After a couple of months away from the table, the Bards of the Board are back! And what better way to return than by talking about the games we can’t wait to get back to playing?

In this episode, we’re counting down our Top 5 Games We’re Looking Forward to Playing Again — the games that have been calling our names, collecting a little dust on the shelf, or just deserve another adventure around the table.

Whether it’s an old favorite we’re itching to revisit or a game that left us wanting more, we’re sharing what makes these games special and why they’re at the top of our replay list.

So dust off your favorite game, gather your gaming group, and pull up a chair. The Bards are back, the dice are ready to roll, and there are plenty of stories left to tell!

Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!

We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

Step into the eerie halls of Warwick Manor as the Bards tackle one of the most atmospheric board games ever made-Mysterium. In this episode of Bards of the Board, we dive into the beautifully haunting world of psychic visions, ghostly clues, and cooperative deduction. One player takes on the role of the silent ghost, communicating only through surreal dream cards, while the rest of the table works together as psychic investigators trying to solve the mystery before time runs out.

We talk about what makes Mysterium such a memorable experience at the table: the stunning artwork, the unique communication puzzle between ghost and psychics, and the moments of brilliance (and confusion) that inevitably follow each vision card. Is the ghost guiding you toward the truth… or just leaving you completely baffled?

Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or someone who’s always been curious about this modern classic, join us as we break down the gameplay, share some of our favorite moments, and discuss who this spooky cooperative game is really for.

Light the candles, trust your intuition, and prepare to interpret the visions-it’s time to solve a murder in Mysterium.

You can find Mysterium for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/3ORVyph

Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!

We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:15 Games We've Played Lately
21:00 Mysterium
57:51 Cookie Scale
1:03:30 Final Thoughts

This week on Bards of the Board, we journey to Arrakis.

Jason brings one of his all-time favorites to the table: Dune: Imperium — the deck-building, worker-placement epic that blends political intrigue, resource management, and all-out conflict in the battle for spice. While it may lean heavier than some games we typically cover, Robbie found himself thoroughly hooked… and maybe a little obsessed.

We break down what makes Dune: Imperium such a standout modern strategy game — from its tense combat phases and meaningful decision space to the elegant way deck-building fuels every move you make on the board. Is it too heavy for casual players? Does the strategy overwhelm the fun? Or is this the perfect bridge into deeper tabletop experiences?

If you’ve been curious about Dune: Imperium but intimidated by its reputation, this episode is for you. We unpack the systems, highlight why it works so well, and do our best to make the spice flow in a way that’s digestible for everyone.

Fear is the mind-killer… but great game design? That sticks with you.

You can find Dune: Imperium for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/3OdbPVk

Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!

We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:07 Games We've Played Lately
21:00 Dune Imperium
1:02:50 Cookie Scale
1:08:03 Final Thoughts