013: Compile - A Lane Battler Deep Dive
Hawkdove
Episode 013: Compile - A Lane Battler Deep Dive In this episode, Steve and Brandon dive into their thoughts about Compile, a lane battler deck mashup card game that has captured their attention. They compare it to Magic the Gathering and discuss its unique mechanics and protocols in detail. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Welcome back and introduction (05:26) Why Compile feels like Magic the Gathering (14:06) Unpacking protocol names and concepts (27:27) Mastering drafting strategy for competitive gameplay (34:28) Building a tier list for top protocols (46:11) Revealing favorite card combos and strategic...
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012: Diplomacy - International Intrigue and Board Game Betrayal
Hawkdove
Episode 012: Diplomacy - International Intrigue and Board Game Betrayal Welcome back to the podcast! After a long hiatus since spring 2025, hosts Steve and Brandon dive deep into the classic 1957 strategy game Diplomacy - a seven-player game of international intrigue set in the run up to World War I. Steve shares his firsthand experience playing his first postal game of Diplomacy, complete with alliances, betrayals, and the complex web of negotiations that make this game legendary among strategy gamers. From Gen Con 2025 discoveries to the brutal realities of playing as England in a game where...
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011: Board Game Potpourri 2 - Live Service Fatigue and the Joy of Self-Contained Games
Hawkdove
Episode 011: Board Game Potpourri 2 - Live Service Fatigue and the Joy of Self-Contained Games After nearly a year hiatus, hosts Brandon and Steve return to discuss their evolving relationship with games, both digital and tabletop. From one host's complete departure from Magic: The Gathering after Modern Horizons 3 to discovering gaming gems like Balatro and Spirit Island, this episode explores the tension between live-service games and self-contained experiences. Brandon also reveals his exciting new venture into board game design, sharing insights from their development process and what...
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010: Board Game Potpourri
Hawkdove
Brandon and Steve are cookin' up some board game goulash this week! They've got a lot to say about politicking, negotiation, and cooperation. But, of course, they also can't resist the need for speed! 2:30 - King's Dilemma 22:15 - Modern Art 30:47 - Twilight Imperium 39:48 - Mysterium 44:40 - Gloomhaven 50:45 - Spirit Island 1:00:44 - Unfathomable 1:02:00 - Camel Up 1:05:36 - Heat: Pedal to the Metal 1:08:20 - Wrap Up & Teasers
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009: Making Big Things
Hawkdove
Steve teaches Brandon about software development, and then they speculate about the video game industry. 8:30 - Introduction 17:00 - Climate Change, Big O Notation, & Starfield 33:00 - The Software Development Life Cycle, Henry Ford, & Japanese Auto Manufacturers 39:20 - The Mystery of Unfinished Games: Waterfall vs Agile
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008: Anime? Attack on Titan? Sus
Hawkdove
Steve and Brandon drift out of their lane with this one, so tighten the velcro on your shoes and strap in. If you love anime, join us for a breakdown of a great series - and if you don't love anime, then you're welcome - we'll save you 1 day, 11 hours, & 15 minutes. Spoilers warning at the 8:10 minute mark. Happy holidays, ya filthy animals!
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007: Spooktober Special feat. Mitch
Hawkdove
Brandon and Steve host their first guest from the Hawkdove Podcast Universe for the first holiday special! Join us while you pack up your Halloween decorations to reflect on spooky games, social deduction, and Blood on the Clocktower.
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006: Metagaming
Hawkdove
Steve and Brandon ask one of life's big questions - what is a metagame? And what do you think about the Internet solving your favorite games? Timestamps: 2:15 - What'd we play while away 15:30 - What's a meta 25:40 - Evolving or becoming stale
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005: Post-Apocalypse: Fallout
Hawkdove
Brandon and Steve talk about Fallout RPG elements in this installment of their post-apocalypse game breakdown.
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004: Root, Storytelling, & the C.I.A.
Hawkdove
Steve and Brandon finally talk about a board game! Steve holds Brandon hostage in a bizarre conspiracy about woodland creatures and U.S. national security.
info_outlineSteve teaches Brandon about software development, and then they speculate about the video game industry.
8:30 - Introduction
17:00 - Climate Change, Big O Notation, & Starfield
33:00 - The Software Development Life Cycle, Henry Ford, & Japanese Auto Manufacturers
39:20 - The Mystery of Unfinished Games: Waterfall vs Agile