My recommendation is to try Azul: Queen’s Garden but don’t think of it as Azul. Most of the negativity around the game comes from fans of the first three games expecting more of the same, but Queen’s Garden doesn’t do that. It has more complexity to it and not much in common besides the tiling theme. Even the trademark Azul tile drafting mechanism doesn’t work the same way in this game. But it’s great! My favourite used to be Stained Glass of Sintra, but it didn’t take long for Queen’s Garden to steal that spot for me. 😄
The idea that all the people at the Dice Tower have, not only a personal top 100 that games can fall off of, but that they also *need* to make these videos about the ones that no longer make that cut is just a *lovely* idea to me.
Very well done. Thank you. Considering the thousands of games you have played through the years, a game even in your top 200 would be a sign of approval.
I think a list like this is great. If there's something here that I was thinking of getting, it's really good to hear a perspective on why it's no longer as hot as it once was... that might speak to its staying power for example. Or it might reveal an opportunity, as in a related game that's come out since that might be superior in some way. Would love to see your peers do a similar list. FYI, I'm keeping Cascadia on my to-buy list since everyone has so much positive to say about it, and after hearing your explanation in this video, I feel better about that. Thanks for this Zee - great stuff!
Lists like these are stupid. For a game that’s ranked 36th to just fall straight off shows the flaws in doing a top 100 because anything after like 20, are irrelevant. Top 20 would be as far as you should go.
I love what you said regarding weight and complexity...I like heavy thinky games, but the theme has to get me there, has to help me remember the rules and operate within the decision space, and if I can't get that theme bridge for me then it becomes "work".
A little surprised about Cascadia. It has become my go-to gateway. But Zee did say he’s not teaching newbies as much these days so I could see the drop from that
Old Libertalia: looks dark and woody and covered in tar, straight out of Black Sails. New Libertalia: looks bright and sunny, straight out of a Disney cartoon. For a game involving mutineers and brutes and backstabbing pirates I know which look is more appropriate.
I definitely agree about On Tour's app being a lot of fun. 👍 And yes, the app version totally squelched any desire I have to play the physical game aside from maybe showing it to friends at the table.
I am totally onboard with your opinion about Libertalia. At first when I heard is was getting a reprint and some ruleschange I was exited! And I also think that a lot of rule changes do mae a lot of sence and improve the game. The artwork however .. oh boy... I felt like it went from some really cool pirate theme to some genereic phantasy whatever...
You could do something with the scenery of this studio room. Put up a poster, a new potted plant, some cool game covers. I've seen this same stuff a lot. Other than that, one can never have too much Zee Garcia. Love your efforts!
I feel exactly the same about Libertalia. For years it was on the very top of my wish list (my reallywannahave list), but when the new version came out, the game simply dropped out of my list altogether: I liked much more the original game’s simplicity and fantastic art, but I also started noticing some clunkiness on the original version that the new version solved.
I agree sadly that the King, Queen Dominos no longer hits the table like it use to. I have a soft spot for these games, as Kingdomino's mechanisms seemed neat at first play.
I very much agree. While I do like some of the art in the new Libertalia, the artwork on the cards is in a style that looks more like it belongs in a book for young children; for me, it takes away from the game somewhat. The Scythe style would have been a much better alternative. (I am toying with the idea of replacing the cards with a more grownup/pirate-like art style - at the very least it would be a good design exercise.)
I got the Libertalia onto my collection thanks to Zee's recomendation in a video few years ago. Perhaps, it's not a 100 best game but still, it's a solid position. Thanks Zee 😀😀😀
Good idea for a video. I must confess, I skipped the recent Top 100 series simply because a significant number of entries are common over many years with most Top 100 type lists so it's a lot of time to put in to hear about mostly The Same Old Games Every Year
I hear you but putting the actual content aside, this year's Top 100 was honestly more entertaining than of their past Top 100s combined. I'm watching them more for their personalities, quips, inside jokes than anything else at this point haha
I agree with zee about Libertalia. I think it’s a great game and I want to get the new edition but as much as I feel like they improved it I feel like they messed it up. It’s a frustrating place to be in.
I really don't get why so many commenters are "sad" if a certain game is no longer on another person's top-whatever list. If you get a great experience out of playing it, isn't that enough? It's almost like people are afraid to be their own individual determiners. If you like a game, like it! When the times comes to try another one, do it! Not that deep.
I agree on Libertalia, it’s one of my absolute favorite games, and I eventually got a copy of the new version because I know some things are better, and I actually heard the 1 to 2 player versions are fun. But yeah, the look is sooooo much worse than the original, so it’s this kind of awkward position where each one feels worse. I actually didn’t mind the old tiebreaker with the numbers on the cards, especially when playing with less than the full player count. The new one feels very sterile.
The argument around the different versions of Libertalia I feel like is a similar argument you could make between Ghost Stories and Last Bastion: better theme/artwork (subjectively) vs cleaner mechanisms? In both cases, I've gone with the theme I like better (Ghost Stories, OG Libertalia) knowing that there may be some ways I can house rule the setup to incorporate some of the improvements mechanically made by the newer versions, but that the original game at least is fun enough that there was a reason I bought it in the first place. Either way, always enjoy seeing how collections grow and change over time-I know I've personally come a long way since my days of Munchkin and Exploding Kittens!
"Dune Imperium fell off because I don't get to play these long games as often anymore" "Maybe an expansion would get it back" An expansion that very likely makes it even longer and harder to find groups for...?
I still LOVE R-Eco thanks to Zee, and I'm in a similar place when it comes to Cosmic (still love it but not sure if it's worth getting the latest pricey expansion). I've cooled on Azul in general. It's a fine game but win or lose, it doesn't get any emotions out of me.
I think as gamers we experience moods and gravitate towards certain games at certain times, so for our list to shuffle around a little makes sense. Also, it would be a little boring if the dice Tower top 100s were always the same! 😆 I'd be curious to see Mike's comparison since he's the most cult of the new, hehe.
You are absolutely right about Libertalia! New edition is mechanically superior and I missing a lots from that edition but I think I would missing more if I change my first edition...
Glad to know I'm not alone on Libertalia, and I have similar feelings about Great Plains. I love the package, but despite the variable set-up, the game has feels similar every time which hurts replay value... And I submit that Cascadia WILL make it back on your list.. with... an expansion! (Of course there will be one!)... the.. uhh.. the tick! It doesn't like salmon and hawks. Yes, the tick (!) will bring new life to Cascadia and put it back on your list. That's my prediction for next year.
- Cascadia is a very good game, but yeah also very forgettable. Its generic look doesn't help. - I like Kingdomino/Queendomino/Kingdomino: Origins about the same, that's why I rank them under a Kingdomino umbrella in my own top 100. Only difference, the Kingdomino entry is way higher on my list. The first one is the best gateway game ever (for me), but I also love all the little twists on the recipe that the following games brought. I am really anticipating the next iteration of this system this year: "Moon River". It looks great. - Did I miss it in your new list? I thought "Mr Jack" was also a - surprising! - game that dropped of your top 100?
Zee, which of the 900 versions of 51st State do you play? I found revised second with all of its promo and both expansions for $12, barely used. Looking forward to playing it.
I like Aerion a lot more than Nautilion. I don't dislike Nautilion, but I'm a little meh on it. Same with Stellarion. so far. Onirim and Sylvion are my favorites. Castellion is the only one I really don't care for. Oddly, my respect and love for the series as a whole probably outweighs any of the individual games. I just love that the Oniverse EXISTS, although it would be a frightening place to live :). I dream of a game that serves as a sequel to all of the individual chapters. I would also be more than all in on an animated Oniverse movie or series, although I have a hard time imagining how that might play out.
Ufff... Automania and Shakespeare are my TOP20 games. Then again, you're right, so much new stuff comes along all the time and something must be pushed out. Still love them both very much. And I don't think Shakespeare's expansion is essential. It's definitely good though.
what games have come out that were inspired by cascadia and are better? I for one would just like to see some expansion cards for it, would really increase replayability.
In my opinion the only one that should go back is that embarrassment of omission, Cascadia. The others that I played are good, but I don't know about top 100 good.
I've owned Saint Malo and to be honest, it was always kinda wonderous that this game stayed in your top 100 for as long as it did. It's true, it was innovative and a wroll and write before the term was even a thing (it came out the same year as Qwixx). But when the onlaught of roll and writes set in, I feel it was quickly overtaken and outdone.
Never really got the love for Cascadia. I got the KS, played as soon as I got it, looked so good, super under whelmed, played again it was ok. Was sure the reviews where going to be middling. Then the game blew up not sure why.
I'm also very wary of these kinds of games. People ADORE Azul, Parks, Canvas and they're all OK to me. Not bad by any means but I don't feel any emotions playing them and when they end, I don't have that "let's do it again!" vibe. Cascadia seemed to be in that same ballpark (haven't played it, but I could be wrong).
@@Indubitably14 I like Parks feels like something is there. Azul 2 I found interesting some decent choices, Canvas I remember plays because of painting names, but Cascadia nothing if not for the theme being so pretty it felt like very shallow there was always a best option easy to see and after it was over it just disappeared from my mind don't think it is as good as the ones above but these arn't my type of game either.
Genuine question: Why is Cascadia so highly regarded? I own it and to me it’s fine, not bad, not amazing. I’m curious if there’s something I’m missing as to why people absolutely rave about it?
My guess would be that it's a simple puzzle to understand. Easy enough for a broad audience to enjoy. And that it has animals. Usually if the theme has animals it's automatically more popular.
@@ctvisions Thanks for the response. Yeah the animal/nature theme certainly has broad appeal. It is easy to teach and get to the table, I just struggle with relating to the grand praises it receives. I’m glad it’s well-liked and appreciate your explanation.
This is a dumb argument! Hahahaha! Zee, you're my favourite Dicey Towerer! I know what you're saying Winds of Galecrest and Libertalia each expose the other's weaknesses which you probably wouldn't have picked up on has Winds of Galecrest not been released. You're right. It's a dumb argument. Winds of Galecrest is utterly fantastic! 😉
Wow, Azul fell off Zee's top 100 from no.50. It's an abstract masterpiece. I think the people had it at around no. 18 this year. Got to say the people are dead on the money.
I like Azul and would defend the game if someone was trashing it...but I'm not particularly excited to play it. If I made a Top 100, it would be in the high numbers.
Great, I bought these exact 15 games purely on the basis of Zee's top 100 and now they're trash.
Alright! Time to take them to those games to the incinerator! It's board game law now! 😆
Hot garbage as Mike would say.
🔥🗑️
@@speedandstyletony lol that's Zee's line not Michael's! Take Zee's name outcha mouth!
I thought anything outside the top 30 was complete trash?
I am 100 % with Zee on Libertalia...
Could be fun to see a similar run down of Tom and Mike's lists
I love that most of these are 'I've cooled on it' or 'The sequel is just better', and then Cascadia is 'I somehow forgot this game exists'.
"Cascadia, you were too good at inspiring other games to be like you that you got forgotten a little bit". Such a sad tribute..
My recommendation is to try Azul: Queen’s Garden but don’t think of it as Azul. Most of the negativity around the game comes from fans of the first three games expecting more of the same, but Queen’s Garden doesn’t do that. It has more complexity to it and not much in common besides the tiling theme. Even the trademark Azul tile drafting mechanism doesn’t work the same way in this game. But it’s great!
My favourite used to be Stained Glass of Sintra, but it didn’t take long for Queen’s Garden to steal that spot for me. 😄
The idea that all the people at the Dice Tower have, not only a personal top 100 that games can fall off of, but that they also *need* to make these videos about the ones that no longer make that cut is just a *lovely* idea to me.
Very well done. Thank you. Considering the thousands of games you have played through the years, a game even in your top 200 would be a sign of approval.
Absolutely. Well said.
Your comments on Libertalia echo my exact thoughts in a way that I couldn't put into words as well as you did Zee
I think a list like this is great. If there's something here that I was thinking of getting, it's really good to hear a perspective on why it's no longer as hot as it once was... that might speak to its staying power for example. Or it might reveal an opportunity, as in a related game that's come out since that might be superior in some way. Would love to see your peers do a similar list. FYI, I'm keeping Cascadia on my to-buy list since everyone has so much positive to say about it, and after hearing your explanation in this video, I feel better about that. Thanks for this Zee - great stuff!
Lists like these are stupid. For a game that’s ranked 36th to just fall straight off shows the flaws in doing a top 100 because anything after like 20, are irrelevant. Top 20 would be as far as you should go.
Yeah this made me feel.better about some of my non-purchases and in particular validated my feelings that the blew it with Libertalia
@@ejim941099 So stupid you watched and commented... #missionaccomplished lol
I like this type of conversation a lot, it helps show the change in the industry and how the opinion of games has changed
I enjoyed this video. I hope the other DT contributors will be making one as well.
Shakespeare is one of my evangelist games.It's largely forgotten but it will always hold a place in my heart so I tell a lot of people about it,
This was really interesting! I hope Mike and Tom will also do this video
I love what you said regarding weight and complexity...I like heavy thinky games, but the theme has to get me there, has to help me remember the rules and operate within the decision space, and if I can't get that theme bridge for me then it becomes "work".
A little surprised about Cascadia. It has become my go-to gateway. But Zee did say he’s not teaching newbies as much these days so I could see the drop from that
My wife bought Endeavor for me because of your endorsement and now I have to tell her it's garbage? Way to wreck my marriage.
What a wonderful hobby, when games outside the top 100 are still fantastic.
Old Libertalia: looks dark and woody and covered in tar, straight out of Black Sails.
New Libertalia: looks bright and sunny, straight out of a Disney cartoon.
For a game involving mutineers and brutes and backstabbing pirates I know which look is more appropriate.
Saddest list Zee has ever done
Awesome video Zee. Very well done. Love your enthusiasm in explaining. Looking forward to your next video.!
I definitely agree about On Tour's app being a lot of fun. 👍 And yes, the app version totally squelched any desire I have to play the physical game aside from maybe showing it to friends at the table.
I am totally onboard with your opinion about Libertalia. At first when I heard is was getting a reprint and some ruleschange I was exited! And I also think that a lot of rule changes do mae a lot of sence and improve the game. The artwork however .. oh boy... I felt like it went from some really cool pirate theme to some genereic phantasy whatever...
Love this topic! Great video.
You could do something with the scenery of this studio room. Put up a poster, a new potted plant, some cool game covers. I've seen this same stuff a lot. Other than that, one can never have too much Zee Garcia. Love your efforts!
I love playing R-Eco with my kids.
Love the balance it requires and how that balance fits in the ecological theme.
It deserves a reprint.
I think there was just news that it's getting one.
I feel exactly the same about Libertalia. For years it was on the very top of my wish list (my reallywannahave list), but when the new version came out, the game simply dropped out of my list altogether: I liked much more the original game’s simplicity and fantastic art, but I also started noticing some clunkiness on the original version that the new version solved.
great video, really appreciate the depth of discussion on how these games have developed for you
I agree sadly that the King, Queen Dominos no longer hits the table like it use to. I have a soft spot for these games, as
Kingdomino's mechanisms seemed neat at first play.
Great idea, thanks for sharing, Zee!
If I made this list, all 15 games would have been booted out by Dune Imperium, which now takes up the top 15 spaces by itself.
It would have been cool if they had the Scythe artist do the Libertalia artwork and keep more of that realistic pirate vibe to it.
I very much agree. While I do like some of the art in the new Libertalia, the artwork on the cards is in a style that looks more like it belongs in a book for young children; for me, it takes away from the game somewhat. The Scythe style would have been a much better alternative. (I am toying with the idea of replacing the cards with a more grownup/pirate-like art style - at the very least it would be a good design exercise.)
Definitely.
The Scythe artist probably would have just traced over the original libertalia and sold it as his own.
@@chrisstandifer5492 And they say AI art is stealing.
I got the Libertalia onto my collection thanks to Zee's recomendation in a video few years ago. Perhaps, it's not a 100 best game but still, it's a solid position. Thanks Zee 😀😀😀
Good idea for a video. I must confess, I skipped the recent Top 100 series simply because a significant number of entries are common over many years with most Top 100 type lists so it's a lot of time to put in to hear about mostly The Same Old Games Every Year
I hear you but putting the actual content aside, this year's Top 100 was honestly more entertaining than of their past Top 100s combined. I'm watching them more for their personalities, quips, inside jokes than anything else at this point haha
I agree with zee about Libertalia. I think it’s a great game and I want to get the new edition but as much as I feel like they improved it I feel like they messed it up. It’s a frustrating place to be in.
Was wondering about Aerion when you did your top 100!
Interesting list. Hope Mike and Tom do it as well :)
I really don't get why so many commenters are "sad" if a certain game is no longer on another person's top-whatever list. If you get a great experience out of playing it, isn't that enough? It's almost like people are afraid to be their own individual determiners. If you like a game, like it! When the times comes to try another one, do it! Not that deep.
"Sigh, Libertalia I like you but Zee Garcia says you are no longer in his top 100 so you gotta go."
So good in inspiring others … that you were forgotten. Hoping that is not my epitaph! 😂
I agree on Libertalia, it’s one of my absolute favorite games, and I eventually got a copy of the new version because I know some things are better, and I actually heard the 1 to 2 player versions are fun. But yeah, the look is sooooo much worse than the original, so it’s this kind of awkward position where each one feels worse. I actually didn’t mind the old tiebreaker with the numbers on the cards, especially when playing with less than the full player count. The new one feels very sterile.
The argument around the different versions of Libertalia I feel like is a similar argument you could make between Ghost Stories and Last Bastion: better theme/artwork (subjectively) vs cleaner mechanisms? In both cases, I've gone with the theme I like better (Ghost Stories, OG Libertalia) knowing that there may be some ways I can house rule the setup to incorporate some of the improvements mechanically made by the newer versions, but that the original game at least is fun enough that there was a reason I bought it in the first place. Either way, always enjoy seeing how collections grow and change over time-I know I've personally come a long way since my days of Munchkin and Exploding Kittens!
"Dune Imperium fell off because I don't get to play these long games as often anymore"
"Maybe an expansion would get it back"
An expansion that very likely makes it even longer and harder to find groups for...?
I still LOVE R-Eco thanks to Zee, and I'm in a similar place when it comes to Cosmic (still love it but not sure if it's worth getting the latest pricey expansion).
I've cooled on Azul in general. It's a fine game but win or lose, it doesn't get any emotions out of me.
I think as gamers we experience moods and gravitate towards certain games at certain times, so for our list to shuffle around a little makes sense. Also, it would be a little boring if the dice Tower top 100s were always the same! 😆 I'd be curious to see Mike's comparison since he's the most cult of the new, hehe.
You are absolutely right about Libertalia! New edition is mechanically superior and I missing a lots from that edition but I think I would missing more if I change my first edition...
Flipflop also fell off during one of the top 100 videos!
Glad to know I'm not alone on Libertalia, and I have similar feelings about Great Plains. I love the package, but despite the variable set-up, the game has feels similar every time which hurts replay value... And I submit that Cascadia WILL make it back on your list.. with... an expansion! (Of course there will be one!)... the.. uhh.. the tick! It doesn't like salmon and hawks. Yes, the tick (!) will bring new life to Cascadia and put it back on your list. That's my prediction for next year.
- Cascadia is a very good game, but yeah also very forgettable. Its generic look doesn't help.
- I like Kingdomino/Queendomino/Kingdomino: Origins about the same, that's why I rank them under a Kingdomino umbrella in my own top 100. Only difference, the Kingdomino entry is way higher on my list. The first one is the best gateway game ever (for me), but I also love all the little twists on the recipe that the following games brought. I am really anticipating the next iteration of this system this year: "Moon River". It looks great.
- Did I miss it in your new list? I thought "Mr Jack" was also a - surprising! - game that dropped of your top 100?
If more and more apps make games obsolete, maybe it's time for a new top 10 apps.
Zee, which of the 900 versions of 51st State do you play? I found revised second with all of its promo and both expansions for $12, barely used. Looking forward to playing it.
On Tour and Cascadia will come back for sure 👹
KINGDOMINO, it's a permanent in my collect, always an easy goto for newbs!
I was surprised when I watched since I enjoy comparing the dicetower lists to mine that Cascadia had fallen off
Nothing crazy surprised me to be honest. Libertalia and cascadia probably will vie for some place in your heart over the years pending plays.
I like Aerion a lot more than Nautilion. I don't dislike Nautilion, but I'm a little meh on it. Same with Stellarion. so far. Onirim and Sylvion are my favorites. Castellion is the only one I really don't care for. Oddly, my respect and love for the series as a whole probably outweighs any of the individual games. I just love that the Oniverse EXISTS, although it would be a frightening place to live :). I dream of a game that serves as a sequel to all of the individual chapters. I would also be more than all in on an animated Oniverse movie or series, although I have a hard time imagining how that might play out.
Ufff... Automania and Shakespeare are my TOP20 games. Then again, you're right, so much new stuff comes along all the time and something must be pushed out. Still love them both very much. And I don't think Shakespeare's expansion is essential. It's definitely good though.
I totally get what Zee is saying about Libertalia. I have the same thoughts, would love a 3rd version with a new designer involved
what games have come out that were inspired by cascadia and are better? I for one would just like to see some expansion cards for it, would really increase replayability.
In my opinion the only one that should go back is that embarrassment of omission, Cascadia. The others that I played are good, but I don't know about top 100 good.
Shakespeare with the expansion is 100% necessary, it completes it similar to Valhalla in Champions of Midgard
I've owned Saint Malo and to be honest, it was always kinda wonderous that this game stayed in your top 100 for as long as it did. It's true, it was innovative and a wroll and write before the term was even a thing (it came out the same year as Qwixx). But when the onlaught of roll and writes set in, I feel it was quickly overtaken and outdone.
This is a great list. I'm sad some of these games fell off the top 100 though.
Never really got the love for Cascadia. I got the KS, played as soon as I got it, looked so good, super under whelmed, played again it was ok. Was sure the reviews where going to be middling. Then the game blew up not sure why.
I'm also very wary of these kinds of games. People ADORE Azul, Parks, Canvas and they're all OK to me. Not bad by any means but I don't feel any emotions playing them and when they end, I don't have that "let's do it again!" vibe. Cascadia seemed to be in that same ballpark (haven't played it, but I could be wrong).
@@Indubitably14 I like Parks feels like something is there. Azul 2 I found interesting some decent choices, Canvas I remember plays because of painting names, but Cascadia nothing if not for the theme being so pretty it felt like very shallow there was always a best option easy to see and after it was over it just disappeared from my mind don't think it is as good as the ones above but these arn't my type of game either.
God Zee is such a hipster and I love that about him.
Agree on libertalia. I like all the new stuff. But I dont like the new art style. I own Both. Havent decided how this dance will end.
Only 2 that make me sad: R-Eco & Cascadia
Looks like I left Cosmic Encounter and Azul out of my Top 100 before it was cool 😂
Genuine question: Why is Cascadia so highly regarded?
I own it and to me it’s fine, not bad, not amazing. I’m curious if there’s something I’m missing as to why people absolutely rave about it?
My guess would be that it's a simple puzzle to understand. Easy enough for a broad audience to enjoy. And that it has animals. Usually if the theme has animals it's automatically more popular.
For me it does what you expect it to, and it does it really smooth. The double layers of scoring just really feels good to me.
Aw, I just got Shakespeare, because I like live theater so much that I made it my second job!
@@ctvisions Thanks for the response. Yeah the animal/nature theme certainly has broad appeal. It is easy to teach and get to the table, I just struggle with relating to the grand praises it receives.
I’m glad it’s well-liked and appreciate your explanation.
@@myoman1977 Yeah I can see the appeal of the quick turns yet thinky choices. Thanks for the reply.
The reprint of Libertalia really neutered the theme. It’s a real shame.
You are absolutely wrong on Libertalia, by which i mean you are completely right when you say its a dumb reason
I think Dream Home inspired all of Randy Flinns games
Libertalia. Ah, the first game I heard was great and absolutely hated as soon as I played it.
Ridiculously wrong... none... It's Zee's list. That said, my favorite Azul is the 1st Azul so I would switch that one if it was me 🙃
Zee likes the prehistoric theme? Hmm. HMMMM!
This is a dumb argument!
Hahahaha! Zee, you're my favourite Dicey Towerer!
I know what you're saying Winds of Galecrest and Libertalia each expose the other's weaknesses which you probably wouldn't have picked up on has Winds of Galecrest not been released.
You're right. It's a dumb argument. Winds of Galecrest is utterly fantastic!
😉
You can explain why you did the things you did, Zee Garcia, but you cannot excuse them.
So let me get this straight - you don't like any of the games on this list?
New Libertalia is clearly the better game, BUT is soulless.
Wow, Azul fell off Zee's top 100 from no.50. It's an abstract masterpiece. I think the people had it at around no. 18 this year. Got to say the people are dead on the money.
I like Azul and would defend the game if someone was trashing it...but I'm not particularly excited to play it. If I made a Top 100, it would be in the high numbers.