RUN (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

RUN is a card game released in 2020 by The Happy Narwhal Co. It is a fantasy-themed game that incorporates elements of mythology and dice rolling. The game is designed for 1-8 players and has a runtime of 15-45 minutes. Players must use strategy and luck to outsmart their opponents and emerge victorious in this fast-paced game.

Game Components of RUN

9 player tokens in different colors

15 small cube tokens (including extra black and purple tokens for expansions)

Discovery Deck cards

Character traits cards

Vengeance cards

One red square token to represent the peril

Game board

How To Setup RUN

To set up RUN, players first draw a character and begin their escape from a dungeon. Each player receives a set of Discovery Deck cards. The game board is laid out, and the peril, represented by the red square token, is placed on the board. Players also need to separate the Vengeance cards, which come into play if a player’s character dies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Escape the dungeon by navigating through a path while avoiding or mitigating the effects of a randomly drawn monster.

Mechanics:
– Draw and use Discovery Deck cards to modify dice rolls or affect other players.
– Roll a six-sided die to determine movement.
– Acquire character traits and use them strategically.
– Use Vengeance cards if a player’s character dies to hinder other players.
– Cooperative or competitive play: In cooperative mode, players work together to escape; in competitive mode, players use their abilities to outmaneuver each other.

Gameplay:
– Each turn involves drawing a Discovery Deck card, choosing to use, discard, or store it, and then rolling the die.
– Players can carry two Discovery cards at once and use them to help themselves or allies.

Player Experience

The game can be fun, especially in its competitive mode where the Vengeance cards add a layer of retribution. However, the game suffers from unclear instructions and too many components without clear explanations. With eight players, the game becomes chaotic and less enjoyable. The cooperative elements work best with smaller groups, ideally four players or fewer.

Pros

Replayability: The use of Vengeance cards and random monster draws adds variability.

Competitive Mode: The competitive mode is more engaging due to the strategic use of abilities and Vengeance cards.

Character Traits: Acquiring and using character traits adds depth to the game.

Cons

Unclear Instructions: The rules are often confusing, leading to downtime and frustration.

Component Issues: Insufficient tokens and unclear usage of extra tokens can cause confusion.

Player Count: The game is not suitable for large groups, becoming chaotic with more than four players.

Personal Thoughts on RUN

RUN is best suited for groups looking for a light, fun party game with a competitive edge. It is not ideal for large groups due to the complexity and chaos that ensues. The game’s potential is marred by its lack of clarity in the instructions, but with a smaller group and a competitive mindset, it can be an enjoyable experience. For those who prefer cooperative games, the Villains and Vigilance expansion might offer a better experience.

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