Uniquely facetious For those whose fuller immersion into hobby games dates back a number of years, familiarity with a good chunk of past and current releases is established before entering any local store, and consumption of industry specific media, while not a given, is often rightfully implied. Following the tremendous disruption of the beginning of the decade, lessened and more arduous access to gaming as an actual practice (as opposed to the wishful provision for a fancied scenario) proved challenging to perceptions and habits pertaining not only to games themselves, but also to related content. After an estimated 7 to 8 years of assiduous looking into modern day offerings, I had reached a point where many titles seemed to me to latch onto involved cleverness at the expense of approachability, a feeling no doubt accounted for in part by progressive knowledge of ever more complex designs, even while my available outlets for concrete play skewed toward more casual profiles. This coupled with steadfast cravings of a minimalist bend brought about a corresponding revision to what I look for in leisurely media, namely content more lighthearted in manner, and flirtatious if you will, than prone to elongated dissections. Which is why Boards & Swords has been so enjoyable for me to stick with past its format departing from the 4-person model in effect when I discovered it through Chris being featured on Board Game Breakfast. Having developed a pretty firm grasp on my personal preference and seeking no further reliance upon external sources to expand my awareness of what isn't just up and coming but already out there, being able to tune in to talk as unassuming in tone as it is, in fact, pretty slick in terms of production setup, has been truly uplifting. Does said preference reflect that of either of the show's hosts in a major way? Not especially. Yet their heartfelt leaning toward Fantasy Flight Games product lines may have been part of why I recently read some more Arkham Horror novels, and much to an occasional point of theirs, a number of topics more surrounding gamers and their shifting patterns than focused on a specific hit, are tackled in a way that is both carefree and insightful, thanks to the highlighting of a perspective mostly unaware of, and gleefully unconcerned with the prevailing opinion of the Board Game Geek community. In spite of my unreleting dislike of the Funko figures (although granted, Darkwing Duck was a nice move), lukewarm attitude when it comes to the superfluous being the calling card of crowdfunding campaigns hoping to register as noteworthy, and forms of fandom and stores of lore and trivia which I believe to be fainter, and markedly different upon the whole, than those into which the conversation often veers off, this is a very engaging podcast, mindful but unpretentious, and much more informed in its wondering where creators and players alike are headed than its humorous stance may seem to indicate. A no fuss good time which shouldn't add to the initial confusion of anybody new to tabletop gaming, and not the most thorough media feed, but a deserving take nonetheless, where no introductory discourse is required.