417Gamer Podcast Episode 31: The One with 2025 Resolutions

·1 hr 54 min·1 clip

Chicken is a push-your-luck dice game in a Pringles can where people giggle, hoot, and holler the whole time.

417 Gamer Podcast episode 31 features annual guest Ben G discussing four recently played games plus broader gaming goals for 2025. Recent plays include: Botnik (two-player 20-minute drafting game with mad scientist theme, excellent for travel), Jinxo (party game with grid-based answer placement, successfully played with 15+ people at Christmas), Ginkgopolis (complex tableau-building game with simultaneous action selection, out of print but highly replayable), and Chicken (push-your-luck dice game in Pringles can that generated group laughter and enthusiasm). Bonus game Planet Unknown (polyomino placement with asymmetric sides). Rick reviews 2024 New Year's Resolutions: wanted to average one big game per quarter but missed due to wedding planning and cruise; did successfully cull three years of unplayed games. Andrea's goal to play games more than once was achieved through forcing multiple playthroughs. The 10x10 resolution board shows mixed results—some targets completed (home improvement, 30-minute walks, Wormspan plays), others not reached. Rick's 2025 focus: audit 70 games unplayed in last 3 years for keep/sell decisions. Discussion includes game design complexity, teaching curves, replay value, and the balance between collecting new games versus deeper engagement with existing ones.

As heard by us

A relaxed tabletop hangout that revisits recent games, New Year's resolutions, and the best seven games of 2024 so far.

This episode is a year-end tabletop hangout built around what the group has been playing, what still holds up, and what is worth table time. Ben G.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a casual year-end board-game catch-up with annual-guest energy and a resolutions check-in.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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