BranonsBoardroom

Deep Regrets – A Charming Fishing Game with a Dark Twist      E very so often, a game comes along that wraps its hook around you and doesn’t let go. Deep Regrets is one of those games. Designed and illustrated by the wildly talented Judson Cowan, this one is dripping with personality—equal parts delightful and deeply unsettling. Imagine if The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack wandered a little too far out to sea and found something... wrong beneath the waves.      This isn’t just a quirky fishing game. Deep Regrets is a beautifully illustrated descent into the briny deep, where each decision feels both rewarding and a little dangerous. And that tension? It’s what makes the game sing. 🎣 Hook, Line, and Sinker      At its core, Deep Regrets is a push-your-luck game—but it does a great job of layering in resource management and just enough dread to keep things interesting. Each turn, players roll a custom buoy-shaped die to d...

     Galactic Cruise: A Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece of Complexity and Charm       If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping aboard a spacefaring luxury liner pulled straight from a 1950s World's Fair vision of the future, then Galactic Cruise might just be your dream game. This board game is a shining example of how immersive theme, thoughtful design, and engaging gameplay can come together to create an unforgettable experience at the table. Theme First: A World Fair in the Stars      One of the most striking aspects of Galactic Cruise is how well it commits to its theme. Everything— everything —feels like it belongs in a retro-futuristic travel brochure. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, with sleek lines, bold colors, and a nostalgic optimism that makes the future feel inviting. But the theme doesn't stop at the visuals.      Each player receives an “Employee Handbook” rather than a standard rulebook or guide, instantly...

     Brew, Bake and Heal: A deep dive into Apothebakery If you're a fan of whimsical, strategy-filled board games, then Apothebakery is one title you won’t want to miss! This charming and unique game for 1-4 players blends the art of alchemy with the sweetness of baked goods, offering a fun and engaging experience perfect for your next game night or solo play session. Let’s dive into the world of Apothebakery and explore what makes this game so special. What is Apothebakery ?      In Apothebakery , players step into the shoes of alchemists who are tasked with crafting potions and creating baked goods to heal adventurers suffering from different wounds. It’s a delightful mix of potion-making, resource management, and a bit of luck, all set in a world filled with quirky critters and unique characters.      But it’s not all smooth sailing in the kitchen! Every turn, you’ll be drawing cards from your deck that give you the stamina needed to ...

       Unscrewed: Zanny cartoon warfare   If you're looking for a game that’s quick to learn, fast-paced, and loaded with fun, Unscrewed might be just the ticket for your next game night. Designed for 3-5 players and taking only about 15-30 minutes to play, this game is a perfect option when you want to squeeze in a quick round (or several) before the night’s over. Let’s dive into what makes Unscrewed such a fun and engaging game, as well as where it might fall short. What’s the Game About?    Due to dwindling ratings the BLAMMO! Network can only afford to keep one of their notorious Saturday morning cartoons on the air but they cant decide which!  Unscrewed is a chaotic 90s cartoon inspired battle royale, card-driven game where players lay out a sequence of actions and then take turns executing those actions in a race against each other. Each round, you’ll lay three cards face down in front of you, creating your own chain of events that you ...

      If you’re in the market for a quick, fun, and portable board game to throw in your bag and bring to the pub or play between larger games, Frontier Gambit is an absolute gem. This fast-paced, tin-can-sized game is perfect for those who love strategy mixed with a dash of risk, all packed into a travel-friendly format that’s easy to take anywhere.            The most unique mechanic in Frontier Gambit is the musket shot mechanic, where players can throw musket shots at dice to alter their results. This element adds a delightful level of chance and risk, while also ramping up the excitement with each decision you make. It’s a simple idea but adds layers of enjoyment to every roll, ensuring no two games are ever the same. Whether you’re lucky or unlucky with your musket shots, it’s always fun to see how the dice roll after you've taken the risk.      In terms of gameplay, it’s smooth and quick. On your turn, you’ll...

     DUEL      The rise of "Duel" versions of popular board games has become an increasingly common, yet tiring trend in the tabletop industry. While it's understandable that some players enjoy having a streamlined, dedicated 2-player version of a game, it feels like this trend has been overdone to the point where it’s more of a money grab than an innovative design choice. Rather than simply offering a set of rules or a variant for two players, companies are releasing entire new versions of games labeled as "Duel." These releases often don’t bring anything particularly new to the table besides a narrower focus on head-to-head gameplay. The result is a market flooded with redundant versions of the same game, contributing to unnecessary consumer fatigue. What’s frustrating is that many of these games could easily be adapted for two players without needing an entirely new edition. Designers have the ability to incorporate flexible, balanced rule tweaks into th...

       As we roll into 2025, the world of tabletop gaming continues to grow and evolve at an astonishing rate. It’s an exciting time for board game enthusiasts as new mechanics, fresh designs, and innovative gameplay ideas are making their way to the market. With a slate of exciting titles that have been teased for release this year, I wanted to take a look at some of the games I'm eagerly anticipating and the plans I have for this blog as we move forward into a new year of gaming. Upcoming Games in 2025 That Have Me Excited First off, let's talk about some of the upcoming board games that have been teased for release this year. As always, I'm particularly drawn to unique concepts and the potential for innovative experiences at the gaming table. 1. Unscrewed Unscrewed is one of the games I’m most excited about in 2025. "Due to dwindling ratings, the Blammo! network can only afford to keep one of their notorious Saturday morning cartoons on the air, but they cant deci...