BOARD GAMES with Variant Hex is a podcast about board games, with Variant Hex (You probably could have guessed that.) We're a group of friends who play board games to connect, improve, and have fun. There are three things you should know about this podcast beyond the title: 1. We have no schedule. Subscribe to know when new episodes are posted. 2. We have no format. We'll definitely talk about board games, but beyond that? Who knows. 3. We have no ads. You can try our name as a promo code, b ...
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Variant Hex Podcasts
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185: Board Game of the Month: Spetember 2025
38:04
38:04
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron recap the handful of games they played in the month of September and pick their favorites. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr…
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184: Coffee Shop Games: Panda Spin and High Risk
22:37
22:37
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22:37
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss two small box games perfect for playing somewhere away from home, such as a coffee shop. Panda Spin is a ladder-climbing card game, and High Risk is a push-your-luck dice game. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: va…
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183: No Bad Games: ShipShape, Bottlecap Vikings, and Tricky Tides
46:26
46:26
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46:26
In this episode... Kellye and Ruel discuss a trio of low-ranked games and share why they like them anyways, despite their flaws. Find and follow Ruel all across the board game internet: https://linktr.ee/ruelgaviola Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: variant…
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182: Board Game of the Month: August 2025
33:22
33:22
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33:22
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss the game they played at the end of Gen Con and the rest of the month that followed. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by M…
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181: Coffee Shop Games: Bottle Imp and Art Robbery
27:45
27:45
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss two small-box games great for playing anywhere: Bottle Imp and Art Robbery. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about the games they played in July, which ended with the start of Gen Con! Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, o…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron chat about four different baseball-themed board games: Hits & Outs, 7th Inning Stretch, Bottom of the 9th, and Baseball Highlights 2045. Additional Notes: The four solo games mentioned in the outro are: Lux Aeterna, Solus Lost, So You've Been Eaten, and Warp's Edge. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram:…
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178: Board Game Review: Moon Colony Bloodbath
33:42
33:42
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In this episode... We discuss the engine builder (and engine breaker) Moon Colony Bloodbath. Aaron and Kellye are joined by friend-of-the-pod Ruel Gaviola as they discuss the initial successes and ultimate disasters in their colonies, as well as the shared camaraderie of experiencing the bloodbath together. Find and follow Ruel all across the board…
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177: Gen Con 2025: Preparations and Traditions
1:18:34
1:18:34
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1:18:34
In this episode... Kellye is joined by Linnea, friend of the pod and Gen Con Veteran, to discuss all thing Gen Con 2025. They'll discuss their convention preparations and traditions, as well as exchange tips and share memories from the last few years. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start st…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss their plays in June - at least those that the can disclose. They didn't play the physical versions of any of the three games in the cover photo. They didn't play ANY version of Corrosion, but it was mentioned as similar to Fromage. Give it a try! Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron highlight many Board Game Arena titles as they recap their month of gaming. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtain…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron look back over what they played last month and pick their respective games of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. …
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about two small-box trick-taking games from Allplay. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtained via the Free Mu…
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172: Board Game Review: The Fellowship of the Ring
39:37
39:37
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In this episode... Aaron and Kellye review their experiences playing through the campaign of the new Lord of the Rings trick-taking game. The first half of the review will be spoiler-free, before a warning and a second half full of spoilers. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming ga…
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In this episode... Will Kellye and Aaron once again fall victim to the one-episode-a-month curse? Listen to what they played, what they thought was best, and what they are looking forward to next month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email…
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170: Board Game of the Month: February 2025
45:49
45:49
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron break away from their daily obligations to squeeze out another game of the month episode. We'll have reviews and more shenanigans again soon. ... Hopefully. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: podcast@…
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169: Board Game of the Month: January 2025
39:18
39:18
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about what games they liked, didn't like, and their games of the month for January. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. …
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168: 2024 Board Game of the Month of the Year
46:59
46:59
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron revisit their games of the month from 2024 and pick their favorites in a variety of categories. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" …
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167: Board Game of the Month: December 2024
32:58
32:58
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32:58
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk a little bit about a lot of the games they've played over the last month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obt…
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166: Board Game of the Month: November 2024
30:19
30:19
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30:19
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron recap what they played in November and share their picks for game of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, ob…
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165: Board Game of the Month: October 2024
23:38
23:38
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron reflect on what they played in the last month and pick their favorites. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtained v…
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164: Board Game Review: Rolling Realms Redux (and Rolling Realms)
22:50
22:50
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22:50
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss both Rolling Realms retail boxes, focusing on Rolling Realms Redux. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtain…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron chat about five different, mostly new card games: Booty Dash, Xlyotar, Sushi Go 10th Anniversary Edition, Flip 7 and Sea Salt & Paper. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additio…
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162: Two Player Games: Radlands and Clash of Magic Schools
26:04
26:04
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss a couple of two player card games. Which one did they like more, and would they recommend either? Listen now to find out! Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional I…
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161: Hex Draft: Best at Two on Board Game Arena
23:52
23:52
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23:52
In this episode... Aaron, Adam, and Kellye make a top ten list of two player games on Board Game Arena by drafting their favorites. But there's a twist: they can steal and destroy other picks, or can choose to protect their own. View the list here: BGA's Best at Two. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (w…
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160: Board Game of the Month: September 2024
23:08
23:08
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23:08
In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss their very different game plays over the last month and make their picks for games of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron review a new open drafting and worker placement card game steeped in Irish mythology and tableau building. Additional Notes: "NÓg" rhymes with "rogue". Apologies for any instances of mispronunciation. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games s…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about engine building and biding in Lata, a small box game with big box energy. Editing Note: There was a break in recording for this episode, so a transition has been added to connect the two halves. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming ga…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron share their thoughts about the co-op wire cutting campaign game by Hisashi Hayashi Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith,…
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156: Beyond the Box: Life Lessons from Board Games
23:33
23:33
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In this episode... Adam and Kellye chat about lessons from board gaming that they apply to the rest of their lives. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, ob…
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155: Board Game of the Month: August 2024
38:29
38:29
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron choose their favorites (and least favorites) from a very busy month of gameplay. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, o…
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In this episode... Kellye tells Adam all about her time at Gen Con 2024, including everything from her haul. They'll reflect on this year's convention and muse about how Gen Con may change in the future. Additional Info Indy will be making major investment in downtown over the next few years. Read more about the projects here: https://www.visitindy…
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153: Coffee Shop Games: Faraway and Space Park
39:13
39:13
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron chat about two games perfect for playing at a coffee shop, or almost anywhere: Space Park and Faraway. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Sh…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron recap what they played in the month of July and each make their pick for game of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by M…
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151: Board Game Geek Gen Con 2024 Preview List: Part 2
2:01:22
2:01:22
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2:01:22
In this episode... Kellye and Adam finish up with part two of the Gen Con 2024 Preview List (before another 50+ games were added...) Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer"…
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150: Board Game Geek Gen Con 2024 Preview List: Part 1
3:32:52
3:32:52
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In this episode... Adam and Kellye take on their yearly task of going through the entire Board Game Geek Gen Con Preview List. In part one, they will discuss over 300 games in our longest episode ever! Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email:…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron recap their month in this nearly live recording, and share why they've been so busy lately. (You'll also be able to hear why later in the episode) Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: podcast@varianthex…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about the games they played in the May, and what they've picked for their games of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimme…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about what they played in April and chose their picks for Game of the Month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, …
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146: Coffee Shop Games: Project L and Junk Orbit
26:44
26:44
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss two games perfect for playing out and about that don't take up much space on the table. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" …
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron talk about their viking adventures and challenges in the new euro game, Karvi. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obt…
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144: Coffee Shop Games: Roll in One and Bosa
37:51
37:51
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss two games that don't take up too much table space and are perfect for playing out and about. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shim…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron recap what they played in March 2024, and what they each chose for game of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smi…
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron discuss their experiences at a small local board game convention. Additional Notes Really, no one knows why Indiana residents are called "Hoosiers". Here's what the state's website has to say: https://www.in.gov/history/about-indiana-history-and-trivia/emblems-and-symbols/what-is-a-hoosier/ Find us online: Bluesk…
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In this episode... Adam and Kellye discuss collection curation, and share the list of 60+ games that Kellye donated. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, o…
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In this episode... Aaron and Kellye recount their experiences at their first Dice Tower West conference in Las Vegas. They'll discuss what they did, ate, saw, and played. Additional notes: Content creators: Thinker Themer | Rahdo Ruel Gaviola | Rahdo | Good Time Society | Tabletop Live Network Paula Deming | Watch it Played | This Game is Broken Th…
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139: Board Game of the Month: February 2024
42:54
42:54
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron chat about all the games they played last month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtained via the Free Music Archi…
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138: Board Game of the Month: January 2024
31:23
31:23
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron share what they played in January and each pick a game of the month. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtained via …
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In this episode... Kellye and Aaron revisit their 2023 game of the month picks and choose an game of the year. Find us online: Bluesky: @varianthex Instagram: @varianthex Twitch: @varianthex (we might start streaming games soon) Website: varianthex.com Email: [email protected] Additional Info: Our theme music is "Shimmer" by Mr. Smith, obtaine…
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136: Board Game Review: Exit The Game: Advent Calendars
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In this episode... Aaron, Kellye, and Adam discuss two Exit the Game Advent Calendars: The Hunt for the Golden Book and The Silent Storm. You can watch the BGG Game Night crew solve a calendar day by day on their Youtube channel: The Mystery of the Ice Cave (2020) The Hunt for the Golden Book (2021) CORRECTIONS We thought The Silent Storm was the 2…
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