Unraveling the Mythos with Meeples & Wine

Hey board game lovers! Welcome back to Meeples & Wine, your podcast for couples’ board game reviews with a drink in hand. We’re your hosts, Michael & Suzy, and this episode we’re diving deep into a world of Lovecraftian mystery, monsters, and madness!

🍷 What We’re Sipping

Today, we’re getting cozy with a glass of Witches Brew Mulled Wine from Leelanau Cellars in Northport, Michigan.

Meeples & Wine: Dodging Worms and Sipping Reds in Terror Below

Hey there, Meeples & Wine fans! It’s Michael and Suzy, your go-to duo for board game reviews tailored for couples, always with a glass of something tasty in hand. Got a game or wine you think we should try? Shoot us an email at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or leave a message at (707) 572-5282 or via our Speakpipe. Let’s jump into this week’s episode!

We’re kicking things off with a bold pour of Dearly Beloved...

Meeples & Wine: A Tactical Sip and Battle

Hey there, friends! It’s Michael and Suzy, your hosts of Meeples & Wine, the podcast where we review board games perfect for couples, with a drink in hand to keep things fun. We love hearing from you, so drop us a line at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or leave a voicemail at (707) 572-5282 or via our Speakpipe.

Also we’ll be at Lodge Con on November 1st! It’s at Will County Fairgrounds Atrium
710 S. West St., Peotone Illinois!

...

First things first—what’s in the glass? We cracked open a bottle of Junmai Ginjo Super-Premium Sake, aka TYKU Black from the TY KU Sake Brewery. Brewed in Japan and bottled in Ewing, NJ (fancy, right?), this bad boy clocks in at 15.5% ABV with a 60% polish ratio—meaning they’ve shaved down the rice to unlock those silky flavors. We’re talking rich texture, hints of natural sweetness, peach, and vanilla on the nose. Over 200 flavor components and higher amino acids make it a killer white wine stand-in.

Pairing-wise? Oh man, it’s perfect for full-flavore...

We’re back and asking; Is Alien Fate of the Nostromo good for two players and how do you actually pronounce “Vinsobres”?

For our tasting we’ve got Trader Joe’s Reserve: Vinsobres a French wine from the southern Rhone Valley. The Vinsobres region was given its own special AOC status in 2006, putting it on par with other notable areas like Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The wine is a blend of 52% Grenache and 48% Syrah. You can expect a spicy aroma with notes of dill, cinnamon, and clove, along with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and licorice.

Alien: Fate of the Nos...

Borsao Selección Blanco is a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Macabeo grapes. The Chardonnay brings bright, fruity aromas, while the Macabeo provides structure and body. To preserve its vibrant fruit character, the wine is aged briefly, fermenting in French oak barrels.

The Macabeo grape, also known as Viura, is a versatile white wine grape found on both sides of the Pyrenees in Spain and France. Its flavor profile is quite dynamic; when harvested early and aged in stainless steel, it can be fresh, floral, and aromatic. However, when harvested later and aged in oak, it develops a...

So you’re looking for best 2 player board games for couples? Have you come to the right place! Join Michael and Suzy as they delve into finding games that you and your sweetie can play without winding up in counselling over a dice roll, and along with this, you get a review of a new bottle of wine (or other drink) every episode!

This week we’re in our 4th dive of the popular Dice Throne series, with Pyromancer vs Shadow Thief! Play either the fireball chucking Pyromancer or the poison-tipped dagger wielding Shadow Thief using your skil...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine! Your podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand!

This week we’re playing Radlands by Roxley Games, a two-player only card game that pits you and your opponent as rival gangs in a post-apocalyptic world! Drawing from the same deck, you’ll defend your three camps with people ranging from the super accurate sniper to the lowly punk (though, remember, PUNKS ARE PEOPLE TOO!) Find synergies and combos to do damage and eventually destroy your opponent’s camps, while launching your raiders to do direct attacks! You can fi...

Welcome to Meeples & Wine, your podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand!

In today’s episode, we’re tasting Clad & Cordon Vineyard’s Cordon Blue, a blueberry wine from Creal Springs, Illinois. It has a sweet and fruity profile with ripe blueberry notes. This blueberry wine pairs well with creamy desserts, various cheeses, light salads, sandwiches, and even certain meats like chicken or fish.

We’re playing Hive, an abstract board game where the goal is to trap your opponent’s Queen Bee. It’s a two-player game designed and illustrated...

This week we’re celebrating our anniversary by going to the Galena Uncorked wine festival! We’ve come back with the two player game “Genius Square” and are trying Massbach Ridge Winery’s Daffodil sweet white!

For the Last Call we’re going to Kickstarter to take a look at Even Deeper Regrets: An Unfortunate Fishing Game Expansion, where you can pledge at here!

If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebook or if you’d like to leave us a voicema...

This week we play Azul Duel by Michael Kiesling, a two-player only version of the classic Azul, with art by Maëva da Silva! We also taste Anticiclone Tinto Red Blend, that we picked up from Costco, a nice Portuguese blend of Aragonez and Castelao. For our Last Call we have a game with only a week left on Kickstarter, Murder on the Rocks. This Clue/Werewolf social deduction game keeps players in the game even after they have been murdered! We have three Conniption Gin canvas bags to give away! (see image above!) Thanks to Paul out at the d...

This episode Michael and Suzy spend their Easter afternoon playing Ruse Game's recent release Bunny Boom, fresh out of their crowdfunding on Gamefound! Your quiet village is being overrun by hordes of soft and cuddly rabbits and you work to push as many as you can to your opponent's board! Lay your cards down on the board to build the village, matching suits to close out the space so no more cards can be played, or don't match suits to play that card that may win you the game, but you'll get more bunnies as a penalty! Force your opponent...

This week we play PandaSaraus Game's "Sea Salt & Paper" a nice relaxed set making game with some fantastic aquatic origami images with Sea Glass Winery's Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc. Lately we've been playing some serious "take that" games like Smash Up, we take a 180 turn with Sea Salt & Paper, where you gather shells, octupi and other sea life to gather points to win. But be careful, if your opponent thinks they've got more points they can declare "Last Chance" and put all their (and your) points on the line! We're tasting Sea Glass winery's Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc, a California...

Welcome to episode 80! This time around we're playing the deck-drafting game Smash Up! by Alderac Entertainment Group. This 2-4 player game pits all the teams that you've wanted to see fighting against each other to lay claim to bases to score 15 victory points to win. Have you ever wanted to play Zombie Truckers, Kung-Fu Sheep, or Robot 70's Vigilantes? All possible in Smash Up! This episode we're also not tasting a wine, but a cocktail, the Whiskey Smash (see the connection?) This simple cocktail with only a few ingredients, whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and mint. It's easy to make...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine! Your podcast of board game reviews for couples with a drink in hand! This week we're playing Casting Shadows from Unstable Games, maker of Unstable Unicorns and Happy Little Dinosaurs (you can find our review of that HERE!) We also have a sip of Two Brother's Cellar Club 2018 Barrel-Aged Barley Wine! For this week's Last Call we look at two games on the Kickstarter horizon, first is Lewd Dungeon Adventures: A Date to the Grand Ball an "RPG Dating Sim" for...two or more, your mileage may vary. We also eyeball Granfondo, a cycling/racing...

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! For our first show of the year we taste Ménage à Trois - Northern Seduction Red Blend, and play Summoner Wars! This hearty red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has some intense tobacco and leather notes on the nose with a solid dark cherry flavor, some tartness and a mild tannin at the end. We also talk about our play-through of the Vanguard vs Fallen Kingdom in Summoner Wars. We're also going to be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year! You can find more info on this great gaming event at ww...

Meeples & Wine Episode Recap: Curious Beasts and Squarriors In this week’s episode, Michael and Suzy dove into the darkly whimsical pairing of the Curious Beasts Red Blend 2021 wine and the post-apocalyptic card game Squarriors. While both offerings boast intriguing packaging, they revealed some challenges beneath the surface. Wine Highlights:The duo sampled Curious Beasts, a gothic-themed red blend with bold flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of oak and pepper. Its standout feature? A dramatic bottle design featuring skeletons in festive hats and violins. However, the wine’s origin remains as mysterious as its label; with the winery appe...

Curious Beasts Red Blend and Squarriors: The Card Game

This week, Suzy and I explored the mysterious pairing of Curious Beasts Red Blend 2021 and the post-apocalyptic card game Squarriors. Both offered a lot to look at and talk about, but we quickly discovered some unexpected twists along the way.

The Wine: Curious Beasts

We kicked things off with Curious Beasts, a red blend with bold flavors of cherry, plum, and just a hint of oak and pepper. The bottle design really caught our attention—it’s decked out with skeletons in sombreros, roses, and...

In this episode of "Meeples & Wine," we review the 2023 Protea Dry Rosé from Anthonij Rupert Wyne and the board game Alice’s Garden, and talk of how freaking big a Protea can get (image below!) We also have a twofer for the Last Call, with Knitting Circle by FLATOUT GAMES and Dice Throne Outcasts + Adventures Unchained which are set to complete on Fri, December 13 2024 and Mon, November 18 2024, respectively. So get on that if you want some great new games!

In this episode of "Meeples & Wine," we review the 2023 Protea Dry Rosé from Anthonij Rupert Wyne and the board game Alice’s Garden, and talk of how freaking big a Protea can get!

We also have a twofer for the Last Call, with Knitting Circle by FLATOUT GAMES and Dice Throne Outcasts + Adventures Unchained which are set to complete on Fri, December 13 2024 and Mon, November 18 2024, respectively. So get on that if you want some great new games!

Meeples & Wine: Buffy and the Devil's Cellar! Welcome back to Meeples & Wine, where Michael and Suzy bring you the latest in board game reviews for couples—alongside a delicious glass of wine! In this episode, we dive into the world of both vampire slaying and Chilean wine. We're tasting Casillero del Diablo's Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold cherry and blackcurrant notes with a hint of vanilla, perfect for pairing with grilled meats and mature cheeses. With medium body and marked tannins, this wine unfolds a story as rich as the legend behind its name: "The Devil's Cellar." On the bo...

Meeples & Wine: Buffy and the Devil's Cellar!

Welcome back to Meeples & Wine, where Michael and Suzy bring you the latest in board game reviews for couples—alongside a delicious glass of wine! In this episode, we dive into the world of both vampire slaying and Chilean wine. We're tasting Casillero del Diablo's Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold cherry and blackcurrant notes with a hint of vanilla, perfect for pairing with grilled meats and mature cheeses. With medium body and marked tannins, this wine unfolds a story as rich as the legend behind its name: "The Devil's Ce...

It's coming up on Halloween and we've got the spooky games and wines for you this episode! We're tasting Vampire Vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon and playing Richard Garfield's "The Hunger", play as Vampires hunting humans and getting the enchanted rose, but you better be back before sunrise!

In this episode, we review Fire Tower and taste Toasted Head 2022 Chardonnay, along with the Last Call Kickstarter "Wild Imaginary West". 00:00 Welcome to Meeples and Wine00:24 Meet Your Hosts: Michael and Susie00:47 Contacting Meeples and Wine01:02 The Voicemail Debate02:13 Today's Game: Fire Tower02:39 Wine Tasting: Toasted Head Chardonnay08:41 Fire Tower: Game Overview12:04 Fire Tower: Game Mechanics16:42 Fire Tower: Strategy and Gameplay21:04 Fire Tower: Special Cards and Roles22:25 Winning Strategies for Shadow of the Wood22:47 Champion of the Wood: Special Abilities23:34 Fire Tower: Rising Flames Expansion25:23 Playing Fire Tower with Two Players26:11 Balancing Offense and Defense27:51 Fun Score and Relationship Impact29:17...

Greetings! This week Michael and Suzy play Apollo: A Game Inspired by NASA Moon Missions, by Buffalo Games, and also holds our record for the longest game title to date! Choose your role as either the team of Astronauts or Mission Control as you attempt to successfully either orbit the Earth in the Gemini II mission pack or make it to the moon and back in the Apollo! This won't be easy, as every turn you must handle systems breaking down, succeeding in your mission level goals and managing to get some experiments done while floating through the black! You...

This week we review Unexpected Games' 3000 Scoundrels, a futuristic wild-west shootout of bluffing and misdirection! In this game you and up to three more of your friends play rival leaders vying to gather as much of the technology left behind by the mysterious "Traveler" who has just disappeared. Gather your posse together by joining the trait and transparent job cards to create new Scoundrels to hire, will you have a Corrupt Printer, Filthy Dog, or Helpful Banker? Play your poker hand to gain cash, scout the tech loaded safes, and then steal them, but be careful, if you get caught...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine! This week Michael and Suzy play Flock Together from Sea Cow Games, taste La Vieille Ferme Rosé, and test out two new microphones! (Let us know how you think it sounds!) Yes, in this week's game we take on the role of two chickens trying to survive three seasons against the elements and the predators that surround our coop, as Madame Chickovski and Cluckerberry Finn we go claw to toe against such villians as Professor Moleiarty, Chicksune and Cleopoultra! We also taste La Vieille Ferme Rosé, a fruity light wine for hot days, and attempt a...

This week Michael and Suzy play Shadows Amsterdam, from Libellud games, an abstract clue giving game where players guide their teams across the map to discover clues, avoid the police, and find their client before their opponents do (or the timer completes!) That's our Amazon Associates link up there, if you use it we will get some cash from it! Instead of a wine, we taste a mixed drink this week, the Phillip Marlowe Gimlet. This sweet tart drink made of Bombay Gin and Rose's Lime Juice, with roots going back to the 1800s!

This week Michael and Suzy play the second game from their Kozz games Kickstarter, Dark Tomb: Bloodthorn Island! It's the follow up to the first game, Crypts of Aurelian. This time around, though, it's got a BOAT! We also taste The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc, a 100% Sauv Blanc from New Zealand! Be sure to check out our Kickstarter Last Call, Imperial Borders, HERE!

This week we take a look at the first game from our recent Kickstarter purchase from Kozz games, Dark Tomb: Crypts of Aurelian, a "super portable" tabletop game (think Altoid's tin-ish) where 1 to 5 players descend into the tombs to reclaim the Amulet of Fire to save Gorriah! It's got all the cubes you want, and a multiple play-through setup so no two games are the same! Along with this we're tasting Chronic Cellars Suite Petite, another suggestion from our wine department friends at our local Binny's. It's a Petite Sirah, one of Michael's favorite varietals! Don't forget to check out...

Hello and welcome back to everyone! This week Michael and Suzy are tasting a yuzu fruit sake cocktail mixing Zipang Sparkling Sake and Joto Yuzu Sake, a suggestion that we got from Susie and Tim, wine consultant and manager respectively, from our local Binny's Beverage Depot out in Geneva, IL. Spoilers, there was nothing left by the end of the show...also, we are in no way sponsored by Binny's (yet.) We also play Shinobi Wat-ahh! A hand management/worker placement game from Iello Games out in France! Play an aspiring lord who is vying to take the throne from...

We're back and this week we're reviewing Rocket House Games' Potion Panic a frantic race to become the Alchemist a la Mode by completing potion recipe's components, smashing vials to get more cards in your hand or to deny your opponents those super valuable crystals! Ten crystals gets you the Philosopher's Stone, which wins you the game and grants you powers beyond explanation in the next game (well, there is a card that explains them...). How does Potion Panic rate on our Fun scale? How does is rate on our Couch Score (how likely it is for Michael to wind...

Welcome to another episode of Meeples and Wine! This time we'll be discussing Fallout: The Board Game while drinking Do Epic Shit - 2021 Red Wine Blend from Browne Family Vineyards. The wine is a full-bodied Paso Robles Red Blend with notes of raspberry, cherry, black pepper, and dark chocolate. It pairs well with bold foods. Fallout: The Board Game is a post-nuclear adventure board game for one to four players. Players take on the role of survivors in a wasteland and explore, fight enemies, complete quests, and build their skills. The game is won by whoever comes out ahead by...

Board Games, Wine Tasting, and Midwest Gaming Classic Adventures In this episode of Meeples and Wine, hosts Michael and Suzy return after a brief hiatus to share news of their appearance at the Midwest Gaming Classic 2024 in Milwaukee. They reminisce about their past experience at the event, interview highlights, and announce their plans for game demos, reviews, and more on the Meeples and Wine Tabletop stage. Following the event news, they dive into a wine tasting session featuring 19 Crimes Martha's Chard from California, discussing its characteristics, pairing options, and their personal tasting notes. The episode shifts to a detailed review...

In this episode of Meeples and Wine, Michael dives into board games suitable for single players or those with one-player variants. He reviews Arkham Horror: Final Hour, discussing the strategy, mechanics, and overall gameplay. Michael also samples a blueberry, cinnamon and maple syrup ale from North Carolina's Heist Brewery named 'breakfast junkie,' giving a detailed review of its flavor profile. The show also mentions its sponsor, Manscaped, and provides information on how listeners can connect with the Meeples and Wine team online. Towards the end, Michael shares his findings on Game Found, an alternative to Kickstarter, showcasing a rabbit-themed...

Title: Reviewing "The Rocketeer" – A Perfect Pairing with A Glass of Chardonnay Hello everybody and welcome to the world of board games and fine wine, where every roll of the dice pairs perfectly with every sip of a good vintage. Today, we’re going to delve into the world of "The Rocketeer: Fate of the Future" board game while savoring a glass of the 2021 vintage Chardonnay from Bread and Butter Winery. The Rocketeer: Fate of the Future Board Game Review The link above is an Amazon Affiliate link, and we will earn a commission if you click it and purchase! Now...

Solo Game Exploration and Beer Tasting: 'Onirim' and Two Brothers Imperial Stout Onirim: A Dreamy Solitaire Adventure Introduction This week I'm reviewing Onirim, a solo/cooperative card game where you navigate a mysterious labyrinth as a dreamwalker. You must escape before your dream time runs out by finding the eight oneiric doors. Gameplay Onirim is a set collection and deck-building game. You have a hand of five cards and must match sets of three to unlock doors. However, there are challenges: Sun and Moon cards: You can't play a sun next to a moon or the same icon twice in...

In this episode of 'Meeples and Wine', hosts Michael and Suzy kick off the New Year by reviewing board game 'Tiny Epic Dungeons'. The couple highlight the high replayability, short playtime, and high strategy of the game, despite its challenging learning curve. Michael and Suzy also mention a Kickstarter game they found interesting, 'The Last Lighthouse'. They celebrate the return of their podcast after a hiatus and introduce their new sponsor, Manscaped. The hosts also enjoy Apothic Red wine, describing it as a good everyday wine to have on hand for casual meals like burgers and pizza. Please give our...

"Meeples and Wine," where the hosts review board and tabletop games for couples. The host talks about the concept of bluffing games and social deduction games, and then focuses on one specific game called "The Chameleon." The host explains the rules and gameplay of the game and concludes by giving their thoughts on the game.

Based on the provided script, the short summary could be: "In this episode, Michael introduces Meeples and Wine, a podcast where he and his wife review board and tabletop games for couples. He discusses 'Take That' games, which involve players using cards or actions to harm their opponents. Michael mentions popular 'Take That' games such as Munchkin, Flux, Kittens in a Blender, and UNO, explaining their mechanics and unique features."

Simultaneous Play Games : Breakdown and Review of Space Team In this edition of Meeples and Wine: NowPodPomo 2023, hosts Michael and Susie dive deep into the world of simultaneous play board games, highlighting its unique appeal due to its dynamic and interactive nature. The focus is on 'Space Team', a co-op shouting card game where players work together to repair a malfunctioning spaceship. 'Space Team' and its two expansions available on Stellar Factory are scrutinized, with the hosts recommending the Triangulum expansion over the NSFS (Not Safe for Space) expansion. 00:10 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:40 How to Connect with Us01:08 Introduction to...

Title: Unveiling the Thrill: Hidden Movement Games! Hey there, fellow gamers! Welcome to Meeples and Wine, NaPodPomo 2023. Before we dive into today's game, let me introduce you to Meeples and Wine! I'm Michael, and together with my wife Suzy, we review board and tabletop games for couples. We see how well they play with just two players, how fun and challenging they are, and yeah, sometimes we even test if they can ruin a marriage (just kidding!). Head over to www.meeplesandwine.fun for game reviews, wine tastings, and more. Plus, you can leave us a voicemail through our SpeakPipe...

Michael introduces the Meeples Wine podcast and talks about push your luck games, specifically Pass the Pigs and Cosmic Wimp Out. He explains the rules and gameplay of both games while sharing his personal experiences and recommendations.

So today we're talking about legacy tabletop games. These are a type of board game that's designed to be played over a series of sessions, with the game itself changing permanently as you go. Legacy games are often seen as a way to create a more immersive or memorable gaming experience. By permanently changing the game, players feel like they're making real progress and that their actions have impact.

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. Exploring Storytelling in Tabletop Games on Meeples Wine NaPodPoMo 2023 In this episode of Meeples Wine NaPodPoMo 2023, this episode focuses on 'storytelling tabletop games', as compared to 'story-driven games', providing distinct examples like 'Aye, Dark Overlord', 'Once Upon A Time', and 'Baron Munchausen'. These...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. In this episode of the Meeples and Wine NaPodPoMo 2023 , Michael talks about various options for escape room and murder mystery tabletop games. He starts by reviewing the concept of escape room games and then goes on to discuss different versions such as Exit...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. Exploring Engine Building Games: From Terraforming Mars to Magic Gathering In this episode of our NaPodPoMo 2023 run, Michael discusses the concept of engine building in board and tabletop games. Highlighting the buzz that comes from creating efficient, interconnected systems in various games like...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. Board Games Review: Exploring Set Collection Games with a Focus on 'Point Salad' In this episode of 'Meeples Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023', Michael reviews set collection board games with focus on the game 'Point Salad', launched by AEG in 2019, involves players using 108...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. Exploring Board Games Mechanics: Auction and Bidding Games In this podcast episode of 'Meeples Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023', Michael reviews two different board games featuring bidding mechanics: 'Shipwrecked' and 'Power Grid'. 'Shipwrecked' is a blind bidding game where players compete for survival...

Welcome to Meeples and Wine Na Pod Pomo 2023, hosted by Michael and Suzy, where they review board and tabletop games for couples. They explore how well games play with two players, their fun factor, complexity, and whether they might "destroy the marriage." Each episode also includes a thematic wine, beer, or drink tasting to accompany the game. In this episode, Michael delves into the world of paper and pencil games, highlighting grid coverage, enclosure games, and line drawing as different styles within this category. The featured game of the day is "Cartographers: A Roleplayer Tale" by Thunderworks Games. In this...

Social Deduction: A Look at the Games that Keep Us Guessing Welcome back to Meeples and Wine, NaPodPoMo 2023 edition! Today, we're diving into the world of social deduction games, exploring why they've become so popular and highlighting two of our favorites: One Night: Ultimate Werewolf and The Thing: The Boardgame. Social deduction games have increased in popularity and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of role playing, bluffing, and a touch of chaos that's sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. In these games, players are secretly assigned roles, some good, some neutral, and some...

In episode five of Meeples and Wine NaPodPoMo 2023, Michael discusses cooperative (co-op) tabletop games, where players work together to achieve a common goal. These games foster teamwork and camaraderie. Common themes include a shared win condition, communication among players, and unique abilities available to the players. Time or turn limits often add pressure. Some examples of co-op games discussed are Pandemic by Z-Man Games, a game about stopping global diseases, and Forbidden Island, where players collect treasures from a sinking island. The episode also covers The Crew, a challenge-based card game. The hosts stress the importance of communication, flexibility, and...

Episode Four: Exploring Area Control Games This episode covers area control games, a genre of board games wherein players compete to conquer different areas on the board through various methods like moving units, establishing settlements, or using influence markers. The focus is on strategic growth and defending territories which makes the genre appealing but often complex. Michael introduces a few game versions such as Risk, El Grande, Twilight Imperium, and Kemet, each representing different levels of complexity and length of game play. He also provides gameplay strategies, emphasizing the importance of not stretching resources too wildly, considering value points on...

Today we are talking about tile-laying games. Tile-laying games are a type of board game where players build the board by placing tiles on it. This can be done to create a city, a farm, a forest, or any other kind of landscape or scene. Look for scoring opportunities. When placing your tiles, try to think about how you can score points in multiple ways. For example, if you are placing a tile that completes a road, also see if it can help you complete a city or monastery. Be aware of your opponents' strategies. Try to anticipate what your op...

Hey everybody, and welcome to NaPodPoMo day two! Today we're talking about worker placement games. Worker placement games are known for their strategic depth and replayability. With so many different options available, players must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each action before making a decision. Worker placement games can also be very competitive, as players must try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to get the best resources and spaces. Here are a few beginner-friendly worker placement games: Stone Age Champions of Midgard Nusfjord Wingspan Here are a few tips for playing worker placement games: Claim key spaces...

Deck Building Games, sometimes known as Card Drafting, is a game mechanic where players take turns selecting cards from a common pool. The cards that are available change each round, as players take cards and pass the remaining cards to the next player. This creates a dynamic and interactive game experience, as players must carefully consider their own picks and how they can deny their opponents the cards they want. Simple strategy for card drafting games Pick the cards that are most valuable to you. This may mean picking cards that give you immediate points, cards that help you build yo...

Join Michael for a spine-chilling solo episode as he dives into the one-player tabletop thriller, Final Girl, with the Organism/Station 2891 expansion from Van Ryder Games. But that's not all – we've got a special treat in store as we review the Revenge of the Final Girl pale ale to wash down the tension. Grab yourself a flamethrower and a drink and let's get started! He's playing Final Girl the single player horror movie themed game, with the Organism/ Station 2891 Feature Film box, which has a John Carpenter's The Thing theme. With the Final Girl starter set and your choice of th...

Heading in for the haunting season we have our first on show mixed drink and get into the world of cocktails with "The Gargoyle." This classic 1920s drink takes center stage as we uncover the history of the Gargoyle Club, a legendary haunt for bohemian aristocrats and socialites founded by David Tennant. We discuss the picture of this iconic club's ambiance and its transformation over the years, including its famous elevator and notable visitors, from Fred Astaire to Nick Cave. We also discuss the interesting history of the Gargoyle Club, emphasizing its significance in the 1920s social scene and it's...

Hello there married (or in a relationship) gamers! This week we're diving into the fantastical world of the Dragonrealm card/dice game by Gamewright. Join me, Michael, and my wonderful wife Suzy as we gather our adventurers play our enhancements, fight our way through goblins and landslides as we claim our territories in this card and dice game. But that's not all! As we explore the Dragonrealms, we're sipping on Dragon's Milk Tales of Gold beer, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our gaming experience. (at least for Michael...) If you're a married/relationship-enabled tabletop gamer couple looking for...

https://open.spotify.com/show/1J2sLgQI4szkJ1NKSS8U3S Hey there, fellow tabletop game enthusiasts and wine lovers! This episode Michael and Suzanne dive into the dark and mysterious London district of the two-player board game with "Mr. Jack." Join us as we unravel the mystery in this strategic duel of wits. Will it be the brilliant detective or the elusive Jack the Ripper who prevails? But that's not all! As we strategize over the game board, we're sipping on the Three Fingered Jack Red Blend wine. This velvety red blend is the perfect companion to an evening...

We're returning to the world of Dice Throne this week, and we're playing the Seraph vs Vampire Lord! It's a battle between the forces of darkness as the Vampire Lord attempts to steal your health and subdue you with glamour and the force of goodness that is the Seraph as just her being near you does damage to you with Holy Presence! If you'd like to hear our previous show where we dig into the ruleset more than strategy you can find the Cursed Pirate v Artificer show HERE. We also taste Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, a wonderful sum...

Who's crash-landed in the Forbidden Desert and needs to work together to survive? Why Michael and Suzy, of course! We're playing Forbidden Desert from Gamewright, and doing our best to search out tools to get rid of the sand (THAT WON'T STOP TRYING TO BURY US!) water for us to drink as the sun bears down on us, and finally to discover the coordinates to the four pieces that will assemble the flying machine to let us escape! Do we survive? Do we get buried under the tons of sand from the storm? Listen and find out! We go this...

We cross the pond to Japan this week! We're reviewing the AEG "Big In Japan" title Magical Treehouse, a card drafting, resource gathering and set making game for two, or is it? We also taste the newly arrived to the USA Suntory -198 Lemon Vodka seltzer. In Magical Treehouse, it's graduation season at the magic school, and as one of the apprentice witches, your final exam awaits to prove yourself as a respectable witch. The challenge is to create a comfortable village for your familiars, constructing magical tree houses by collecting wealth from the forest. Throughout the game, you'll strategically...

Ever wonder about the creatures from beyond your sight and what madness lies in even trying to discover the truth behind the veil, and also what would be a nice refreshing beer to drink while doing it? Well this week we review both the beer Tiki Tongue Liar from Miskatonic Brewery and the board game Gates of Delirium from Renegade Game Studios. The beer is described as a soft, tart, and prickly kettle sour with pineapple flavors, complemented by a slightly salty and sweet body. The dry hop of Sabro adds a light coconutty taste to the beer. Moving on...

https://open.spotify.com/show/1J2sLgQI4szkJ1NKSS8U3S Welcome to episode 50 of "Meeples and Wine," the podcast where we combine our love for tabletop gaming with a good glass of wine! For a Fiftieth Episode special in today's episode, we have a treat for all the beer enthusiasts out there as we interview the talented founder and brewmaster, Josh Mowry, from the renowned Miskatonic Brewery. So grab your favorite glass of vino (or brew), sit back, and let's dive into the world of board games and craft beer! In this lively conversation, we get to know Josh...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Meeples and Wine! Join Michael and Suzanne in this episode, where we delve into the world of dark humor and indulgent sips as we review the Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend wine and the captivating card game, Gloom by Atlas Games. Our wine adventure takes us to Southern Oregon and Red Mountain Washington, where Maison Noir Wine's Horseshoes and Handgrenades Red Blend awaits. This fruit-driven, full-bodied delight is a complex fusion of Oregon Syrah, Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The result is a rich, ripe, and voluptuous blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Picture...

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome to another exciting episode of "Meeples and Wine" Today, we're delving into the magical world of Dungeon Mayhem, a thrilling card game brought to life by the creative minds of Jordan Comar and Roscoe Wetlaufer, with stunning illustrations by Kyle Ferrin. But that's not all; we're also uncorking a bottle of the enchanting "Girl and Dragon" Malbec from the heart of Mendoza, Argentina. So grab your dice and pour yourself a glass, as we embark on this thrilling quest! First things first, Dungeon Mayhem brings an epic battle to your tabletop. The game is simple...

Join us in another episode of "Meeples and Wine," where we combine our love for board games and reasonably priced fine wine. In this episode, we delve into the rich flavors of Sicily with a tasting of the renowned Nero d'Avola wine. As the aroma of the wine fills the air, Michael and Suzy take you on a sensory journey, exploring the characteristics that make Nero d'Avola unique. They discuss its origins, the winemaking process, and share their personal experiences with this bold and captivating red wine. But we don't stop there! We dive into the world of Florin we r...

Welcome to the bloodiest of our shows so far! We're tasting Pernod Ricard Lillet Rouge, a French fortified wine that can be drunk as an aperitif or as a mixer in such beverages as the Vesper Martini and the Corpse Reviver #2! We chose this one due to it's being a favorite drink of a certain literary character that segues nicely into the game of the week! (Listen to find out this one!) Out wandering the streets one night we came across a game store that we had not visited before, Treasures in Naperville! This fine establishment is run by a...

Welcome to the Ninth World, eight worlds have passed and now it is up to you, the Nano, the Jack and the Glaive, to discover what the previous worlds have left us, both for good and for bad. Based off the Numenera RPG by Lone Shark Games, the Ninth World finds you working to discover mysterious Cyphers, battling creatures, advancing your skills, and attending weddings (?!) while trying to survive in the billion year future of Earth. This game, designed by the trifecta of Paul Peterson, Boyan Radakovich, Mike Selinker, pulls from the Euro game scene, there are trackers to watch, ph...

Ever have a great game idea, one that combines pirates, horror, sci-fi and had characters and items that really drew you in? Ever want to play a game where you pitch such a game? Well, we've got great news for you, Gamestormer exists. Created by Jon Spike this "tableau filling" game has you filling the role a fledgling Gamestormer who is attempting to impress the Elder Gamestormer with a new game idea. Part strategy and part social game you'll find yourself drawing Items, Storyline and Mechanic cards to fill your tableau, while using the card actions to draw or redraw...

There's a special show in store for this week! We interview Dan Loosen, co-founder of the Midwest Gaming Classic that has been running for 20 years. Highlighting the passion and love that gamers possess for their favorites, whether it be tabletop, video, pinball or any of the categories within. We discuss the origins of MGC, starting as Jagfest 2K1 a celebration of the Atari Jaguar, and highlights of guests, events, wrestling belts and the friends he's made over the years, and the arrival of a big purple monkey. If you haven't heard of the Midwest Gaming Classic, here's a clip from...

This week we get our wands out and DUEL! It's time for Renegade Game's Duel of Wands, a wand combat game based in the Kids on Brooms world, a collaborative RPG where witches and wizards in training at a magical school where anything could happen! Promising theme, sounds like something that could make a popular movie or book series, someone should get on that. We're also tasting Broken Brix's PB&J Mead, made locally in St. Charles, IL, and also where we buy our brewing equipment for our first batch of Blueberry Mead! If you're looking for gear or advice...

This weekend Suzy and Michael went to see the Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves preview! Here's our review as both a life long gamer and D&D fan, and the take from someone who just loves heist movies! We're all over the world of Faerun tonight, but beware there be spoilers here!

This week Michael and Suzy take on the high-flying world of zeppelin racing! Yes, we're playing Quicksilver a tabletop game for 2 to 6 people that has you zipping your dirigibles high above the city of Paradise Falls. This game by Split Second Games packs all the thrill and excitement that you remember from the zeppelin races of your youth! Is that a thing? Let's pretend that's a thing. We also taste a California Chardonnay from The Seeker, a nice golden chard that describes itself as "aromas of ripe pineapple, golden apple, Anjou pear and guava with hints of vanilla and baking...

This week we're getting QUANTIUM! We're playing Bezier Games' Cat In The Box, a trick taking card game where you both know and don't know the cards in your hand until they're played. We also taste Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, which is now number one for the most aggressive wine label we've seen. We've also started up a Vivino account, and will be adding all the wines we've tasted, you can find our profile HERE! If you’ve got a game that you’d like us to demo get in touch at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, at our Twitter (@Meeplesandwine) or Facebo...

Howdy pardners! Welcome to the Weird West, where the Reckoners are comin', that there mad scientist down the street has some real odd noises comin' from his barn, and tumbleweeds can actually kill ya! Sorry, tumblebleed'll kill ya! Yes, welcome to the world of Doomtown: Reloaded a living card game by AEG where you face off as one of four starting factions. Will you play the Law Dogs, the (more or less) good guys who keep the peace here in the town of Gomorra or will you face off against them as the Sloane Gang, and take over the town...

Suzanne and Michael are back from attending Polar Vortex! We had a great conversation on two player games with Graham from Fair Game and picked up The Fox in the Forest from Renegade Game Studios and Cat in the Box from Bezier Games! We got a hand painted dice tray from Joe Abboreno, check out his stuff on the shop on Threadless! Also check out the cool crocheted plushies and bags from Candi Coated Creations!, like the super cute Futurama brain slug! We've also played the two-player trick-taking game Foxes in the Forest for this week's show. It's a twist...

This week we finally picked up a copy of Dice Throne, the Cursed Pirate vs Artificer box! We played a few games we realized that a level 4 and level 6 heroes were probably not the best ones to learn with, but we persevered. The game plays similar to an old favorite of ours, Magic: The Gathering but with tokens and dice and some really fantastic art by Manny Trembley. The coolest thing about Dice Throne (Follow them on Twitter @DiceThrone) is how you can combine all the decks together. Would you like to play Gunslinger vs Ninja, or Treant vs Pyromancer...

So, You've Been Eaten a game with rules written like stereo instructions (callback for those who remember stereos and Beetlejuice), and finds you as either the giant space slug, or the miner trying to escape said slug with crystals in hand, is the game for this show. We're also drinking St. Christopher 2021 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett, our first German wine!

Welcome to Meeples & Wine! This week we're taking our spelling skills to task with the game Letterflip from (the now defunct) Out of the Box Publishing! They're the team that introduced us to Apples 2 Apples, among other games! But yes, we're playing the tile-flippy game that's pretty much Guess Who? with less strategy. Also, we're tasting Aldi's Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrell Chardonnay!

This week Michael and Suzy talk about the Iello game "The Phantom Society" where you either play as the ghost hunters or the specters themselves, all the while tearing through a hotel. Other discoveries include the tasting of the La Cornada Crianza Tempranillo found at Aldi, and the fact that Suzy has never heard of the Great Space Coaster or of the great Gary Gnu. The Phantom Society

Welcome to Meeples & Wine where BETRAYAL hangs in the air with...purple dogs and French wine? Did we mention the BETRAYAL?! This week we have our first guest couple, Tim & Erin, to play Betrayal at House on the Hill, where Tim discovers a witty name is no defense against a shovel, and a spear, and a mystical elevator. We also taste a bottle of Laurent Dublanc Cotes-du-Rhone, a nice dry red for those cold January nights. Betrayal at House on the Hill 2nd edition is the game this week, one wrought with hidden doors, traps and omens at every turn...

Welcome to the new year and we are back, as refreshed as we're going to get, and ready to taste a new bottle of wine and play a game that won't end up with you and yours in marriage counselling! We recap our month off dealing with racing a storm to southern Illinois for Christmas, playing Kingdominoes and Spaceteam while we were down there, deer sightings and Leg Lamp revelations! We're trying to do Dry January by not drinking for the whole month, and to stay with it we try FRE Red Blend, that's a Alcohol Removed Wine for all...

Well, it is and it isn't. #NaPodPomo is done, we have completed 30 shows in 30 days with two hours to go, and Michael & Suzy are done. With posting daily that is, we're moving to a weekly show, with more time to prepare, and get some of the cool things that we've wanted to done! In this episode we talk about all such things, like demo videos, tours of wineries, shows at local game stores and having other gaming couples over to play! Do you have an idea for the weekly show, then tap that voicemail link below and let us know...

It's episode 29, almost to the end of #NaPodPoMo, and we're sending Love Letters to Batman! This show we're talking about "Papa's Game", the trick taking game that Suz's dad loves and loves to change the rules on. Also, Michael is sipping Tuaca, while Suzy pounds down a tall glass of NyQuil! The game of the show is Batman Love Letter, that reskinned version of the original Love Letter with all your favorite villains and heroes!

Welcome to almost the end of the #NaPodPoMo month with episode 28! This time it's Michael rolling solo one last time, with only 2 shows left to go before midnight! It's a nail-biter of will they/won't they?! He's tasting Bell's Black Hearted Ale, a darker than sin, IPA that in all honesty he didn't think that he would enjoy, spoilers. He's talking about the card game Brawl from 1999, a "A real-time card game of brawling martial artists." where you've got everything from goth-waitresses, to catgirl fighters all going at it in a free for all fight to win three bases! It...

It's episode 27 of Meeples & Wine and Michael is still recording on his own, she's coming back I SWEAR! But this episode he samples a glass of Chanmé Méchant Pinot Noir 2020, a nice dry wine that is just begging to be paired with fettuccini and cream sauce or a nice thick stew. He also opines about mobile gaming and how that's changed for him since his first Palm Pilot and the homebrew games that used Final Fantasy sprites and old text based adventures like Zork! He goes on to tell of playing Doom RPG on his Sony Ericsson W600i (I...

Hello and welcome to Meeples & Wine number 26! Only four left for #napodpomo, which would be awesome if we actually had 4 days left! This show we have Daughter "first out of the gates" Katie, who's joining Michael in talking about her favorite games for playing with the family. (This is also her first podcast hosting experience!) We're tasting Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer, it's a NA drink that has nothing to do with any Wizarding World out there. The game of the day is Anomia, a fast moving card game where things that you could have totally recalled a moment ago leave...

Hello and welcome to episode 25! Tonight Michael is going it alone, and tasting Unicorn Fight Club from Mill Stream Brewing! The game of the day is Welcome to the Dungeon from Iello Games!

Today Michael is running alone, as Suzy is out of town, though he will be tasting the "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha" Marshmallow Lager from Millstream Brewing Co.! He's also talking about the card game "Exploding Kittens" the card game!

This episode, Michael is still drinking 3 Floyds craft cocktails and has moved on to the Negroni, while not loved all that much by Suzy, it's still a solid drink! (If this is too ginny for you try an Americano!) We discuss who you'd like to have when facing off against terrorists, demons or aliens, Jack Burton, MacReady, or John McClane? We also talk about tabletop games based on movies, such as Die Hard: The Nakatomi Heist, The Thing:The Board Game, and Big Trouble in Little China: The Board Game!

Welcome to Meeples & Wine! The show that delves into the games that won't throw your marriage into a therapy session! Today (22 of 30 shows for #NaPodPoMo!) we're talking about our earliest memories of going to the movies and movies based on board games! Yes, we know we're supposed to be giving game reviews, but with the month almost over, we're running out of ideas! (BTW, if you have any ideas, send us an email at meeplesandwine@gmail.com!) Today we delve into why Michael is so screwed up, due to the PTSD of watching Pete's Dragon and Ghost Story at an...

Welcome to episode 21! Tonight on the closing of Thanksgiving, we're resting in our turkey comas have put away all the leftovers and are enjoying a nice hot mug of cider. What's in that cider, you may ask? Well we've got Plantation Original Dark Rum and Old Granddad's Bonded Bourbon, both worthy additions to a apple-y nightcap! We've also got some Twitter chatter with Dave Z ✶✶✶✶ Beer In Front Podcast (@BeerInFront) and F**k My Work Life (@fmwlpod) on making beer, Malort or White Claw gummies! The question of the day is "What are the best party games for the holidays?" What's g...

Welcome to episode 20, where we try 3 Floyds Daiquiris and kittens in blenders for dessert! Wait. Let me rephrase. Welcome to episode 20, where we drink 3 Floyds Barnabus Lime Daiquiri (still not as good as a Hemmingway), and talk about the card game Kittens in a Blender and what are the best Thanksgiving desserts! Much better, kinda.

Tonight we discuss tabletop games that have a theme of food! Thanksgiving is just a couple days away and we've gotten our baking needs bought, well, except for heavy cream. I don't care if it's grass fed, organic, only got sun from the west, the name of the cow was "Loretta", I'm not paying $6.50 for a pint of cream. - Michael. We're sipping Chaucer's Mead (with the spice bag) hot tonight, so we'll see where that takes us, it's from Bargetto Winery by the way. But on to the games! Food themes is where we're at, and we've already talked...

Welcome to Meeples & Wine! Tonight Michael and Suzy talk about Flat Top Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2018, a light "not as citrus as they describe" wine that still was pretty good. We also talk about Phil and Kaja Foglio's Girl Genius: The Works, a game that originated from the "adults only" XXXenophile TCG from 1996. Also, a super cool badge goes to Dave C. out at Blubrry, for getting things fixed up for us to keep posting through #napodpomo!

Welcome to episode 17, where we're discussing two player survival games like Terraria, and Don't Starve Alone! We're talking about those games where you've got nothing but your wits, and maybe some sticks, to keep yourself alive! With games ranging from Minecraft to Conan Exiles, we're talking about survival! We're not sampling a wine tonight, since we finished a bottle last night and have to work tomorrow! (Lame, I know, but we got calls.)

Welcome to episode 16 of our #napodpomo run! Today we talk about MURDER and wine! We sit down with a bottle of Old Soul Petite Sirah 2017, and talk about gifts of experiences or gifts of things, Suzy brings up the book 5 Love Languages and makes Michael feel like he's in a therapy session! So that's fun! We also talk about escape and murder mystery games! From the Exit games, to Hunt A Killer to the SUPER COOL AND AMAZING AND MIKE TOTALLYWANTSTOPLAYTHEHASTURONE Mysterious Package Company set of "experiences" and a chat on the How To Host A Murder game we played...

Welcome to episode 15 of Meeples & Wine's #napodpomo month! We're talking about a Coconut Ale today, made by...Michael's brother. Didn't have time to run out today, and we've been meaning to break that open. Also, we discuss our favorite zombie movies, ranging from Shaun of the Dead, Warm Bodies to Pontypool, Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead and Train to Busan. The game today is Steve Jackson Game's Zombie Dice ! Also, yes, Michael knows he got the lyrics wrong, they're "Want some whiskey in your water? Sugar in your tea?" from Three Dog Night's Mama Told Me Not To Come. https...