Space-Cast! #4. Big Box Games
John Clowdus is best known for his small designs. And, naturally, in today’s episode of the Space-Biff! Space-Cast!, he’s willing to talk to Dan Thurot about small games old and new, including which of his titles he prefers to Omen: A Reign of War. But now Clowdus is also a bona fide big-box game designer thanks to Mezo. Listen in as he spills the beans about the challenges and advantages of designing a game that can’t fit into your pocket.
Listen over here or download here. Timestamps can be found after the jump.
Timestamps
3:00 — games designed by John Clowdus that he prefers to Omen: A Reign of War
18:00 — Bronze Age
25:00 — Mezo, the design and the mythology
49:57 — the return of Small Box Games
Next time, Dan speaks to an old friend about (the) great game — and some topics beyond it.
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Posted on May 14, 2020, in Podcast and tagged Board Games, Bronze Age, John Clowdus, Mezo, Neolithic, Omen: A Reign of War, Small Box Games, The North, The Space-Biff! Space-Cast!. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
SPACE-BIFF! 
At 53:41, which game is John saying is one of the best-looking games ever made? I’ve listened to that part several times, and I can’t parse what he’s saying there. Thanks!
Glory to Rome, Black Box edition!
Hey Dan,
Thanks for the podcasts/reviews/messaging me some clarifications on BGG a couple of times.
When did you record this video? I know John opened up pre-orders, as he was able to find someone to produce Bronze Age and Cacti (which I fortunately was able to purchase). I really enjoy The North, and it was fun hearing John excited about that one too; it’s a special little box.
John and I recorded this one a whole month ago! Long enough that I’ve played Bronze Age quite a few times and intend to review it soon. Possibly even today!
Very neat! Really look forward to reading your review and receiving my copy. I’ve been playing The North at least once a week, and it’s been an extremely immersive game.
Glad to hear you’re enjoying The North. Like many of John’s games, it punches well above its weight. Or perhaps its size…
Thanks for the lovely chat with John whose games I greatly admire, especially Omen. It’s good to have him back as an independent designer/producer creating his small box line of games again, because his ideas are always worth checking out. I know he’s concentrating on new stuff, but I wish he’d refresh a few of his older games, too, like Irondale. I wish him continued success with his contribution to this hobby for years to come.
Yes! There are a number of John’s older games that I would love to see receive an updated treatment.