Yet another great one, Shaggy. Easily the most underrated boardgaming-related UA-cam channel out there! High quality videos with fantastic narration and spot on content.
I really appreciate those kind words. I try to make every video as informative and entertaining as I can. I'm very happy you enjoy them. Thanks for watching!
This is probably the best solo board game channel out there. No one else compares. I'd be interested to see a solo playthrough of Dune War for Arrakis. I've seen someone explain the rules but it looks complicated.
A Gentle Rain is subtle, cozy tile laying game worth playing at least once. It’s simple enough to play with kids, grandma, etc. and it can hit the table know matter how tired you feel.
I just got Snowfall in the Mountains by Pencil First Games, my first KS. Another cozy tile-laying game tracing paths in the snow, following rabbit tracks, etc.
I recently picked up a copy of Beacon Patrol and have been enjoying it. Also just received a game I backed called Snowfall Over Mountains. I really like it but it's challening! And now for a random thought: I like the tile laying part of the game in The Magnificent (taken during the "build" action). It's only one part of the overall gameplay, but I find it very satisfying. Thanks for another great video! I own several of the games you mentioned. here.
I haven't thought about The Magnificent in a while. I really enjoyed it but haven't played in years. Great recommendation. Beacon Patrol is one I'd like to play. Thanks so much, James.
Your comment about Dorfromantik being a cozy game because of its flexible placement rules made me realize that I much prefer a tile placement game that lets me do what I like but still rewards me for more strategic placement choices.
Yeah, I'm starting to realize I might be in the same boat. A lot of the games on this list have that feature at least a bit. For example, I prefer Cascadia to Calico because Calico is so restrictive and gets more restrictive as the game goes on. There's something exciting about any game saying, "Do whatever you want! You might regret it, but I'm not going to stop you." Thanks so much for watching!
I don't love the board game as much as the video game. The video game also messes up my board game play for points, because the goals work differently. And the video game has animations. Like there is a train that moves up and down the tracks you lay down.
Thanks for the video Shaggi! Hey have you played Glass Road? That is my 2nd fave Uwe game (after AFFO of course!) I think you would love it AND it has a great solo mode! 😇
Yes, I love Glass Road, especially solo and 2-player. I considered it for this list, but the tile placement part is a bit less interesting than the game as a whole. I might be splitting hairs there considering I could make a similar argument for Ark Nova. Either way it is a great game and I hope to make a playthrough soon. Great to hear from you, Emma. Thanks for checking out the video!
I've never played Suburbia solo and I sort of missed that it had a solo mode. Hmmm. I do enjoy it multiplayer so I'll have to give it a try solo. Thanks!
What has held me off of Ark Nova, is backing Zoo Tycoon, the board last year. It's not for everyone, but I like it a lot. The solitare puzzle of trying to max out your space with the animal habitat and tiles that are shops, research centers and such, is really satisfying when you get to unlock a level 3 animal towards the end of the game. Or complete a conservation reserve list of animals for bonus points.
I've not been able to get Zoo Tycoon to the table yet, but I am curious to play it. Love all the animal pieces -- seems like a really interesting game. Much more going on than I thought -- I was kind of surprised when I opened up the box. Thanks for watching!
Great video as always! Love the list! I would add A Gentle Rain and Akropolis. I also love older games and one that I have and enjoy solo that involves tile laying is Walnut Grove (2011) . It is like a little bit of Carcassonne and Agricola where workers move around in a rondel fashion in town, getting and trading goods and then building out their farms (laying tiles). It is very hard to find, but definitely worth trying out if you ever come across it. Love your videos! I am always excited to see a new come out!!
Oh, wow. I haven't played Walnut Grove in a long time. I just spotted it on my shelf, so I still have it. I remember enjoying my plays, but it has been like a decade. I love that suggestion! I have a soft spot for those older euro games. Thanks so much for watching, Darlene!
Abstract and Tile laying are my favourite mechanisms. I actually own most of what you have displayed. couple left on the wish list. This was great video. Thank you.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I think I love tile laying so much because at the end of the game you have something you've built that visually shows the story of that game. Thanks so much for checking out my video!
Hey Shaggy, awesome video as usual! Do you have a top 10 list of rewarding big box tabletop games that set up and tear down fast with custom inserts, and can be played in under an hour? Would be a great topic for those who want deep gameplay but have limited time.
wow that is specific! Although I do understand that getting the most out of a game with great gameplay but fast set up is sooo important for a solo board gamer. I’d suggest Legacy Of Yu might be worth a look!
Cool list! Another great topic and video. I want to check out Oranienberger Canal when it becomes more readily available. My top 5 would be: 5. Planet Unknown 4. Barcelona 3. Sprawlopolis 2. Ark Nova 1. Wayfarers of the South Tigris
You keep reminding me that I need to get Barcelona to the table. :) Great list of 5, there. I need to play Planet Unknown more -- my first game didn't grab me, but I could see it growing on me with more plays. Thanks!
Fantastic video, I’m not a solo player but your video has encouraged me to do so. I love all of those games mp except #4, which I have but yet to try. Seems it’s time to try it solo!
Definitely! Solo gaming is a great way to engage with the hobby. As I always say, in every other hobby people enjoy it both alone and with others -- whether we're talking movies, music, video games -- why should board gaming be any different? I have many playthroughs on the channel, which are a great way to figure out if a solo game looks interesting or not, and I teach how the solo modes work. I hope you have fun. Thanks so much for watching!
Great list, some of my favourites are on your list. Another one I have been playing not stop this year is Wiled Tiled West, also flew under the radar, but has a great solo mode.
Race to the Raft, The Isle of Cats, AQUA and Calico are the ones you haven't mentioned that I really like. But great list! You made me curious about Ginkgopolis, I'll go watch your playthrough!
Isle of Cats and Calico would be in my top 20. I haven't tried the others. I'll check them out. Thanks for checking out my video and I hope you enjoy the Ginkgopolis playthrough. It is a really cool game. It is on Board Game Arena if you play games there.
Hey Shaggy! Always enjoy your lists, being a mostly solo player. I noticed that Coffee Roaster has fallen from grace. It's hard to narrow down to only 10. Glad to see Feast for Odin up at the top though. Uwe is my game hero. 😊 Thank you!
I don't consider Coffee Roaster to be a tile placement game, so that's why it isn't on this list. It definitely hasn't fallen from grace -- it continues to be a favorite of mine. Thanks so much for watching!
Interesting mix of games in this list, from my number one game (Ark Nova) to a game that actively pissed me off playing (Trailblazers - my brain doesn't work with this game) and a game that I love the idea of it but was too boring (Cascadia) and my favorite Uwe game (OK). I would add Planet Unknown even thought the solo is lackluster and Santa Maria which I love.
Santa Maria is great, but I've only played multiplayer for some reason. I didn't love my first play of Planet Unknown, but I need to try it more. Trailblazers is super frustrating at first, but after a few plays it started to work for me. I'm still not very good at it, but I found it very satisfying. Thanks for checking out the video. It's great to hear from you!
I only played once and that was a four-player game if I remember correctly. I need to play more. I don't currently own it, so hopefully I'll be able to get a copy and try it solo. I enjoyed it and want to play more, but the first play didn't wow me -- which doesn't mean anything, it was a learning game. The lazy susan wheel of tiles was definitely interesting. Thanks for watching!
Not really. It's the one I've played and it adds a fun little extra bit with the heroes, but any version of Cartographers will do the job. Thanks for watching!
All I know is a reprint is coming called Kanal, but I have no idea when. I wish I had more power in the industry -- I'd make a lot of games more available! Thanks so much for watching!
You have the best voice on UA-cam. You could narrate grass growing and make it interesting
That's very kind of you to say. Thanks for checking out the list!
I would have to agree. Such a pleasant tone.
I agree
Yet another great one, Shaggy. Easily the most underrated boardgaming-related UA-cam channel out there! High quality videos with fantastic narration and spot on content.
THIS^
I really appreciate those kind words. I try to make every video as informative and entertaining as I can. I'm very happy you enjoy them. Thanks for watching!
This is probably the best solo board game channel out there. No one else compares. I'd be interested to see a solo playthrough of Dune War for Arrakis. I've seen someone explain the rules but it looks complicated.
A Gentle Rain is subtle, cozy tile laying game worth playing at least once. It’s simple enough to play with kids, grandma, etc. and it can hit the table know matter how tired you feel.
I've been meaning to pick this one up. Thanks for watching!
I just got Snowfall in the Mountains by Pencil First Games, my first KS. Another cozy tile-laying game tracing paths in the snow, following rabbit tracks, etc.
Ah, I need to check that one out. Sounds nice and Pencil First makes great games. Thanks!
I recently picked up a copy of Beacon Patrol and have been enjoying it. Also just received a game I backed called Snowfall Over Mountains. I really like it but it's challening! And now for a random thought: I like the tile laying part of the game in The Magnificent (taken during the "build" action). It's only one part of the overall gameplay, but I find it very satisfying. Thanks for another great video! I own several of the games you mentioned. here.
I haven't thought about The Magnificent in a while. I really enjoyed it but haven't played in years. Great recommendation. Beacon Patrol is one I'd like to play. Thanks so much, James.
Your comment about Dorfromantik being a cozy game because of its flexible placement rules made me realize that I much prefer a tile placement game that lets me do what I like but still rewards me for more strategic placement choices.
Yeah, I'm starting to realize I might be in the same boat. A lot of the games on this list have that feature at least a bit. For example, I prefer Cascadia to Calico because Calico is so restrictive and gets more restrictive as the game goes on. There's something exciting about any game saying, "Do whatever you want! You might regret it, but I'm not going to stop you." Thanks so much for watching!
I don't love the board game as much as the video game. The video game also messes up my board game play for points, because the goals work differently.
And the video game has animations. Like there is a train that moves up and down the tracks you lay down.
Thanks for the video Shaggi! Hey have you played Glass Road? That is my 2nd fave Uwe game (after AFFO of course!) I think you would love it AND it has a great solo mode! 😇
Yes, I love Glass Road, especially solo and 2-player. I considered it for this list, but the tile placement part is a bit less interesting than the game as a whole. I might be splitting hairs there considering I could make a similar argument for Ark Nova. Either way it is a great game and I hope to make a playthrough soon. Great to hear from you, Emma. Thanks for checking out the video!
I think that a must in the list is Suburbia. It has a solo mode, in fact two, and it is the quintessential tile laying game.
I've never played Suburbia solo and I sort of missed that it had a solo mode. Hmmm. I do enjoy it multiplayer so I'll have to give it a try solo. Thanks!
Some good solo tile placement. Isle of cats, mist over Carcassonne
What has held me off of Ark Nova, is backing Zoo Tycoon, the board last year. It's not for everyone, but I like it a lot. The solitare puzzle of trying to max out your space with the animal habitat and tiles that are shops, research centers and such, is really satisfying when you get to unlock a level 3 animal towards the end of the game. Or complete a conservation reserve list of animals for bonus points.
I've not been able to get Zoo Tycoon to the table yet, but I am curious to play it. Love all the animal pieces -- seems like a really interesting game. Much more going on than I thought -- I was kind of surprised when I opened up the box. Thanks for watching!
There is a great mini version: ark minima, on bgg that you could play as a alternative
Great video as always! Love the list! I would add A Gentle Rain and Akropolis. I also love older games and one that I have and enjoy solo that involves tile laying is Walnut Grove (2011) . It is like a little bit of Carcassonne and Agricola where workers move around in a rondel fashion in town, getting and trading goods and then building out their farms (laying tiles). It is very hard to find, but definitely worth trying out if you ever come across it. Love your videos! I am always excited to see a new come out!!
Oh, wow. I haven't played Walnut Grove in a long time. I just spotted it on my shelf, so I still have it. I remember enjoying my plays, but it has been like a decade. I love that suggestion! I have a soft spot for those older euro games. Thanks so much for watching, Darlene!
Abstract and Tile laying are my favourite mechanisms. I actually own most of what you have displayed. couple left on the wish list. This was great video. Thank you.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I think I love tile laying so much because at the end of the game you have something you've built that visually shows the story of that game. Thanks so much for checking out my video!
Hey Shaggy, awesome video as usual! Do you have a top 10 list of rewarding big box tabletop games that set up and tear down fast with custom inserts, and can be played in under an hour? Would be a great topic for those who want deep gameplay but have limited time.
wow that is specific! Although I do understand that getting the most out of a game with great gameplay but fast set up is sooo important for a solo board gamer. I’d suggest Legacy Of Yu might be worth a look!
Great list! Love a feast for Odin and I'm on the fence to grab fields of arle. I'm not sure if I would love it after knowing AFFO
Cool list! Another great topic and video. I want to check out Oranienberger Canal when it becomes more readily available.
My top 5 would be:
5. Planet Unknown
4. Barcelona
3. Sprawlopolis
2. Ark Nova
1. Wayfarers of the South Tigris
You keep reminding me that I need to get Barcelona to the table. :) Great list of 5, there. I need to play Planet Unknown more -- my first game didn't grab me, but I could see it growing on me with more plays. Thanks!
Fantastic video, I’m not a solo player but your video has encouraged me to do so. I love all of those games mp except #4, which I have but yet to try. Seems it’s time to try it solo!
Definitely! Solo gaming is a great way to engage with the hobby. As I always say, in every other hobby people enjoy it both alone and with others -- whether we're talking movies, music, video games -- why should board gaming be any different? I have many playthroughs on the channel, which are a great way to figure out if a solo game looks interesting or not, and I teach how the solo modes work. I hope you have fun. Thanks so much for watching!
Great list! Feast is in my Top 5 of all time.
Yes! Feast is incredible. Definitely in my Top 10, maybe in my Top 5. A masterpiece for sure. Thanks for watching!
You made me get Ginkopolis. Such an amazing solo mode!
Excellent! I'm glad you enjoy that one. I don't own many solo games like Ginkgopolis. It's a special game for sure. Thanks for watching!
Gotta pick up a copy of Trailblazers - Thanks!
I hope you enjoy it when you table it. Thanks for watching!
Great list, some of my favourites are on your list. Another one I have been playing not stop this year is Wiled Tiled West, also flew under the radar, but has a great solo mode.
I remember hearing a bit about this one, but I haven't looked into it much. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for the great video.
My favourite tile laying game is Spring Meadow. Great solo and multiplayer.
Also: For One Number Up! is really good.
I'll have to check those out. Appreciate it!
You gotta try Beacon Patrol especially with the new ships and shores expansion. Adds a lot more variety. Great solo or multi.
I've been wanting to try this one. Thanks for reminding me. You're not the first to recommend it.
Race to the Raft, The Isle of Cats, AQUA and Calico are the ones you haven't mentioned that I really like. But great list! You made me curious about Ginkgopolis, I'll go watch your playthrough!
Isle of Cats and Calico would be in my top 20. I haven't tried the others. I'll check them out. Thanks for checking out my video and I hope you enjoy the Ginkgopolis playthrough. It is a really cool game. It is on Board Game Arena if you play games there.
Isle of Cats and Life of the Amazonia
I'm playing Life of the Amazonia very soon for the first time. I'm very excited to try it! Thanks for watching.
Hey Shaggy! Always enjoy your lists, being a mostly solo player. I noticed that Coffee Roaster has fallen from grace. It's hard to narrow down to only 10. Glad to see Feast for Odin up at the top though. Uwe is my game hero. 😊 Thank you!
I don't consider Coffee Roaster to be a tile placement game, so that's why it isn't on this list. It definitely hasn't fallen from grace -- it continues to be a favorite of mine. Thanks so much for watching!
@@TotallyTabled Arrgh....You are correct. I forgot about that little bit of data, and I'm a tile placement fiend. Sorry about that.
I am Floored by Tabled !
Ha, I need you to write my titles! Thanks for watching!
Interesting mix of games in this list, from my number one game (Ark Nova) to a game that actively pissed me off playing (Trailblazers - my brain doesn't work with this game) and a game that I love the idea of it but was too boring (Cascadia) and my favorite Uwe game (OK). I would add Planet Unknown even thought the solo is lackluster and Santa Maria which I love.
Santa Maria is great, but I've only played multiplayer for some reason. I didn't love my first play of Planet Unknown, but I need to try it more. Trailblazers is super frustrating at first, but after a few plays it started to work for me. I'm still not very good at it, but I found it very satisfying. Thanks for checking out the video. It's great to hear from you!
A feast for Odin is one of my favorites with Norwegians! So sad I can't get it anywhere near me. Tabletop Sim it is for now.
Ah, that is frustrating. I sometimes play on Board Game Arena but they only have the base game right now if I remember correctly. Thanks for watching!
Not to boast, but for me, my bathrooms were the greatest tile layings I ever played. 😉
I mean, that is impressive. :)
Check out Harmonies, it is a really nice puzzle, even if it isn't really "tile" placement
I definitely want to play this one. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@TotallyTabled It's on BGA if you want to get a feel for it
Will they ever release the new single player mode separately for those of us who already own Castles of Burgundy?
Have you ever played Planet Unknown as I think it could make that top 10
I only played once and that was a four-player game if I remember correctly. I need to play more. I don't currently own it, so hopefully I'll be able to get a copy and try it solo. I enjoyed it and want to play more, but the first play didn't wow me -- which doesn't mean anything, it was a learning game. The lazy susan wheel of tiles was definitely interesting. Thanks for watching!
Any particular reason to choose Cartographers Heroes over just Cartographers?
Not really. It's the one I've played and it adds a fun little extra bit with the heroes, but any version of Cartographers will do the job. Thanks for watching!
You named most of the games I would name. The only one I would add is Harmonies.
I still haven't played that one. Looks great. Can't wait to try it. Thanks!
It's really a great game :)
I'm a simple man. I see Shaggi I click.
I really appreciate that outlook on life. :)
OK is going to be my white whale, hahaha! And again, here it is!
If you could just singlehandedly get another printing started, I'd consider it a personal kindness.
All I know is a reprint is coming called Kanal, but I have no idea when. I wish I had more power in the industry -- I'd make a lot of games more available! Thanks so much for watching!