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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 cultural prestige—so naturally, we try to out-teach each other.

Civolution
What happens when you blend civilisation building 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
Time to grab your axe and get to work! This charming, engine-building game about lumberjacks and town planning took us by surprise. It's a lot deeper than it looks—and yes, we make at least three wood-related puns.

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! https://discord.gg/RtC25Vf2qA

Podcast Contents

00:02:11 Sankoré: The Pride of Mansa Musa
00:24:50 Civolution
00:45:27 Timber Town
00:54:47 Questions for the mailbag

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

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Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

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.

🎧 Tune in, geek out, and let us know what your highlights were over on our Discord server!

Podcast Contents

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

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

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

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

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Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

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Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

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 https://discord.gg/RtC25Vf2qA

Games Mentioned

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

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

👥Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3

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Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

Warning: This podcast contains strong language and adult content

In Episode 166 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the gang dives into a mix of worker placement, architecture, victorian horror, and some good old rock and roll.

Our fist building block Flat Iron, a 2-player worker placement board game that brings sharp decisions and sizzling tension. Does it have a solid foundation or fall over a dodgy new build. Then we get loud and nostalgic with Rock Hard 1977, a bombastic blend of music, roadies, and 'candy'. It’s all about the rock ‘n roll lifestyle—on a tabletop. Finally, we descend into the dark, arcane world of Candela Obscura, the atmospheric horror RPG from the minds behind Critical Role. We share our thoughts on the setting, the system, and the style—spoiler: we’re intrigued.

So tune in for tabletop tales, chaotic banter, and plenty of opinions, as we navigate another stack of games both weird and wonderful.

Don't forget

We’ll be recording a LIVE episode at UK Games Expo 2025! Come join us on Friday 3 May, heckle us (gently), and join the fun. https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/2153-polyhedron-collider/

We’ve launched a brand-new Polyhedron Collider Discord server! It’s your place to chat games, ask questions, and hang out with fellow listeners. https://discord.gg/RtC25Vf2qA

Podcast Contents

00:01:45 Infinity and Army Painter
00:07:02 A new (old) look to polyhedroncollider.com
00:08:47 Polyhedron Live at UK Games Expo
00:11:01 Steve and Rory going to a book signing
00:14:00 Flatiron
00:26:29 Rock Hard 1977
00:48:23 Candela Obscura RPG
01:14:22 Traveller RPG: The Singularity Campaign https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jtas3/traveller-rpg-the-singularity-campaign

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

👥Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3

Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider

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Podbay - http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150

Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

qfgi9tua

Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

Warning: This podcast contains strong language and adult content

In Episode 165 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the crew is back around the virtual tabletop to talk about some of the biggest, brain-burning board games hitting tables right now—and to share some exciting news!

We kick things off with a deep dive into Inventions: Evolution of Ideas, the latest crunchy masterpiece from Vital Lacerda. Next up, we explore Age of Innovation, the newest evolution of Terra Mystica, with modular factions, a new innovation mechanic and a whole lot of strategic depth. Finally, we saddle up and ride into Great Western Trail: Argentina, no New Zealand—wait, no—El Paso! Lets just review all the Great Western Trail games!

Plus, we’ve got two big announcements:

We’ll be recording a LIVE episode at UK Games Expo 2025! Come join us on Friday 3 May, heckle us (gently), and join the fun. https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/2153-polyhedron-collider/

We’ve launched a brand-new Polyhedron Collider Discord server! It’s your place to chat games, ask questions, and hang out with fellow listeners. https://discord.gg/aCh2jGPggh

Games Mentioned

00:08:40 Inventions: Evolution of Ideas
00:27:30 Terra Mystica Age of Innovation
00:45:25 Great Western Trail: El Paso

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

👥Follow Us on Social Media

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

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Podbay - http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150

Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

Warning: This podcast contains strong language and adult content

​In Episode 164 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the PhC team welcomes back Jon for a lively discussion covering recent gaming events and tabletop gaming reviews. The episode kicks off with Andy reporting from Airecon X, the renowned UK board gaming convention in Harrogate, highlighting the best games he played and the infamous food controversy.

The crew then delves into a review of Galactic Cruise from Dranda Games, suggesting that we may have already found our game of the year (and its only March)! Following this, they confront mythical monsters in Horrified: Greek Monsters, evaluating how this adaptation of the classic horror game integrates legendary creatures from Greek mythology and anachronistic London punks.​

We then delve into the mail bag for questions on gaming convention cuisine, rulebooks and what makes a game click.

Games Mentioned

00:01:09 Airecon X - Black Orchestra, Restless Spirits, Nikojima, Square One
00:19:37 Galactic Cruise
00:39:10 Horrified: Greek Monsters

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

👥Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider

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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3

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Podbay - http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150

Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

qfgi9tua

Why not buy a board game from our sponsors Kienda: kienda.co.uk/polyhedroncollider

Warning: This podcast contains strong language and adult content

In this episode of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the team dives into a mix of science, board games, and digital adventures. We kick things off with a discussion on SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, exploring the latest big board game from CGE searching the solar system for extraterrestrial intelligence. Shifting gears, we tackle Slay the Spire: The Board Game, a card game translation of the beloved deck-building roguelike, breaking down its strategic depth, replayability, and asking the question what it offers over its digital lineage.

The conversation then moves to Perch a cute but ruthless area control game about flocking birds, and House of Fado, a Gallerist inspired game of enticing punters to your restaurant and promoting musicians.

Games Mentioned

00:00:00 Agricola: Dead Harvest, Labyrinth: Chronicles, and This War of Mine: The Board Game – Second Edition
00:08:08 Airecon https://www.airecon.co.uk/
00:12:52 SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
00:32:24 Slay the Spire: The Board Game
00:48:15 Perch
00:58:22 House of Fado

⭐Show Sponsor: Kienda

When you sign up to an account with Kienda use this link to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show. Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉

👥Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider

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

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3

Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider

Player FM - https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast

Podbay - http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150

Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player

Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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