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The Operation Game Night crew finally reunites to dive into the latest Star Wars tabletop offering that's taking the deck-building world by storm. Fantasy Flight Games has delivered a knockout with Star Wars: The Deck Building Game - Clone Wars Edition, a standalone expansion that might just outshine the original.

What makes this game special? It perfectly captures the essence of the conflict between the Republic and Separatist forces through brilliantly designed faction mechanics. The Republic harnesses the Force and deploys specialized clone troopers alongside powerful Jedi like Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, the Separatists overwhelm opponents with waves of battle droids that can be continually recycled from discard piles - creating that authentic "they just keep coming" feeling from the films and animated series.

The game's brilliant Galaxy Row mechanic sets it apart from other deck-builders. These dual-purpose cards create constant tension - do you purchase a powerful character for your own deck, or prevent your opponent from acquiring it by destroying it first? This push-and-pull dynamic, combined with the Force tracker that slides back and forth providing bonuses, creates deeply strategic gameplay that remains accessible for newcomers. Even the implementation of Jar Jar Binks as a zero-cost card that players pass back and forth to clog each other's decks shows the designers' thoughtful attention to thematic details.

Whether you're a Star Wars enthusiast or simply love well-crafted card games, this Clone Wars Edition delivers exceptional value with its perfect balance, thematic immersion, and surprisingly reasonable price point. Grab a friend, choose your faction, and may the Force be with you as you battle for control of the galaxy!

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A deceptively simple game of ancient Egyptian construction becomes a masterclass in tactical timing and player interaction. Travis introduces Clay to Imhotep, the 2016 Phil Walker-Harding design that's earned a permanent place in board game collections worldwide.

What makes this unassuming box with chunky wooden blocks so engaging? The gameplay revolves around a brilliant central mechanism: loading your stones onto ships and sailing them to different monument sites to score points. The catch? Anyone can sail a ship to any destination, even if they don't have stones on board. This creates a constant tension as you watch your carefully constructed plans potentially hijacked by opponents.

Travis walks us through the five distinct monument sites - the Pyramid for immediate points, the Temple for end-of-round scoring, the Burial Chamber for connected area points, the towering Obelisk for height competition, and the Market for special ability cards. Each offers unique strategic opportunities within a game that takes just 30-45 minutes to play.

The hosts discuss what elevates Imhotep above other gateway games: its perfect balance of accessibility and depth. With just three possible actions each turn (collect stones, place a stone, or sail a ship), new players can jump right in while experienced gamers still find meaningful decisions. The satisfying tactile experience of manipulating those oversized wooden blocks adds to the appeal, making this a standout in Phil Walker-Harding's impressive design catalog.

Have you discovered Imhotep yet? Share your experiences with us and let us know which monument strategy worked best for you! Subscribe to Operation Game Night for more board game recommendations that hit that sweet spot between simplicity and strategic depth.

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Operation Game Night discusses Devir Games' controversial release Ace of Spades, examining both its problematic representation issues and its innovative poker-based combat mechanics. Travis and Clayton analyze why the game's depictions of characters are unacceptable while acknowledging the potential of its core gameplay systems.

• Devir Games has halted sales of Ace of Spades due to offensive imagery, particularly cards depicting slavery and racist stereotypes
• The publisher issued an apology stating the art was meant as a reference to Western cinema but acknowledges this was inappropriate
• Despite the controversy, the game features innovative poker-based combat where players use poker hands to battle against enemies
• Players manage their hands, discards, and special abilities gained from defeated enemies in this challenging solo experience
• The hosts compare the mechanics favorably to games like Regicide and the video game Balatro
• Travis suggests those who own the game could remove the offensive cards but understands why many will avoid it entirely
• Both hosts express disappointment that poor representation overshadowed what could have been an exciting entry in the poker game genre

For more board game reviews and discussions, join us each week on Operation Game Night.

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Let's go Over the Fence! Discussions range from wrestling history and work relationships to fishing adventures with children and critical movie reviews.

• Clayton gives a heartfelt shoutout to his former high school wrestling teammate turned coworker.
• Jared shares his day trip to Pennsylvania with his daughter Gemma, who caught her first fish and celebrated with a "Hulkamania" style victory cry
• Jared found a free $200 charcoal grill/smoker combo through a local "Buy Nothing" Facebook group
• Travis recommends Marvel's "Thunderbolts" movie for its standalone story about trauma and healing
• Travis warns against rewatching "Bring It On" (2000), as it hasn't aged well with its dated language and shallow characters
• We discuss K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix
• The group discusses plans to potentially livestream their board game sessions in the future

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Clay, and Jared compete in a board game draft challenge to create the ultimate farming game, each with only $30 to spend across 10 rounds of selections ranging from mechanics to designers to components.

Let us know in the comments which game you would rather play!

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!

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Gaming nostalgia takes center stage as we rediscover PS5 Madden after 15 years away, marvel at Spider-Man's detailed New York City playground, and share heartwarming stories of family D&D adventures that captivated both kids and adults alike.

• Getting gifted a PS5 and rediscovering Madden NFL after nearly two decades
• Spider-Man PS5 games recommendation - incredible graphics and fun even in short play sessions
• The therapeutic revelation of a proper hour-long chiropractic session versus rushed government healthcare
• Quest RPG family adventure with kids who were completely engaged for two hours of creative play
• Making new neighborhood friends through park connections and pizza nights
• The benefits of having skilled friends who can help with home projects

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The one-year anniversary episode of Operation Game Night serves up a delightful mix of reflection, gaming enthusiasm, and genuine appreciation as Travis, Clay, and Jared look back on their podcasting journey. The trio dives into the games that almost made their coveted top 10 lists but fell just short—revealing as much about their gaming habits as their preferences.

Clay opens with a candid reflection about Root, once his favorite game that slipped from his top 10 not because it lost quality, but because life changed. "If it was that good, I'd be finding time to play it," he admits, highlighting how our gaming collections evolve with our circumstances. His near-miss Arcs scratches the same political intrigue itch while being more approachable for newcomers. Meanwhile, Jared's honorable mentions include Wingspan, Ahoy, and Gizmos—the latter earning special praise for its tactile marble dispenser that digital play can't replicate.

Perhaps most telling is Travis's emphasis on small box games that dominated his year. With a young child and frequent travel, games like Scout, Sea Salt and Paper, Cat in the Box, and Splendor became his go-to choices. This practical approach to gaming resonates with anyone who's had to adapt their hobby to life's changing demands.

Beyond the games themselves, the hosts share their favorite memories from their first year of podcasting. Having game designer Paul Solomon as a guest topped multiple lists, while Clay particularly enjoyed their bracket-style episodes. All three expressed appreciation for how guests expanded their gaming horizons by introducing them to unfamiliar titles and mechanics.

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to those who made their podcast journey possible—from supportive community members like Amanda from EmptyNestBoardMama to their patient spouses who accommodate the weekly recording schedule. It's a reminder that while games may come and go from our tables, the connections they help us build are what truly matter.

Listen in to discover which games nearly made the cut, and perhaps find your next favorite just outside the spotlight of their official top 10s.

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