Doom Realm (2017) Board Game

Doom Realm is a fantasy-themed board game released in in 2017. Designed by Jason Glover and published by Grey Gnome Games, it is a solo player game that involves dice rolling, grid movement, and puzzle-solving elements. The game is set in a dark and mysterious realm filled with dangerous creatures and challenging puzzles.

Game Components of Doom Realm

Rule sheets and adventure sheets (to be printed by the player)

4 six-sided dice

A pencil

6 pages of game and rules material (including black and white and color versions).

How To Setup Doom Realm

To set up Doom Realm, players need to print out the rule sheets and adventure sheets. The game requires 4 six-sided dice and a pencil. The setup involves preparing the adventure sheet, which includes sections for movement, enemies, treasures, and locations. Each section is managed by allocating the rolled dice to the corresponding areas on the sheet.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Allocation: Players roll four dice and allocate them to different parts of the adventure sheet: movement, enemies, treasures, and locations.

Movement: One die is used to explore the map by shading in hexes, allowing the player to progress and access new locations.

Enemies: One die increases the power of an enemy by either adding health or increasing damage.

Treasures: One die increases the size of a treasure horde, which can include helpful items but also obstacles like traps or locks.

Locations: One die increases the power level of a location, affecting both the enemy’s strength and the treasure available.

Objective: The goal is to locate and defeat six enemies within the realm while managing the power of enemies, treasures, and locations.

Player Experience

Playing Doom Realm involves a strategic and balanced approach to managing resources and risks. The game requires players to balance the power of enemies with the reward of treasures, all while navigating the map efficiently. Each round, players roll the dice and make tactical decisions about how to allocate them, which can lead to a engaging and challenging solo experience.

Pros

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: The game mechanics are easy to learn but offer a depth of strategy.

High Replayability: The random nature of dice rolls and the variety of enemy and treasure combinations ensure each game is unique.

Compact and Portable: As a print-and-play game, it is easy to carry and set up anywhere.

Cons

Setup Time: Players need to print and prepare the sheets before playing.

Complex Decision-Making: Managing the four dice allocations can be overwhelming, especially for new players.

Length: While advertised as a 45-minute game, it can take longer, especially for the first few plays.

Personal Thoughts on Doom Realm

Doom Realm is ideal for fans of solo roll-and-write games who enjoy strategic decision-making and resource management. It is suitable for players aged 12 and above who are looking for a challenging yet rewarding solo gaming experience. The game’s dark fantasy setting and the need to balance risks and rewards make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy tactical gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more social or cooperative gaming experiences.

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