Attack the Darkness (2013) Board Game

Attack the Darkness is a fantasy board game released in 2013 by Protean Games. It is designed for 1-8 players, with a recommended player count of 3. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of different characters to battle monsters and complete quests.

Game Components of Attack the Darkness

Deck of cards: Each character is represented by their deck, which includes all the cards that define their abilities and actions.

Prebuilt character decks: The game includes prebuilt decks for 7 unique classes.

Prebuilt dungeons: 5 prebuilt dungeons are provided to challenge new players.

Rulebook: A full-size, glossy, full-color rulebook containing the rules, a list of prebuilt character decks, and an extensive glossary.

Various cards and pieces: A multitude of cards and game pieces that facilitate gameplay.

How To Setup Attack the Darkness

Setting up Attack the Darkness involves distributing the character decks to players, selecting a dungeon to play through, and optionally assigning a game master to control the monsters. The rulebook provides detailed instructions on how to prepare the game environment, including how to construct the dungeon and allocate the necessary cards and pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-drafting: Players draft cards to build and enhance their character decks.

Deck-building: Characters’ abilities and actions are defined by the cards in their deck.

Table-top RPG elements: Players engage in role-playing, making decisions that affect the game world and their characters.

Game master option: A game master can be used to control monsters and narrate the game, adding a dynamic layer to the gameplay.

Objective: The primary goal is to navigate through dungeons, overcome challenges, and defeat enemies using the cards in the character’s deck.

Player Experience

Attack the Darkness is designed to be accessible yet challenging. New players can quickly grasp the game’s simple components, while experienced gamers can delve into the complex combinations and strategies. The game supports play with or without a game master, offering flexibility in gameplay style. With thousands of possible card combinations, players can experiment with different tactics and risk-taking maneuvers.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple components make it accessible to new players.

Deep strategy: Offers complex combinations and strategies for experienced players.

Flexible gameplay: Can be played with or without a game master.

High replayability: Thousands of card combinations ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Excellent art and design: The game features stellar art and a well-regarded rulebook.

Cons

Steep learning curve for advanced mechanics: While the basics are easy to learn, mastering the advanced strategies can take time.

Dependence on card drafting: The game’s outcomes can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn, which may not always be favorable.

Personal Thoughts on Attack the Darkness

Attack the Darkness is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of role-playing, deck-building, and strategic card play. It is particularly suited for those new to gaming who want to start enjoying the game quickly, as well as for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and dynamic experience. The game’s flexibility in allowing play with or without a game master makes it versatile for different play groups and preferences. Overall, it offers a unique blend of speed, excitement, and tactical depth that appeals to a wide range of players.

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