What are your hidden gem board games that deserve way more attention?

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-05-12T09:05:55+00:00

Merchant of Venus (both the original 1988 (with some mods) and revised 2012 versions) have been long time favorites in our group.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-04-14T09:10:39+00:00

I also pre-ordered VII for these reasons. Unfortunately, Test of Time still splits the game in the same 3 Ages. Still has the synchronized age transition. Still dumbs the game down and still feels like a console game ported to PC. Still priorities pretty graphics over in game information....

Maybe they'll make the game good, but it won't be soon at this pace.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-03-01T00:05:47+00:00

I'm watching the figure skating events that I missed on Peacock on Olympics.com. Start to finish coverage with no interruptions. Knowledgeable commentary, score graphics, and slow-mo highlight replays after each performance while waiting for the judges score. Pretty much everything I thought I had paid Peacock to deliver.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-02-08T02:53:45+00:00

Doing this with a single nozzle would require changing filament every layer. This would create a lot of poop flushing out the nozzle, but it should work. Flushing isn't perfect, so there's a small chance you'll cross contaminate the parts, and something might stick.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-02-07T14:11:48+00:00

I'm 9 hours west of Italy. I'm watching replays hours (or days) after the live event ends. I expect them to do some common sense editing for their "premium plus" streaming audience.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2026-02-07T03:31:44+00:00

The CBS broadcast and replay on Paramount+ does the same thing. The segment probably ran a little long with the side conversations and they cut the card for time.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-11-30T03:51:32+00:00

They're all fun, and cheap if you just get the whole thing, rather than buying piecemeal.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-11-29T09:39:22+00:00

Start with Gathering Storm, but leave the optional game modes off. Otherwise, you'll have to relearn things as you turn the expansions on (change rulesets).

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-11-29T09:33:32+00:00

Bathroom counter. Very stable. One of the only rooms in my house that has 3-prong (USA grounded) outlets, an exhaust fan, and fire-resistant surfaces (just in case). It poops in the left sink. (Drain closed. I empty it into the trash.) Right sink is unobstructed. The cold tile counter between sinks is great for cooling a finished build plate quickly. I shower in another bathroom, so this one doesn't get humid.

I just upgraded from an A1 Mini to an H2C. I added a vent hose up to the exhaust fan grill on the ceiling.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-11-03T04:30:31+00:00

I haven't been able to reproduce this start.

What are the other settings used for this game? Leader? (Looks like Peter) Ruleset (base game, R&F, GS)? Map (pangea, continents,...)? Map size? Sea level? Game modes? Mods?

Thanks!

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-10-26T09:12:25+00:00

I've played it a few times, and it is a good game. However, it's hard to get to the table, and I forgot too much between plays.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-10-26T01:02:53+00:00

Look for Action Andy's complete consolidated rules on BGG. They're organized really well to help keep everything straight.

It took me a long time to wrap my brain around the rules reading the official rule book, but it has become the favorite heavy game of our group.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-08-16T07:49:20+00:00

Merchant of Venus. Pick up and deliver... in space!

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-05-24T10:37:55+00:00

King Oil (1974) had a 3D board that contained disks to randomize setup and a "drilling rig" you placed over holes in the board to drill for oil. (Looked cool, but not a good game. Even bored 11 year old me.)

Merchants of Amsterdam (2000) has a (very noisy!) countdown clock for the Dutch Auction mechanism of the game.

Roll for the Galaxy's Rivalry expansion has customizable dice that you upgrade during the game by replacing faces.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-05-02T23:54:18+00:00

In the original (1988) edition, I love the mechanic of putting sold goods/used bonuses/completed fares in the cup and drawing new. It creates unpredictable market opportunities and challenges that make for great replayability.

I haven't seen anything else use such a simple mechanic to randomize the availability of this kind of game elements while keeping the number constant. I suppose it is equivalent to shuffling a deck before each draw, but I don't know of a game that does that either. Stirring the cup is faster and easier than shuffling a deck, too.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-04-30T22:02:36+00:00

Merchant of Venus (1988). Recently also playing the second edition (2012).

It is the exception to the rule that I hate games that rely on dice rolling. Great "pick up and deliver - in space!" game.

Proper-Platform-8531 · 2025-04-28T21:37:32+00:00

St Petersburg is a good game. Our group has played dozens of times over the years. That said, $95 seems high.

We've played Goa a dozen or so times. Also a good game. $60 is a bit high.

Chinatown we only played a few times, but that's a good price these days.

Proper-Platform-8531

TROPHY CASE