74: Can't We All Just Get Along? Release Date: Mar. 16, 2009 Running Time: 129 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Board games are team sports, too. There are plagues to fight and a village to defend! We dive into Pandemic and Ghost Stories, two in the latest wave of co-op "us vs. the world" games. 

News & Notes: Formula D Sebring/Chicago, League Leader, Alea Iacta Est 
The List: Pandemic, Ghost Stories
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Scotland Yard, Escape from Colditz
Truckloads of Goober:  Zip Code
Game Sommelier:  5 games with co-op elements that are not co-op games
Mail Bag: Black Vienna online, Toruro correction, gaudy etymology

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

73: Espadas & Cigarros Release Date: Mar. 2, 2009 Running Time: 130 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Avoid the Lulo List. More games inspired by the Spanish speaking world. We duel for glory in Toledo and angle for rum and power in Cuba. Plus two classic card games little known to gringos.

News & Notes: Dominion promo cards, Córdoba, Jugamos Todos, Alea Expansions 
The List: Toledo, Cuba
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Toruro, Mus
Truckloads of Goober:  Tango
Game Sommelier:  5 Spanish games English speaking players may not know about
Mail Bag: NorthEast Wars, Tantrix online

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

72: Viva Los Juegos Release Date: Feb. 16, 2009 Running Time: 119 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

No pasarán! From building towers of people in Catalonia to manning the barricades in Madrid, we play España 1936 and Castellers, two games from Brazilian publisher Devir.

News & Notes: LEGO Board Games, Keltis  & Pandemic Expansions, Space Alert 
The List: España 1936, Castellers
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Papillons, Dancing Eggs
Truckloads of Goober:  Kamisado
Game Sommelier:  Five games you can lose pieces but not ruin the game
Mail Bag: Puzzle game suggestion, Flying Turtle correction

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

71: High-Risers Release Date: Feb. 2, 2009 Running Time: 108 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

The alphabet of giants. We shake the buildings from our sleeves by playing Metropolys and Manhattan, two simple, elegant games about skyscrapers.

News & Notes: Gryphon Games Bookshelf Series, dICEHOUSES, Kingsburg Expansion
The List: Metropolys, Manhattan
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Shark, Big City
Turckloads of Goober:  Sky Runner
Mail Bag: Coleson syndrome, dice collection pics

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

Scribbler #3 - Back to Basics Release Date: Jan. 19, 2009 Laddergram by David Coleson Print, Play Along, Win a Prize! Download: Scribbler #3  |  Solution Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

While we enjoy our Winter hiatus, it's time for you to get cracking on another great puzzle. This time, it's a laddergram freshly minted from Dave's twisted brain. As added incentive, correct entries will be placed into a drawing for a FREE GAME - Toboggans of Doom, courtesy of Buchephalus Games.

We'll return in two weeks, rarin' to go with another audio show.

Send your solutions to stephen@thespiel.net.  Good Luck!

Download the solution: Scribbler #3 - Solution - PDF

Background image is Ladder to The Moon by Georgia O'Keeffe.

70: Hernandez Release Date: Jan. 5, 2009 Running Time: 118 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Puzzle primer. We explore a new trend: the convergence between puzzles and games. We review six different titles including On the Dot, three forms of Ubongo, Code Omega and Santy Anno.

News & Notes: Baked Dice, Bits & Pieces Mag, Zooloretto Gorilla, Alhambra Gold
The List: On the Dot, Ubongo, Ubongo Extreme, Ubongo Das Duell, Code Omega, Santy Anno
Back Shelf Spotlight: Code 777, Take It Easy
Truckloads of Goober: Jungle Smart
Mail Bag: Haunting House suggestion, Japanese lesson, NFL Pool results

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

68: That's A Wrap 2008 Holiday Gift Guide Release Date: Dec. 8, 2008 Running Time: 138 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

We got game. Lots of 'em. With over 50 gift suggestions in dozens of categories, you're sure to find a great game for almost everyone on your list.

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

67: Party On! Release Date: Nov. 17, 2008 Running Time: 93 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Schwing! With family gatherings just around the corner, we try out Good Question and Say Anything, two new party games with wild questions and hilarious answers.

News & Notes:  Dominion, Ferti & FRED, Fluxx 4.0, Loaded Questions: Political Party
The List: Good Question, Say Anything
Name That Game: Win Say Anything
Designer's Workbench: Interview with North Star Games' Dominic Crapuchettes
Truckloads of Goober: Apples to Apples
Game Sommelier: 5 games guaranteed to make Dave refuse to play
Mail Bag: 1960 errata

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

66: Hail to the Chief Release Date: Nov. 3, 2008 Running Time: 145 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

I am not a crook... or a jelly donut. But if I play my cards right, I could end up President of the United States! In this Democracy-sized special, we play 1960: Making of the President, a board game that simulates the contentious election campaign between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

News & Notes:  Paleo, Space Alert, Boardgaming Finland, Mow 'Em Down
The List: 1960: The Making of the President
Name That Game: Win Rage
Backshelf Spotlight: Mr. President
Truckloads of Goober: Schrille Stille
Game Sommelier: 5 games guaranteed to make Stephen refuse to play
Mail Bag: many faces of Atmosfear, Stephen at BGG Con.

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.