The Polyhedron Collider Cast

In Episode 189 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the boys tackle another diverse collection of tabletop games and for once all the games (bar one) are based around a central theme. 
We kickoff with a remake of a great economic strategy board game, as we review Nippon: Zaibatsu, exploring how this new edition updates the classic Eurogame while retaining the deep strategic gameplay that made the original such a favourite.
Swapping cubes for combat, we dive into Gruntz, the fast-playing tiny abstract wargame that puts tactical decisions front and centre. We chat about building forces, commanding troops, and why you need to take an iron to the pub.
We then head into the forests of Japan with Ringyo, which is on Kickstarter right now. Following a demo at UK Games Expo, we've managed to get a few games in on an early prototype!
Finally, er attempt to build a thriving city without sacrificing sustainability as we play Green City, a very different take from our favourite Fabio Lopiano.
As always, expect lively discussion, honest board game reviews, a few disagreements, and the usual Polyhedron Collider tangents that somehow make perfect sense... eventually.
Join the conversation on our [Discord server] and let us know what's been hitting your table this week! 
 Podcast Contents

00:00:00 Rory's segue challenge
00:03:45 Nippon: Zaibatsu
00:19:49 Gruntz
00:31:44 Ringyō
00:45:16 Green City
00:53:36 How does a game earn its place on the shelf?
01:00:08 App based dungeon crawlers
 
⭐Show Sponsor: E Toys World
When you sign up to an account with E Toys World use this link [https://www.etoysworld.co.uk/discount/PHC10] to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show.  Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉
For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion (the amazing makers of the dice cubes), go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout
👥Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider
🎧The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:
iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150 
Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3 
Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider 
Player FM -  https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast 
Podbay -  http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150 
Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player
 Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Its back to the normal table top gaming conversation in Episode 188 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we're travelling from the far reaches of space to the darkest corners of Lovecraftian horror, with a few rabbits and xenomorphs thrown in for good measure.
First we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about sci-fi strategy games of recent years, Andromeda's Edge. Does Andromeda's Edge build on the foundations of Dwellings of Eldervale, or does it chart its own course among the stars? We discuss the engine building, exploration, combat, and whether it's worth sitting at the table for nearly 3 hours!!! We then move to the complete opposite end of the board game spectrum with Bunny Kingdom Town, the new two-player only version of Richard Garfield's cutesy area control game Is it an essential addition or one for devoted bunny fans only?
Then it's time to open the forbidden tomes as we investigate Miskatonic Tales: Journey to Innsmouth. We talk eldritch mysteries, impossible choices, and whether this Lovecraft-inspired story-driven game delivers the atmosphere and tension horror fans are looking for. Finally, we step aboard another doomed spacecraft with Alien: Rapture Protocol, the latest cinematic adventure for Alien RPG Evolved Edition. We discuss the new rule set while testing out the new adventure while asking the important question: did Sid backstab everyone? 
Join the conversation on our [Discord server] and let us know what's been hitting your table this week! 
 Podcast Contents

00:00:00 Can AI summarize crack the PhC hosts?
00:07:32 Andromeda's Edge
00:29:42 Bunny Kingdom Town
00:40:09 Miskatonic Tales: Journey to Innsmouth
01:01:20 Alien RPG Evolved Edition and Rapture Protocol
 
⭐Show Sponsor: E Toys World
When you sign up to an account with E Toys World use this link [https://www.etoysworld.co.uk/discount/PHC10] to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show.  Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉
For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion (the amazing makers of the dice cubes), go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout
👥Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider
🎧The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:
iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150 
Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3 
Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider 
Player FM -  https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast 
Podbay -  http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150 
Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player
 Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this special post-Expo episode of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, we unpack all the cardboard, conversations, and convention chaos from the UK Games Expo 2026!
After spending three (and a bit) days exploring the halls of the Birmingham NEC, playing as many games as humanly possible, catching up with publishers, designers, and listeners, and carrying far more games than our backs would recommend, we're finally back behind the microphones to share our highlights from the UK's biggest tabletop gaming convention.
We discuss the standout board games of UKGE 2026, the biggest surprises from the show floor, the hottest upcoming releases, and the indie gems that deserve more attention. From heavyweight strategy games and family favourites to exciting RPGs, miniatures, and prototypes, we cover the titles that made the biggest impression on us over the weekend.
Of course, no UK Games Expo recap would be complete without the presentation of the prestigious Polyhedron Collider Awards 2026.
Let us know your favourite UKGE 2026 moments over on our 
[Discord server]! 
 Podcast Contents

00:00:00 Who is Andy?
00:12:00 The Shelf Dodger: Bunny Kingdom Town, A Carnivore Did It!, Machu Pichu, Mooki Island, Fliptoons
00:19:38 Miniature We are too Scared to Paint (Best Mini): Realms of Tiberium, Ocean City Miniatures, Corvus Belli, Gatehouse Gaming, Wyldwood from Tabletop Titans
00:29:00 Best Bling: UV tokens from ThinkitPrintitUK (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThinkitPrintitUK), CGE Lost Ruins of Arnak compass tokens
00:33:17 We're On The Tour (Best RPG): The Wildsea, The Last Caravan, Ghost in the Shell RPG, The Magnus Archives Roleplaying Game
00:45:56 The Bankruptcy Award (Best Crowdfunding Campaign): Song of the Wildkin, All's Well that Ends
00:53:54 Instabuy Game: Green City, Bunny Kingdom Town, Septima
01:00:29 Game We're Itching to Play Again: Viking Route, Tricky Traps 
01:06:46 The Definitely Not Shit Award: Bridges of Shangri-La
01:13:22 Isle of Penguins
⭐Show Sponsor: E Toys World
When you sign up to an account with E Toys World use this link [https://www.etoysworld.co.uk/discount/PHC10] to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show.  Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉
For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion (the amazing makers of the dice cubes), go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout
👥Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider
🎧The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:
iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150 
Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3 
Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider 
Player FM -  https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast 
Podbay -  http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150 
Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player
 Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The countdown to UK Games Expo 2026 is officially on, and the boys from the Polyhedron Collider Cast are heading back to the Birmingham NEC for one of the biggest tabletop gaming conventions in the world! In this special preview episode, we dive into the most anticipated board games, card games, miniatures, and hobby highlights coming to this year's Expo.
From blockbuster new releases and hidden indie gems to sprawling strategy games and exciting roleplaying adventures, we break down the titles we're most excited to demo, buy, and rip the shrink off before we even get to the car park. If you're planning your own UKGE wishlist, this episode is packed with recommendations, hype, and convention tips.
Come see Polyhedron Collider LIVE at UK Games Expo 2026!
We'll be recording a live podcast episode at the NEC, so come along, say hello, and join in the tabletop chaos. Expect the usual ramshackle nonsense on Friday – Piazza 4, Dice Room – 10am. Polyhedron Collider Live 
Learn more about the Expo here:  UK Games Expo Official Site 
Check out Rory's full UKGE Most Anticipated Games GeekList: UKGE Most Anticipated Games GeekList 
Whether you're attending UKGE 2026 in person or following along from home, this episode is your essential guide to the biggest upcoming games and hobby highlights from the UK tabletop scene.
Let us know what we've missed, over on our [Discord server]! 
 Podcast Contents

00:07:51 Bunny Kingdom Town
00:10:06 Enormity 
00:14:00 Behind the Lens: Photographing Earth, Earth Express, and Earth Animal Kingdoms
00:17:44 Akropolis Pantheon expansion
00:21:21 Prague Unseen  and Night at the Zoo
00:24:00 Three Kobolds in a Trenchcoat
00:26:58 Pivot and Container
00:30:30 Lost in the Woods and Foxglove Farm
00:34:31 All's Well that Ends
00:37:32 Thieves of Eldris
00:40:22 Almighty
00:42:29 1975 White Christmas and L'oaf
00:47:04 Drillers
00:49:03 Berlin: 1960, Gaudi, Shugendo    
00:54:45 8 Dragons 
00:56:59 12 rivers
00:61:44 Infinity: Operation Mazebreaker and Intelliwar: Accession To The Throne
00:61:19 Ringyō
00:64:53 Epochs
00:66:47 Mariners
⭐Show Sponsor: E Toys World
When you sign up to an account with E Toys World use this link [https://www.etoysworld.co.uk/discount/PHC10] to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show.  Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉
For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion (the amazing makers of the dice cubes), go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout
👥Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider
🎧The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:
iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150 
Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3 
Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider 
Player FM -  https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast 
Podbay -  http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150 
Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player
 Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In Episode 185 of the Polyhedron Collider Cast, the boys tackle another eclectic lineup of tabletop goodness—featuring astronomical clocks, fantasy councils, tactical dungeon crawling, and heroic last stands against the forces of darkness. We begin in medieval Prague with Orloj, a beautifully themed Euro inspired by the construction of the famous astronomical clock. It's all about timing, efficiency, and trying not to get lost in a sea of gears and iconography.
Next up, we head into the world of Kinfire Council, where negotiation, politics, and strategic card play collide. The dungeon-crawling boots are back on as we explore Warcrow Adventures. We discuss the campaign system, tactical combat, and whether Corvus Belli's leap into narrative fantasy adventure delivers the goods. Finally, we make our stand in Fate: Defenders of Grimheim, a co-operative tower defence-inspired board game full of monsters, teamwork, and heroic desperation. It's big, bold, and occasionally brutal.
Along the way expect the usual Collider mix of over-analysis, questionable strategy advice, and tangents that somehow make perfect sense at the time. Tune in for another packed episode of board game chat, fantasy adventures, and cardboard chaos—and let us know what's been hitting your table lately over on our [Discord server]! 
 Podcast Contents

00:00:00 Polyhedron Collider Live at UK Games Expo 
00:04:20 Orloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock
00:23:24 Warcrow Adventures
00:37:35 Fate: Defenders of Grimheim
00:48:25 Kinfire Council
 
⭐Show Sponsor: E Toys World
When you sign up to an account with E Toys World use this link [https://www.etoysworld.co.uk/discount/PHC10] to bag yourself a wee discount and help support the show.  Let's face it, you were going to buy a board game anyway 😉
For a 10% discount at Tabletop Dominion (the amazing makers of the dice cubes), go to tabletopdominion.com/POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER or use the code POLYHEDRONCOLLIDER at checkout
👥Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolyhedronCollider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyhedroncollider
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@polyhedroncollider
🎧The latest episode is available to listen on the following pod-cast services:
iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-polyhedron-collider-cast/id1087398150 
Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAPFNc5rE6JURNYakNzA3 
Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eba45bc5-0a1d-493c-bbbd-024fe5714147/the-polyhedron-collider-cast
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@polyhedroncollider 
Player FM -  https://player.fm/series/the-polyhedron-collider-cast 
Podbay -  http://podbay.fm/show/1087398150 
Or you can add the http://polyhedroncollider.libsyn.com/rss Polyhedron Collider Cast RSS feed to your favourite podcast player
 Intro and Outro Music: "Ouroboros" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/