Top 10 Immersive Games - A Theme Where You're Truly Invested

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Күн бұрын

Top 10 Immersive Games - A Theme Where You're Truly Invested
Thematic is one thing, but which games do I truly find myself immersed in the world setting or story or theme while still enjoying the game to its full?
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Who Am I?
One single batchelor from the UK talking about his passion for board games and the people who play them! I support small content creators, board game cafes and go against the status quo when it comes to the board game industry. I give my honest opinions without bias towards any publishers or designers and will not hold back if I don't like a game.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and NEW SPONSOR (Shirts & Merch Studios)
01:36 - Background and Basic Overview
04:39 - No 10
07:13 - No 9
09:34 - No 8
12:36 - No 7
15:26 - No 6
17:58 - No 5
20:46 - No 4
23:26 - No 3
26:40 - No 2
29:56 - No 1
33:45 - Honorable Mentions
41:39 - Please Share and Support The Show
#brokenmeeple #topten #top100 #top10 #immersive #boardgames #boardgame #lukehector #supportsmallcreators #tabletop #tabletopgames #bgg #boardgamer #boardgamereview
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Full credit to BoardGameGeek and its members for any images used that aren't my own or part of the publisher press kit.

Пікірлер: 169

@jonathanfranklin461 Жыл бұрын

Your/Paul's distinction between thematic and immersive makes tons of sense and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated this video. Freedom: the Underground Railroad is a very strong title in the immersive category.

@danmarquart1076 Жыл бұрын

A Feast for Odin gets my imagination going. It's a focused Civ builder in a way, each player developing their clan's idiosyncratic way of life.

@a-c-m Жыл бұрын

I highly recommend „Scarface 1920“ or „The Great Wall“ as some of the most immersive Euro style / worker placement games with amazing themes. Their amazing miniatures help a lot…

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

The Great Wall was too big and clunky for what was on offer, likely focusing too much on big minis and the walls in development. Scarface I'd try, though I don't get much from gangster themes.

@juliansykes6668 9 ай бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple I really enjoyed Scarface 1920. It was a fun game to play and is very thematic and immersive. You feel like a gangster and its a good mix of Euro mechanisms and Ameritrash theme. It can be quite swingy, but that comes with some really memorable moments. I understand though if you don't go for the gangster theme.

@paulhamrick3943 Жыл бұрын

Can’t believe Robison Crusoe isn’t on the list, you literally are thinking when you play that game “should I build a snare or should I reinforce my shelter?”

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It would be a teens I suspect, Robinsons big problem is that you're also thinking "how does that work again" as the rules are a bit of a nightmare.

@notacontentprovider Жыл бұрын

Interesting Video thanks. I was surprised that Final Girl was not on your list or mentioned!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Not played it and I haven't even played Hostage Negotiator for ages. Final Girl doesn't interest me having to buy it all in a million "bolt on" packs.

@mikaeki5245 Жыл бұрын

This was a great list. A good point with the difference with a game having a well implemented theme and it being immersive. Some games that come to mind: - Space Hulk: Death Angel - Heat: Pedal to the Metal - Dungeon Petz - Captain Sonar - Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Sonar can work - the others even if thematic, I'm not sure carry the immersion.........well.......not played it but I could perhaps see an argument for Space Hulk actually.

@jamescrennie Жыл бұрын

Great list! I bought Sentinels of the Multiverse DE based on your enthusiasm for it and was blown away by how well the powers of the different heroes are captured by their decks and how different it feels fighting different enemies and in different environments. I'm also eagerly awaiting the Room City Renegades expansion becoming available on retail. I've also preordered the big box all-in Pursuit of Happiness so looking forward to getting that to the table too.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Good choice on purchases! :D I'm so impatient for Rook City right now. The retail release is just taking forever.

@elainetyger Жыл бұрын

The impact of Star Wars was that its next generation of special effects made it possible for space movies to accomplish what Star Trek started on TV: to fire westerns in the grand theme of exploring frontiers. I like map games with frontier exploration, but have a hard time playing, say, Catan Settlers of America, because it ignores the genocide and the wilderness destruction. I *will* play and love (yay rail building) exploration and terraforming themes on the moon and on Mars and in pretend worlds. Looking forward to your Earth Day list. In my game collection, the only thematic things I can bring to our group that day are wingspan and so clover.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Earth day list is scheduled for tomorrow :-)

@lynnemastrud687 Жыл бұрын

Great video and enjoyed your honest explanations

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@juliansykes6668 Жыл бұрын

We've been playing War of the Ring this evening and that is completely immersive for me. Its a battle to get it to the table, but worth it in the end.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

That one does work, just too long and complicated for me as a 2 player.

@jamescartwright1150 Жыл бұрын

Interesting list Luke. Some of the games I would pick would be Folklore: The Affliction, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Obsession.

@rogerniner Жыл бұрын

I'm enjoying My Father's Work as well, with the mechanic of each round you are taking on your father's mantle and experiments. The app driven story helps as well.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I'd like to try it...........I think.........the length does put me off.

@maachew Жыл бұрын

My go-to for immersive game is Merchants and Marauders, you really do feel like a captain of a ship in the Caribbean

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Only played once, but I can see why it would be.

@PhilSorrell Жыл бұрын

Interesting list! For me I think War of The Ring and Final Girl are my most immersive games. I was surprised Robinson Crusoe was not mentioned in the 'also rans' list.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

The problem with Robinson Crusoe is that you're frequently taken out to try and remember what all the rules are.

@wallyvdb87 Жыл бұрын

Hey Luke thanks again for the vid! Any chance you putting these top 10 lists on the podcast feed?

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I don't usually - mainly as it takes more time to upload them to multiple places.

@PaulSnuggs Жыл бұрын

Great list Luke. There are plenty of shorter scenarios for MoM in the fan made Valkyrie app. Really good quality too.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Valkyrie app? I'm listening.............

@tcp1623 Жыл бұрын

Diplomacy and Game of Thrones the board game are very immersive games. They are just games, but the betrayals that take place in these games feel quite real; and the effects of these can live on long after the game has finished 😊

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I think both of those are valid. I'd never want to play Diplomacy, but I've tried GoT - not the game for me, far too punishing for its length, but it carries that series feel well.

@dilatedbeholder3865 Жыл бұрын

Oh boy, a 'thematic immersion' list where Nemesis only gets an honourable mention 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Gameplay has to factor in too and there are Nemesis games that have frequently fallen flat usually due to player elimination or the same story playing out each time. Not to mention how long it drags out.

@christophervincent5720 Жыл бұрын

Western Legends!! My #1 game of all-time!

@marlonclark1338 Жыл бұрын

For westerns I suggest The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, True Grit (John Wayne), and Unforgiven. The recent series The English had its moments, but I'm not sure its a classic yet.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

My Dad I think knows more about Westerns overall.

@Buako111 Жыл бұрын

I like this list, although I only own Empires of the Void from it, and love it. I was thinking about getting Outer Rim since I'm lacking nice contract fullfillment game in my collection, however there are still some budgetary constraints for it hehehe

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Fair enough! Always consider budget!

@Ariranhaa Жыл бұрын

Outer Rim + Unfinished Business is a very solid game, I dunno of a cheaper one of the same general genre that delivers the same amount of content and fun...

@perezoso9206 Жыл бұрын

Great video! I would mention Pax Pamir 2nd edition as a very immersive game.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It's a better game then I thought it would be but I'm not particularly engaged in its theme when playing, being a pure historical setting.

@SPQRKlio 10 ай бұрын

Great list-exactly the sort of games I’d like to find. I didn’t like Westerns either (actively disliked them) except for “Silverado” and “The Frisco Kid”-both snarky takes on the genre-until I played Red Dead Redemption 2. Which I love for the immersion. Now I’m wondering if Western Legends might be fun. I’ll look for some gameplay vids. Also: I went from This War of Mine video game to board game because it felt ever so slightly less stressful 😶 Both are remarkable.

@mcsegobia Жыл бұрын

I also may add that Hungry-Hungry Hippos do make me feel very immersed since the hippos do look extremely hungry when they gobble up those tiny balls. It's insulting that is not in the list.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Lol! 🤣

@Bazmondofull Жыл бұрын

Wow!...How is Thebes not on this list or at the very least an honourable mention? Without doubt, the most thematic game I have ever played. Every mechanism makes sense, the time travel, digging, researching the site, nothing wedged in to make the game work. If you haven't played it yet Luke, check it out and amend your list accordingly ;)

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Never played but also remember a strong theme isn't the same as being immersed.

@Bazmondofull Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple Doh! Fair point. I should've read the vid title properly. Assumed it was top-themed games. Going back under my rock now.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

@@Bazmondofull ha ha I would still like to try Thebes though.

@th3cha1rmak3r Жыл бұрын

For no 4, I suggest 3:10 to Yuma, Unforgiven, the Searchers and of course, the classic, The Wild Bunch

@Mike_James Жыл бұрын

City of the Great Machine and Scarface 1920. both pull you into the theme and the mechanics are pretty thematic as well.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Both of those are "out of nowhere" Kickstarters right? Don't know much about them, though gangster themes don't really interest me in the case of Scarface. I remember that CMON game about Godfather which was dull.

@Mike_James Жыл бұрын

@The Broken Meeple scarface is a pretty heavy game with some deck building and area control. I was surprised by it

@JohnClem56 Жыл бұрын

Pretty good agreement with most of the list. I think I'd have to put My Father's Work, Unsettled, and ISS-V on the list somewhere (maybe not all top 10 but likely in top 15).

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Vanguard would be a contender, if only it didn't demand so much time investment.

@DumahAtreides Жыл бұрын

I'd suggest watching the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. It holds up today and will make you so ohhh that's what this is from moments many times.

@wicked8576 Жыл бұрын

recently, I found Nemo's War quite immersive, I had a real blast playing it multiple times (playing different roles for Nemo).. :) I am also very immersed into Terraforming Mars, just played two solo games of it, still love it! and, I also love Who Goes There?, really want to play it again, at 5 or 6 players hopefully!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I can see the liking for TM, but not the immersion part. That would be like me putting Ark Nova on this list.

@Paul-ro6py Жыл бұрын

Agree on your #2 pick, TWoM drags you in and it's gritty.

@jesuscoutofandino6280 Жыл бұрын

Viticulture inmersion always go out when you see that you can store your crushed grapes and AGE them and they get BETTER, instead of just moldy :P

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Ha ha you do have to abstract that little aspect I agree, but the overall feel is still there.

@andrethannhauser6302 Жыл бұрын

From my collection (just checking the shelves without a ranking): - Outer Rim - Fallout - Arkham Horror LCG - Dead of Winter - Burgle Bros 2 - Legendary Alien Deckbuilding Game - Dune Imperium - Feast for Odin - Viticulture - Quest for El Dorado - Aleph Null - Mythos Tales - Mortum - Aventuria Adventure Card Game - This War of Mine - Dawn of the Zeds - Hostage Negotiator (with career exp) To me the best sign is, when the tension while playing that game is so high that you can dive into the theme and/or story or in general what you do and feel while playing. You seem to ignore whats going on around you. Eurogame do have a harder challenge to achieve that because you need to start not thinking about the abstract mechanisms themselves but what they "in reality" mean. So what you do and what you get needs to make sense. A lot of eurogames just give you arbitrary ressources for doing arbitrary things or your move markers on arbitrary bars. That is when people start calling them dry vanilla euros. Some people seem to prefer that and dont want to play games with a story or a specific theme....maybe because when it comes to irreal themes (fantasy, scifi) you not to be a nerd...at least a little bit. ;-)

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Looking at that collection I would question the immersion factor of something like Dune Imperium and Feast of Odin and El Dorado - those feel like the Euro games that they are.

@andrethannhauser6302 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple No, as fan of the Universe of Dune (old PC games, old and new movies) I'm much more involved in that game than if it was just a basic vanilla game. Right, you dont really play that faction compared to the "original" Dune board game but still the tension is high 100% of the time. Also, when you read the Appendix for Feast for Odin, you realize how all/most of the action make sense how they are mechanically implemented. When you just think about placing tiles, well then it's the problem of the gamer, but with each action you can imagine what actually happens. And then even most tiles are more than just a pasted on theme. With Quest for El Dorado I just wanted to add a rather low-weight game. The theme of running through a region with changing vegetation for which you need specialists to get through is quite immersive. In the end, I think that cards are the best means to transport theme and immersion, and most euros without cards dont feel more than having a theme pasted on.

@walking_luggage8105 Жыл бұрын

I also love Tainted Grail. I played all three campaigns plus Red Death. You should give Red Death a go. Red Death is amazing and it has this wonderful and esoteric vibe. You get really cool skills in Red Death and the story is very atmospheric.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Hopefully one day I will - isn't Red Death meant to be stupidly hard though?

@walking_luggage8105 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple Yep the dififculty in Red Death is insane. But your characters also get super strong powers.😀

@jeffnorris5357 Жыл бұрын

I dunno which ones I would remove, but I think that King's Dilemma is deserving to be here as well as Alice is Missing.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Kings Dilemma was fine, but by the 10th game or so our group was done. The poor aesthetics really don't help and the story is only OK at best, that is, if you can even remember what happens in the story from session to session. Most of the "immersion" is people play-acting their houses.

@S.Kapriniotis Жыл бұрын

I sold TG after a few plays. That is not a game I enjoyed, at all. As a book it would be great, but that is not a way I want to spend my time. I am more invested when playing Firefly, Trickerion, Call to Adventure. Outer Rims is my next buy, that is for sure though. Cheers for a very interesting pov video!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Fair play on TG - I would certainly still read a novel for it.

@vincentvanbeelen837 Жыл бұрын

8 of the 10 I own. I would add Cthulhu: Death may Die and LotR:YtME. I have good hope for Stationfall and Perserverance, but those are still on my SoS.

@VaultBoy13 Жыл бұрын

Stationfall is all about emergent narrative. It's fantastic.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Stationfall is solid.........not sure about being immersed, but I guess it works. . . . certainly a contender if I was doing Top 20 or 30.

@yohannc.9594 Жыл бұрын

Dominant Species is very immersive and thematic even if abstract. Robinson Crusoe is another good one.

@jamesdavid7782 Жыл бұрын

Thematic and abstract don't really go together in my mind.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Yeah "abstract" hurts it a bit, though both Dominant Species games are certainly thematic - but I much prefer Marine to the original. Still a little cutthroat but not stupid levels of punishing.

@idjester Жыл бұрын

once again your head and shoulders above most of the other board game youtubers out there... well done and well said... thanks..

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that! Thank you!!

@TheLimestoneCowboy Жыл бұрын

3:36 whoa!

@bgm-1961 Жыл бұрын

A very superb video! I have four comments: 1) About the Star Wars struggle... I agree that either game would be fitting for the list. But why did SWR take a ding for being 2-player? For some inexplicable reason, many in our community thumb their noses at 2-player games, and after 20 years of being very active in the hobby in many different group settings, I still don't get why. Anyway, it can't be argued that by definition, it's easier to get two players together for as game than it is three or four. ... 2) About 'Nemesis' being the "best 'Alien" game out there"... I'd instead say it's the best "Aliens" game. Because the best "Alien" game is 'Lifeform', by Hall or Nothing Productions. Now, THIS game ('Lifeform') is DEFINITELY IMMERSIVE! Especially as it does NOT have player elimination, despite that during the 1st act, the Alien can't be defeated and it will kill many characters. But still, players stay in the game. How that happens is for a separate, longer conversation, but is one of the MANY things that makes 'Lifeform' a great "Alien" game. ... 3) You asked for other immersive Euros... how about 'Abomination: The Heir of Frankenstein'? Or just about any game from Mindclash? ... 4) 'City of the Great Machine': Anyway, I'm not much of a Euro fan as I am an Ameritrasher. So, from that perspective, here's a new game with a foot in both categories and is DEFINITELY worth checking out for immersive games: 'The City of the Great Machine'. It's in the same vein as Star Wars Rebellion, except it's set in a Steam-punky universe where revolutionaries are trying to stop an AI overlord ("The Great Machine") from removing all humanity as it finalizes its "Master Plan". Think the revolutionaries in the game as the Rebellion, and the Great Machine as the Empire, and you'll get how the game plays. It can play as either one vs many, or one vs one, or co-op, or solo. Despite it being a hidden movement game, its solo variant is SUPERB and one of the most well integrated solo variants I've ever played.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

1 - for me two players is harder as I play on game nights and in clubs - i don't have a spouse or a convenient one person to call on at a moment's notice, so 2 player only games are harder. I didn't want to have two SW games in the list so I had to consider which one I will play more overall - I don't know how long I'll be able to keep SWR if it never gets played. 2 - I would give Lifeform a try by the sound of that. 3 - Abomination I heard was a mechanical mess and crazy long. Mindclash games are thematic but never are they immersive. Cerebria is abstracted as is Trickerion. Anachrony fares a little better but even so - some of it is down to their insanely high complexity which means you're taken out of the immersion to deal with rules more often then you would like. 4 - Everyone keeps mentioning this game, a Kickstarter out of nowhere that I've barely heard of. Steampunk is not a setting I'm particularly interested in but I would gladly try this game out.

@bgm-1961 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple Thanks for the reply! 1) Ah, got it. So, it wasn't the game that took the ding for being 2-players, but it was your situation that caused the ding. That makes sense, now. 3) Well, I guess the definition of a "mechanical mess" is in the eyes of the beholder. :) What some call a mess, others may call very interesting and thematic. Also - FYI - it has an official short game variant. Anyway, I tossed it out there because you specifically asked for "immersive Euros", and in THIS regard, 'Abomination' comes through in spades. Plus, its 7.5 rating on BGG indicates that it's a solid game. As it is, the suggestion is also for the whole audience who reads these comments. 4) Yeah, I was fortunate to have caught the advertising for this game ('City of the Great Machine') when its KS campaign was active. I'm not much of a Steampunk fan either, but something about the game grabbed me enough to back it. And I'm glad I did! It's one of the most immersive Euros I've ever played. And all of its modules only adds icing to the cake. (Thick, well-prepared icing). Also, the steam punk setting really doesn't have a role in the game. It's mostly there for setting purposes. It's the game's premise of a group of rebels that utilize local citizens to overthrow an AI-controlled oppressive government that caught my eye. The game hits that premise out of the park. It can be played 1 vs many (AI vs rebels), or co-op/solo (vs the AI). EXTRA - In my first comment I forgot to mention the incredibly immersive Ameritrash games by Flying Frog Productions, such as 'A Touch of Evil' and 'Fortune and Glory'. Have you tried/seen those?

@kitcarpo4745 Жыл бұрын

On This War of Mine and your discussion. The immersion happened while painting the figures. Nice call on that one. Frostpunk I have played, and yes it is very good at projecting the theme. I remember when the ice age was going to return. That was in the 70's. Wonder how they made the mistake on that one?

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't mind an ice age right now, I'm sick of heatwaves!

@kitcarpo4745 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple I used to live upstate New York under the lake effect. Late March 38 inches of snow in 24 hours. Most of our neighbors were Amish.

@MarkThould Жыл бұрын

City of the Great Machine deserves to be on this list instead of Sniper Elite!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

They don't even sound like the same game at all. Not to mention I've heard zero buzz for Great Machine. Maybe it's a decent game but 3rd party KS's I always take a "wait and see" approach.

@jfducusin7186 Жыл бұрын

im surprised Hegemony is in the list. damn, now im hyped. I hope it really feels thematic, wanna play it soon when it arrives.

@Berndr Жыл бұрын

strange I played it last month at the convention and was bored out of my wits never played the duller game in my entire life ... Not sure why people like it ... I played State and I felt that I as a player had no control .... for example, I can place buildings and industries but unless another player who plays working-class decides to place workers into my buildings ... they just sit empty through the entire game and there is not a thing I can do about it ... I prefer a game where I don't depend on my opponents to do well!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

No point placing buildings out if the workers aren't there to populate them. Best to get them out when unemployment is high and you can afford it. Proposing bills and using your intake of influence is a key part.. What you said about not understandinh why is exactly my take on Blood on the Clocktower funny enough 🤣

@jfducusin7186 Жыл бұрын

i like and Im quite good at any negotiation games. and i will try it in almost all games possible, so there's that. i will never build a building because I want to, it will always be because they want me to, or I made it seem desirable to others.

@iansutton7416 Жыл бұрын

Plenty of games on the list that I'd agree are immersive, and Arkham/MoM feel fair inclusions. I was somewhat critical of the MoM app for the dated puzzle games we encountered in it. The very opposite of immersion. Aside from that, I did find it very good at driving the story to a crescendo. No surprise seeing Awaken Realms there. They work hard to build immersion, and even Frostpunk feels like it owes much to the prior work experience the designer had with AR. There is one genre not mentioned that I think does immersion, even if it's a genre I don't tend to like... real time games. That time pressure drives an immersion, as the mind becomes so focused. Anything from escape room games to quickfire party games to galaxy trucker.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Interesting point about real-time games - certainly I'm not a fan of the genre though. XCOM I do enjoy but I feel it could have been made without a real-time element and done just fine.

@dancondonjones Жыл бұрын

Immersion isn’t really what I go for in games, but top two for me in that regard are probably Aeon’s End and Heat

@gidiyaniv82 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great video! Was sure TWOM will be #1 as remembering your frustration from TG, so I was surprised:) Currently waiting for the update TG pack from KOR KS to restart the campaign

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Those two were hard to decide upon. I had to go by more the theme/feel as opposed to the mechanics to decide.

@juliansykes6668 Жыл бұрын

Uboot: the Board Game is another very immersive game that everyone should give a go if they have the opportunity.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It's far too complex and epic sized for the vast majority of people, but that can fit the bill for immersion nicely.

@OlegKlishinArt Жыл бұрын

It's funny, that I'm completely the othe way around: interesting theme can bring me in, but only satisfying mechanisms can ever keep me playing again and again. So many times I've encountered games that looked cool, but played meh. One of the most underrated and underused game design techniques today is "mechanisms as a metaphor". It's so much more engaging to see how an idea works in game terms, than to just roll a die and read a card. That's why Arkham LCG is my favourite of the bunch, because it often puts me in a driver's seat instead of just dragging along through some events, like Mansions of Madness often do. As much as I like some things in MoM, many times it caused me dissonance between story and gameplay. For what it's worth, here are some games where I can ignore mechanical sortcomings, because theme puts me in such a mood: 1 Arkham Horror: The Card Game 2 Runebound (Third Edition) 3 Fury of Dracula (Third/Fourth Edition) 4 Nemesis 5 Hunt for the Ring 6 Arkham Horror (Third Edition)

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Interesting to a see a flip side. Those games there for example, I find AHLCG doesn't have many mechanic shortcomings, but I do agree with something like say the 3rd Edition AH and Nemesis. Nemesis has that strong feel but player elimination in a long game and each game playing out roughly the same, it just pushes me away.

@JonoNZBoardGamer Жыл бұрын

Random pick from me: Camel Up 😊 I am yet to play a game where people don't cheer as the camel they bet on makes a great surprise move to take the lead!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It's very hit and miss to get people cheering, but I could make the same argument for Long Shot.

@pnutbutrncrackers Жыл бұрын

Really good idea for a video. No Obsession mention, though?

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It could be in the teens, but a lot of that immersion is me making fun of the setting.

@pnutbutrncrackers Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple Well, Dickens poked plenty of fun at it too, so that's fair.

@bettyroyer4853 Жыл бұрын

Obsession!

@veljkoagatonovic4929 Жыл бұрын

Also War of the Ring fits to this theme, Nemesis as well...

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Both are valid, the gameplay of Nemesis hurts it and WOTR was just too long and complicated.

@ralfn9629 Жыл бұрын

Great video Luke. Soo many funny bits in there : *The kids are soft" for example. Agreed on many of your games. To your question about other Euro's, maybe Robinson Crusoe, granted the not yet received Book of Adventures might make this more obvious. I need to play more Frostpunk and Mansion's of Madness, but I like the miniatures. I soo want to play This War of Mine. Nice job on this Top 10.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Robinson if it wasn't a rules nightmare would be a contender, but could be a teens entry. I'm hopeful that the new Book and tutorial in the revised version will bring me back.

@Daley63 Жыл бұрын

I forget, is this list strictly "euro" immersive games? Don't know if these are euro, my suggestions would be: Shadows of Brimstone-Forbidden Fortress. Feels very immersive to me. Or, Whitehall Mystery / Letters from Whitechapel? But, maybe Sniper Elite supersedes it? Tortuga 1667 by Facade Games. You're actual pirates from history. Fun and quick! :-)

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

No, any immersive game works out.

@vangelisevangelou Жыл бұрын

Eldritch horror is pretty immersive imo. I haven’t played the lcg or mansions. I was expecting to see detective in the list.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Detective as in the Portal game? Nah, it's fun and puzzly, but having basically a deck of cards and that's it doesn't aid immersion.

@MisterAbysmul Жыл бұрын

Top on my list would be Legendary Encounters: Alien

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

It's got a good theme, but immersion isn't quite up there. Not helped by the fiddly setup.

@Rodinov_Claw Жыл бұрын

Although I whole-heartedly supported TG as your #1, but no ATO love? That game is dripping in theme.......

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

ATO? It's ok you can mention what that one is.

@Ariranhaa Жыл бұрын

Man, I prefer the videogame version of both Frostpunk and This War of Mine. I'd change one of them for Fallout with both expansions.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

The video games are great, but ugh, that Fallout FFG game was sooooooo long and random.

@lenakimarctaedius3056 Жыл бұрын

I like tematic games But Are not easily emersed in games. But i enjoyed you list very much. For me closest to benig emersed is Root or Other warlike games like undaunted. Perhaps this sound strange

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Fair enough! Naturally different people will adapt to games in other ways. Some are purely in it for the giant puzzle in which case theme and immersion means jack to them.

@theblunder1983 Жыл бұрын

Personally mansions of madness just pales against the original version. Provide you have a person willing to play as the baddies having an actual intellect behind the bad stuff happening is so so much more tense and exciting. I found 2nd edition could almost just be played on the app and it left me cold.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Except in the old version, if any mistake is made, the entire mission breaks.

@JasonRedeemed Жыл бұрын

Respectfully, if you think Rebellion is more immersive than Outer Rim it doesn't matter how enjoyable / often-it-gets-to-the-table then it should be on this list instead.

@KabukiKid Жыл бұрын

Yeah... both games would easily be on my list. Love them... and love the immersion.

@bullfrog417 Жыл бұрын

But if the game never gets played it's not going to immerse you in it's theme.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

What Adam said. Going on safari is more immersive then playing Ark Nova, but I'm not going to be heading to Africa any time soon.

@hairygnome1787 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@ViscountCharles Жыл бұрын

Did you only play Hegemony twice at Baycon??

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Twice or 3 times I believe! On top of the other big Euros

@fmgs31 Жыл бұрын

Hi Luke, have you played Unsettled? I'm surprised it's not here

@fmgs31 Жыл бұрын

Couldn't find any videos from you about it

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Nope, not my typical type of game.

@fmgs31 Жыл бұрын

Then my thoughts about your tastes are way off haha (just in case, it's thinky, thematic, immersive, with a lot of interaction and memorable moments. It's not meant to be played solo, though) Anyway, thanks for your reply

@Katoh64 Жыл бұрын

I know it's not the type of games you like but I wish you could at least try some actual thematic games that really try to be a simulation of what they are supposed to portrait. Just as an experiment even if you don't like them. I'm sure your brain would explode. Games like Advanced Squad Leader, Here I Stand, Bios: Megafauna, Pacific War, High Frontier, the old Panzer games and whatnot.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

I think you meant to say "thematic war games". Then that would make more sense. Also I have tried some of them and they're either been over complicated or not that fun. Plus I wouldn't mind if they spent more than 50p on the components 😏

@Katoh64 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple HiS, HF, megafauna are not wargames. Truth be told, most realistically thematic games are wargames. Just an observation from my part as it might bring something new to your table. Mid weight euros get stale eventually.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

@@Katoh64 some do yes, but some don't, those on my shelf.

@Balrog7 Жыл бұрын

Wow man.. a little harsh on the miniatures of Mansions of Madness. The minis are good (not great but good). The problem are the bases unfortunately, but the minis are good and help to get a thematic experience. This War of Mine is a fantastic dark stories game. Most game should learn how to write short and strong stories. Another one I love is Oathsworn. It gives a great story and thematic experience (specially the story). But I agree that we should have less campaign games and more single story/scenario driver games.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Oathsworn was decent, just asks for too much time investment both setup and playtime. The story was OK but I didn't play the entire campaign. I really wanted Oathsworn to be more scenario based. Mini's can help with thematic experiences, but I really didn't like Mansions ones.

@guandjs Жыл бұрын

Great list! Have you tried Vindication? I think it is a great Euro game with thematic immersion as I like the characters that join me and to see if I can get vindicated along my journey towards victory!

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Vindication is right behind me on the shelf below Ark Nova! :D And yes I get into the theme, but I think putting it as a Top 10 for Immersion would be stretching it.

@monomundo Жыл бұрын

I am happy to find "Hegemony" in your list as I KS it and did not get a chance to play it yet.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you will soon!

@terry3733H Жыл бұрын

haven't tried Arkham yet...worried that once I started FF games I'll be broke 😅

@yaryayray Жыл бұрын

Darkest Doom? Unfathomable? Project Elite? Euro - Raiders of Scythia

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Raiders of North Sea is preferable. Unfathomable is just except FFG didn't listen to any feedback about BSG to make it shorter or easier and just copied the game. Project Elite I wasn't a fan of and only played it solo.

@calebbarton5697 Жыл бұрын

Come stateside, fly into JFK, and I’ll drive you to All Aboard Gamer con in October :)

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

If only it were that easy but thanks for the gesture!

@kevinsmith9899 Жыл бұрын

Reasonable picks. My list would include Legacy of Dragonholt (probably the only game that has made me almost cry), Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (and other similar mystery-solving games), and Vanished Planet (an old sci-fi co-op). Oh, and the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game.

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

Sherlock can work for an event night - but Pathfinder? That's basically flip a card and roll some checks, I enjoyed it OK at the time, but every scenario felt like the same.

@kevinsmith9899 Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple The immersion comes with the campaign. As our characters slowing gain powers and gear, we got quite attached to them. Also, the fan-made Adventurers Guide takes the threadbare storyline and fleshes it out so you understand the NPCs and plot points.

@thomaswolf2391 Жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Couldn't agree more about Hegemony! But for me nothing is more immersive than John Company 2nd edition. You start to think you're running the east India trading company and begin to hate, use and mistrust everyone around the table!

@LassePeterson Жыл бұрын

Hmm, that caught my attention. Why is so expensive? OOP?

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

From what I've heard about John Company, that's a game I need to avoid from my usual games.

@HALOX30 Жыл бұрын

Also not every game needs a aolo mode. Can we atop it wirh ahoving a solo mode in everything specialy if it is bad so Nemesis should not be a solo experience.

@rogerniner Жыл бұрын

Anachrony, full stop.

@Oaklestat Жыл бұрын

If you want me to continue to stay subscribed..... You have to at least watch Tombstone

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

He he which version? 😉

@Oaklestat Жыл бұрын

@@TheBrokenMeeple there can be only one!

@urbandruiduk9928 5 ай бұрын

"Both genders." Subbed.

@jacobjslee Жыл бұрын

I know you always go to great lengths to give your honest opinions about a game - that's why I love your channel. But in light of recent events in the board game world, I have to ask: have you ever been paid to make a review?

@TheBrokenMeeple Жыл бұрын

No, and I recommend you watch the recent podcast show I did where I talk about this in more detail in light of the Quack incident.