Well, since I have been writing about crowdfunded board games only a months time has passed, but a ton of games have garnered my attention, and wrestled money from my dusty wallet. Now it's time to do it all over again and just let loose, throw money to the wind as they say; lets buy games. Now, keep in mind that my gaming choices differ from yours just as much as it may differ from another, but at the end of the day, I love most all game types. So, hopefully there is something for all of us to enjoy on this list.
I know I am going to miss a bunch of games, as some may be ending soon, they aren't on my radar or I simply may not like the game. Feel free to hit me up at keith@boardstate.com if you think a game deserves to be on the list or at least an honorable mention. I will try to link all the games I can. I also carried a few over from last month since the campaign may still be live or the pledge/late pledge is active.
The Last of Us: Escape the Dark - KICKSTARTER NOW NOW NOW
This is kinda cool news. Wait, this is great news! An award winning game gets the TV show treatment, and a board game! Last of Us is one of my favorite games to date as it provides this crazy emotional ride along with compelling game play that is rich in story, and highly narrative-driven. It's not too open world, but more rail system as you can't veer too far off course from where the story wants you to go, but lets you discover the environment they so beautifully crafted. The world is bleak and desperate, pretty much everything I wanted The Walking Dead to be, but better. There are moments of high tension and stress that, without realizing stop you from breathing. And it is only when the moment passes that you realize you were holding your breathe the whole scene/action sequence. This is what kind of game Last of Us is and while I know I can't get the same jump scares or high intensity moments as I would a video game from a board game, I can however expect my imagination to put myself in these situations and environments so that while telling others of my adventures they can feel what its like to play. Out of all the directions this board game creation could have gone they went the route I least saw coming, and it was one of the best choices; Last of Us chose the makers of Escape the Dark series, Themeborne. They make artistic games with bold, high contrastable black and white color schemes, compelling RPG mechanics with story-rich-narrative-driven choices which is a perfect fit for Last of Us. These games ask the players to work together or die alone, and the games are never the same twice as they have a unique adventure each time the games are played. Pledging comes with two options: base and deluxe. The deluxe will come with minis, dual layer boards, better components, and storage. Add-ons are sleeves and a great looking playmat which mimics the board, but of course is neoprene. This game board is beautiful flow chart that looks like a black and white blueprint; it so speaks to my soul. Check out the publishers webpage, the kickstarter and watchout for clickers.
Demon Castle Mononoke - GAMEFOUND coming soon
I talked about this game last month and it appears that it still hasn't fired off yet. Which is good based on what the developer said almost two weeks after I brought up the campaign, "Still in development! We don't want to start launching a game that isn't finished, we're committed to only funding when we're fully ready." - Cardboard-Revolution - Take your time guys. Nobody wants a bad game or half-assed attempt. If you'd like to read my take on the game you can check out Octobers article.
Oceans: Legends of the Deep - KS ends 11/29/2022
Pushed and pushed again, but the wait is finally over. This campaign is offering you not one, but two expansions for Oceans. First is Legends of the Deep which is giving you characters that provide you with benefits to your eco system through their special abilities. This may play like 7Wonders since you start with a draft and can only play one of them at a time. The second new addition is Oceans Solo expansion, so that's exciting! Nothing gets me into a game more than solo. It is weird to say, but I find myself at home more often than not these days with the kid, so solo goes a long way. It adds shelf life to a game that may otherwise sit, waiting for buddy game night. If you already have Oceans you can upgrade it with a Legendary box which will come with the two expansions and some sweet organization. However, this does not come with the core game, for that you will need to pick up the top tier pledge of 85$ which will include every thing Oceans in one box. That seems worth it.
Slay the Spire: Board Game - KICKSTARTER ends 11/18/2022
It's been a long time coming! First was announced to be here April of 2021, but that didn't happen. Now we finally have tons of reviews, videos and articles to go along with the campaign for the board game edition of a well beloved video game. This is a very solid implementation of the video game which is saying a lot. Most games start off as board games then move to the digital space, but now we got games like Spire and Deep Rock Galactic invading our Kallaxes. The components look particularly nice and it should be for this is not a cheap offering. I won't spoil the surprise on cost, just hold your breath when you click the link. Oh, by the way, it has already raised over 2 million dollars! Get a head start by downloading the rulebook with the link below, and if you can't afford it now there is a pledge manager after the campaign for those late pledges.
Goblin Uprising - BACKERKIT coming soon
Play as a goblin, join forces or don't, and defeat the tyrant. Goblin Uprising is a semi co-op game featuring great art, minis, and what I really hope is solid gameplay. No vids out for me to watch yet, but I'm sure there will be once this goes live. Hopefully the game will have a long shelf life being that it is a co-op game, and it appears you will be going on adventures. By that I mean, I want lots of variation to keep me coming back for more. Maybe even a solo mode? Click the banner below (Uprising) for their Instagram.
Zone Wars – Mutant: Year Zero - KICKSTARTER ends 11/22/2022
A miniatures game for 2-4 players based on the award-winning Mutant: Year Zero RPG and video game. Zone Wars is true to its name since you will be fighting skirmishes inside the Zone, a post-apocalyptic world brought to you by the minds from Free League Games. The Core Set and the Robots & Psionics expansion will continue the saga that started in the Mutant: Year Zero RPG, and continued in Mutant: Genlab Alpha, Mutant: Mechatron, and Mutant: Elysium. If you are into minis, devastated landscapes, RPG style games, and dope-ass art then check them out. I mean come on, one of the animals smokes. Sold.
Roll Player Adventures Reprint & Expansion - KS ends 11/18/2022
Get your hands on this reprint and expansion of Thunderworks Games flagship Roll Player Series set in the world of Ulos. I personally have yet to play this game, but have really enjoyed all of the Cartographers series, a pen and paper polyomino adventure. Roll Player Adventures is a narrative cooperative game for 1-4 players with 12 adventures to explore. Along with the Gulpax's Secret expansion, TWG will be reprinting the base game of Roll Player Adventures as well as the first expansion: Nefras's Judgement. They will have multiple pledge levels as well as pretty much all their games from this expansive world including: Dawn of Ulos, which just finished up it's own campaign and is currently in late pledge. For TTS or Tabletopia, click below as you can play through Adventure 1: Battle at Blacklake from the Roll Player Adventures base game on for FREE!
Fit to Print - KICKSTARTER coming soon
A puzzly tile-laying game about breaking news brought to you by the team behind Calico, Cascadia and Verdant. Thats a good resume, and might I add that the art is done by none other than, Ian O'Toole! You could sell me a used napkin with art by Ian. This time the world created is a "charming woodland experience" which I find has been a very pumped up thing as of late. Not bad at all as I like animals doing human things. I guess I am ready to desperately meet my deadlines while that bastard bunny of a boss breathes down my neck. Click the image below and it will send you to Flatout Games for more info on Fit to Print as well as their full library of offerings. The game will be cheap coming in at $29, now thats news Fit to Print.
Explosion in the Laboratory - BACKERKIT ends 11/17/2022
A pocket-sized press-your-luck game by Weird Giraffe Games the people that brought us another delightful game, Fire in the Library (which I love). In Explosions you will be playing as junior chemists mixing compounds in an experimental laboratory. Get a big, juicy, volatile mix going to push your research along, but please don't let it explode and destroy the university library. geesh. In this campaign you will also be able to pick up the 2nd printing of Fire in the Library which as I said before is a great microgame so I have no doubt this team will knock this out of the park.
Aegean Sea - BACKERKIT Late Pledge
Oh, man. I haven't seen a Asmadi Game in a minute. This campaign reached its goal not too long ago but will be going to late pledge soon. Here you have asymmetric competition where each island's unique ability can help you to build ships, grow populace, establish temples, transport goods, or find new islands. The richest island wins of course. This is a card game where you take charge of one of five ancient peoples (Sparta, Athens, Crete, Ephesus, or Rhodes). The art is pleasing with soft colors and a feel that reminds me of Disney's Hercules.
HEXX - KICKSTARTER ends 11/24/2022
This game looks beautiful, but I am a sucker for wooden games. This creative team also brought us SUM8 which is a new take on dominoes, and it has a sick looking wooden deluxe version. This campaign will not have a pledge manager or late pledge, it is first come first serve. I was told that you could pick up a copy from their website or by contacting them on KS once the campaign is over. The game play on this is so fascinating for a word game. You can play words that look backwards, kinda like a word search puzzle, and also flip letters to your color for you to score them off of other previously played words by an opponent. There are also hexes (bad shit) you can dish out to your opponent to make the game more back-breaking. As if a spelling game needed a difficulty amplifier, am I right? SUM8 was a blast, so I have no doubt this will be a hit. I am hesitant only based on the number of letters you get, but current offerings could match the size of the board (I haven't counted it yet) so I may be screaming the sky is falling.
Heroes of Might & Magic III The Board Game - KICKSTARTER coming soon
Whaaaaa!? If this is like the video games that I loved playing as a kid then you have my ear. We have have yet another video game making the jump to cardboard which I will talk a bit more on for the next game. This seems to be a trend that somehow feels right, but we should be leary. I hope Ubisoft doesn't have microtransactions and loot boxes though. This is a miniatures game set in the world of Erathia where you will be finding loot, leveling up and battling monsters. If you are interested you are not alone, there are over 10k backers with over 2.5 million raised thus far. For more info on the game check out their webpage: Heroes of Might & Magic III
Street Fighter: The Miniatures Game - KICKSTARTER Late Pledge
I can't believe this game is still in late pledge mode after being funded over a year ago. I also can't believe it raised over 2 million dollars, maybe somebody should call Hasbro and tell them there's a place for "campaigns". Nah. Kidding aside, When it comes to video games turnt into board games you need to take a step back and think: would this game be any good if this big IP wasn't attached to it? If so, then you got a banger if not and you need that IP for clout it just feels bad as a buyer. I guess this can be said of any game really; is this game fun as any theme, world, or with any characters? Thats said this game is rated really high on BGG and I kinda dig the mechanics as well as the co-op nature o the game. Which, if you came to me an said lets play Street Fighter but cooperatively, I would think someone hit you in the head; It's a 1 v 1 game! Crazy world out there. Street Fighter BGG. Yo, Hasbro! Painted minis...decent price. Ah, you're not listening.
UNCONSCIOUS MIND - KICKSTARTER coming soon
Don't have much on this as it didn't launch yet. However, it is from the minds that brought us Endless Winter, which is a fantastic game, but expensive. A quote from the KS page "Through dreams, Freud's followers delve into their patients’ unconscious minds". Do we have a Freudian euro coming our way? I have my notifications on for when this fires up and so should you. One day I will be able to get my hands on a prototype for review, but until then watch Before You Play break it down -
Werewolf: The Apocalypse — RETALIATION - KICKSTARTER coming soon
A violent role-playing dungeon-crawler for 1 to 4 players with werewolves. Another story rich, narrative driven game with character development and exploration coming our way. I wouldn't say the market is flooded with RPGs, dungeon-crawlers, and other story rich games, we just happen to be in a very unprecedented time when it comes to board game releases. With that said there are a lot of games coming at us each month, so there is a high benchmark for games to hit in order for it to not only make it into our hands (at least mine), but to stay on the shelf. Not much to go on yet as the campaign has yet to launch.
Elden Ring: The Board Game - KICKSTARTER coming soon
This better be more grandiose in terms of gameplay than Bloodborne 'cause that game shit the bed for me, and it was not only huge in scope, quantity, but expensive as all hell. With that said I am ready to die, daddy. I'm sure this will reach millions in backer funds, have numerous stretch goals, and weigh more than a small child. Be prepared to pay big on that all in and VAT shipping if you live across the pond! More will come out when the campaign launches, so have that notification set.
Alhambra - The Red Palace - KICKSTARTER ends 11/11/2022
This is not an expansion, or a supplemental product to Alhambra this is a stand-alone game that changes the core game play bringing new twists and game mechanics! We are celebrating 20 years of Alhambra and it appears the saga continues. The Red Palace will also come with three expansions right out the gate, but will it come in the classic Queens Games BIG BOX? doubt it. Unlike Alhambra, the buildings are not printed on the tiles, but instead you draw a tile them draw a chip that tells you which of the wooden buildings is placed onto the tile. There's guards, powerful actions and endless combinations of buildings, walls and cost! They got me hype for this game, but I am a big fan of Alhambra. Or sucker...whichever.
Chicken! – Your new favorite dice game - KICKSTARTER ends 11/17/2022
Save chickens, hatch eggs, and avoid pesky foxes in Chicken! All this accomplished with dice; I am a sucker for a good micro-pocket-sized game. This one even has some quality bits inside that little tube. Possibly some similarity to Zombie dice just based on some of the rules I've read so far like: if you ever have 3 Foxes across all your dice, then you’ve busted! You score 0 Points, return all Yellow and Orange Dice to the Coop and pass the 4 White Dice on to the next player; akin to shotty blasts in Zombie dice. Regardless, quick party games that may be good for drinking or bare min, enough to get the night started are worth a try.
Castles Of Burgundy: Special Edition - GAMEFOUND late pledge
YAAASSSSS! I so thought I missed out on this campaign and the pledge manage, but it looks like Awaken Realms fired off the late pledge and saved the day. Yet somehow ruined my wallet. I was in the market for the previous version of Castles, and while looking for a copy I came across this edition. Awaken Realms does everything over the top, and with minis which isn't a bad thing as you can see from this beautiful rendition of a classic. Buyer beware though: the acrylic hex upgrade does not have the rules on the backside of the token like the cardboard chits do. This has been a big point of contention among a lot of the backers. The upgraded tiles do fit in the box after replacing the cardboard hexes. The "all in" pledge comes with everything less the newly added upgraded token pack (this is the only thing besides the mat that does not fit in the box). If you sun drop your pledge, please do not then buy seperate things as you have no option to sun drop them seperately, so if you want things to all be hmmmmm dropped, then you have to buy the all in package. There are some other points of contention like the point marking bust vs just providing two sets of stackable castle point markers, and also adding an extra bag for goods. Awaken Realms really puts their foot down on some odd choices nonetheless, sun drop me, please!
Solar Sentinels 20 Strong - GAMEFOUND ends 11/09/2022
20 Strong is a solo-only game that is designed to play in 30 minutes or less. Interesting...I'm listening.
The campaign will have two options:
• Core box for $30: The core box includes 17 dice and one deck of cards for Solar Sentinels
• Core Box + Too Many Bones deck + Victorum deck for $65
What an interesting take on a campaign from them. Not too complex with just two options and I hear that shipping is free!? Chip Theory Games is intending this game to be kinda LCG-esque (living card game) where as each "deck" will be a self contained experience that will play differently and provide new challenges for players with supposedly skys the limit for new potential decks. I'm really excited about this even though it is strictly solo as of now. I would like the count to go to at least two players eventually as well as maybe stay co-op and not be 1 v 1 v AI. I envision this as a 300 spartans hot gates moment style game, but better than just another tower defense game. The campaign is live and almost over and the KS page has tons of info for the game now and the future state. You may have noticed that there are a couple different IPs from CTG as decks to buy, and this is probably the best thing about this new game they are selling us. They will be able to make all their IP fit into this new battleverse as self contained decks that do not need any other decks to function. You can play Too Many Bones or you can play Sentinels or another IP. I just went with the base 30$ pledge as I only want the new Sentinels; I don't like to muddy different stuff together.
Spirit Island: Nature Incarnate - BACKERKIT ends 11/17/2022
There's more to come for the campaign other than this new release of Spirit Island. There will be premium bits, and exclusive bundles of previous content. This is super exciting as Spirit Island is a fantastic co-op game about defeating the human colonists from spreading into our beautiful land. The original has a ton of gameplay along with the three expansions. It is a heavier game so I expect big things from this. Either way, I am excited to get my hands on exclusive bundles for the expansions of the prior base game.
Wholly moly, this campaign was very rocky to start. From not revealing what was actually in the new content, to ridiculous pledge levels with not a lot of variation (core game if everywhere), and paying full price for add ons. I did expect better from them and I also expected a Big Box to hold all this shit! I guess that's too much...I went too far. Before heading to Backerkits site I will warn you it's like running through the mud with a blindfold on, not a good experience.
This company is the biggest piece of shit out there. They are completely tone deaf to their IPs needs and the customers who care and want the IPs to thrive. I was a huge Heroscape fan with multiples of every set, wave, and extra terrain to make epic battles. It is a great game for beginners to get into miniature warring as well as veterans that don't want to always go extreme by painting minis, and sculpting terrain. With that said, this is a 250$ dollar, unpainted, lackluster dump-in-a-box. No sun drop, no multi-pledge levels for cheaper versions, no. How dare you want me to spend 250$ on unpainted plastic when the original came with painted minis for 49-59$! GTFO! All of the old stuff from common waves to big box expansions were painted. You changed the cards so now they are double sided, one side has the stats the other has abilities; who doesn't love always flipping shit to find things. This is also not a pledge manager/crowdfunding site, it's your own damn preorder bullshit. On top of all the damn money you want for this you have the audacity to ask for 8000 backers or else...or else you don't know ther future of Heroscape. Suck it! I hope you and your IP get sold; Hasbro to hasbeen. A mulit-billion corp doesn't need 2 million dollars to print toys. And about these stretch goals you have, you chose to go the greedy route on that as well. You have them by backers! Not a new one for free every day, or social goals, or even monetary within reason like 1000$ here or there, no. Thousands more backers needed for this garbage. Literally another 2 million for a stretch goal. S my D! You are ruining WoTC/Magic, and I see no difference here. Best thing about this set is shit you didn't have to design, the terrain. Good work people.
Tesseract - KICKSTARTER ends 11/11/2022
This looks like a blast! A Cooperative-manipulation dice game, I'm in. The goal is to remove, adjust, and contain cubes (dice) from the Tesseract, placing them in containment. Simple enough I suppose. Hey, man...each die is custom with diffent symbology and a meaning for each side. They are different colors as well and from what I was reading you will need to set match colors and symbols. Alos, if you go big pledge they are made out of metal. Rock on! The game is visually stunning, and challenging for what is essentially a dice game. The only thing missing is maybe a timer that blows all the dice from the center stand like some Don't Wake Daddy shit from the 90's. My blurb is no justice for the game, so go to the page.
Tabriz - GAMEFOUND ends 11/21/2022
Speaking of Cascadia, how about a new release from its designers!? This is a worker placement, area movement game in which you send workers around the board (The Grand Bazaar) to fulfill commissions and gather resources at shops, back alleys and traveling merchants. Once commissions are complete you gain XP and unlock abilities. This game can be played solo as well, pitting you against asymmetrical AI opponents. Another fantastic looking game with great components, theme and gameplay. Also, each box comes with a premium neoprene game mat instead of a board! You can play it on Tabletopia.
Funbrick Series - KICKSTARTER ends 11/24/2022
This is a really cool project as there are five mini games in this offering and two are by Dr. Reiner Knizia! With that said, do you think this campaign has a game here for you and me to play!? I believe so. There's a balancing viking ship, a shortest straw, a 3-second-do-all-you-can, ninja swipe master, and big/small dominoes. They all fit in small, beautifully designed boxes in striking white, boasting a colorful game logo proudly displayed on the front. You can ordered one, sets of, combination or all. Plus, they are cheap games that can bolster or jump start a game night. These games can also travel really well...like to bars. They even have a picture of someone tossing it into their back pocket as if this person will never sit down and walks everywhere. Guys, all of these are bar games.
Survival of the Fattest - KICKSTARTER ends 11/24/2022
This is the year of woodland games. Fit to Print, Redwood, and now this. Here you are a cute little woodland creature just out foraging for food so you can stash it end of season or spend at the market for recipes and in-game bonuses. This will be an asymmetrical game with each creature having its own unique abilities and tricks. I really like these kind of back and forth games utilizing character abilities that not everyone has. It feels like you're playing with super heroes, and your invisibility seems weak but once you find a niche/strat, it's game over for your opponents. The deluxe version comes with cute minis and is at a nice price point for deluxe components as well as an organizer in box.
• Oathsworn: Into The Deepwood (2nd Edition) - KS ends 11/15/2022
• Black Mold - KS ends 11/11/2022
• Dawn of Ulos - A Roll Player Tale - KS Late Pledge
• Harrow County - KS Late Pledge
• Redwood - KS Late Pledge
• Stifling Dark - KS Late Pledge
• Escape From New York - GF ended (maybe Late Pledge)
• Race to the Raft - KS ends 11/10/2022
• Pampero - A Clean Energy Game - KS ends 11/10/2022
• Trick Shot (Second Edition) - GF ends 11/16/2022
• Super Snipers - KS ends 11/17/2022
• CANVAS: Finishing Touches - KS ends 11/16/2022
• Deep Shelf - KS Cancelled
• Hero or Villain: Battle Royale - KS ends 11/17/2022
• Delta - KS ends 11/11/2022
• Warcrow Adventures - KS ended (maybe Late Pledge)
• Daybreak - BACKERKIT Late Pledge
• New Avernus - BACKERKIT ended (maybe Late PLedge)
• Aqua Garden - Beach Combing - KS ends 11/16/2022
• Barbarian Kingdoms - GF ends 11/08/2022
• GENPEI - KS ended (maybe Late Pledge)
• Lunar Rush - KS Late Pledge
• Hidden Leaders: Forgotten Legends - KS ends 11/18/2022
• Unluckables - KS ends 11/18/2022
• HITODAMA - KS ends 11/18/2022
• The Game of Elements - KS ends 11/11/2022
• Dreadful Meadows: The Deluxe Edition - KS Late Pledge
• Rainbow Yoinked - KS ended (maybe Late Pledge)
• RONE: Invasion - KS Pre-Order
• Mine Your Business - KS Late Pledge
• Black Dragon's Guild - KS ended (maybe Late Pledge)
• Artisans - GF Cancelled
• Biergarten 2nd Edition - GF Cancelled
• Destinies: Witchwood (Expansion & Reprint) - GF ends 11/10/2022
• Philosophy - GF Late Pledge
• Cthulhu: Death May Die - Fear of the Unknown - KS ends 11/09/2022
• Builders of Blankenburg: 2nd Edition - KS ends 11/10/2022
• Micro Mars - KS ends 11/12/2022
• Seasons of Arcadia - KS ends 11/14/2022
• Micro Mars - KS ends 11/12/2022
• Hike It! – The Backpacking Board Game - KS ends 11/15/2022
• Cosmoctopus - KS ends 11/15/2022
• The Queen's Dilemma - KS ends 11/15/2022
• Micro Mars - KS ends 11/12/2022
• Hyperwars: a fast paced cyberpunk board game - KS ends 11/26/2022
• Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Renovations & 2nd Edition - KS ends 11/30/2022
• Micro Mars - KS ends 12/01/2022
• Plan: Z - KS ends 12/15/2022
• Endeavor: Deep Sea - GF starts 2023
• Bestiary Of Sigillum: Collector's Edition - GF starts 11/15/2022
• Vendel to Viking - KS ends 11/14/2022
• Helionox: Chronicles - KS ends 11/23/2022
• On the Underground: Paris / New York - KS ends 11/29/2022
• Ceres - KS ends 12/02/2022
• CUBED: NEXT LEVEL DOMINOES - KS Late Pldege
• Words of a Feather - KS ends 11/23/2022
• Copan: Dying City - KS ends 12/01/2023
• QUODD HEROES (2nd Edition) - KS Late Pldege
Also, just because a campaign is funded/finished doesn't mean you missed out! You can join them in their respective Pledge Manager (varies from campaign) and buy a copy or two, get add-ons, and more. This usually comes at a higher cost than the original campaign, but some creators are generous and provide buyers with the same value as the original.
Thanks for tuning in to Boardstates crowdfunding article. Please check out our other reviews and articles for Magic: the Gathering, comics and video games. All links can be found on our home page.
I don't need to eat this month,
Gnome