeldilisio557 has your list changed?

[@ianmcclellan7269]

Dwellings of Eldervale is awesome!

[@CK-mi3sd]

Am I the only one who like Architects much more than Raiders of the North Sea? In addition, where is One Deck Dungeon?

[@samg10577]

1-legendary marvel 2- too many bones 3-raiders of the north sea 4-castle of burgundy 5-wingspan 6-gloomhaven 7-harbour 8-scythe 9-elder sign 10- aquatica ( but not the solo from the box a french youtuber made a better one ) I like but didnt play enough yet, hopplomachus and its a wonderful world

[@dylanjacobchin4237]

Can someone make the intro into an MP3? I want it as my wakeup alarm

[@joxer96]

Can we please get an 'honorable mentions' video? :-)

[@rovingmauler7410]

This list seems to be under the spell of the cult of the new. : )

[@bittner75]

I think Mike leans towards cult of the new in his lists. Not a bad thing just his preference

[@michaeldilisio557]

I fully admit that I skew toward Cult of the New.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

I have to put a plug in for Mage Knight. It won't be for everyone. Definitely do your research, but it is far and away the best solo experience I have ever had...

[@Manigo1743]

These are not solo games. They are games you can play solo. I would like to see a list of pure solo games, that is games that are designed only to be played solo.

[@mohnkern]

I'm surprised Hostage Negotiator isn't in your top 10.

[@watcherfox9698]

Gotta disagree on #5. It's a great game, but I really don't like the official solo variant. The problem is that the more you do, the more the AI does. This makes it so some plays that would be really good in multiplayer end up being bad in solo. In fact, with the AI on easier settings, it's possible to win by spamming the space that gives you coins instead of playing most of the cards.

[@retroarcadefan]

Where is Mansions of Madness?

[@EpicGamingNight]

I have tried to fix Mike! 😝 I did my best!

[@michaeldilisio557]

It’s a fine game. But it’s not likely to make one of my best of lists.

[@danacoleman4007]

It's under there

[@xfoolsgoldx]

That's Mike💙✌

[@Hardcorestilllives]

ah, too many bones is a good solo game!

[@gregbroxterman]

totally agree about masmorra! i've only played it co-op. i think we're the only ones.

[@CountDewkeww]

I'm with you too, it's also great for younger players because of the visual action component of the dice

[@RaymondMillbrae]

You need to be more specific. When you say you'd play your #2 game (Raiders of the North Sea) with the two expansions, you need to SPECIFICALLY name those expansions. Looking-up the game on BGG, there are a bunch of different expansions...and I have no idea which ones you were talking about. Same with the "free" apps. When I click on my Apple App Store, there are two different apps for the above-mentioned game. The solo app at $1.99, and some other app at $9.00. Specifics, please!!

[@grischakugelmann2660]

@Mike DiLisio: I have to say i agree with a lot of your choices but i miss 'Robinson Crusoe', 'Mage Knight', 'Etherfields' and 'Coffee Roaster' and i don't think you played 'Tapestry', 'Wingspan', 'Scythe' and 'Viticulture' very often solo because the 'automa' is so bad and random and they all use the same kind of 'automa' (is the same producer and inventor of the solo mode). In 'Scythe' f.e. it is possible to get only automa cards in a row with mech moves and so nothing happens and later 5 cards show up with mech build but no more movement, 5 rounds nothing + 5 rounds stacking up mechs in HQ means 10 rounds undisturbt growing up for the player, or the opposite thing (worse case but not worst) mech build, mech move, mech build, mech move ... wich would cause at least lost of table control but for sure some real preasure right from the start. Or take wingspan where i lost my best engine and game ever because of bad drawings for automa. The automa cards almost only gave it cards and not eggs and it's mission was eagles and ohter high point cards so he almost always got 7-8 points per turn. All this automa versions are so damned random and not scaled well. Tapestry is way to easy, just ignore the automa at all and let it go for points alone, the longer you play after the automa is done the more points you get anyway (if you know how to play) and there is a maximum the automa may get, so if you come accross this max there is nothing the automa may do, but it is even possible to get the wrong start and fail completely before the start and if you played it often you will know that (but as i said before i don't think you did). By the way the Nautilus game is to random as well. cheers and stay healthy

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I'm taking Ancient Mike's word for #1. I have to check out Dwellings.

[@KrisGironella]

I like the Drake meme reference 😅 lol!

[@csabazalan2278]

no Robinson Crusoe?

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I'm almost convinced to buy Coffee Roster.

[@bittner75]

I bought the app and enjoyed it. I don’t think I would’ve liked the physical copy. Seems too fiddly with changing the tokens every time. Just my two cents.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

@@bittner75 - You are right. I'll try the app first. Thanks.

[@georgemanolo5671]

I have such a big collection of games and my wife bought isle of cats last year.ITS THE BEST GAME EVER but never tryied it solo

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

The designer does an awesome playthrough video here on KZbin

[@bwah9481]

lol i like the drake meme reference during the intro

[@joannabarry5236]

I love Mike and appreciate his list but like..TMB but no Mage Knight? Similar depth...the fact that he doesn't like Mage Knight has always bothered me. Not number 1? Fine..but not even in the top 50!? Come on now...

[@dayoltay]

This

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Poker Chips?! I'm listening.

[@buddhawasright]

Mike are you suing Delissio pizza for COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT?

[@danacoleman4007]

Sounds like something a right winger would say

[@silverfang6668]

No love for Shadi Torbey ???

[@jonbower194]

Wow, a top 50 solo list that excludes Pavlov's House and This War of Mine... ouch.

[@frankblack5931]

I thought I might find a new game to try from this list. Unfortunately I did not. I was hoping for a more diverse selection of games but it seemed like every game on this list was worker placement. I guess if one doesn't enjoy that particular mechanism, this list is not for you.

[@warlordskor8987]

intro sounds like Joy Division

[@Seraph_sk]

No Mage Knight in top10,..... not a trustworthy list 😝

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

That is a _horrrible_ theme song! Great choice of music, though.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

@@PieInSkyGuy - So, half the people hated the song (I'm in that group), and half hated the music (you are in that group). Poor Mike! Back to the drawing board!

[@Farrunner918]

You like worker placement games, I get it, but the are other mechanics that are just better for solo games. The fact that you chose any game that had to have an expansion or print or play over Detective: City of Angels just means that I cannot take your list seriously. But hey, you do you

[@denroy3]

Only watched top ten...made it to 5...just not my idea of games I'd like. Yawn.

[@CelluloidShot]

Its been fun but I will not miss see him reproduce that stupid meme every time

[@stupidytacct]

Moonrakers????