Top Ten Games of 2020 - The Broken Meeple

[@warpo007]

1,000s of people around the world have rediscovered board games this year. It has been a very good year for board games.

[@davidl9191]

The trouble is there’s something like 5000 games coming out each year, and most channels cover probably about 30/40 of those between them. I’m sure it’s been a fantastic year for games just as any other year, but a lot of the true gems are still buried beneath the inevitable hype train. I’m looking forward to finding out what those buried gems are!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Oh naturally we can't review them all, not even the Dice Tower can. I do as many as I can but as a hobbyist I can only go so far. And Covid only made things worse as all those beautiful conventions I had to miss out on. I can only hope they resume in 2021 post vaccination period.

[@trunghoang-jummyegg]

i keep hearing that there are 3000-5000 games coming out each year. But i don't think this is accurate at all. I checked the number of RANKED game here: github.com/beefsack/bgg-ranking-historicals/tree/7f94a777828380230c69750644c0ff6ceb531ce9 and there are less than 20k games that are ranked. Sure, if you count every games including those are not ranked, you might get to 5000, but it is almost impossible to buy a game that's not ranked on BGG. Realistically, i think there are ~1000 new games every year, and out of those ~1000, less than 250 that are worth trying (which is still a lot)

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

@@TheBrokenMeeple "Is that a challenge?" -Tom Vasel :P

[@phunkysai]

This was a great year for games!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Compared to some other years it didn't offer a lot of potential.

[@brotherhorus4316]

I also think it was a great year, Eclipse Second Dawn, Dwellings Of Eldervale, Dune Imperium, Ruins Of Arnak and Mezo are all brilliant games

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

@@brotherhorus4316 Not tried Mezo and even though I hate Eclipse, it's a reprint and not eligible.

[@brotherhorus4316]

Eclipse Second Dawn surprised us, it plays fabulously with two players or more. It has been tweaked and improved, you cannot buy it now sold out. It is an amazing, smooth 4x game. If you can, try the new versions, would be interested in your reaction. Loved Shut up and sit downs review. Have you seen it?

[@phunkysai]

@@TheBrokenMeeple doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good year. Respectfully disagree. :-)

[@AFatalPapercut]

I always love the little movie snippets haha, I about spit out my coffee at that "There are tapestries" bit.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Used it once before, you know how hard it is to get that to fit? 🤪

[@AFatalPapercut]

@@TheBrokenMeeple it was perfect this time, I wasn't ready hahaha.

[@nuuqbgg]

Watching this while playing Arnak solo... Quite happy it got recognition it deserves.

[@amchasteenable]

Great list! Love the honesty. Subscribed to your channel based on this video.

[@TheNerdShelves]

This is solid channel with a very genuine host!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice, we have some decent overlap :) Arnak is my 2nd favorite of 2020 :) And my favorite is in your others.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Nice! Well when I finally get hold of them I'll be able to find out for myself!

[@Puzzu]

Great list, I ordered Viscounts and can’t wait to play, will have to give Arnak a second look as well now! Love how you’ve shortened the announcements of each rank with the numbers whizzing by instead of the annoying pauses you usually see in top ten lists as they call out each number in between games 😝

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Yeah I feel like I need to speed up all my videos and will consider how I can do it with reviews too but with Top 10s, the fixes were easy!

[@captainron7120]

The King’s Dilemma, Baker Street Irregulars, and Forgotten Waters were my hits this year. Haven’t opened Arnak yet but excited to hear that you enjoy it. Fun top ten, thank you

[@TheNerdShelves]

Thank you so much for the shout out ♥️, it really means a lot and is very kind of you 😊

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Happy to help! 👍

[@Indubitably14]

Unmatched: Cobble & Fog was my favorite game in 2020. Also, Detective: City of Angels. I know it's technically a 2019 game but most backers didn't receive it until a few months ago.

[@Vadimaster]

Tough year indeed. I passed on Arnak as at the same time there was the Kickstarter for Endless Winter which is also a deckbuilder/worker placement hybrid and some financial choices have to be made. I liked Calico as my abstract game of the year and Praga Caput Regni as (momentarily) my Euro of the year. I promise that Praga will feature in your 2020 retrospective sometime down the road.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I will give it a decent test when the UK gets a retail release.

[@dansioui9819]

I concur with your top 2 picks! I am not sure if I will get Dune Imperium as my family is scared of conflict games (still have blood rage for over a year unplayed) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this years games Luke!

[@jdober77]

I'm really liking the graphics in your video. Great list. Hmmm looks like we might see some of these games in your next top 100. LOL!

[@adilgeresu2296]

Great list! Late year entries but Praga caput regni and Merv have really impressed me. Hope to see you review them soon!

[@brandtsanderson4665]

Did you get a chance to play Warps Edge, Red Cathedral, The Crew or High Rise? I found all of those to be very good!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Not the first two. The Crew is a 2019 game so not eligible. High Rise I found barely average, very linear in how it plays out with some big balance issues in the cards.

[@brandtsanderson4665]

@@TheBrokenMeeple gotcha. Thanks for the list!

[@paulallison6418]

Enjoyed the video Luke. I've played even less 2020 games than you, I like heavy Euros, I loved Barrage (I know its not 2020 just an example) for instance, the rule book was a mess I thought but once I got into the game loved it. So my question is do you think Lost Ruins of Arnak would give me enough? It does get a ton of love I was just thinking it might be a little light for my tastes.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I would not consider Arnak a heavy game but it is a great one!

[@muhabwahby]

Viscounts is stellar. Now i really need to try Arnak. My favourite gaming experiences in Covid 2020 would be Viscounts (solo), Dwellings (solo and Multiplayer) and Stuffed Fables (with my 4 year old son)

[@jeffgoggin1394]

This was an interesting list as I mean towards your opinion that it was difficult to come up with 10 games this year. Good stuff!

[@adelindumitru5518]

No hallertau? Bonfire? Castles of Tuscany? Cloudage?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

CloudAge not yet released. I don't like Burgundy or most Felds so wasn't interested in Tuscany........ Or bonfire that just looks dull and tedious. Hallertau I did a review for and found it only above average.

[@pascalcharland2778]

Great top 10 (even with the circumstances!) So far, my best of 2020 is The Red Cathedral, followed by Under Falling Skies. Considering only solo play, how would you rank Arnak, Viscounts, Planet X and Falling Skies? Thanks! Best wishes!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Viscounts > Falling Skies > Planet X > Arnak - they're all solid, but Arnak is better with multiplayer I think.

[@brucebush5744]

Yeah - tough year for board games, and most other things. Planet X is the only (non-reimplementation) game that has really grabbed me this year. Forgotten Waters looks like it could be fun, but really need COVID to be over before giving it a serious look. Well done on getting a list of 10 for 2020!

[@captainron7120]

Forgotten Waters is in my top 3. So fun

[@johnhedberg9728]

Disappointed Beyond the Sun is not getting more love on these lists. Love the gameplay, art should have been better. Really looking forward to play Viscounts.

[@victorialoh9921]

Great list! Dwellings of Eldervale only came onto my radar the last 24 hours, but luckily some stores in the UK still have it in stock. Can't wait to get my hands on The Search for Planet X when it comes back in stock, I lock deduction games!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Hopefully it will, Renegade just haven't pushed it bizarrely!

[@inezkestens5561]

The wait for Honey Buzz is real :D Arnak was great, solid!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Let's hope so!

[@pincao]

Nice list Hector. Thanks

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CaptainGamer347]

Luke, have you posted a review for Ruins of Arnak yet? I can't wait to get my copy on Christmas day!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

No but its on the cards for Jan after my break.

[@tamaravanheel3758]

Did you try to use the original cards of Mysterium in Mysterium park? My husband found it hard to be the ghost the first time we played, he didn’t find good clue cards.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I've tried and it does make it slightly harder but you have to be more cryptic in the clues.

[@BoardGameGran]

Your number one is my number one most wanted. Hoping next year for sure.

[@jamescartwright1150]

Not seen your videos before, interesting, subscribed.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Thanks and welcome!!

[@CK-mi3sd]

Just got my hand on Viscounts. You are right about the rulebook (blatant grammatical mistakes such as a phrase without a subject) and its non-clarity about the symbols (Shem basically assumes you can understand all of the symbols in the game without explaining). It is a thinky game nonetheless.

[@gs24-xor]

Excellent Video Luke!

[@brotherhorus4316]

Ruins of Arnak is a great choice for number one, but what about Dune Imperium? Looks like a contender for game of the year. My copy arrives Tuesday 🤞

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I think everyone missed the intro! 😋 It's on my list of games unreleased on the UK. It arrives at my house at earliest Monday. 😁

[@rkitlee]

Have you tried Dune Imperium? I've only played that and enjoyed it immensely but haven't tried Lost Ruins. Not sure if I should get both as there are some overlap in mechanics.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

It's on route to my house! In the video I highlight a few games that only just or haven't yet been released in the UK. Whistle Mountain and Dune Imperium are two of them which arrive tomorrow or Monday.

[@iNathanLite]

I think Back to the Future: Back in Time and Small World of Warcraft were the only games I enjoyed that came out last year. I haven't tried any of the games on your list though. I really do want a copy of Under Falling Skies.

[@clintjackson6613]

I played some really good games this year. Isle of Cats, Jaws of the Lion, Dwellings of Eldervale, The Crew. I think those are the only ones I played from 2020

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

2 of those are 2019 games and one is a straight up reprint so they would not be eligible, but yeah this year was tough to play games.

[@clintjackson6613]

Oh sorry. Should have clarified my meaning. I meant new to me in 2020. :)

which Lacerda game would you suggest instead of On Mars?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

All the others except Escape Plan? :P I like On Mars, but it's my least favourite of the ones I like. The Gallerist and the upcoming Kanban EV will be the top ones to go for.

[@Oaklestat]

Great video. I really need to play Arnak.

[@wendywesley7423]

Great Top Ten 🎉

[@CaptainGamer347]

Great list Luke!!

[@arekkrolak6320]

If you like worker placement and deck building I wonder what you would think about Dune Imperium :)

[@tozmom615]

2021 is going to be an absolutely amazing year. It will be fabulous.

[@scottarmstrong8178]

Surprised you liked an app driven game so much. Also surprised not to see The Crew or Dune Imperium in your list. Seems like games you would like.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

See the intro, Dune was in the list of unreleased games in UK. The Crew was also a 2019 game, I've had it since last year.

[@scottarmstrong8178]

@@TheBrokenMeeple ah, you must have had the German version then. It was the only version released in 2019.

[@JayBee10]

My top 10 of 2020: 10. Super Fantasy Brawl 9. Fort 8. Mariposas 7. Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef 6. Honey Buzz 5. The Search for Planet X 4. Viscounts of the West Kingdom 3. The Isle of Cats 2. Forgotten Waters 1. Dwellings of Eldervale Lost Ruins of Arnak and Dune Imperium would probably make the list if I got to play them. There’s still so much from 2020 to explore.

[@brotherhorus4316]

Just a thought, what about Vindication or was that 2019??

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

2018 in fact.

[@mkitten13]

My favourites of the year, I did include 3 games that technically counts as 2019 for some, but given that I ordered all three of these at the first available opportunity and did not receive them until far into 2020 I count them as 2020 games in my own head. I agree that 2020 so far doesn't look like the best year for gaming. I do have a couple of games on my radar that could end up on a revised list, but at least a couple will probably not be available in stores here until sometime in 2021... and so the circle continues... 1) Marco Polo 2 (Received my copy May 2020) Voyages of Marco Polo was already among my favourites and this one fixed things I did not realized needed fixing. 2) Maracaibo (Received my copy in March 2020) The ultimate Pfister game, it takes the best parts from his previous designs and just makes for an excellent experience. 3) It's a Wonderful World (Received my copy October 2020) Already one of my most played games of all time, this has become my go-to solo, and I can't wait to play it with others. 4) Calico Another game that really has excelled for me solo and become one of my most played of all time, look forward to finally playing it with others. 5) Viscounts of the West Kingdom Only tried it out solo so far, but excellent game. Paladins is still my favourite of the series, but I really do enjoy this one, and I appreciate how low maintenance the solo is on this one. 6) The Isle of Cats I love drafting, I love tile laying, I love cats, very satisfying. 7) Tang Garden I even painted the minis, and I don't tend to have many games with minis in them. Gorgeous game, so visually satisfying to see the garden form over the course of the game.

[@Southfloridelphia]

I am looking forward to a review of Francis Drake. I have always been interested but have never seen it in the wild.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Wasn't planned to review it, but I need to get it played first! :P

[@Southfloridelphia]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I love that mechanism in Heaven Ale. Just wish it were in a somewhat more exciting theme (privateers>monks even with beer).

[@Panda-qj5xj]

I think this year wasn't as good as last year. There were several games last year that became absolute favorites. But I'm looking forward to trying Merv, The Red Cathedral, Under Falling Skies, and Honey Buzz.

[@ajdarias]

Does Viscounts of the West Kingdom play good enough at two olayers, is it tight enough so as to have it play it at that player count? I also have seen your review about Viscounts, but it has it not really clear how good it is at two. Thank you

[@hellboy7424]

Yes, awesome game for two.

[@RebeccaAlis]

Also confirming great at two:))

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

To support this - yes Viscounts plays great at all player counts, just a bit longer with more. The map scales slightly for player count but it's not about whether you land on each other really, it's more how your actions co-incide with each other. You may both do completely different strategies or fight over the same one.

[@hellboy7424]

@@TheBrokenMeeple yeap!! I can add that the interaction between players in the castle is more interesting for three and four players. But it's a great game for two.

[@ajdarias]

@@TheBrokenMeeple than you very much for your answer!

[@RazzleDazzle23]

You deserve more subs. Your reviews are honest and thorough, really enjoy them ... and you don't flood my subscription box :p quality over quantity

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Thank you so much! I try my hardest but can't control the Internet! 😁 Feel free to share the content online and get the word out!

[@rawbin4301]

Arnak looks super interesting, hope it comes out in Europe soon!

[@flintsteel]

My copy came in the UK about two weeks ago. I’m not sure if I’m still in Europe or not 🤔

[@LordCyler]

4 1/2 min on why games are bad this year may have been a bit much. By min 3 I think we all got your feelings on it. Especially with all the additional reminders throughout the rest of the video.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I do go on a bit! However you're going to see a change in 2021. I'll be thinking more about how to keep points concise and on target. A semi-scripted approach if you will. And various other changes to crop the length and keep viewer attention. :-) But thank you for the feedback, it shows I'm heading in the right direction with 2021.

[@LordCyler]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I think so too, good video in the end. Just a bit heavy in this one area was all. Good work.

[@Fighterfan69]

Agree with Viscounts though I still like Paladins slightly better. I love deck-building, but the choices and mechanic of picking the Paladins was very enjoyable. The solo mode for me is fantastic. Will have to take a look at Ruins of Arnak now. Boardgameco did a comparison of the new rage 'Deck-building and worker placement" of late with Endless Winter, Lost Ruins, and Dune. I'm looking forward to Endless winter next year. Yeah the delays of certain games this year would likely change my perspective of my top games this year. Merchants Cove was supposed t be released back in June. Dice Throne Adventures, Anachrony expansion, Planet Unkown. All games that might have been on the list.

[@Naledgeizpwr]

I agree that it was a mediocre year from what I have played, but it was an excellent year for Hollandspiele with The Vote, Reign of Witches, The Field of Cloth and Gold, and Dinosaur Table Battles. Cosmic Frog by Jim Felli, was another that I really enjoyed.

[@Oaklestat]

Did you try Bonfire?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Have not tried and I doubt I'll want to!, 😁

[@Oaklestat]

@@TheBrokenMeeple fair enough, I ordered it and Dwellings of Eldervale on a whim today. I hope I like it.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

It's a great game! Not without flaws, but still great so I'm confident you will.

[@derickkopff1314]

I also loved Search for Planet X solo.

[@mbrochh82]

Fantastic! I'm buying Mysterium Parks and selling Mysterium now! Arnak looks interesting, but I already ordered Dune, so that should scratch the WP+DB-itch.

[@johns6177]

its nice you introduced the nerd shelvs. they are good and need some exposure.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Was happy to help the smaller channels but I can't guarantee they will get promos in 2021 as I try to cut down the length of videos. They have had a good run though and will of course still be on all those videos done already.

[@deepdivemusicreactions]

top10 in 2020 doesn't make sense since there is a lot of delays in delivery for reviewers. with that in mind, reviewers should add in the description all the titles they have interest in but not yet had a chance to play (I know you mentioned a few in the description)

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Yep, had to mention those, though still got a lot of queries! :P People obviously skipped that part in the video! But two of those just arrived today! Dune and Whistle!

[@EmmaEs_YT]

Let's break these rules completely with a top 10 expansions/standalone list.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Technically 10 expansions of 2020 would be doable - but I mention the best expansion in the last podcast!

[@EmmaEs_YT]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I will need to check that out, thanks!

[@dddmmm21]

Viscounts fell totally flat for me... The board is too small, it is quite fiddly with that "castle" and other mechanisms... I really fell like the worst of the series for me.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Ouch really? Too small, takes up a fair amount of space. But that's cool. But if this was fiddly don't then say you love Paladins more! :P

[@dddmmm21]

@@TheBrokenMeeple the central board and the castles are tiny (it their box size obsession). Meeples fall over, you can see icons on the board, etc. I sold my Palladins, it is ok but too solitaire and fiddly too. Architects is the best by a long mile.

[@RocketMagnetUK]

Thanks as a new board gamer this gives me a few games to look at in 2021 alongside all the games I've already got on order... From a new player perspective I personally found TMB, Gloomhaven JOTL, Spirit Island and Merv to be my favourites from my initial gaming splurge. I have got Under Falling Skies, yes it's excellent and a great balance of everything Vs the research track. I've been kind of spreading out to see what I like and not relying too much on reviewers scores but the content of the review. I initially really disliked Euro Games as they tended to have me over optimising and breaking games down in my head (so stops being fun and Scythe fell into this trap for me) so I made the error of disregarding them. So happy I overcame this flawed opinion and bought Merv. Merv is absolute genius mechanically and has clearly been play tested and fine tuned to death.. it really is that clever and the game although "pretty" it's clear that it's a game first and foremost and I suspect the core mechanics may find their way into other games. Really looking forward to playing this against real people in 2021. My takeaway for the latter half 2020 has been to get a variety of games.. as a new gamer I fell into the next big thing hype train as I simply didn't know any better. Now I'll buy games based on do they seem to offer a different experience and as a result games i'd never have considered turned out to be great additions for this reason alone.. yep it's not the next big thing or has £300+ of plastic toys in the box but I really enjoyed them for what they are. Having a shelf full of reskins of the same game isn't what I'm now looking for in a game.

[@BoardGamingRamblings]

Merv is so good 🤩 Welcome to the hobby!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Have to add that to the try list with how much you rave about it! :P Concept sounds good, looks very Euro, giving me a kind of Coimbra vibe with its aesthetics. And it's in the UK which makes a change!

[@wizardofoz6811]

Hallertau and Alma Mater are my top.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Alma would be maybe my 12.....

[@ilqrd.6608]

Wow, really Arnak? I'm glad you enjoy it but wow we felt it was so bland. It didn't do anything wrong but there were no moments to remember in that one. Perfectly okay game but not a single moment where I thought "now this...this is amazing".

[@6543dann]

Search for Planet X sucks with 3? Well there goes that. Thx for the heads up

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Sucks is a strong word but there's no point in having more than one player, the interaction is next to none.

[@mikolajwitkowski8093]

2020 was probably the best year ever for me, my fiancee working from home, a ton of gaming and not having to meet other people! As for games other than Dune Imerium and under falling sky nothing ground breaking.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Lol, I guess your circumstances worked out. For me, a single male extrovert alone in a house...........not good! :P

[@tozmom615]

@@TheBrokenMeeple And a crap year for fixing that “single” status. Maybe next year the dating scene will be wild!

[@NaeMuckle]

Can I ask where you're from? Just because you sound English but pronounce random words completely differently.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I get that a lot. I grew up with a language disorder and watch a ton of American KZbin content as well live in the UK in the West Country originally. So my accent and words are all over the shop!

[@FalkFlak]

I think a this point the designers tried almost everything so new games propably copy something that came before. I also bought less games and played more the ones I already own. Maybe board games are over the peak now and will be converted into video games more and more (look at "app Support" for example). Maybe we ("you") should generally do more reviews about gems from past years.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Maybe a look back on some older titles to see how they hold up.

[@jackabbott7295]

It was an okay year, definitely did not have the same impact on my top games of all time list the 2016 or 2019 did but I think there were a lot of good titles in 2020 my list would be #1 Dune: Imperium Winter Kingdom The Castles of Tuscany Cloud City Mysterium park Fort Mechanica Fairy Trails Bonfire #10 The Red Cathedra Given both Fort and Winter Kingdom are both re-implementations

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

What does Fort reimplement?

[@jackabbott7295]

@@TheBrokenMeeple 'SPQF' same designer with many of the same mechanics. It's theme was basically Disney's Robinhood meets Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

[@SoLove]

So many games released each year now and the problem, for me, is that so many of them are '7's. They're fine but don't do anything that better games in my collection do already. But when compared to 99% of the KS tat that is backed they probably seem like classics.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Yeah, 7 is a good rating but it's not TOP TEN OF THE YEAR worthy!

[@SoLove]

@@TheBrokenMeeple You did a better job than me. This year, I felt that the only stand outs were 'Faiyum' - which I think is Friese's best design since PG, 'Search for Planet X' - now the standard for deduction games. Rallyman GT & Era, which I think are both technically 2019 but new to me this year. Anything else I'm happy to play but not eager to own.

[@inz55]

Not a great year when it comes to new games indeed. I have Feierabend (love the theme but re-playability seems low), Glasgow (just a very average game), Nidavellir (only one 2-player game played, doesn't seem tight enough. expect it will be better with more), Paris (beautiful game I thought I'd love, but something seems missing/off for some reason), Tiny Epic Galaxies: Blast Off (not played yet, expect it to be average). AND who saves the day? Rococo: Deluxe Edition (only one play so far but I strongly believe it will have a spot in top 10 of all time).

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Yeah Paris was barely a 6/10 for me. Nidavellir I'll never get played even if I had it. What on earth is Feierabend? Never liked the Tiny Epic stuff. Rococo was OK, I liked it fine, not enough to spend £100+ on the deluxe though. Pret A Porter sorts out my fashion theme! :D

[@Panda-qj5xj]

Rococo so far is my favorite game of the year.

[@hmuriel]

I thought Search for Planet X was a good multiplayer game. Yes, you work on your own side, but there is a lot of tension racing to discover the planet. Plus you interact directly (or indirectly) with other players, by means of the papers published.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

The papers are OK but I never found them that exciting to justify the length of adds. The Solo bot uses them also anyway.

[@A._J_.]

I'm...not getting any of these games. 2021, whaddaya got?

[@steelscout1]

When you get a chance you should check out moonrakers. I thought it was fantastic :)

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Just whizzed on by, but the DT talked about it a fair amount.

[@BacktotheTable]

Thanks!

[@sapoundjiev]

Cant get the love for Arnak. All of its mechanisms are so underwhelming. Deck building but you gonna play most of your cards 1-2 times. Worker placement with 2 workers and only resources on the action spots. Research track is plain boring. Stoned on how can this be you n1. Sad.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

It relies on you having to get the most out of the cards you buy and utilise putting importance on card draw and exile abilities. Also items go under your current deck instantly meaning you should draw them next round and you use artifacts the turn you get them. The research track is simple, but has useful bonuses for the assistants and I don't see how it's any different from all the "tracks" you get in other Euros. Kanban has worker placement with only one worker, why is the number significant? Arnak provides a blend of fun mechanics without being too complicated or long or fiddly and yet still looking gorgeous. These days many games always trip over some important aspect like rules, length or the mechanics. Arnak doesn't. I'm just glad we got a list where Bonfire doesn't exist. 😁

[@samiamagaimagain]

There were some good games, but I agree. I could find 40 or 50 games I liked from other years, but less than 20 this year. Some great reprints and expansions, but not a ton of amazing games. But I prefer euro-style games.

[@timg1041]

If it was hard to find ten games then why not just do a top 5?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Just wouldn't feel right! 😁

[@youtubernaz1scensoredbythe201]

I asked Santa to bring me Dune Dominion, which is a 1 to 4 person game. Instead, he gave me the original Dune game. 2 to 6 players. Not terrific unless you have six people playing. Guess I know what to ask for , for my Birthday....

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Ouch!

[@GardeningPropaganda]

2029 might be a great year. Look at all the signs.

[@flipthebuzzard]

I wish I had Zoom-O-Vision

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

?? Did I mention that? 🤔

[@flipthebuzzard]

@@TheBrokenMeeple 👍 I'm going to be using this term regularly from now on 😂

[@LeeroyPorkins]

1. Gods Love Dinosaurs 2. Monumental 3. New York Zoo 4. Strike! 5. Cloud City 6. Honey Buzz 7. Godzilla Tokyo Clash 8. Dwellings of Eldervale 9. Calico *Altar Quest, Kittin, and Sequoia are in hand, but unplayed*

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Monumental disappeared from my view since the previous Essen, it never got spoke of but looks nice. New York Zoo is on my table yet to be played as it only just came out. Really want to try Honey Buzz. Gods Love Dinosaurs I'm shocked is your No 1 - it's ok, but out of the whole year?

[@LeeroyPorkins]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I went with games that came out this year (like you), Gods Love Dinosaurs (Being a Dinosaur Nut) is the Tiny Epic Dinosaurs that TED should have been. Though, there is a chance that Cloud City and New York Zoo could go up on the list and dethrone it.

[@willbeplayin]

Games take longer to play online than in real life? In my experience it's been the total opposite, most games take half the time they used to when I've played them live. Happy to hear that Lost Ruins of Arnak was your favourite since I got that for myself as a Christmas present and I'll be saving it till the eve. :P

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Easily takes longer. You can't manipulate pieces with a mouse and keyboard quicker than with own hand.

[@willbeplayin]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I'm assuming you are talking about TTS, rather than playing on an app or in Boardgamearena etc.? Then I do somewhat agree with you.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Oh yeah BGA is faster but then you lose almost all the aesthetics.

[@johnpanagos5835]

Sold 5 from the 10 :-) The other 5 were good though.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Hopefully my bottom 5! :P

[@simonb4689]

Dune imperium is number one!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

It's due today but probably won't get played till New Year, we shall see how good it is! 😉

[@simonb4689]

@@TheBrokenMeeple of you like ruins of A and like dune IP, you will love it

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

That's my worry. I've never watched Dune. 🙄

[@bryanhchi]

Smartphone Inc?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I think for most it wasn't a 2020 game. Also I only find it OK.

[@bryanhchi]

Well it was a Essen release in 2018 but... they never sold it retail because they didn’t have copy’s so most people got it in 2020!!

[@benoittourangeau6248]

No Isle of cats, Calico, Jaws of the lions, Smartphone, nor Coatl? Wow!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Isle of Cats is 2019 and Jaws is just Gloomhaven reprint. Smartphone was also 2018, latest 2019 and even then, meh, it's average. Coatl I've not played but only barely heard of it. I know it was mentioned once on the DT Top 10.

[@BoardGamingRamblings]

Yeah, Gloomhaven JOTL is a reprint in the same way that all the Star Wars movies are just remakes of episode IV! 😂

[@benoittourangeau6248]

Well, it looks like I stand corrected! Lol

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

@@gaillardlionel Yes back when it was called Gloomhaven, its the exact same game 😋 Both overrated!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

@@BoardGamingRamblings ......well Episode 7 was! :P And did it better! But come on, it's Gloomhaven but a little easier and from what I've heard it still has difficulty spikes at the start just like the original! In no way can it be considered a brand new gaming experience! Even Brass Birmingham had more differences! What I'm looking forward to is what games made your 10 that crossover with mine as you haven't mentioned many of mine yet and I know some of my Top 5 HAD to have made your Top 10!

[@gs24-xor]

Where is your top dissapointment games of 2020? Want to see your honest opinion and why they are not living up to the hype

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I mentioned one in the recent podcast. Etherfields is the biggest one though and the review will explain why.

[@gs24-xor]

@@TheBrokenMeeple time to check the podcast!

[@jimbalboa8514]

Arnak is the #1 most overrated game of 2020.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Ouch!!! Don't go saying now that Bonfire was the best though! 😅 #badfeld

[@jimbalboa8514]

@@TheBrokenMeeple I guess I should have ended with IMHO. Yeah, I love Feld but I don’t think I’ll be picking up Bonfire. Not too sure about the theme on that one. Just too, bizzaro.

[@lulualkuwari4969]

gidle

[@thomaswolf2391]

I want to be this guys friend!

[@TheTheshadow32]

How many same old boring rabbits can the designer of Raiders of the Sea pull out of slightly different colored hats frankly? Apparently ... a lot... I played Raiders 3 times and I rather watch paint dry on a wall...

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

I get that with Raiders of Scythia but their other games are different enough from Raiders.