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Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood is a cooperative board game set in a dark fantasy world where players must work together to explore the treacherous Deepwood. Designed by a team of talented individuals, this game combines elements of adventure, card play, dice rolling, and exploration to create an immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood

  • Core Game: Includes the game, 2 Mystery Chests, 21 chapters of the story, 27 Oathsworn Miniatures, and over 70 large enemy miniatures.
  • Miniatures: Features detailed miniatures for both the Oathsworn characters and the enemies.
  • Game Book: A multi-path game book that unfolds the story.
  • Battle Board: Used for multi-phase scripted boss fights.
  • Dice and Cards: Includes exploding dice and AI-driven enemy cards.
  • Terrain Tiles: Used by certain characters, like the witch, to interact with the map.

    How To Setup Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood

    Setting up the game involves preparing the game book, arranging the battle board, and distributing the miniatures and cards. Players need to select their characters and prepare the necessary components for each session. The game book guides players through the narrative setup, ensuring each session builds on the previous one.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count: 1-4 players.
  • Playing Time: 30-90 minutes.
  • Minimum Age: 14.
  • Mechanics:
  • Action Points**
  • Cooperative Game**
  • Deck, Bag, and Pool Building**
  • Dice Rolling**
  • Hand Management**
  • Modular Board**
  • Push Your Luck**
  • Role Playing**
  • Storytelling**
  • Variable Player Powers**
  • Card Play Conflict Resolution**
  • Hexagon Grid**
  • Legacy Game**
  • Pattern Recognition**
  • Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game**.
  • Objective: Players navigate a deep narrative campaign, fighting for humanity’s survival against unnatural horrors and the Deepwood itself. They must outwit and outplay AI-driven monsters in multi-phase scripted battles, gaining levels, loot, and new allies along the way.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood** is an immersive experience, with a strong emphasis on narrative choices and dynamic combat. Each session involves engaging in a multi-path game book, leading to unique and challenging encounters. The game’s “push your luck” combat system with exploding dice and the “Battleflow” cooldown system create vibrant and engaging gameplay. The solo play experience is also praised for its ease and enjoyment, thanks to the companion system that allows players to control multiple characters effectively.

    Pros

  • Rich Narrative: The game boasts a deep and engaging story that unfolds over multiple sessions.
  • Dynamic Combat: Combines a “push your luck” system with a euro-style cooldown system, making combat engaging and strategic.
  • Solo Play: Excellent design for solo players, allowing for control of multiple characters.
  • Unique Encounters: Each combat session is unique due to the multi-phase scripted battles and AI-driven enemies.
  • Character Development: Players gain levels, loot, and new allies as the campaign progresses.

    Cons

  • Replayability: Some players find the game lacking in replayability compared to other similar games like Kingdom Death: Monster.
  • Character Balance: Some characters are felt to be less interesting and less distinct from one another.
  • Time Commitment: The narrative aspect can be time-consuming, which may not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood

    **Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood** is ideal for fans of narrative-driven board games and those who enjoy strategic combat with a touch of role-playing elements. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games like Gloomhaven and Kingdom Death: Monster but are looking for a slightly different experience. The game’s emphasis on storytelling and its unique combat mechanics make it a standout in the dark fantasy genre. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high replayability or those who prefer lighter, less time-consuming games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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