S8.E03 :: On the Big Top, Snowden Mountain

Published: June 26, 2014, 3 p.m.

b'If Ticket to Ride is a game about building train routes from coast to coast, then Snowdonia is a game that focuses on building only one of those routes. In Snowdonia players clear rubble, lay track, and build pieces of stations with the goal of earning the most victory points. The most innovative aspect of Snowdonia is the use of the station and track cards that are placed around the outside edges of the board giving players that\\xa0visual of building a track that climbs a mountain. Players must use their workers to collect resources, convert resources, acquire contract cards, etc. Our discussion focused on how Snowdonia approaches worker placement from a different angle and attempts to slightly\\xa0alter\\xa0behaviors that may have become commonplace in the genre. Tony gives us insight into how he utilizes expansions to bring a new feel to the game rather than simply adding more options. We even get a sneak preview of an upcoming Tony Boydell design (Guilds of London). We also learn that Alex and Tony have a short history together. You have to listen to find\\xa0out more about all this wonderful stuff I am typing here.\\xa0 If you enjoy listening to Tony Boydell, please consider reading his blog, Every Man Needs a Shed, on Board Game Geek. And if you like Snowdonia, check out Surprised Stare Games\\xa0for information on where to grab a copy.\\xa0 *Note: at one point my dog decides to join the podcast for a few seconds. I considered removing the audio, but felt it would be wrong to diminish her contribution. Enjoy Bailey the big black lab on this episode of Who, What, Why?'