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Issue No. 36
Board Game Reviews

RDTN Episode 283: Restoration Games, Star Wars Deck Building Game and More

Story by Tony McRee · 592 readers

RDTN 283 pairs a special Taste Buds with Restoration Games studio updates, Tantrum Con reflections and a broad tour of tabletop titles.

RDTN Episode 283: Restoration Games, Star Wars Deck Building Game and More

RDTN Episode 283 is a broad tabletop listening tour, with its clearest centerpiece arriving in a special Taste Buds segment featuring the team from Restoration Games. The guests wanted to take part, the hosts say, and they also stayed to talk about what’s happening in the studio. That makes this episode more than a run through game titles: it sets aside a substantial stretch for a conversation with a publisher team, then moves back into the show’s regular mix of game discussion, event reflections and sponsor mentions.

The episode also looks back on Tantrum Con. The hosts describe the gathering as a great convention and say the organizers do an excellent job putting it on. They make a point of saying their enthusiasm isn’t simply because the event is local, which gives the reflection a personal touch while keeping the focus on the experience. For listeners choosing where to spend their convention time, this portion offers the hosts’ firsthand appreciation without turning the brief note into a detailed event report.

A special Taste Buds with Restoration Games

The Restoration Games visit is the episode’s most prominent feature. Taste Buds is identified here as a special edition, and the guest team’s willingness to join gives the segment an unusual origin: the hosts say the visitors proposed doing it themselves. The conversation then extends to happenings at the studio, giving listeners two connected reasons to tune in: time with the team and a look at what they’re working on. The source doesn’t spell out particular projects or studio plans, so the useful guide is the segment’s scope rather than a promise of specific announcements.

The timestamp places Taste Buds at 00:32:15, while the separate “Happening at Restoration Games” entry begins at 00:54:27. That division makes it easy to navigate directly to either part. Listeners who want the guest conversation can start with Taste Buds; those mainly interested in the studio update can skip ahead. The episode’s structure gives the Restoration Games material room to stand apart from the shorter game entries that surround it.

Games across the episode

The first named game discussion is Blank Slate, at 00:13:37, followed by Dice Manor at 00:16:40. Velonimo comes up at 00:25:48. Later, the hosts turn to Star Wars Deck Building Game at 01:06:49, Starship Captains at 01:13:27, and Blazon at 01:31:47. The schedule signals a varied set of stops, moving among titles without suggesting that every game receives the same amount of airtime.

These timestamps are a practical way to approach an episode with several distinct interests. A listener can follow the full sequence for the hosts’ wider mix, or head to a particular title for the relevant discussion. The linked entries provide convenient reference points for Blank Slate, Velonimo, Star Wars Deck Building Game, Starship Captains and Blazon. Dice Manor is listed by name in the schedule, though no link accompanies it in the supplied episode notes.

The game list also gives the episode a useful rhythm. Early entries include Blank Slate, Dice Manor and Velonimo, then the special feature takes over the middle stretch. The later part returns to game talk with Star Wars Deck Building Game and Starship Captains before Blazon closes out the named titles. The notes don’t describe rules, player counts, play times or the hosts’ judgments on these games, so listeners looking for those details will need to hear the discussions themselves.

Event notes, links and listening order

Tantrum Con Reflections appears at 00:21:48, between Dice Manor and Velonimo. The episode also includes a “Podcast Truth” entry at 00:11:45, plus opening material and sponsor-related segments. Those brief schedule labels show the program’s magazine-like mix: game conversations share space with event talk and recurring show features. The hosts thank listeners for their support near the end of the notes and provide a link for anyone who wants to contribute.

For a direct listening route, start at 00:21:48 for the convention reflection, jump to 00:32:15 for the special Taste Buds, and continue at 00:54:27 for the Restoration Games studio discussion. The game entries later in the episode are easy to locate by their timestamps, with Star Wars Deck Building Game at 01:06:49, Starship Captains at 01:13:27 and Blazon at 01:31:47. The outro begins at 01:39:18.

Episode 283 looks most appealing to listeners who enjoy a varied tabletop show and want a substantial guest feature alongside several game stops. The Restoration Games conversation anchors the episode, while the Tantrum Con reflection adds a personal account of a local gathering the hosts clearly rate highly. Use the timestamps to pick a starting point, then follow the topics that match your table interests.

Source: Tony McRee · rolldicetakenames.com

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