Gloomhaven Review – Board Game Guys

I’ve played Gloomhaven, the 2017 board game phenomenon, and can confidently attest that its immersive gameplay, strategic depth, and high replay value make it a must-play for any serious board game enthusiast. The unique card system seamlessly blends strategic decision-making with cooperative discovery, offering a deeply engaging experience. With a modular board and 95 scenarios, no two playthroughs are ever the same. While component quality has some issues, the game’s wealth of strategic options and gradual build-up of systems and mechanics demands attention and consideration.

Understanding Gloomhaven’s Gameplay

I’m immediately struck by the complexity and depth of its gameplay, which seamlessly blends strategic decision-making with cooperative discovery. As a player, I take on the role of a wandering adventurer, working in tandem with my teammates to clear dungeons and ruins, upgrade our abilities with experience and loot, and venture into new locations.

At the heart of Gloomhaven’s gameplay lies its unique card system, which determines the order of play and what I do on my turn. Each turn, I choose two cards to play, with the top card determining initiative. Each card has top and bottom powers that can be used strategically to overcome challenges. I must carefully consider my decisions, as the top power of one card can be paired with the bottom power of the other, or vice-versa. This system allows for a remarkable level of flexibility and strategy, as I weigh the benefits of using a card’s top power against its bottom power. The game’s medium complexity level and variable difficulty level, with options to play on Hard and Very Hard levels, mean that I must be careful not to exhaust my hand, as I can permanently lose cards over time.

Component Quality and Organization

I’ve found that the game’s components, while abundant and visually stunning, fall short in regards to quality, with some pieces prone to breaking or sticking together. The cards, of which there are 1,500, are a notable exception, boasting high-quality production values. However, even these aren’t immune to issues, with some players reporting stuck-together cards or rough edges. The game’s tokens and coins, on the other hand, are more problematic, with the cardboard standees and coins being cheaply made and prone to breaking or splitting. Despite these issues, the game’s components are highly praised for their design. Overall, while the game’s components have some quality control issues, they still manage to augment the gameplay experience.

Storage and Accessibility

With 22 pounds of cardboard, plastic, and cards to manage, I’ve found that storing and organizing Gloomhaven’s vast array of components is a challenging task that requires careful consideration and potentially additional investment. The game’s box is not designed for easy storage, and I’ve had to invest time in finding solutions to keep everything tidy and prevent damage. I’ve found that storage solutions, such as the Y.A.S.S. system, are a vital investment, costing around $20. These solutions help to keep the components organized and easily accessible.

Pros and Cons of Gloomhaven

On one hand, the intricate gameplay offers a rich, immersive experience, but on the other, it can be overwhelming for new players.

Gloomhaven’s medium complexity level, marked by nuances like Artificial Intelligence movements, demands strategic planning and management of my hand, stamina, and abilities to overcome challenges. As a player, I must collaborate with my teammates, using our unique abilities and strengths to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. The card system is a key aspect of the game, where I choose two cards to play each turn, using top and bottom powers to determine my actions. The initiative values on the cards determine the order of play, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

The game’s complexity is further increased by the variety of mechanics, including deck building, grid movement, hand management, and variable player powers. While this complexity can be overwhelming, especially for new players, it’s also part of the game’s appeal. With its intricate mechanics and strategic gameplay, Gloomhaven is a true dungeon crawler that challenges me to adapt and adjust my strategies to succeed.

Cooperative Play Benefits

Playing cooperatively in Gloomhaven offers a unique gaming experience that combines strategic teamwork, social deduction, and camaraderie. I’ve discovered that cooperative play is where the game truly shines. By working together, players will make decisions that complement each other’s abilities, leveraging their strengths to overcome challenges in each scenario. As we progress through the game, we’ll refine our abilities with experience, discovering new possibilities and strategies. The cooperative mechanic fosters a sense of unity, as we rely on each other to succeed.

Replay Value Concerns

While I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my journey through Gloomhaven, I’ve started to wonder whether the game’s complexity and lengthy playtime might eventually take a toll on my enthusiasm. Despite its high replay value, I’ve been concerned that the game’s demanding nature might lead to fatigue. With 95 scenarios, multiple playable characters, and branching storylines, it’s undeniable that Gloomhaven offers years’ worth of content.

However, the game’s complexity and lengthy playtime do pose a risk of burnout. The need for a significant time commitment to fully experience the game might deter some players. On the other hand, the modular design, which allows me to mix and match scenarios, characters, and enemies, further increases replayability and lets me create customized experiences. The community-driven nature of the game, with fans creating custom content, also boosts replay value.

I’ve found that Gloomhaven’s strategic depth is remarkable, with a complex web of systems and mechanics that reward careful planning and strategic thinking. The game’s complexity is expertly woven, allowing for a high degree of customization and adaptability. One of the most impressive aspects of Gloomhaven is its modular board, which guarantees that no two playthroughs are ever the same. The game’s designers have done an excellent job of balancing complexity and accessibility, making it easy for new players to learn the basics while still offering a wealth of strategic options for veterans.

Is Gloomhaven Worth the Investment?

Considering the significant investment of time and money required to play Gloomhaven, it’s natural to wonder if the game’s depth and complexity are worth the cost.

Replayability: With 95 scenarios to venture into, the game’s ever-branching story guarantees that no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Depth and complexity: The game’s initiative order system, coupled with the sheer variety of enemies and scenarios, creates a truly immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

As a new player, it’s essential to start with the introductory scenario and gradually progress through the campaign to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the game’s complexity. Understanding stamina management is also vital, as exhausting characters can lead to significant setbacks in the campaign. To improve gameplay efficiency,

For experienced players, it’s time to take your gameplay to the next level. Experiment with different character builds and party compositions to tackle challenging scenarios and difficult monsters. You can also create custom scenarios, use fan-made content, or venture into alternative game modes, such as solo play or cooperative play with uneven player counts. These variations will breathe new life into your gameplay experience and keep you engaged for hours on end.

While the game’s steep learning curve and storage requirements may deter some, I believe that the payoff is well worth the effort. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, I’m confident that you’ll find Gloomhaven to be a truly rewarding experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.