PAX Unplugged 2018 Recap Part 2
PAX Unplugged, like a healthy diet, felt very balanced for me this year. I played with friends, I browsed the expo hall, I did some events, and I ate cheesesteaks. Here’s part 2 of my recap, where I recount eating … Continued
Podcast Episode 45: A Conversation With Peter McPherson
Marc talks with Peter McPherson, designer of the upcoming Tiny Towns from AEG. What was it like working with a publisher for the first time, what was the design process for this family-weight construction euro, and what can we expect … Continued
Master of Wills Review
After opening my review of SPQF talking about the slightly strange occurrences when two movies with very similar premises are released at the same time, I arrive, by complete happenstance, to this review of Master of Wills, a game that … Continued
Book Discussion: The Three Body Problem Part 1
Join Marc, Matt, and Orion as they discuss a truly wonderful sci-fi series: The Three Body Problem. Here they discuss the first of this trilogy, looking at memorable moments and thematic elements of interest. A lot of what we find … Continued
PAX Unplugged 2018 Recap: Part 1
I turned 29 during last month’s delightful PAX Unplugged, and I think this is the year where time really starts to accelerate, because it’s been an absolute blur since then. Even PAX felt like it was over too quickly. I … Continued
Anthelion Review
Anthelion is on Kickstarter until 1/18/19 Some games feel open and comfortable. Whatever system the designer created feels like it could contain endless iteration and tweaking. You’ve got a general idea that it’s probably balanced, but there’s room in the … Continued
Podcast Episode 44: Aesthetics
Marc, Matt, and Orion, three people who typically don’t care very much about the look of the games they’re playing talk about the games that do have remarkable visuals and design. What games’ aesthetics are so good or so bad … Continued
Welcome To Abstract Month!
For 2019 I’ve decided to implement one major change for The Thoughtful Gamer. We’re doing themed months! January will focus on abstract games, and while everything isn’t set in stone, I will certainly be reviewing Tak and Santorini. I’ll also … Continued
The Best Of The Thoughful Gamer In 2018
We’ve done it, folks! We’ve made it another year and now I have to remember it’s 2019 for all those times I have to write the date on something. Before looking ahead to the bright, glorious future, maybe we should … Continued
SPQF Review
In film there’s a bizarrely frequent occurrence where two movies with remarkably similar premises or inspirations will release at roughly the same time. Like, remember when we got two mediocre movies about the White House blowing up? Or that same … Continued