Polyhedron Collider

Polyhedron Collider Episode 183 - Airecon, Stupor Mundi, Stationfall, Speakeasy, and Skara Brae

2026-03-29T12:10:00.003+01:00

In Episode 183 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the lads return from Airecon with plenty of stories, games, and questionable decisions to share. From sprawling Euros to chaotic space stations and a touch of ancient history, it’s another packed episode, all brought to you with the letter S.

We kick things off with a rundown of our time at Airecon, our favourite games, Rory hulking out and bouncing cutlery. Next up, we dive into Stupor Mundi, a rich Euro inspired by Emperor Frederick II. It’s simple to teach but with a lot of strategy and dick-moves! Chaos then reigns in Stationfall, the hidden-role, sandbox sci-fi game where anything can (and will) happen. We share tales of betrayal, nonsense, and why this one creates such memorable moments. Its not Airecon without the chance to play a super-heavy Lacerda game so we head to Manhatten for Speakeasy, a stylish game of prohibition-era dealings. Finally, we travel back in time with Skara Brae, a game rooted in ancient history and is all about keeping your hovel tidy and free of clutter, an attack on every board game collector.

xpect convention stories, hot takes, mild disagreements, and the usual Collider chaos throughout. And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Episode 182 - SETI Space Agencies, Ice & Idols, Outgunned Adventure

2026-03-08T11:52:00.002+00:00

In Episode 182 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the gang explores a wonderfully eclectic mix of board games and table top roleplayings, spanning icy expeditions, cosmic discovery, puzzly strategy, musical nostalgia, and cinematic roleplaying.

We venture into frozen lands in Ice & Idols, a pick up and deliver game of clever action use, and ancient treasures waiting to be uncovered an amazing looking board that constantly changes. Next up we revisit the search for extraterrestrial intelligence with the Space Agencies, the first expansion for SETI. Does it add new depth to one of our favourite games of 2024. Next we explore the light but beautiful Eternitium, a deck building and push your luck game about exploring other dimensions, and continue the light games with I Made You A Mixtape, a mixture of nostalgia and I mix you choose. Finally, we step into action-movie territory with Outgunned Adventures, the cinematic RPG built for daring stunts, explosive moments, and over-the-top storytelling.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 181 - Halls of Hegra, Inferno, and Pendragon

2026-02-22T12:05:00.003+00:00

Episode 181 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast is pure hell. We kick off lent by stuffing our face with pancakes, before living through the hell of a Nazi invasion in Halls of Hegra, a solo WWII survival game full of tension and tough decisions.

We then descend into actual Hell in Inferno, a heavy euro-style board game about shepherding souls to the nine circles of hell and becoming the best accuser. Finally, we attempt to redeem ourselves as we become just and noble knights, as we explore the Pendragon RPG starter set.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Episode 180 - 10 Year Anniversary and Our Favourite Games

2026-02-01T15:48:00.001+00:00

It’s been 10 years since Steve, Jon and Andy sat round a table after a few beers and recorded the very first episode of the Polyhedron Collider Cast. In the past 10 years we’ve reviewed hundreds of board games and tabletop roleplaying games, brought on two new hosts (Rory and Sid) and recorded nearly 200 episodes of ramshackle gaming nonsense.

To celebrate we decided to revisit our favourite games of all time, the games we constantly want to play. So here’s to another 10 years!

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

#Ramshackle - A chat with Vital Lacerda

2026-01-25T18:49:00.000+00:00

Andy sits down for a relaxed chat with legendary board game designer Vital Lacerda, designer of amazing games such as The Gallerist, On Mars, and Speakeasy. They chat about influential designers, board games design philosophy, and the true identity of Sandra!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 179 - Our Most Anticipated Board Games of 2026

2026-01-11T14:59:00.006+00:00

In Episode 179 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the hype machine is fully powered up as we list the board games (and tabletop roleplaying games) that we are most excited to play in 2026. From big-name designers and blockbuster Kickstarters to intriguing indie releases and mysterious teasers, we dig into the titles that already have us clearing shelf space.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 178 - The Best Tabletop Games of 2025

2025-12-28T18:17:00.004+00:00

It’s that time of year again! In this special episode of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we look back at 2025 and count down the best board games and roleplaying games that hit our tables over the past twelve months.

From heavyweight Euros and razor-sharp two-player duels to narrative epics and unforgettable RPG moments, we break down the games that stood out, surprised us, and refused to leave our gaming tables.

Whether you’re building your wish list, arguing with your friends, or just enjoying a bit of end-of-year tabletop reflection, this episode is a celebration of everything that made 2025 a great year to be a gamer.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 177 - Vantage, Covenant, The Druids of Edora, and Nemesis Retaliation

2025-11-30T11:43:00.000+00:00

In Episode 177 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the lads dive into four wildly different games—ranging from cinematic sci-fi terror to cosy druidic engine-building—with all the usual banter, questionable metaphors, and unsolicited opinions.

We start at high altitude with Vantage, the new epic story based exploration game from Jamey Stegmaier and Stonemaier Games. Can we finally have a Stonemaier game that Andy actually likes? We then travel over the Misty Mountains and go full diggy diggy hole in Covenant from Devir, a worker placement game that is tight on actions and full of theme. Things then become calmer (and significantly greener) as we explore The Druids of Edora—a colourful, dice placement game from Stefan Feld. And finally, we head directly into the vents with our smart rifles ready to rock for Nemesis: Retaliation, the latest addition to Awaken Realms’ survival-horror series. Expect panic, betrayal, epic alien encounters, and a weirdly sexy alien.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

#Ramshackle - Kids Games

2025-11-24T09:32:00.004+00:00

Sid and Rory sit down for a chat about some board games that they've been playing with their kids.

Polyhedron Collider Episode 176 - Malediction, Wroth, Canal Houses, Steam Power, White Castle Duel and Bladerunner RPG

2025-11-12T19:43:00.000+00:00

In Episode 176 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the lads tackle a monster lineup of games covering curses, canals, castles, and cyberpunk chaos. From deep Euros to dicey duels and dystopian roleplay, it’s a feast of cardboard, neon and noodles.

Hot from our painting challenge, we start with dark rituals and wicked words of Malediction in this spell-slinging game of grimdark miniature combat. Then it’s onto Wroth, the latest offering from Chip Theory games; a dice pool area control game that full of neon colours.

Things calm down (sort of) with the charming card game Canal Houses, all about building along the waterways of Amsterdam. Beautifully thematic, deeply puzzly, and wetter than a typical UK summer.

Next up, we turn the dials and stoke the engines in Steam Power, a game that puts logistics and efficiency at the heart of its design—perfect for anyone who loves their cubes neatly aligned. But we can't help feel we've played it before.

And in The White Castle Duel, Two players enter the castle, one player leaves (hopefully with honour intact). We test the head-to-head version of The White Castle and see if it captures the elegance and crunch of the original.

Finally, we step into the neon rain for the Blade Runner RPG withe the second case file Fiery Angels, diving into a world of mystery, moral choices, and melancholy monologues. Expect less shooting, more brooding.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

Can we paint the Malediction minis that we were too scared to paint?

2025-11-03T09:03:00.005+00:00

At UK Games Expo 2025, we awarded Malediction with the Mini We Are Too Scared to Paint award. Loot Studios decided to challenge us, and sent us the stl for their 3d printed, card-based skirmish war game (think Warcry meets Magic: The Gathering). Can we paint these insanely detailed miniatures?

Polyhedron Collider Episode 175 - More Essen Picks Ayar, Æterna, Galileo Galilei, & Battle for Hoth

2025-10-19T11:45:00.000+01:00

We may have already put out a Spiel Essen preview list, but in this episode we talk about some games coming to Essen that we have actually played, including a hot of the press review of Ayar: Children of the Sun, the latest euro board game from Fabio Lopiano and Mandela Fernandez-Grandon. We also work as struggling artists in Bohemiums, race across space and try not to get blown up in Galaxy Trucker: Do What?!, and solve ancient maths puzzles in cutesy family game Kingdom Crossing.

But wait, there's more, we also attempt to rule Rome in Æterna, discover the stars in Galileo Galilei, and recreate the one of the most awesome battle scenes in Star Wars Battle for Hoth.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

#Ramshackle 003 - Spiel Essen 2025 Top Picks

2025-10-13T10:48:00.004+01:00

Spiel Essen 2025 is just two weeks away, so Andy and Steve take us through their top picks for the show, picking out the best board games that have tickled our fancy and that we hope to play in the near future.

Episode 174 - Leaders, Earth, Prowl Clans & Cunning, and Classified Information

2025-09-28T11:25:00.000+01:00

In Episode 174 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the boys dig into some very different tabletop experiences—from lush engine-building to sneaky strategy and top-secret dossiers.

First is Leaders, quite literally hot off the press from Tabletop Scotland Then we get our hands dirty with Earth, the card-driven tableau builder where ecosystems bloom and combos flourish. We then engage in a little two-player espionage in Classified Information and provoke all out chaos in Prowl: Clans & Cunning

Alongside the reviews, there’s the usual Collider mix of banter, tangents, and questionable metaphors (and of course discussions about the best motorway).

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

#Ramshackle - Dan Hughes and Coraquest

2025-09-15T09:39:00.006+01:00

In this special Ramshackle episode, Sid and Rory are joined by none other than

Dan Hughes

, co-designer of

CoraQuest

(with his daughter, Cora), Dice Tower regular, and co-host of Sporadically Board.

We chat with Dan about the origins of CoraQuest, from a lockdown project to a full-blown published success, and what it’s like designing games with kids. Along the way, we discuss the challenges of playing games with your kids, what works, what doesn't, and how to do with a bad loser.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion (and tell us about your favourite kids games) over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 173 – Pax Pamir, Fate of the Fellowship, Sengoku, Ink & a Dash of Cthulhu

2025-09-07T12:59:00.002+01:00

In Episode 173 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we’re knee-deep in intrigue, fellowship, feudal battles, and… calligraphy? That’s right, we’ve got a varied lineup of games to talk about, and plenty of banter to go with it. Not just board game chat, Sid takes a detour from the tabletop to Edinburgh, where he experienced a live Call of Cthulhu performance. Expect tales of eldritch horror, theatrical madness, and perhaps one or two sanity checks.As always, expect a healthy mix of strategy talk, tangents, and the usual Collider nonsense.

Pax Pamir

We revisit Cole Wehrle’s masterpiece of politics, shifting alliances, and fragile empires in 19th century Afghanistan. Is it still as brilliant—and brutal—as we remember?

The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship

Middle-earth gets a fresh spin in this new take on Tolkien’s epic. We explore whether it captures the tension, the drama, and the journey of the Fellowship (with fewer second breakfasts).

General Orders: Sengoku Jidai

Two players, one board, and a battle for feudal Japan. From the minds behind Undaunted, this tight tactical skirmish impressed us with its elegance and depth.

Ink

A light, clever word and pattern game that’s quick to teach but surprisingly tricky to master. Perfect for when your brain’s fried after too much Pax Pamir.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion over on our [Discord server]!

#Ramshackle 001 - Our Favourite Books

2025-08-31T11:28:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the very first episode of #ramshackle - our new show for all things off-topic, guests, best-of lists, and anything else that doesn't fit into the normal format. Rory and Steve kick things off by talking about their favourite books, talking about Sanderson, Abercrombie and Pratchett.

And don’t forget—you can join the discussion (and tell us about your favourite books) over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 172 - Altay, Ponzi Scheme, Gwent, Burnt Moon, and Compile

2025-08-18T08:48:00.004+01:00

In Episode 172 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the lads return fresh from PeachCon, where they finally got to meet the legend himself—Chris Peach of Peachy Tips—and, naturally we've played a mountain of games since last episode.

This episode is jam-packed with board game reviews - as we discuss deck building area control on Altay, make questionable financial decisions in Ponzi Scheme and round off the episode with a two-player lane-battler extravaganza. We discuss Geralt of Rivia's favourite card game in Gwent: The Legendary Card Game, hack the planet with Compile, and carefully co-ordinate drone strikes in Line of Fire: Burnt Moon.

Alongside the gaming chat, expect the usual Collider mix of nonsense, tangents, and a lot of laughter. Tune in for board games, hobby highlights, and more than a few questionable financial decisions. And don’t forget—you can join the discussion (and maybe pitch us your own con name) over on our [Discord server]!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 171 - Jackpot Set the Reel, Fathom, Cyclades, and Transgalactica

2025-08-04T08:53:00.006+01:00

In Episode 171 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we blast off into space, dive into the depths, battle for ancient Greek supremacy, and try our luck at the slot machine of strategy—all in one beautifully unhinged episode.

We kick things off with Jackpot: Set the Reel, coming to Kickstarter soon. This quick little card game promises to blend slot machines/fruit machines with strategic card play. Jackpot looks light, but is there enough game behind the glitter? We spin the reels and find out. And what the hell is a puggy! We then explore the depth in Fathom, an entry level board game about exploring the depths and cataloguing its divergent wildlife. Bac to the classics, well sort of, as we go in depth on Cyclades: Legendary Edition, the mythological area-control game full of gods, monsters, tactical auctions, and being a bigger dick than Zeus himself. Does it still hold up? And who summoned a Kraken again? And last of all we go to outer space in Transgalactica, a controversial game of going up tracks and colonising space.

Expect the usual dose of board game insight, over analysis, mild nonsense, and just enough arguing to keep things interesting.

Polyhedron Collider Episode 170 - Fighting Fantasy Adventures, Luthier, Take the Throne

2025-07-13T11:23:00.008+01:00

In Episode 170 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we dive into three very different games that prove once again how gloriously diverse the tabletop hobby can be, from classic fantasy adventures that make Steve feel old, to courtly power plays and master-crafted violins.

First we step into the dark, nostalgic world of Fighting Fantasy Adventures, the classic adventure books reimagined as a co-op board game by legendary designer Martin Wallace. Can this tabletop take on the iconic solo gamebooks capture the magic and mayhem? We roll the dice and try not to die (spoiler: we died).

Take the Throne is a fast-paced, strategic bluffing game that is heading to Kickstarter soon, and we’ve got an early look. With bluffing, tactical positioning, and a tight rule set, Take the Throne might just be your next favourite lunch-break skirmish.

Finally, we fine-tune our skills in Luthier, a gorgeous and deeply thematic euro-game of crafting musical instruments for royalty, rich patrons and prestige. With its unique mechanics and stunning presentation, it struck a chord with us!

Don’t forget to join our community on [Discord] and let us know what you think of the games—or tell us what we missed!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 169 – Sankoré, Civolution, and Timber Town

2025-06-30T09:02:00.003+01:00

In Episode 169 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we’re back to the normal format with a jam-packed episode full of cardboard strategy, wooden meeples, and the occasional alcahol related tangent. We’ve got three fresh games on the table—each offering a different flavour of thinky goodness—and we’re ready to break them down.

Sankoré: The Pride of Mansa Musa

We dive into this beautiful and brain-burning game of knowledge, trade, and influence. Set in medieval Timbuktu, Sankoré blends economic planning with area control as we vie to have the most knowledge.

Civolution

What happens when you blend civilisation building and dice placement with a modular tech tree and evolving asymmetry? Civolution aims to answer that. We dig into the mechanisms, the innovation, and whether it actually feels like building a civilisation.

Timber Town

We venture into the cutesy world of beaver builders in this cosy two-player game from Alley Cat

So grab a brew, get comfy, and join us for another episode of tabletop talk and trite tangents.

Don’t forget to join our community on [Discord] and let us know what you think of the games—or tell us what we missed!

Polyhedron Collider Episode 168 - The Best of UK Games Expo 2025

2025-06-09T10:10:00.000+01:00

In this special post-convention episode of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we unpack all the chaos and cardboard from UK Games Expo 2025!

We hit the NEC halls hard, so hard in fact that our feet are still hurting and Steve caught con-crud, but now we’re back behind the mics with our favourite board games, standout surprises, and best moments from the UK's biggest tabletop gaming event. From epic Euros and frantic family games to unexpected indie darlings and jaw-dropping miniatures and prototypes. We cover a host of new games and present the prestigious Polyhedron Collider awards.

Whether you joined us at the Expo or are living vicariously through our ramblings, this episode is your all-access pass to the best of UKGE 2025.

Let us know what you thought of the UKGE 2025 by joining the chat on our Discord server

For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion, go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout

Right-click to Download Episode

00:09:05 The Shelf Dodger: Under the Mango Tree, Elder Scrolls, Rival Cities, Terrorscape, Tacta

00:18:55 Orbital Blues, Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, Rivers of London: The Roleplaying Game, Sentai & Sensibility RPG

00:26:05 Fighting Fantasy Adventures, Luthier, Stupor Mundi

00:28:25 Best Bling: AK Playmarkers, Tabletop Dominion

00:34:16 Best Kickstarter: Celestial Affinity, Echoes of Legend, Cubyria: Architects of a Lost City, Kalypso

00:40:46 The Game we are Itching to Play Again: Miskatonic Tales: Journey to Innsmouth, Star Wars: Battle of Hoth, INK, Altay: Dawn of Civilization

00:52:43 Best Miniature: Sir Coates Painting Masters, Two Thin Coats Dark Arts, Infinity, Mammoth Factory, Malediction

01:04:57 Definitely Not Sh!t Award: Revenant

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:

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Live from UK Games Expo 2025

2025-06-03T17:01:00.001+01:00

Recorded live at UK Games Expo 2025, the boys are excited to talk about the board games, RPGs and everything else that got our attention during the press preview, as well as, well the usual nonsense you can expect from PhC!

Let us know about your adventures at UKGE 2025 by joining the chat on our Discord server

Right-click to Download Episode

02:22 Cubyria - Eccentric Design

05:14 Fathom - Paper Fort Games

07:21 Revelation Games - Prowl

10:10 Altay - Ares Games

11:15 Sentai and Sensibility - 9th Level Games

14:49 Abberation & Companion Quest - Ghostfire Gaming

17:04 Celestial Affinity - Cerberus Studios

18:14 Stupor Mundi - Pegasus Spiel

19:52 Luthier - Paverson Games

20:19 Flow - Brain Games & Hachette

21:56 Tacta - The Op Games

21:38 Flippers - Molinarius Games

23:30 Orbital Blues - Soulmuppet Publishing

28:07 The Thinning Veil - Triskelion Games Ltd

27:46 Beyond the Veil - Wrengade Studios

29:00 Aster - Midnight Trading Co.

30:44 SETI: Space Agencies - CGE

32:43 Console Wars: The Card Game - Booth Babe Games

35:31 Locke Battle Mats

37:06 Questions

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:

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TuneIn

Or you can add the Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player.

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Can we impress Duncan Rhodes with our miniature painting at UK Games Expo?

2025-05-27T08:04:00.004+01:00

The Sir Coates Painting competition is joining the UK Games Expo 2025, so Steve and Rory attempt to impress Duncan Rhodes and Two Thin Coats with their miniature painting skills.

Polyhedron Collider 167 - The UK Games Expo 2025 Preview

2025-05-23T08:35:00.000+01:00

Its time to get excited for the biggest event on the UK tabletop gaming calendar – UK Games Expo 2025! With the halls of the NEC soon to be packed with cardboard wonders, we’re here to share all the games, events, and surprises we’re hyped to see. From hot new releases and spicy prototypes to long-awaited expansions and hidden gems, we go through our must-see board games, card games, roleplaying games and miniatures as well the publishers to watch, and the things we absolutely won’t be missing.

We also tease our upcoming live podcast recording at the Expo (yes, it's happening!), and how you can join us for the ramshackle chaos.Come join us on Friday 3 May, heckle us (gently), and join the fun. https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/2153-polyhedron-collider/

Expect plenty of speculation, wish list dreams, and possibly a bit of arguing over who gets to demo what first.

Laminate your maps, have your coffee holsters ready and let the pre-Expo hype begin!

Let us know what you’re excited to see at UKGE 2025 by joining the chat on our Discord server

Right-click to Download Episode

00:09:45 Kinfire chronicles and Kinfire Council - 3A-102

00:14:45 Revenant - 3-1062

00:18:15 Transgalactica - 3-1030

00:21:14 The Hanging Gardens and Micro Macro: Crazy City Park - 2-316 & 416

00:26:58 Fathom - 2-714

00:33:59 Luthier and Class of '89 - 2-764 - Console Wars: The Card Game

00:38:38 Last Week of Summer - 3A-835

00:41:34 Galaxy truckers: DO what - 3-716

00:43:51 Æterna - 3A-402

00:46:05 Fighting Fantasy Adventures

00:48:38 Diluvium - 3A-511

00:51:56 Tag Team - 2-316 & 416

00:55:11 Line of fire: Burnt Moon - 3A-448

00:58:33 Corvus Belli Convention exclusive miniature

00:59:48 Ofrenda - 3A-448

01:01:02 Timber Town - 3-902

01:04:10 Two Thin Coats, The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, Battle for Hoth

01:06:58 Celestial Affinity 3-802, Terrorscape

01:08:54 Flippers 3-T27

01:10:32 Miskatonic Tales: Journey to Innsmouth

01:11:25 RPG round up: Pendragon: The Grey Knight, Call of Cthulhu Live, Mappa Mundi, Daggerheart

01:13:17 Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan – Kin of the Wild

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/polyhedroncollider/Episode_165_-_Inventions_Age_of_Innovation_GWT_El_Paso.mp3

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Or you can listen via YouTube: