GenCon 2025 Review: Playtested but Passed (S1E2)

GenCon 2025 Review: Playtested but Passed (S1E2)

We’re fresh back from Gen Con 2025 and diving into all the games we demoed, playtested, or previewed on the show floor — the ones we enjoyed, admired, and ultimately didn’t bring home. Just because we didn’t buy doesn’t mean they weren’t great! From gorgeous marble abstract games to flick-happy dexterity titles, and even a surprise sit-down with Vlaada Chvátil and Tom Vasel at a Harry Potter Codenames event, this episode is packed with first impressions, design notes, and plenty of laughs. We cover 12 games in total, including: * Duat – heavy marble production with ancient Egyptian flair * Mystic Curling Club – dice-flicking meets curling with magical powers * Codenames: Return to Hogwarts – Hogwarts houses add asymmetry * Eschaton: Iconoclasm – apocalyptic deckbuilding gone co-op * TowerBrix – passive-aggressive tower stacking * …and more, from Galactic Cruise to Sea Beasts: A Bloody Voyage If you want board game reviews, Gen Con previews, and honest first impressions, this is your stop. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 01:35 - Duat 06:09 - Mystic Curling Club 11:22 - Code Names: Return to Hogwarts 21:39 - Eschaton: Iconoclasm 25:55 - TowerBrix 30:21 - Galactic Cruise 34:35 - Worms 37:52 - Regicide Legacy 40:41 - Psychobabble 48:19 - High Frontier 4 All 50:42 - Sea Beasts: A Bloody Voyage 52:22 - Eve: War for New Eden

First Impressions: Last Light (S0E2)

In this mini episode of Red Cell UX, Kelly and Clayton break down their first play through of Last Light, a fast-paced, card-driven 4X space game. They explore asymmetric alien factions racing to gather light from a dying star, the unique rotating board with amorphous spaces, and simultaneous card actions that speed up gameplay. Hear their honest impressions, component critiques, strategy insights, and the surprises of learning the rules as they play. From beautiful components to positional quirks and a few setup mishaps, Kelly and Clayton share a dual perspective on what worked, what didn’t, and why Last Light might just become a favorite for quick 4X fun. Connect with us: Follow on Instagram: @redcellex Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more stories, strategy, and design insights from the world of tabletop gaming.

First Impressions: Tea Witches (S0E1)

In our first mini episode, we take a quick first-play dive into Tea Witches, a whimsical worker placement game with magical tea, pun-filled names, and a rotating fountain centerpiece. Join Kelly, a UX designer and new gamer, and Clay, a slightly more experienced tabletop enthusiast, as they share their unfiltered reactions, gameplay observations, and occasional disagreements. We cover everything from the charming (and slightly creepy) “sweet tooth” toppings, tea pups, and to-go orders, to the push-your-luck mechanics, player board upgrades, and the game’s balance between strategy and randomness. Along the way, we discuss production quality, accessibility considerations, replayability, and whether this game delivers the cutesy fun its artwork promises—or surprises you with more depth than expected. Whether you’re curious about Tea Witches or enjoy hearing UX-informed perspectives on board games, this episode is a fresh take straight from the table. Follow us on Instagram @redcellUX [https://www.instagram.com/redcellUX] for behind-the-scenes content and game highlights.

GenCon 2025 Review: The Haul & The Hype (S1E1)

Season 1 kicks off with our GenCon 2025 review! Hear the perspective of a new gamer and a seasoned player as we talk playtests, purchases, and upcoming kickstarters--all through a UX lens.