AP Table Talk — Experience Points

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of the follow mechanic in board games. They begin by relating the concept to platformer games and how follow mechanics let players perform or adjust actions chosen by others. They review games like Tiny Towns and Puerto Rico, recalling their experiences with these games. They also cover Tiny Epic Galaxies and Glass Road, highlighting how follow mechanics affect gameplay and strategy. They both debate the balance and fairness of follow mechanics, examining their impact on game length and player experience, and consider whether making them mandatory or optional is more effective.

game mechanic, follow, AP Table TalkDave EngDecember 22, 2024mechanic, follow, strategy, balance, engagement, fairness, actionsComment

Episode 111 AP Table Talk: Tech Trees Tech Tracks

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on "tech tree" and “tech track” games. They emphasize how tech trees are a central component of many video games and board games, offering players various strategic paths and upgrades. They mention games like "Tapestry" and "Space Station Phoenix" that use tech tracks and tech trees for engine-building and resource management. They also explore how tech trees can add complexity and thematic depth to games and highlight the importance of balancing different strategies. They touch upon games like "Civilization" and "Terraforming Mars" and discuss the idea of introducing legacy elements to tech trees, allowing progress across multiple plays. The episode provides insights into how tech trees enhance gameplay in various genres and why they are a popular game mechanic.

Episode 107 AP Table Talk: Rondel

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces "Patchwork" as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like "Sabika," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention thematic considerations, player count dynamics, tie-breakers, and variations in game mechanics. Dave and Brian also touch on games with changing rondel layouts and explore twists in mechanics, such as action resolution prior to moving. They conclude by reflecting on the accessibility and strategic choices offered by rondel mechanics.

rondel, game mechanics, AP Table TalkDave EngMarch 17, 2024rondel, board games, game mechanic, AP Table TalkComment

Episode 92 AP Table Talk: Pick-up and Deliver

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave discuss pick-up and deliver games. They start by reminiscing about their experiences with such games, including their favorite titles like Bus and Flash Point: Fire Rescue. They also mention other notable games like Clank! and Earth Reborn. They share their likes and dislikes about the pick-up and deliver mechanic, highlighting the importance of clear objectives and significant gameplay. They discuss variations within the genre, such as hidden movement combined with pick-up and deliver mechanics. The episode concludes with a discussion on the efficiency of pick-up and deliver mechanics.

pick-up and deliver, game mechanics, AP Table TalkDave EngAugust 20, 2023pick-up and deliver, game mechanics, AP Table TalkComment

Episode 89 AP Table Talk: Mancala

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss board games that utilize the Mancala mechanic, which involves moving pieces along a board with hollows or pockets. They start by reminiscing about Dave’s childhood memories of playing Mancala with his mom's old board. They then explore modern board games that have popularized this mechanic, such as Five Tribes and Trajan. They also discuss other games like Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done and Fruit Picking, which offer variations of the Mancala mechanic.

AP Table Talk, Game Mechanics, MancalaDave EngJuly 9, 2023board games, mancala, game mechanic, chair reaction, AP table talkComment

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