Solosaurus

121
Games #248

A podcast about one player board and card games, hosted by Michael Eckenfels. Join me here on each episode as I discuss the latest solo games news and give an in-depth review of a new solo game or variant. I'll also have designers and other podcasters on to discuss games as well!

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Haan86
    Triumphant Return Oct 2022
    Really interesting discussions from two passionate gamers. Looking forward to future episodes - thanks!
  • thedaviestgravy
    When a good thing goes sour
    Solosaurus was easily one of my favorite podcasts but sadly it’s turned into a side project that lacks organic chemistry.
  • Dr.Curilla
    Just What I Needed!
    Super stoked to have found this podcast. I’ve been jumping around binge listening to a dozen other podcast trying to educate myself as much as possible, and while some are chalked full of useful info, others drag on rambling. Solosaurus is tight, informational and extremely useful. Better yet, I’ve witnessed the hosts (mostly Martin) numerous times now interacting on social media and they seem like genuinely nice people who care about the community and NOT just tricking us into downloading some book or buying a product. Much appreciated.
  • Jesse_L_P
    Might be fading away…but cheering for them
    The new hosts seem like very nice guys and both appear very into solo gaming. But, releasing a podcast, along navigating the challenges to normal life, is hard. I respect anybody that tries. The frequency and consistency of episodes appears to have declined since the previous hosts left. It’s been 7 weeks since the last episode and one of the two hosts was not on the most recent show. Both are information technology educators and their analysis of rule books and components are top notch—but maybe too pervasive in comparison to the rest covered in each episode. Their analysis of game play needs more work. My perception is that the hosts are not getting enough plays in with the games they review. Consequently, they lack insight on how the designs hold up to several reps and strategies. Solo players can really grind their games and we need to know which are worth our money. Again, nice guys with hearts in the right spot. I’m cheering for them.
  • Zenthropologist
    Appreciate what you have kept going
    You know what. It takes a lot to take over a podcast and make it your own and I really like the stuff you guys still put out. Getting your groove takes time too schedule wise and I look forward to more stuff from these guys too. Avid solo player and these guys helped start up the hobby
  • Unicorns2.0
    Pains me to write this
    As title states...I Gave them 6 months. Appropriate to leave review now as this show carries the Solosaurus brand. I understand the show was going to change with new hosts, but I dont feel like they’ve done a great job of helping the listeners transition into this new era. A few reasons below. 1). The show used to be 45 minutes (including news). It was entertaining, informative and structured. Now the shows have been like 50% longer at about 1hr 10min on average and I don’t feel like I’m getting any value for that extra 25 minutes. I feel it’s more because they don’t know how to transition or be more succinct in their points. 2) Show used to be biweekly and have a reliable release schedule. In 6 months we’ve gotten 8 episodes. Not all reviews either. 2 were interviews and 1 was the 2 hr introduction episode. So in 6 months we’ve gotten less than 1 game review a month which I believe is unacceptable for the purpose of this show. 3) This could be just a personal preference or we need more time for chemistry, but I just don’t feel the dynamic between the new hosts. But I understand something like that takes time so I won’t hold it against them too much. It’s just hard not to compare after such a long running show. Overall I don’t feel like it’s a bad show, but because it’s under the Solosaurus brand I have to give it a lower score of 2/5. And I’m mostly leaving this review in hopes the creators take it as constructive criticism. Having a set schedule of releasing content is very important to a community, and making the content interesting, without dragging it on is important as well. I do like the developer interviews, but it can’t be like 1/3 of your releases of content since you took over when you really haven't given us a reason to keep listening to this podcast.
  • Kirkbridian4
    Old show was better
    See title. Michael’s alright but Martin is exceptionally annoying and whiny. Plus, he thinks that sexual assault is something to be made light of.
  • tsrayjr
    Original Hosts: Please come back!
    Title says it all.
  • JJJ112222
    Waste of time; same comments repeated over and over
    Tried one episode and probably will not be back. Hosts do not seem to value their audience’s time. I listened to most of a show on just one game. All I got was their general reactions to the game, no deep dive, no strategy discussion. I can sum up their reactions in a few bullet points yet I think I listened to about 45min before deciding to abandon. I use podcasts as something to listen too while working out or running so I do not need much yet this one still failed for me.
  • Celibornsskkd
    Great podcast
    One of the best boardgame podcasts. Not just about solo despite its name. I especially like how they can be quite blunt about the bad aspects of a game so that when they praise a game you know they mean it. Their preferences on solo games also happen to match very well with mine.
  • The Rubles
    Great info!
    Love the podcast. New to solo gaming so the info in this show has really helped me find games that work for me!
  • J.S.Mann
    This is a great podcast
    Thanks Brandon for telling me about it!😃
  • Wardenusa
    Love it
    For all solo gaming needs
  • Samir Biswas.
    Great podcast for solo gamers
    I recently came across this podcast when looking for something to listen to during the many hours I log while driving to and from work. Over the last two years my availability to join regular table top gaming groups has been impeded and this podcast has really helped me get more grounded in the world of solo gaming. The hosts are well versed in gaming and a pleasure to listen to. They do great deep dives into specific games with a lens on the solo gamer.
  • Strom40
    Great Boardgame Podcast!
    Sure the emphasis is on solo gaming - and the crew does a great job breaking down the good, bad & ugly of a solo boardgame - but I enjoy the news segment and discussion on the whole boardgame industry and multiplayer games as well. I also love the length - not too long - just right. Great podcast!
  • Drb098875
    Excellent
    I got into board games a few years ago and never knew how large the solo gaming aspect was, which is perfect for someone like me who can’t get enough gaming in and sometimes just doesn’t have a group around to play. Solosaurus covers news each episode and the reviews are fair and informative always leaving me with just enough info to know if I should research a game further.
  • N0g0D
    Great podcast for Solo gamers
    Really enjoy this podcast. Has great in depth reviews focusing on one solo player game per episode. Gives a good overview of pros and cons of games. Needs more balance in the conversations between the two hosts. Great recent episode on the game Renegade!
  • carbon_dragon
    Great podcast for solo games
    Few podcasts or youtube game reviewers cover the solo aspects of games. It's a pleasure to find a podcast that does do that with thoroughness and humor. I've been a subscriber from the start. Thanks and keep up the good work.
  • whyhatin
    Great podcast!
    Always look forward to listening. Wish they could get more games to the table but we all do! Give this pod a listen!
  • Nuff McGreevey
    Stomp of Approval
    I give these guys their own Stomp of Approval back! They're fun and informative and (unlike other podcasts) just the right length for a podcast. Give them a listen! They know their stuff and are passionate about games.
  • mattwood1221
    Great podcast!
    Lots of good info!
  • James :^]
    Great podcast!
    Love it!
  • samuraix98
    Great board game cast
    I don't always get to play games but listening to a great cat gets me through the day. Thanks for your great cast.
  • StanManly
    Awesome-saurus Rex
    One of my favorite board gaming podcasts. Highly recommended.
  • 19gamer64
    Excellent Resource
    This is my favorite podcast and is the perfect length for my 40 minute commute. It starts with “latest in solo gaming” update and then does a great job explaining each game’s mechanics, pros and cons without getting bogged down in the details. As a new solo gamer I love this show. I am working my way through all of their old shows and it is helping me develop and finetune my wishlist
  • PeterNC
    Insightful and worthy
    I stumbled across this podcast and I’m glad I did. Give it a listen, and I think you’ll find it worthy of subscribing.
  • OneRandomGeek
    Fills a major hole in the boardgame scene!
    Brandon and Carter have created something very valuable here. They give a great rundown of games that can be played solo but also comment on how the game plays multiplayer vs playing solo, which is great! I am really, really enoying their views and opinions. I wholeheartedly give Solosaurus my "stomp" of approval. Thanks guys!
  • Shreddemon
    Fan since episode 1
    Great podcast that feeds the solo gaming need. They do an awesome job of reviewing and giving me a good feel for what the game might be like. Keep up the great work team! You rock.
  • Lmeyer718
    Great podcast
    I really like this podcast. It helps me play some games I don’t get to play solo.
  • Scott-O-Matic
    Wonderful podcast!!
    Great insight to solo gaming!! It’s nice getting two viewpoints of the same game. Has anyone told Carter that he sounds like Edward Norton?
  • JSSims
    Great podcast with good insights
    This is a great podcast looking at many popular board games. They tend to speak to the games from a solo perspective but most games are multiplayer with a solo variant. So it’s definitely worth listening to even if you aren’t a solo gamer.
  • Ryan of M
    Great
    I really like the content and organization
  • music-meister
    Good stuff
    Good stuff for solo gamers!
  • Sean Gewecke
    Very fun and entertaining
    I enjoy the program. While I don’t always agree with their opinions, they are honest in their comments. They are entertaining to listen to and I’ve sought out a couple of games after listening to their reviews.
  • salyerdk
    Best Podcast for Solo Boardgamers
    If you are a regular solo boardgamer, listen to this podcast. Solid hosts and excellent content, including news and in-depth reviews focused on the world of solo board games.
  • Joxer96
    Outstanding!
    At first I thought the guys were too tough on everything, but I’ve come to really appreciate their critiques. Solosaurus has now become my favorite board gaming podcast. I especially like that it’s strictly about playing solo. Please don’t verge off into non-solo territory! Congratulations on a great podcast!
  • zchillman
    Early Stomp
    Solosaurus does an excellent job breaking down the basics of gameplay, why it does and doesn’t work for them, and says whether or not this is something they can recommend people investing their money in. It’s simple and doesn’t bog you down with exaggerated praise/criticism that dominates the board game scene. Looking forward to watching the episode catalog grow... along with my solo-able game collection.
  • Myrddinthewizard
    New solo tabletop games? This is the show for you!
    Join Brandon and Carter as they review the news surrounding solo board games and deep dive into the solo variant of a game you might know well or one that is new to you. Never rude, frequently hilarious, and always insightful. Helped me get into solo board gaming.
  • KiraRiyu
    Enjoyable!
    I really enjoy this podcast. The hosts are fun to listen to and share a lot of good information about games. I can’t wait to see where the show goes in the future.
  • WaterWizard3
    Solo focused board game podcast
    It’s good to have a more focused podcast. The show is well done and easy to listen to. I like the reviews and the coverage of solo gaming in general.
  • Rated_P
    Awesome!
    Great board game podcast!
  • Benwax
    These guys are a great listen!
    Really enjoying the shows and yours discussions! Insightful and well thought out. Look forward to your reviews of Arkham Horror the card game, Terraforming Mars and Roll Player. Try Gloomhaven with 2 players for a real treat as well ! Keep up the great work!
  • Nate from IL
    Part-time solo player
    I love playing board games with a group. But, when the time comes, there games I to want to try and the group isnt interested. Play it solo! I really enjoyed the podcast and some of the games I’ve been eyeing were discussed in episodes. Kudos on helping me embrace the second side I have for gaming. I like that they add playing multi-characters, which is what I tend to do alot when solo-ing. Thumbs up guys!
  • Kevin Haar
    Just what the community needs.
    The show is just getting started, but I am excited about what it can offer. The solo boardaming community has several podcasts that include solo gaming to choose from, but very few are about soloplay only. Thus far, episodes have been succinct, informative, and enjoyable. Too many board game podcats drag on for hours with way too much banter and off-topic conversations. Solosaurus got straight to the point and offered precise feedback about the games they reviewed. The news segment is perfect for someone like me whose gaming is 75% solo. No other podcast I have listened to offers news purely about solo gaming. The audio quality is adequate and the format of the show is easy to follow. It sounds like the duo will conitnue to provide well-informed reviews across a wide-range of soloable games, including some with BGG user variants (a huge reason that will keep me coming back!). Keep up the good work!
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