Level Up

Level Up

Author: Tabletop Bellhop November 2, 2025 Duration: 1:56:04

This episode we share our favourite games where you level up or power up during the game, but that aren’t campaign games. To go with that we’ve got a spoiler free review of Vantage from Stonemaier Games.

We also review Tea Witches from The Op, share first thoughts on How to Save A World, talk about our first ever Pop Up Board Game Cafe, and more.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 287, was recorded on October 29th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep287/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:01:53) Ask the Bellhop
(00:35:12) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:53:02) The Game Room - Review of Vantage
Pick up a copy, https://amzn.to/3JFdml7
Pick up the Vantage Playmats, https://amzn.to/4oMTxax
Or the upgraded Skill Tokens, https://amzn.to/4oQ5EDU
Visit Stonemaier Games on Amazon, https://amzn.to/3LlriBc
Our other Stonemaier content: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=stonemaier
(01:29:24) The Game Room - Review of Tea Witches
Pick up Tea Witches, https://miniature-market.sjv.io/4G4E6M
Pick up the Deluxe Upgrade Kit, https://miniature-market.sjv.io/qzPyrj
Check out our GAMA Expo 2025 Coverage: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep267/
We’ve covered a lot of games from The Op: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=The%20Op

(01:54:08) Closing the Doors

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Ever find yourself staring at your shelf of board games, wondering which one would actually work for your particular group this weekend? Or perhaps you’ve just unboxed a new game and feel a bit lost in the rulebook. That’s the space where the Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast lives. Hosted by the folks at Tabletop Bellhop, this show is like having a knowledgeable friend on call to help navigate the vast world of tabletop gaming. Each episode dives into practical advice and genuine conversations aimed at making your game nights smoother and more fun. You’ll hear detailed reviews of specific games, discussions on common gaming hurdles, and tips for everything from teaching rules to managing player dynamics. While the focus is firmly on board games, the occasional role-playing game conversation slips in, reflecting the full spectrum of tabletop hobbies. The tone is welcoming and down-to-earth, avoiding insider jargon in favour of clear, useful insights. It’s a resource built on the idea that the best games are the ones that actually get played, and that a great experience is about more than just the components in the box. Tune in for a podcast that feels like a direct consultation with your own cardboard concierge, dedicated to answering the real questions that pop up around the gaming table.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 1:47:56
Welcome to a special GAMA Preview episode where we highlight the games we’re excited to see at the first big convention of the year as well as give you a bit of info on this industry trade show. We also review a couple o…
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Since we last recorded a podcast we’ve hosted two public play game nights here in Windsor and got in plenty of holiday gaming, so tonight we’re going to share our thoughts on a number of games, many that were new to us.…
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Duration: 1:43:43
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Duration: 54:42
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Duration: 52:11
In this episode we talk about a bunch of board games that are fun right from the start, games that grab you right from turn one. Then we have a detailed review of one such game, This Game is KILLER from Smirk & Dagger. T…
Pretty Pictures, Classic Records, Marvel, and Corpses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:53
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Quick Card Games And More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:02
In this episode we talk about the games we’ve been playing including more thoughts on Endeavor Deep Sea, a couple of quick playing, easy to learn card games Flip 7 and Mind Up!, and share thoughts on two escape rooms in…
A Grand Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:09
Marc Specter of Grand Gamers Guild joins us for our first ever Publisher AMA. After the AMA we review Endeavor Deep Sea, a game that his company co-published with Burnt Island Games. You are going to want to stick around…