Clank!: Catacombs (2022) Board Game

Clank!: Catacombs is an expansion for the popular deck-building adventure game Clank! It was released in 2022 and designed by Paul Dennen. The game takes players into the depths of the catacombs beneath the city, where they must navigate traps, monsters, and treasures to make it out alive.

Game Components of Clank!: Catacombs

29 Dungeon Tiles: Used to create the dynamic dungeon map.

Clank Board: Not a traditional board, but rather a starting point for tile placement.

180+ Cards: Including the new Dungeon Deck and cards from previous expansions.

140+ Punch Tokens: For various game mechanics.

Market Board: For purchasing items and upgrading decks.

30 Cubes and 1 Players Marker, in 4 player colors: For tracking player progress.

24 Dragon Cubes: For the dragon attack mechanism.

5 Ghost Cubes: For ghost encounters.

Cloth Dragon Bag: For drawing cubes during dragon attacks.

Dragon Marker: To track the dragon’s activity.

Rules: Detailed instructions for gameplay.

How To Setup Clank!: Catacombs

Setup involves starting with a double tile, which serves as the entry point into the catacombs. Players then draw and place additional tiles as they explore, creating a unique dungeon map each game. The first four tiles drawn are ‘safe’ tiles, ensuring a safe zone at the beginning. After these, the ‘depths’ tiles introduce artefacts, challenges, and other elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players improve their decks by buying new cards from the Dungeon Row.

Random Dungeon Generation: The dungeon map is created dynamically using tiles as players explore.

Lockpicks: A new resource for unlocking paths and accessing rewards.

Press-Your-Luck Mechanic: Players must manage noise (Clank cubes) to avoid dragon attacks.

Objective: Find artefacts and treasures while navigating the catacombs and be the first to escape.

Dragon Attacks: Triggered by dragon symbols on certain cards, where players draw from a bag containing their Clank cubes and black dragon cubes, taking damage for each of their cubes drawn.

Player Experience

Clank!: Catacombs offers a highly dynamic and challenging experience. The random tile placement ensures each game is unique, forcing players to be reactive and adapt to new situations. The introduction of lockpicks adds a new layer of strategy, as players must manage this resource to access key areas and rewards. The game is more punishing than its predecessors, with one-way paths and limited chances to prune deadwood from their decks, making every decision critical.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game features a different dungeon layout.

Increased Difficulty: More challenging than the base Clank game, making it appealing to experienced players.

New Mechanics: Lockpicks and dynamic tile placement add fresh layers of strategy.

Integration with Other Clank Games: Cards from Catacombs can be used with original Clank boards and vice versa.

Cons

Chaotic Randomness: Some players find the randomness of the tiles too chaotic, limiting strategic planning.

Difficulty in Accumulating Gold: Market items feel less inspiring, and gold is harder to accumulate.

Survival Focus: The game’s difficulty shifts the focus from accumulating points to mere survival.

Personal Thoughts on Clank!: Catacombs

Clank!: Catacombs is ideal for fans of the Clank series looking for a more challenging and dynamic experience. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy deck-building, press-your-luck mechanics, and high replayability. New players may find it beneficial to start with the basic Clank game to understand the core mechanics before diving into the more complex and punishing world of Catacombs. Overall, it offers a thrilling adventure for those willing to navigate its unpredictable and rewarding depths.

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