Man, I just finished the Legacy of Yu campaign and it's a very good game. Looking forward to your Nucleum playthrough! What a 2023. :)

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I'm excited to get Nucleum to the table. It might be enough to push 2023 to the number one spot for me. I love the design team so I have high hopes. I also need to finish Legacy of Yu. Too many games. There should be a one year board game pause -- no new games so we can all catch up. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

@MattHarropActor

5 ай бұрын

I think Legacy for Yu is my top game for 2023 just for how many times i got to play it! Great solo game

2023, It’s the year I started playing solo in a fairly concerted way, I had previously played LotR lcg , some dvg games and also mage knight but 2023 is when I went in deep 😂

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Great year to get started. Almost too much choice, but a good problem to have. Thanks for checking out the video!

Couldn't agree more, definitely in a golden age of solo gaming. Great video!

There are definitely more solo games coming out each year and it's amazing. But there's still always a ton of good games from years before to dig through. Just today I went to the attic and found my old, beat up copy of Arkham Horror 2nd edition, it sat there like an ancient arcane relic it is, covered in layers of dust. And I thought that as much as I love board games, I realize they mostly don't make games like Arkham 2nd edition or Robinson Crusoe anymore. I knew about Robinson Crusoe long ago and wanted to try it, but then I had a 10-year hiatus with board games. I gave it a try after watching your video on it a year ago, and I'm so happy I did, it's nearly perfect. The same goes for Mage Knight. Games are more sterile now, more focused, less messy. Maybe it's for the best, but Arkham 2nd edition, Robinson and Mage Knight just have that undescribable oomph to them that most games don't. I'd like to discover more of those, but not sure where to look. Maybe that's why even though my love of board games reignited just recently, I don't get that excited about the new stuff. Great stuff as always, man, thank you.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I agree with a bit of what you are saying. You cherrypicked 3 of the greatest games of all time -- two of those are in my top 10 of all time. I have a lot of older games as my favorites. So yeah, new games are going to struggle to compete. But it is an objective fact that more great games come out now than back then. And honestly, I'd put Voidfall and Frostpunk in the mix with those great games of the past. I believe we will talk about Voidfall 10 years from now in the same way we talk about Mage Knight. I think nostalgia plays a strong role. It is why no modern music will ever compare to the music you listened to in your teens. Games will never be as good as the ones you played when you first got into the hobby. I do agree that games are less messy now, in general. Ultimately I think that is a good thing, but you still have companies like Awaken Realms making games that I would call messy in a kind of Arkham Horror sort of way. Sometimes that can be enduring. I love the rough edges of Robinson Crusoe. One of my favorite games Doomtown Reloaded is the poster child for messy goodness. No LCG will ever be made like it again. So I definitely understand what you're saying. But I believe the best of the best today is on par with the best of the best of 10-20 years ago. There are just more games, which means more mediocrity, as well as more good and great games. And great games land with less impact now. It is an interesting topic for sure. Thanks so much for your comments and thanks for watching!

@slimyweasel

5 ай бұрын

@@TotallyTabled Man, I really wanted to get Doomtown Reloaded back in a day, but just couldn't find it and import it. You're right, of course, with the amount of games that come out these days, there are great ones among them. Frostpunk! There's a gritty kinda messy and sort of overwhelming game, right? I should probably check it out. But I have Nemo's War Ultimate arriving in a few days and my preorder of John Company will arrive in about two weeks, so maybe I shouldn't. Oh god, I just bought Frostpunk. You have the base game in your play through, right? Gotta check it out now.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, check out the Frostpunk playthrough -- it is just the base game, nothing fancy. Doomtown has come out in a new package with a solo mode that you might want to check out. There's also an online implementation that is a bit rough but functional. I imagine it is available. Honestly, cheap copies of the older base game and expansions are probably around. I've been thinking about filming a Doomtown playthrough on the channel for a long time. One day. I discuss it a bunch on one of my top 10 lists, the Top 10 2-Player Games, I think. Amazing game.

Just bought Robinson Crusoe yesterday after watching your videos. It’s so damn good I’ve been playing for 10+ game straight since it arrived. It’s now officially my favorite solo game thanks to you.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

That is so awesome to hear! Thank you for sharing this. You made my day! After all these years and hundreds of solo games, Robinson Crusoe remains on top for me. It is a truly special design. I'm so happy my channel helped you find a game that you love. Thanks for watching!

As someone who got into solo gaming 4 or 5 years ago... I couldnt have timed it better. Thanks..

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

For sure. You have great new games and a lot of the best older games are getting fancy new reprints with new solo modes. This is a great time to get into solo gaming! Thanks for watching!

Looking at games like Agemonia, Primal, Andromeda's Edge, Spark Riders 3000, Earth under Siege and the Teburu system with the Bad Karmas, 2024 will be a year to behold.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, I think it is shaping up to be a great year. Lots of exciting games to look forward to. Thanks for checking out the video!

Spirit Island? Never heard of my favorite game of all time. I didn't realize Gloomhaven came out the same year. What a year. 2019 is probably my #2. Really great video as always!

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I'm curious to hear how many people put 2019 as #1 or #2. I think you will be in the majority. But 2023 is giving them all a run for their money. It was a stronger year than I thought, IMHO. But yeah -- Gloomhaven, Spirit Island, This War of Mine, Too Many Bones, Anachrony ... 2017 had to be #1. That's a crazy year. Thanks so much for watching!

2023 was crazy for solo gamers. I am still trying to catch up on Final Girl Season 2, Legendary Encounters Matrix, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, I didn't realize or appreciate how good a year it was until I started looking closely. As far as gaming in general, that is a more complicated question. But for solo gaming exclusively, 2023 was one of the best for sure. This part of the hobby is strong. Let me how Texas Chainsaw Massacre is. I'm curious about that one. Thanks for watching, AlwayzFresh!

Wow, excellent and intriguing video

Excellent video, really enjoyed it! Would be a blast to watch you do a playthrough of A Feast for Odin with the Norwegians expansion. 🙂

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

That is very high on the to-do list. I hope to have playthroughs of my entire top 50/100 solo list. Odin will definitely happen this year. Thanks for watching!

@sharond5854

5 ай бұрын

Sweet! Can't wait to watch it! 😊

Great video! Awesome topic and a fun and engaging watch. I really liked your explanations, as well. I don't have enough solo gaming experience to make an entire top 10 so I will just rank the nine years I have any experience with (really only three or four where I'd say I have a lot of experience): 9. 2016 (Scythe is my #2 all-time and I do enjoy playing it solo) 8. 2021 (The Great Wall, Canvas, Burgle Bros 2, Cascadia) 7. 2017 (Anachrony, Dinosaur Island) 6. 2015 (Pandemic Legacy: Season 1, Tiny Epic Galaxies, Burgle Bros) 5. 2019 (Marvel Champions, Tapestry, Parks, Fantastic Factories, Tussie Mussie, Alubari: A Nice Cup of Tea) 4. 2020 (Lost Ruins of Arnak, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (my all-time #1), Under Falling Skies, Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef) 3. 2018 (Everdell, Obsession, Sprawlopolis, Scythe: The Rise of Fenris, Railroad Ink, The Reckoners, Space Park) 2. 2023 (Voidfall, Nucleum, Scholars of the South Tigris, The White Castle, 3 Ring Circus, Barcelona, Expeditions, For Northwood!, Darwin's Journey) 1. 2022 (Wayfarers of the South Tigris, Sabika, Weather Machine, Twilight Inscription, Ark Nova, Terracotta Army, Planet Unknown) 2023 had more games that I've played and enjoyed but 2022's quality put it at the top spot for me. WotST and Sabika are both going to be in my top ten when I do my next ranking. Weather Machine and Ark Nova are both top 25. I think 2024 is shaping up to be pretty good, too. Sankore: The Pride of Mansa Musa has been an awesome solo experience (8 plays so far). Ezra and Nehemiah and Inventors of the South Tigris should both be coming out this year and I expect to be good because of the design pedigree. And I'm hoping for big things from Daitoshi (Dani Garcia and Devir Games).

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Incredible list! Thank you for sharing it. You've mentioned a bunch of games I'm eager to try, especially Sabika. That one looks like something I would love. These recent years are just so strong with so many phenomenal games that it is hard to order them. Like you, I have a lot of 2022 games in my top 100 of all time. Thanks so much for watching!

How much did expansions influence your ranking? I think Final Girl Series Two was better than the first one. Also, Wingspan's expansions, specifically Oceania, really pushed that game into my top spot. I have also heard wonderful things about the expansions for Ark Nova and Lost Ruins of Arnak. Also, couldn't help but notice a few games were left out of the mentions. Games like Cthulhu: Death May Die, Legacy of Yu, Nucleum, and Eila and Something Shiny. I imagine part of the reason was from lack of plays, but they should be included in the conversation. Regardless, love the videos! And always appreciate someone shining a positive light on the solo gaming experience!

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, that is a good question. I left many games out just because I couldn't mention them all (I wanted this to be a quick little follow up video) -- so I tried to mention the top 5 or so. Some I haven't played, like DMD, Nucleum and Eila. So this is definitely a ranking based on my own personal experience and tastes. As for expansions, I didn't really factor that in as much, except for Concordia: Solitaria. I also factored in Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion and the new solo mode for Castles of Burgundy. Ultimately classifying games by their release dates is not ideal, but it is a fun thought experiment. And regardless of the details, I think the larger point is true: solo gaming is on the rise. It really is transforming the hobby for the better and I hope to continue to highlight this in future videos. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your viewership!

In my collection 2023 is the clear winner, but in terms of which year was most pivotal, I’d give it to 2020. That’s when solo-only games not designed by Shadi Torbey started to come out en masse. And Warp’s Edge and Under Falling Skies are still some of the top recommends to solo-gaming newbies.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

That's a really interesting point, Peter. I've never thought of that. I agree that 2020 was pivotal for solo-only games, for sure. But I'm not sure solo-only games are that important to solo board gaming overall. A lot of games that we think are solo-only (or should be solo-only) just aren't. Shadi Torbey's Oniverse series is an example -- those are 1 or 2 player games. Many of the Button Shy games are 1-2p, like Sprawlopolis. Lost Expeditions and Mini Rogue are 1-2. The list goes on and on. Does it really matter that those games aren't technically solo-only. I don't think so. To my mind games like Spirit Island, Gloomhaven, Too Many Bones and Marvel Champions have a much bigger impact on solo gaming than any solo-only game ever has. So I would hesitate to call Warp's Edge and Falling Skies "pivotal", other than they probably made companies more comfortable publishing solo-only designs, which is a wonderful thing. But how big of an impact has that really made? Not all that much, IMHO. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

@sapien01010

5 ай бұрын

@@TotallyTabled Oniverse games are solo-only and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on ;) But I think an argument can be made that solo-only games are more a product of publishers’ interest in the solo market instead of a driver of it.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, there are just so few solo-only games that I'm not sure it speaks to anything. I mean Garphill could put out a 100 player only game and it would sell, so Legacy of Yu doesn't tell me much about the solo scene. Honestly, Heat having a solo mode speaks to publishers' interest in the solo market more than any game recently. Days of Wonder has been actively hostile to solo gaming up until Heat, and the racing genre has never been solo friendly. For that base game to come with a fully fleshed out solo mode that also improved all player counts -- that is potentially the most pivotal thing that has happened in a while from my perspective. But then again, a few games are coming out without solo modes that I really thought would have them, so it is hard to say what designers and publishers are really thinking.

2022 is #1 for me. Basically all my fav solo games: Ark Nova, Frostpunk, For northwood, Sos Titanic(2nd edition) and Terraforming mars the dice game.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

It is almost splitting hairs between these recent years, they have all been so strong. I have a ton of games from 2022 in my top 100 games. Thanks so much for watching!

If compete solo in the box is going to be required, I am curious how future years will transpire. Developing to work well solo provides a foundation for competence in testing.

2017 was the year I dove head first into solo gaming and never looked back. What a year indeed!

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Great year to start! Thanks for watching!

My favorite of this year is a rediscover of a game from 1987. My favorite is CHAINSAW WARRIOR. If you know movies like "The Raid" or "Dredd" you got the feeling. You are a warrior, who fights his way through a building full of monsters and traps. And that against the clock. I revised the rules from 1987 and made a coop modus. Be warned ! This game is brutal, merciless and nearly unwinable....but fun, fun fun..........

Great list! I am curious, how far back did you consider for the list? Did you consider 2000-2010 also but rule them all out, for example?

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I considered all years going back. That is not hard to do when dealing with solo gaming because very little exists beyond 15 years ago, outside of war games and a few other things I have no interest in playing. So this was really about how to order the last 8 years. Solo gaming is very new, co-op gaming is very new. That is one of the most exciting parts of the hobby. Thanks for watching!

Its 2017, followed by 2018 and 2023 for me. 2033 might rise though! 2017 was the year that got me into modern boardgameing with Spirit Island and Gloomhaven. Spirit Island i play weekly until this day. I cycle my games quite frequently the highest percentage in my collection are 2017 titles! TMB, SI, Anachrony, Clans of Caledonia, Quest for Eldorado, Azul.

Is it really worth mentioning the following games as top solo games: - Ginkgopolis (nobody talks about it) - Obsession (too random as a Eurogame) - Terraforming Mars (it was my #1 of all time and still is my #2, BUT the Solo-mode was never really great....too many cards being irrelevant when playing solo as it's a run to terraform the full planet as only target.....BUT the coming Automa hopefully lifts it into my top solo games) - Wingsspan (you can play it solo, but to me nothing to put on a top solo list - Dune Imperium (I only sliiightly disagree because the Automa has big weaknesses. When you often draw the strong action cards for one of the two automas, then you have no chance so it's quite lucky....still I like to play it solo to test all the different characters) - Burgundy (I dont know the Solo-Mode of the new edition, but the old ones' was a bit meh) All other games I agree with or don't know or don't know enough. So you mention a LOT of great solo games and some I still want to play.

Yay for solo gaming!! 💕

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Solo gaming is a real thing now. I think the pandemic helped to usher that in. I won't even buy a board game unless it offers some kind of solo mode option. 2023 was amazing and I expect 2024 to be even better. I can't wait to see what appears on your channel the rest of this year.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Peter. Yeah, I am curious how big a role the pandemic played. There was already some momentum beforehand, but I'm inclined to believe it made a big difference, even if just accelerating the inevitable. I know a bunch of people who started solo gaming during the pandemic. And I doubt I would have started this channel. I'd love to see more concrete stats and such, as it is an interesting question. Hope you enjoy the channel this year. Thanks for your long support!

Got a question. Started solo gaming last year, have about 15 games & am currently torn between getting Distilled or Arc Nova as my next purchase & intereeted in your thoughts. For reference my favs are Earth, Dune Imperium, Spirit Island. Love your vids! Thx!

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I'd say watch both of my playthroughs to get a sense of how they play. Ark Nova is the heavier game. The solo mode in the box is very simple and quick playing. There is a popular fan made solo mode that introduces more of an automa to play against, which simulates a two player game. Ark Nova is my favorite of the two, but Distilled is a great streamlined, straight forward but engaging solo game. Really depends on what you are looking for. Again, check out the playthroughs. Thanks for watching.

@corey3145

5 ай бұрын

@TotallyTabled thanks and will do. I've watched your Distilled playthrough but will check out your AN one.

Any chance of an Oniverse series? Onirim has become my solo go-to lately.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, I definitely have that on the to-do list. I want to make playthroughs of all the games and then rank them. This will happen at some point, but the to-do list is long, so I have no idea when it will strike my fancy. But I highly recommend the series! Thanks so much!

Any plan to do Hegemony tuto in the future? 🙏🏻

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I am considering it. I don't see it hitting the table for a few months (I have a long list of videos I'm trying to get through), but I'm curious about how the solo mode works. I hear the simple solo bots are easy to manage. I don't know. It has "nightmare to film" written all over it but I'll give it a shot. Thanks for watching!

I got silver party trays to match Obsession theme 🤣 ~

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Nice! That's a fun idea! Thanks for watching!

I am so looking forward to Slay the Spire in 2024.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

I'm curious how it will work out. Definitely could be interesting. Thanks for watching.

I wonder what is still driving designers not to put solo mode as a base variant of play. I believe each board shopuld have one.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Not every game needs a solo mode, but if it doesn't have one it needs a good reason. Luckily this is happening more and more. But certain designers and publishers don't think board games should be played solo. I've seen very disappointing comments from many of them. That is why solo design teams have formed that publishers can hire to make solo modes for their games. I think this is a great compromise, because the last thing we want are half-backed solo rules from a disinterested designer. Some designers, on the other hand, have embraced solo play -- like Uwe Rosenberg, who has been putting in solo modes in his big euros for the last 15 years. He has a passion for it and it shows. Thanks so much for watching!

@mariuszkania9947

5 ай бұрын

@@TotallyTabled Thanks for this perspective. I agree that board games should connect people to have fun together. However I do not agree that they shouldn't be played solo. I believe that we do not have partner to play anytime when we wish to play. Moreover sometimes we wish to play very specific game which our game partner(s) do not want at given time. Solo mode is saviour in that case.

2023 hands down Voidfall City of the Great Machine Deliverance Expeditions Apiary Hegemony Scarface 1920 The Warp Tamashii CoB Special Edition 20Strong Skytear Horde Ashes Reborn: Red Rains Isofarian Guard Witcher the Old World plus games that didnt work for me, Earthborne Rangers, Earth, etc. just so many excellent solo or solable games that i dont even think its close.

@TotallyTabled

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, you're convincing me. Once I get a bunch of these played, I wouldn't be surprised if 2023 tops the list just on depth alone. And Voidfall is that special game that every great year needs to make it a contender. Thanks for checking out the video!