The Best Board Games of the Year
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2 жыл бұрын⬇️ BUY THE GAMES BELOW
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These are my favourite board games of last year...
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SHOP:
8️⃣ 7 Wonders Architects - geni.us/7wondersarchitects
7️⃣ Cantaloop: Break Into Prison - geni.us/cantaloop
6️⃣ Bad Company - boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3...
5️⃣ Quest - geni.us/questgame
4️⃣ Stella - geni.us/stellagame
3️⃣ Sobek: 2 Players - boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3...
2️⃣ Cascadia - geni.us/cascadia
1️⃣ Vienna Connection - geni.us/viennaconnection
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@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
If you're new here, please subscribe - because if you liked this one, you're gonna like the next one. I'm tempted to say "LOVE the next one", but I don't want to put that kind of pressure on you. And check out my Best of Actualol playlist, to get up to speed with what you've been missing for the last six years! kzfaq.info/sun/PLFR9V1qhmYVbGoUrK7aKgT3mLVXhSNFzB
@ryan_here_we_go 2 жыл бұрын
I am new here! I love how you've thrown humour into the video. Very fun for a list vid!
@simchi2238 2 жыл бұрын
Hi there. When is the next one coming out? I hope you are doing well.
@somefishhere Жыл бұрын
The best of actualol Dixit Universe! With uncle gary to boot
@Kojimalosophy Жыл бұрын
there are A LOT of board game focused KZfaq channels that I love like BoardGameCo., The Dice Tower, Before You Play, Rahdo, shut Up and Sit Down, but YOU my good Sir are the only that ACTUALLY makes me laugh, and I love how concise and to the point you explain things but yet with enough depth to the criticism and in such a clear manner, big big kudos to you! and thanks !
@actualol Жыл бұрын
Thank you 💖
@DrHopeSickNotes 2 жыл бұрын
14:42 😂 the best I had was teaching Codenames, “so it’s just like Battleship?!”... ummm in the fact you are using the concept of a grid then yes... but in every other way then no
@spderweb 2 жыл бұрын
lol. Codenames is more like Guess Who than Battleship. Battleship could be better compared with Ninja, because of the hidden components.
@WatchItPlayed 2 жыл бұрын
The best 2 player game since Watergate? Well, you’ve got my attention on Sobek then! And great to see Vienna Connection getting a spot. I love what this game did with the Detective system.
@bushibayushi 2 жыл бұрын
Try 300: Earth & Water. This is a fantastic light CDG.
@WatchItPlayed 2 жыл бұрын
@@bushibayushi Oh yeah, I bought that one, but haven't tried yet - hopefully soon.
@JJ_TheGreat 2 жыл бұрын
The game must be pretty impressive if it it the best 2-player game to come out since 1974! :-
@andyfarrow7337 2 жыл бұрын
Love the originality of your reviews. Here's to a year of happy gaming that needs a Top Twelve for 2022.
@Studio75italia 2 жыл бұрын
Refreshing to see a slightly different selection of games. Watching reviews can sometime begin to feel like a continual flow of deja vu.
@BenKadel 2 жыл бұрын
Tapas Analogy! Divorced Parents! Mistrusting Happiness! I feel seen! This video spoke to me on so many more levels than just board games! Amazing!
@BillyIndiana 2 жыл бұрын
7th Wonders Architects was my biggest surprise and I'm teaching it again today! So many people really enjoy it. Cascadia was near the top of my list too. What a beautiful and wonderful game🔥
@chadcharest9891 2 жыл бұрын
I frequently describe Mysterium as "Clue that doesn't suck." I stand by it.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
I'd agree with that!
@jr637-1 Жыл бұрын
We just got 7WA to the table for the first time tonight. I was amazed at how well it flowed, even at 7 players. We were able to get it done in just a little over 70 minutes.
@matteddown 2 жыл бұрын
I just want to say thank you for your hard work and passion. I watched one video by you and immediately was sucked in and found myself watching tons of your other videos. I used to watch a lot of other reviewers, but yours has been amazing. Especially because the way you approach it you aren’t trying to sell anything, where as sometimes it can feel that way for others just in how they come across. Keep up the amazing channel!
@luckbear87 2 жыл бұрын
You are becoming one of my new favorite reviewers. You always get a actual laugh from my husband and I watch a video. Very on the nose name. Not everyone could pull it off!
@pallavsohoni3208 2 жыл бұрын
i have been following you for years now..so glad to see your channel grow..hats off to you for keep making great content through difficult times
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching over the years! It's thanks to my patrons that I've kept going. And I'm really pleased that the channel is growing well recently.
@kylehynes2888 2 жыл бұрын
"it's called happiness, and you're right to mistrust it." I died at this great video as usual. So entertaining!
@grandpseudonym6965 2 жыл бұрын
0:31 - 7 Wonders Architects 2:50 - Cantaloop 5:20 - Bad Company 7:46 - Quest 9:39 - Stella 12:38 - Sobek (2 Players) 14:41 - Cascadia 16:33 - Vienna Connection
@lunchtakenearly 2 жыл бұрын
Going to a new level with your script here
@Puzzu 2 жыл бұрын
Great list, you always point out all these little less hyped games that seem like they’d be a blast to play and lots of fun in a group setting, gotta keep an eye out for them.
@janahein5141 2 жыл бұрын
Another well done video! I haven’t heard of Vienna Connection…can’t wait to check it out! Totally agree about Cascadia.
@davidjones7271 2 жыл бұрын
I just finished Vienna Connection last week (to the background music of various James Bond soundtracks). I absolutely love how immersive those games are and excitement whenever a big reveal occurs!
@brianbennett8003 2 жыл бұрын
Great writing in this review. love it. I also love that you tied these games to their related games and discussed pros cons of them all.
@peart 2 жыл бұрын
I bought Cascadia because of your review and I love it.
@ahchiu9 2 жыл бұрын
2:11 - "A boat's a boat, but the (mystery) box could be anything. It could even be a boat!"
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
That's exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote that! I tried to quote it properly, but my wife said it made no sense 😂
@Epheral 2 жыл бұрын
This is my first video of yours that I've seen and your humour is brutal and I'm all for it. instant sub.
@eelexa 2 жыл бұрын
"Monopoly is dead, now go buy a Kallax." That would make a good shirt/hoodie.
@JonTripp115 2 жыл бұрын
"How could you be nostalgic for the '90s...?" got an actualol from me.
@SirThecos 2 жыл бұрын
Great list - I'll have to check out all these games! ✌️ I own Cascadia and Seven Wonders: Architects and love both of them. ♥️
@EthanVB123 2 жыл бұрын
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti, this was an excellent review! Your videos are amazing!
@timmothy78 2 жыл бұрын
Great list! I've played three of these (7 Wonders Architects, Cantaloop, and Cascadia) and totally agree with your assessments. I'm looking forward to the US release of Sobek: 2 Players - in the meantime, it's available to play on BGA.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Yes! And it's a really fun game to play on there.
@tokidoki8D 2 жыл бұрын
Yay! A new video! Love your humor. Added Sobek to my list.
@ajtame 2 жыл бұрын
Great list and nice to see some games you might not normally know about
@MerrillWhiteKalEl 2 жыл бұрын
I LOVE Cascadia! I would not be shocked to see this become an evergreen game.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I agree, I'm struck by just how many people enjoy it. I haven't seen that much love since maybe Azul
@totallyalienish 2 жыл бұрын
Saw so many reviews but yours is the one I actually watched all the way because - 1. you can be so witty with explanations or we are the same kind of crackpots, 2. we like the same kind of games so keep 'em coming.
@jstuart1980 2 жыл бұрын
I purchased Cantaloop after seeing your review and haven’t gotten it to the table yet. Thank you for reminding me to get on it.
@startboardgames4662 2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic! I'm going to have to get, and play all of these, in some random order. Subbed!
@lenaforsgren 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great video ❤️❤️❤️ Nice Toto reference 😁👍
@TeamCGS2005 2 жыл бұрын
Just come across your channel and I understand what you're saying that many lists are subjective, however for me it's being able to use such lists to ascertain which one would be right for me and my particular group. For instance our forte at the minute is escape room games, so Cantaloop and Vienna Connection immediately take precedence over the others - it might not be as good as those we already know but it's the game 'were most likely to enjoy. Thanks for your videos. I'm so glad to come across your channel :)
@SergioLopez-el5pp 2 жыл бұрын
You’re back! Love it buddy. Keep up the good work.
@thomasoswald4626 2 жыл бұрын
I love how you present yourself as a wholesome channel with the lighting and editing, but then your videos are scattered with dark (and very British) jokes. Actually, I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. You’re just the KZfaqr with an eyebrow piercing!
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
These days it's just eyebrow scar tissue, which presumably makes me really cool and edgy.
@marelbenne 2 жыл бұрын
Great list! I had most of these on my list to buy soon! And put the rest on there too 😂
@MoonGKOL 2 жыл бұрын
I watched your Cantaloop review last year...and ordered p1 about a week later. It's my favorite 1 player game (even though it's not very replayable) ... I have been waiting with baited breath for part 2. I even printed part 0...
@Sanderus 2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that you finding less obvious choices, not necessarily in this video alone, throughout your whole channel. As to the games being "fine" - well, yes - in current day and age - you can pick a game blindfolded and there is a far better chance (and thankfully so) that the game at least will be fine, than that it will be a stinker.
@kitty1995337 2 жыл бұрын
Ohh I'll be sure to check out sobek~ thanks for the recommendation! I look forward to your videos every year :)
@dianemoline7274 2 жыл бұрын
You’re a hoot. Forwarding your videos to some of my less enthusiastic game players (less, only because they don’t want to play a game every single day like me) for the laughs. And to make them possibly enthusiastic about some of these very do-able games for them. Planning on becoming one of your patreons once the new month starts. Thanks for all your efforts.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Diane! I hope I can raise enthusiasm across the board 😁
@andrewwalsh531 2 жыл бұрын
always enjoy your content, this one's no exception. Sobek has been on my want list for awhile, patiently waiting for it to hit shelves here in the US :)
@JeffGoris Жыл бұрын
I cannot believe I haven't seen any of your reviews or videoa before today, given how many I search for. The KZfaq algorithm has not been your friend. Excellent video. You have 1 new subscriber.
@JoshN614 2 жыл бұрын
You sold me on Stella. I mostly keep Dixit for the art but this might give me a reason to use the cards again 😅
@styfen 2 жыл бұрын
Loved your quote in the Scandaloh KS "newspaper" Jon!
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Can you tell me what the quote is? I had no idea about this. Send me a photo to actualoluk@gmail.com if you're able to.
@Nelidew 2 жыл бұрын
I really like your videos, you have this cool and fresh vibes ! I'm not a native English speaker, but you speak clearly, and your jokes are truly fun. I found Cascadia pretty good and really different of Calico : you described it very well in the video.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's really kind of you to say. 🙂
@mrbrdo 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome, personalized, fresh list. Thanks! Now I have to spend even more money on games I don't have time to play.
@MoonGKOL 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your review of Cantaloop a few years ago, and for this review of book 2. Cantaloop is my absolute favorite one player game...and I was so sad that I finished it. So I am very much looking forward to book 2. (I bought it originally bassed on your review, and I was so glad I did).
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
To be clear, this was a repeat review of Book 1. I haven't played book 2 but used it as a visual reference in this video (I put text on screen to explain). So I can't say if Book 2 is good!
@coldboarded 2 жыл бұрын
You're actualolly funny, my man. Keep it up!
@tgraphicdesign3045 2 жыл бұрын
Im spanish. Loved the reference to our typical food! Great content as always.
@ahchiu9 2 жыл бұрын
"It's called 'happiness,' and you're right to mistrust it." HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
@johnberry5296 2 жыл бұрын
Great video, subbed. Nice to see you cover stuff that’s not just the usual suspects. Getting so fed up of other channels, only hearing about kickstarters I missed that are supposedly great or of Kickstarters that are forthcoming that they want me to back…….
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@DoppelgangerF02 2 жыл бұрын
hahaha LOVE the ongoing divorce joke and general humor here! super great stuff dude!
@rolling.reggie 2 жыл бұрын
Sober and Cascadia are the highest on my wish list :) great video as always
@mitchstanek7809 2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video. This is the first of yours. I have watched of yours and I know I will like your other videos. I can't wait to see more.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Welcome aboard Mitch!
@Yazeed99 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the video! Small suggestion: would be cool to include the videos you mention in the "i" like rahdo always does, makes binging your videos easier
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Good idea! I've added them in now.
@AnimatronicBadgerlord 2 жыл бұрын
Ooo Cascadia is so good... I bought that a few months ago and It's such a fun game, and has such a great simple loop that I can go through four or five games a night. And on top of that, the Achievements section is like a Single player campaign and gosh it got hard fast. I think it took me over 10 tries to get past level 9.
@GoodEnoughParty 2 жыл бұрын
Welp, sounds like we are adding Sobek to the cart. :) Great list Jon.
@MoonGKOL 2 жыл бұрын
And now I'm considering looking up Vienna Collection. Particularly because my co-op team is really enjoying Pandemic season 0, and we have been dreading it being over. I just bought Detective s1, as an intro. But I may have to check out Vienna, just for it's theme.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Vienna and Detective are much deeper than Detective: Season One, so don't be put off if those cases aren't deep enough for you!
@BenBroomfield 2 жыл бұрын
Sweet! That new 7 Wonders sounds ace.
@Janisurai 2 жыл бұрын
Love the unique list and not just Kickstarter games haha
@Alluvian567 2 жыл бұрын
Sobek, interesting choice. Saw Zee Garcia review on that and have it on my two player shortlist. I like the spatial aspect of it a lot. For some reason it reminds me of Targi, but really has very little in common with it. /shrug.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah I guess it's a grid, with some sandy looking artwork, but they feel very different!
@Alluvian567 2 жыл бұрын
@@actualol Wow, you actually read comments? Unheard of! New sub gained! I used to sub, but I go through purges now that youtube does not allow folders in subscriptions. I swear they make it worse with very update! So at some point I must have unsubbed, I don't know why. I do really like your content!
@AaronAndSusie 11 ай бұрын
I'm a huge fan of point and click adventures so when I was recovering from eye surgery I purchased cantaloop to play and adored it
7 ай бұрын
Wow, how did I miss this video? Now I need to see the cascadia review!
@sporknaut 2 жыл бұрын
Your punchlines come out of nowhere and crack me up! I really like your thoughts on game philosophy before telling us your #1 game. The Resistance is my favorite game of all time for many reasons, but I know it's not for everyone. There are plenty of people who don't enjoy bluffing games and want something more strategic or just something a little more concrete that won't erode the trust from their closest friends. That's totally understandable. Your teenage girl metaphor is spot-on!
@denycast 2 жыл бұрын
That list means some more games on my wishlist👍
@lorion42 2 жыл бұрын
My first reaction: There are a lot of games of the last year I would recommend (and are not in this video): - Scout - Nightmare Horror Adventures: Welcome to Crafton Mansion - Seize the Bean - Voll verplant - Whirling Witchcraft - Canvas - So Clover! - The Adventures of Robin Hood - Witchstone - The Crew: Mission Deep Sea Now I'm quite interested which of these you haven't played...
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
I have played Scout, Voll Verplant (as Metro X), Witchstone and So Clover! I didn't like any of them enough to make a list like this. I played Seize The Bean as a prototype, not the published version yet. The others I will look out for. For example, Canvas isn't available in the UK yet. I've never heard of Nightmare Horror Adventures. Thanks!
@draydyoc857 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@h.w.opaschowski6203 2 жыл бұрын
really nice video and awesome looking games! thank you
@alkafluence 2 жыл бұрын
@Actualol Kudos for the Hendricks gin by the Cascadia box.
@jellyfishgamestudios 2 жыл бұрын
I'm subscribed, but you don't pop up in my algorithm enough. Every time you do, it is truly and actual lol, Great list of games!
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
The answer there is to click the notification bell so that you'll be notified every time I release a video! 😁
@jellyfishgamestudios 2 жыл бұрын
@@actualol Will hit the notification bell whenever you let me send you a copy of Vamp on the Batwalk (which I can tell you haven't played because its not in this video😉) Actually real proud that it did make 2 top 10 lists. Which I will say, not too shabby for a game that has only sold 600ish copies lol
@chentellen4502 2 жыл бұрын
Table games is so great toys for Children and Teenage. Meet and play together! Great gathering and emotion exchanging! I began to love the games when we were producing table game for Walmart and Amazon. I found there are much interesting in them!
@altaripa8130 2 жыл бұрын
One of my best game of 2021 is "So Clover". 👍👍 You should try these two 2 players game: "Rest in peace" and "Jekyll vs Hyde" 😉 I agree with Vienna Connection 👍
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips!
@Zilong09 2 жыл бұрын
Having a hard time finding Sobek up here in Canada but I'm intrigued.
@brianthomson3095 2 жыл бұрын
Pun of the year contender: "and that's just off the top of my head".
@killerwife 2 жыл бұрын
This list is the epitome of games I would never play. However, it also is coincidentally a copypaste of what my old colleagues would definitely play a lot of :D Good list, nice to learn about games that are not on my radar. My most favorite game is absolutely Eclipse Second Dawn.
@gilnelson3217 2 жыл бұрын
Hard to beat the simplicity and fun a game like catan offers. Still one of the best.
@moseth7606 2 жыл бұрын
Great video dude! But I lost track after the toto/James blunt comment, trying to sing them in my head to see if you were right 🤣
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
😂😂My inspiration came from this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9aZl9KcxtG5ZH0.html
@moseth7606 2 жыл бұрын
@@actualol that's brilliant 😄
@franciscollie7136 2 жыл бұрын
Joke at 11:15 was fantastic. Laughed out loud on the train
@jugandojdm9238 2 жыл бұрын
That sneaky reference to monkey island! The second best one I've seen ;)
@Knives_Of_Praise 2 жыл бұрын
Love your content! Ever tried Through the Ages?
@TeamCGS2005 2 жыл бұрын
Oh and I've also just watched your Monopoly video and I couldn't agree more!!
@Coyotek4 2 жыл бұрын
"You can buy a bucket, but you can't prevent the vomit" ... LMAO!!!
@rahdo 2 жыл бұрын
very cool list! considering the choices here, others games maybe(?) you didn't try that could have gotten you to the pre-requisite 10 count: roll camera dog lover funfair dungeon decorators terra futura kokopelli crew mission deep sea cubitos overboss rolling realms rival networks ausonia whatnot cabinet savannah park botanik sheepy time :)
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips Rahdo! Of those, I have already tried: Roll Camera Funfair Cubitos Botanik Sheepy TIme But they're weren't quite for me, for various reasons. I'll keep an eye out for the others. I suspect there will be others from the year that I'll discover later down the line - I'm hopeful Mind MGMT will be one for me, for example, but I couldn't play it in time.
@rahdo 2 жыл бұрын
@@actualol Ming MGMT is something really special but be forewarned: it's a LOT! :) my jaw drops at cubitos, i must admit! my jaw! MY JAW!
@dandurkin9735 2 жыл бұрын
Interesting! I put Botanik up there with Sobek.
@cwb95k 2 жыл бұрын
Wingspan...Calico...just like Ark Nova is just like Terraforming Mars. Great reviews and great humor, love it!
@KNic0lson Жыл бұрын
I saw Cantaloop in the shop the other day - sorry I will ignore your command - gonna go watch your video NOWWWW
@jogburn 2 жыл бұрын
great video! any thoughts on A War of whispers? Ive wanted it a while but don't know if I should get it with the increased aftermarket price
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
I like it. I haven't played it enough to have a strong opinion on it. I would say it's not worth overpaying for, no. Give it time, the value will drop.
@jancatarata50 2 жыл бұрын
"I get more options out of baseball cap... at least 5, and that's off the top of my head!" LOL, like actual, lol.
@EmporerDragon 2 жыл бұрын
On that list, Sobek's the one that catches my eye the most. Reminds me a lot of Hand of the King, a similar-style game with a Game of Thrones paint job, where players move a piece around the board trying to collect members of the great houses while also trying to prevent other players from doing the same either by maneuver or murder.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Hand of the King shares a designer with Sobek! Good spot, it is similar, but in my opinion better - partly because it's deeper. I hadn't noticed the similarity until you said, but it's been a while since I played Hand of the King.
@joelface 2 жыл бұрын
Sobek was the one that caught my eye as well. Looks very simple to conceptualize, but with enough depth to keep your brain engaged even after repeated plays.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
You've hit the nail on the head there.
@BuckFu 2 жыл бұрын
The only other time I’ve heard about tapas is watching “the it crowd” and I wasn’t sure what Moss was taking about but it was mainly its pronunciation, now I know.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
Haha, interesting! It is delicious 👌
@inspired2game Жыл бұрын
Love this video! Cascadia was one of our favourites too. So much better than Calico (due to not being constrictive and punishing) and definitely nothing like Wingspan.
@vyttieri 2 жыл бұрын
Solid list bud
@maywest0518 Жыл бұрын
A video ranking the dixit universe games !
@syrindigo26 2 жыл бұрын
Oh man, I just found your videos. We have a similar taste in board games and my wallet is in danger… awesome video!
@ManusNoble1988 2 жыл бұрын
Very well written 👏
@AxelRavens 2 жыл бұрын
The baseballcap joke
@jp6v 2 жыл бұрын
How do Sobek and Robin of Locksley compare? A while back you recommended Locksley. They both seem to have similar set collection (must sell at least three?) and weird movement around a random grid of stuff. I've played a fair amount of Sobek on BGA and really like it but am not sure if Locksley is maybe too similar to also get.
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
I would say that they are fairly different, but I can see some similarities. I do think that Sobek is the more interesting, deeper game of the two - so I would stick with that.
@josephgranata13 2 жыл бұрын
Where did you get those card holders you used with 7 wonders? (I’m interested in those specific ones; there are a lot of 3D printable options, but I haven’t found any others to be as aesthetically pleasing)
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
They come with the game. It's not the original 7 Wonders, but 7 Wonders Architects, and each faction comes with its own plastic card holder to store the cards.
@RetroPandroo 2 жыл бұрын
On your number 6 range of games, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Valeria Card Kingdoms.. I am looking for a type of dice rolling resource game, I've tried Space Base on BGA but couldn't get into it, and I'm really considering pulling the trigger and buying VCK !
@actualol 2 жыл бұрын
I haven't tried VCK, but I really would recommend My Farm Shop or Bad Company.
@jasonlight1316 2 жыл бұрын
I love these Dice Rolling games,and have bought every one made. Half of my game group (Including me) LOVE Space Base. VCK failed for them as the resources got completely out of hand, it so bad, the VCK people made an alternate way of counting resources. We did like Bad Company, but not as good as Space Base. I have not had a chance a chance to play Machi Koro 2 or My Farm Shop, yet.