I feel like you've struck a really good balance with game explanations and critiques. So many reviewers out there seem to spend way too long going over every rule and facet of a game and then rush through their final thoughts. You spent only 17 minutes on five games and I feel like I know if I should check them out or pass.
+Tom Cochrane Thanks Tom! It's inspired by my own impatience. I skip lots of rules because I don't think they're crucial to understanding why the game is or isn't fun. I'm glad it works for you!
Thank you so much for putting this much heart into your videos. :) Bf and I had a really good laugh from your Game scenarios vs. Relationship Problems analogies.
There's links to the games reviewed in the description of the video. Remember if you want to enter the competition: like this video, subscribe to the channel and join the discussion below!
Let's team up! Message me and I can add a page for you on our website and sponsor your game with an actual raffle machine. Love your videos, one of the most unique reviewers out there! Let me know if you're interested. I do monthly giveaways as well on our site. google it if you're so inclined, started up last week.
This provided many actualolz. Dude you are quickly becoming (or are already) my favorite boardgame youtuber. My missus LOVES your videos, she asks me if you have new stuff all the time. Keep em coming dude.
Thanks Jon! Your channel is the only boardgame CZcams channel that I listen to where my wife actually laughs (yes - out loud...) and then wants to come watch the rest of the video!
Jon, my wife and I watch your videos together and we both agree that this is one of the most entertaining ones yet. No word of a lie, 12 years ago, she and I almost never got together in the first place as the result of a bin juice incident while both living in a dorm with a communal kitchen. Thanks for reviving that memory...
OMG how I love your sense of humor! It just gets better and better - how you make fun of the characters and all. It feels like real people and a real relationship. Hope it will work out with them eventually. I married my gf this April but I'm not planning on buying her a Chess copy - last time we tried it she won in 10 minutes. And she only plays light board games for fun!
Oh my. Note to self, do not watch your videos at work. I got some strange looks as I literally snorted audibly, especially when your actual girlfriend stepped in. My wife and I will enjoy this series both for the entertainment and finding new games for us to enjoy.
I agree with the complexity of Ravens of Thri Sahashri being an unfortunate barrier. But once you get in there and play both roles a couple of times, you really start to send complex messages to each other just with the selection of one card. Plus I think the challenge of building the Atman is less about putting it together and more about the most effective way to build it so that it can be split to greater effect. Great video by the way!
I'm glad you're doing this new series of videos. The top ten list for couples was the first I saw from you and made me suscribe. You make really funny and interesting videos.
Another great video, Jon! I recently picked up Raptor and my girlfriend and I really enjoyed it - it's really well balanced. I'd love to try out Thunder and Lightning!
Loved this video. Very excited about this series. My husband and I usually only get to game together, so we are always on the lookout for good games for 2 players!
I know that this was a while ago now, but this is definitely one of your funniest ones yet! The video was quick, informative and just utterly enjoyable to watch! Keep up the great work! This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite board game channels... Definitely at least in the top two! So thank you!! :)
Actualol: Laughs and free stuff are the best! Thanks for making life a bit more entertaining! Ours is mostly a two player household and we love Onitama because of the parts of chess it isn't!
Finally a dedicated couple's board game review! Thanks for making this series, I really need a quick references of board games to play with my wife. Looking forward for the next episode.
Glad we weren't the only ones that struggled with The Ravens of the Thri Sahashri - we sat down a few weeks ago to try and work our way through the rules but eventually just ended up putting it back on the shelf. I'll have to get round to playing it at some point, but it just seems way too convoluted for a game of that type. Also - fantastic video as always, keep up the good work!
Is the competition still open? Congratulations Jon. My girlfriend just watched this with me, muttered about how mad you are, then clicked through to watch another. That's a first - she even complained when I tried watching an episode of Tabletop with her. Our most successful couples game so far is probably Fungi.
that was awesome! Best video to date and now I'm willing to give those games a go when I'd previously just thought they might be no good. Keep it up :)
I've played the original version of Thunder and Lightning, which was called Hera and Zeus (same game but Greek instead of Norse mythology) and enjoyed it! Just as you said some interesting decisions/ bluffing and the tension rises nicely as the game goes on...
Yay! A new video! And clever written and meta as always. Nice! :D I really got the feeling two people are talking with each other, so when your actual girlfriend came in, it was confusing and I had to laugh XD Feeling informed, having interest in the characters AND laughing in a boardgame video?! O_o Already looking forward to your next upload! :)
Really like your videos! 13 days is one of those games that I wouldn't check out because of the theme, but it seems really cool! Like how it would make you question everything the other player does.
I played the original version of Thunder and Lighting (called Hera and Zeus) ages ago. I remember it be enjoyable and I am excited to see how Thunder and Lighting is different.
So I sent this to my girlfriend. She actually watched it and there are a couple more games she wants to play. She has not been a fan of any other board game stuff I have sent her so thank you for the great video.
Thank you so much for sharing that. My goal is to reach those people that perhaps aren't catered for with existing board game media, so it's awesome to hear.
Found you from the board games song, and it was so awesome, I subscribed. Boy am I glad I did! This was so fun to watch, and now I'm interested in a couple of new games. Thanks!
You and your girlfriend are what keeps me laughing while learning about new games that are interesting. Onitama looks like it will be my next purchase!
Hello Jon. Thanks for another amazing video. It seems we both share the same love for specific games. I'm also a big fan of hidden movement, party and 2 player games. The latter because 90% of the time I play with only my girlfriend so I've latelly found myself learning a lot about 2 player only games and games that work well with only 2. Already have my list, but it's always great to find games I've never heard about before. "Thunder & Lightning" and "The Ravens of Thri Sahashri" really caught my eye. Please keep up this amazing work. Love watching someone who loves board games as much as I do. And your girlfriend cameo - amazing. Would love to see her on your videos more often. PS: Tell me more about those card sleeves...
You're girlfriend is awesome!!! I'm glad that she was nice enough to be part of your video. Update: I had put this comment as a sarcastic response to you're fake girlfriend before I had finished the video. When you're real girlfriend walked in I dropped to the floor laughing. You are brilliant!
Hey John, another great video! I stumbled across another video the other day that used the same music that you do for your outro. Kinda surreal. Thanks for doing these videos on games for couples, my wife and I struggle to find games that work for two and that we end up enjoying Onitama and Thunder and Lightning both look promising!
Thunder and Lightning is new to me and definitely looks like it would be a great fit for my wife and I. Thanks for another fantastically entertaining video! Your videos always float to the top of my Watch Later queue when they pop up. :-)
Onitama is so good. It really distills everything fun about Chess into a tight package. I've never had a bad game of it, with gamers and non-gamers alike. Incidentally I'll definitely take that copy of Thunder and Lightning! It reminds me of the best bits of Netrunner without all the parts I hate.
Man! These videos are hilarious (and extremely informative). My girlfriend and I just got into board games as well as your channel. After watching dull reviews and drab lists, this is a breath of fresh air! Keep up the great work. Looking forward to more of "The Dating Games", it tickles our fancy just right. Cheers!
I can relate to the comment how Ravens of Thri Sahashri is too long. In my opinion the rule of silence makes it feel even longer. Not to mention how onesided the game feels when only one player is doing almost all actions and other has to wait for the girls short actions. I'd really want to like that game, but can't make myself.
These seem like not only fantastic couples games, but it's also really nice to see some two-player games featured in general! I'm always looking for more ways to capitalize on small groups.
Another great review. Once kids come along it's harder to get to group game sessions so more couples games reviews is fantastic. Thunder and Lightning and Onitama are now firmly on my wishlist.
Great stuff Jon! I always try and find new games for my fiance and I to try. I actually bought Agricola: All creatures big and small because of a previous video. Also, I'm glad your girlfriend isn't make believe Ho Ho Ho!
Definitely looking forward to this series, great work as always. Your mix of information and humour make every post worth watching. One of the best gaming channels I subscribe to and always highly recommend
I love annihilating my other half at board games, so Thunder and Lightning sounds perfect. And I personally love anything Japanese so I may just look into Onitama too. Thanks Jon!
Another awesome video Actualol! I can relate to so many references as I game with my Long time Girlfriend too. We went to Essen together last year and it was Epic ( at least for me) now I am trying to get her to watch your videos with me. :)
I feel like you've struck a really good balance with game explanations and critiques. So many reviewers out there seem to spend way too long going over every rule and facet of a game and then rush through their final thoughts. You spent only 17 minutes on five games and I feel like I know if I should check them out or pass.
+Tom Cochrane Thanks Tom! It's inspired by my own impatience. I skip lots of rules because I don't think they're crucial to understanding why the game is or isn't fun. I'm glad it works for you!
Thank you so much for putting this much heart into your videos. :) Bf and I had a really good laugh from your Game scenarios vs. Relationship Problems analogies.
You're welcome! :)
There's links to the games reviewed in the description of the video. Remember if you want to enter the competition: like this video, subscribe to the channel and join the discussion below!
Done and done (and done) :)
Done!
your channel is great, even though some of your games are not available in austria. so i hope i convinced you to make me the winner :)
Let's team up! Message me and I can add a page for you on our website and sponsor your game with an actual raffle machine. Love your videos, one of the most unique reviewers out there! Let me know if you're interested. I do monthly giveaways as well on our site. google it if you're so inclined, started up last week.
Is competition still on? :D :D
This provided many actualolz.
Dude you are quickly becoming (or are already) my favorite boardgame youtuber.
My missus LOVES your videos, she asks me if you have new stuff all the time.
Keep em coming dude.
Can I suggest "And then we held hands"? A very good game for couples, even in a pnp version.
Great video, as always!
It's like Thunder... Lightning.... The way you are beating me at this game is frightening!
Wow. I had to pause after every game just to appreciate how great each segment was. Fantastic job!
Ah that's sweet, thanks!
Thanks Jon! Your channel is the only boardgame CZcams channel that I listen to where my wife actually laughs (yes - out loud...) and then wants to come watch the rest of the video!
Jon, my wife and I watch your videos together and we both agree that this is one of the most entertaining ones yet. No word of a lie, 12 years ago, she and I almost never got together in the first place as the result of a bin juice incident while both living in a dorm with a communal kitchen. Thanks for reviving that memory...
+Brad Perry That's amazing, thanks for sharing! And thanks to you and your wife for watching my videos :)
OMG how I love your sense of humor! It just gets better and better - how you make fun of the characters and all. It feels like real people and a real relationship. Hope it will work out with them eventually. I married my gf this April but I'm not planning on buying her a Chess copy - last time we tried it she won in 10 minutes. And she only plays light board games for fun!
Oh my. Note to self, do not watch your videos at work. I got some strange looks as I literally snorted audibly, especially when your actual girlfriend stepped in. My wife and I will enjoy this series both for the entertainment and finding new games for us to enjoy.
I agree with the complexity of Ravens of Thri Sahashri being an unfortunate barrier. But once you get in there and play both roles a couple of times, you really start to send complex messages to each other just with the selection of one card. Plus I think the challenge of building the Atman is less about putting it together and more about the most effective way to build it so that it can be split to greater effect. Great video by the way!
I'm glad you're doing this new series of videos. The top ten list for couples was the first I saw from you and made me suscribe. You make really funny and interesting videos.
Again, these videos are great man! Here's to winning that copy of Thunder and Lightning!
Another great video, Jon! I recently picked up Raptor and my girlfriend and I really enjoyed it - it's really well balanced. I'd love to try out Thunder and Lightning!
I've just bought it and hoping it will be fun for my partner and I as well :D
Loved this video. Very excited about this series. My husband and I usually only get to game together, so we are always on the lookout for good games for 2 players!
I know that this was a while ago now, but this is definitely one of your funniest ones yet! The video was quick, informative and just utterly enjoyable to watch! Keep up the great work!
This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite board game channels... Definitely at least in the top two!
So thank you!!
:)
You roasted yourself so hard in this one lol, but seriously your videos are always so hilarious. Keep up the phenomenal work, sir!
Actualol: Laughs and free stuff are the best! Thanks for making life a bit more entertaining!
Ours is mostly a two player household and we love Onitama because of the parts of chess it isn't!
So glad you're making these videos now. I always struggle to find couples games for my wife and myself.
It is always a good day when an Actualol video pops up in my subscription list.This one was great as always! Looking forward to the next one.
Finally a dedicated couple's board game review! Thanks for making this series, I really need a quick references of board games to play with my wife. Looking forward for the next episode.
Be sure to check out my Top Ten Couples Game video if you haven't already :)
Oh my gosh the "which one is she really mad about"! How I can relate.
A few of these have been on my 'to buy' list for a while. Loved hearing your take on Ravens and Onitama~
Glad we weren't the only ones that struggled with The Ravens of the Thri Sahashri - we sat down a few weeks ago to try and work our way through the rules but eventually just ended up putting it back on the shelf. I'll have to get round to playing it at some point, but it just seems way too convoluted for a game of that type. Also - fantastic video as always, keep up the good work!
Hahaha, brilliant! Keep 'em coming! Onitama was already on my wishlist, but you bumped it way up, thanks!
Genuinely thought you were just going reeeeeeally meta with the girlfriend joke at first, then in she walks! Great videos dude, keep up the good work
Thunder and Lightning looks pretty cool. Has a bit of that bluff/double bluff, like the poisoned wine from The Princess Bride
Is the competition still open?
Congratulations Jon. My girlfriend just watched this with me, muttered about how mad you are, then clicked through to watch another. That's a first - she even complained when I tried watching an episode of Tabletop with her.
Our most successful couples game so far is probably Fungi.
+Lee Broderick Yes it is. Haha, thanks to your girlfriend! Keep watching :)
Fungi is awesome, hope to feature it at some point.
Keeping my fingers crossed then!
Great series! Very funny. Looking forward to the next episode.
Looking forward to the other videos in this series! Keep up the awesome content.
I'm a big fan of your reviews! Good mix of humor and thoughtful analysis without trying to teach the game.
that was awesome! Best video to date and now I'm willing to give those games a go when I'd previously just thought they might be no good. Keep it up :)
I've played the original version of Thunder and Lightning, which was called Hera and Zeus (same game but Greek instead of Norse mythology) and enjoyed it! Just as you said some interesting decisions/ bluffing and the tension rises nicely as the game goes on...
I love the meta fight that you have with yourself/girlfriend. So great.
Yay! A new video! And clever written and meta as always. Nice! :D
I really got the feeling two people are talking with each other, so when your actual girlfriend came in, it was confusing and I had to laugh XD Feeling informed, having interest in the characters AND laughing in a boardgame video?! O_o Already looking forward to your next upload! :)
Thunder and Lightning looks perfect! Please please please :D
Really like your videos! 13 days is one of those games that I wouldn't check out because of the theme, but it seems really cool! Like how it would make you question everything the other player does.
Your analogy of chess and marriage is hilarious. Now I have more games to want! Thanks for the video.
Wonderful video as always, i love the idea of this new 2 player game highlight series! Keep them coming!
You have quickly became one of my favourite CZcams channels. Thunder and Lightning has been on my Amazon wishlist for a while.
Thank you! You're too kind! Well, not "too" kind. The right amount!
I was going to say! I don't think I have ever been accused of being "too" kind. :D
Thank you for keeping the reviews entertaining and informative at the same time.
I played the original version of Thunder and Lighting (called Hera and Zeus) ages ago. I remember it be enjoyable and I am excited to see how Thunder and Lighting is different.
So I sent this to my girlfriend. She actually watched it and there are a couple more games she wants to play. She has not been a fan of any other board game stuff I have sent her so thank you for the great video.
Thank you so much for sharing that. My goal is to reach those people that perhaps aren't catered for with existing board game media, so it's awesome to hear.
Your videos are getting better and better! You're quickly becoming my new source for board game reviews.
Another great video! Looking forward to your future Couple vids!
I love the style of your reviews/recommendations! There's no other reviewer out there like you - thanks for making great videos.
Nicely done. Always on the lookout for more couple's games!
This is a great video! Excited for the new series! Am hoping by showing this to my fiancé, he'll want to play more games with me!
I've never heard of Thunder and Lightning but now you got me interested. Great recommendations!
This is a nice series. I think games for couples is always one of the biggest requests for people game suggestions!
This is so funny! I love your videos! And especially the puns, oh, more puns, please!
Found you from the board games song, and it was so awesome, I subscribed. Boy am I glad I did! This was so fun to watch, and now I'm interested in a couple of new games. Thanks!
You and your girlfriend are what keeps me laughing while learning about new games that are interesting. Onitama looks like it will be my next purchase!
This might be your best video yet! My wife and I loved it.
I gladly wait for moar videos 🙂 At least I know which 2p games I should try. Onitama and 13 Days here we go!
you deserve many more subscribers! your videos are great to watch!
That chess conversation, is actually one what my husband and I have actually had, LOL. I love the look of a chess board, thought I suck at it.
Cool series! I'm looking forward to the rest of the episodes.
Great video with a great concept! Couples games are definitely the most consistent way i get to play. Thanks for your suggestions!
Hello Jon.
Thanks for another amazing video. It seems we both share the same love for specific games. I'm also a big fan of hidden movement, party and 2 player games. The latter because 90% of the time I play with only my girlfriend so I've latelly found myself learning a lot about 2 player only games and games that work well with only 2. Already have my list, but it's always great to find games I've never heard about before. "Thunder & Lightning" and "The Ravens of Thri Sahashri" really caught my eye.
Please keep up this amazing work. Love watching someone who loves board games as much as I do. And your girlfriend cameo - amazing. Would love to see her on your videos more often.
PS: Tell me more about those card sleeves...
You're girlfriend is awesome!!! I'm glad that she was nice enough to be part of your video.
Update: I had put this comment as a sarcastic response to you're fake girlfriend before I had finished the video. When you're real girlfriend walked in I dropped to the floor laughing. You are brilliant!
Haha! That is wonderful, thanks for sharing!
Hey John, another great video! I stumbled across another video the other day that used the same music that you do for your outro. Kinda surreal.
Thanks for doing these videos on games for couples, my wife and I struggle to find games that work for two and that we end up enjoying
Onitama and Thunder and Lightning both look promising!
That's funny! I use free music from the CZcams music library so it's to be expected. I've heard the intro music somewhere else myself.
Just heard about the new Beatles of Podcasts! Actualol + No Pun Included + Jon Gets Games = Super amazing!!!!
Thunder and Lightning is new to me and definitely looks like it would be a great fit for my wife and I. Thanks for another fantastically entertaining video! Your videos always float to the top of my Watch Later queue when they pop up. :-)
Onitama is so good. It really distills everything fun about Chess into a tight package. I've never had a bad game of it, with gamers and non-gamers alike.
Incidentally I'll definitely take that copy of Thunder and Lightning! It reminds me of the best bits of Netrunner without all the parts I hate.
Agreed! All the fun bits of Netrunner without the annoying rulebook.
Another good one Jon. I'm looking forward to more in the series. So far, Patchwork and Jaipur have been our couples game hits.
For some reason I thought that this channel was more popular. It really should be, I like the style and the substance!
Thanks! Tell all your friends!
Man! These videos are hilarious (and extremely informative). My girlfriend and I just got into board games as well as your channel. After watching dull reviews and drab lists, this is a breath of fresh air! Keep up the great work. Looking forward to more of "The Dating Games", it tickles our fancy just right. Cheers!
Love this direction, the couple's analogies were great! Particularly for 13 days :)
Congrats on the Videos, yours are the only ones I can watch with my wife! and that is something..
great video once again. my wife is starting to really like board games and I can't wait to try a few of these with her! keep up the great work!!
I really loved the vid- good take on 2 player games
I can relate to the comment how Ravens of Thri Sahashri is too long. In my opinion the rule of silence makes it feel even longer. Not to mention how onesided the game feels when only one player is doing almost all actions and other has to wait for the girls short actions.
I'd really want to like that game, but can't make myself.
Hadn't heard of a few of these games, definitely looking into them -- especially Thunder and Lightning
Always a fan of these videos and your humor! Great as always
These seem like not only fantastic couples games, but it's also really nice to see some two-player games featured in general! I'm always looking for more ways to capitalize on small groups.
My board game wish list is already up to 40 thanks for adding more.
Ah~ It's always such treat when you post a new video!! Please keep it up! :D
Glad to see more couples games...looks like I've got a few more to pick up!
Another great review. Once kids come along it's harder to get to group game sessions so more couples games reviews is fantastic. Thunder and Lightning and Onitama are now firmly on my wishlist.
I've been really enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work!
Great stuff Jon!
I always try and find new games for my fiance and I to try. I actually bought Agricola: All creatures big and small because of a previous video.
Also, I'm glad your girlfriend isn't make believe Ho Ho Ho!
Haha great video as always! Laughed too hard at the Japanese games joke!
Definitely looking forward to this series, great work as always. Your mix of information and humour make every post worth watching. One of the best gaming channels I subscribe to and always highly recommend
I really appreciate your attention to the new hotness and games that seem to fly under the radar. Cheers!
I love annihilating my other half at board games, so Thunder and Lightning sounds perfect. And I personally love anything Japanese so I may just look into Onitama too. Thanks Jon!
I'm really digging on this series. Great job!
seems like a cool game. also, really like your review style, the only reviewer if seen who incorporates sketches and makes it work!
Love your videos- definitely my favorite board game reviewer on YT.
Another great video! I think I'm gonna check out Onitama.
Girlfriend really loves Onitama, might check out these other games
Great picks! Surprised that "13 Days" works as a couples game.
Another excellent video! Thanks for the suggestions
Love the video and looking forward to the rest of the series!!
Thunder and Lightning looks fun. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thunder and Lightning looks cool! Also you deserve more views!
I love the one-liners this guy comes up with.
Great series! I'm always looking for more couple games.
Another awesome video Actualol! I can relate to so many references as I game with my Long time Girlfriend too. We went to Essen together last year and it was Epic ( at least for me) now I am trying to get her to watch your videos with me. :)