Adventure Games: The Dungeon (2019) Board Game

Adventure Games: The Dungeon is a board game released in 2019 by KOSMOS. It is designed by Matthew Dunstan and Phil Walker-Harding, with artwork by Martin Hoffmann. The game falls under the categories of Exploration, Fantasy, and Puzzle, and features cooperative gameplay with a focus on narrative choice and storytelling.

Game Components of Adventure Games: The Dungeon

Adventure deck of cards: Represents items and events.

Room cards: Depict various locations in the dungeon.

Adventure book: Contains the story content and instructions.

Meeples: Player tokens.

Item cards: Numbered cards for combining and solving puzzles.

Kosmos Helper App: Optional, provides voice-over for the game entries.

How To Setup Adventure Games: The Dungeon

To set up the game, players start by reading the introductory section of the adventure book, which explains the scenario: waking up in a dank dungeon with no memory of how they got there. Each player chooses a meeple and places it in the starting location. The room cards and adventure deck are shuffled and placed within reach. Players can use the Kosmos Helper App for a more immersive experience with voice-over instructions. The game is divided into three chapters, each designed to be played over approximately 90 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players move to different locations and read the corresponding sections in the adventure book.

Item Combination: Combine item cards to solve puzzles and unlock new areas.

Decision Making: Players make choices that affect the game world and story.

Hint System: Clues are available in the rulebook or through the Kosmos Helper App if players get stuck.

Story Progression: The story unfolds as players take actions, similar to a PC adventure game.

Objective: Escape the dungeon by grasping the plot and devising a plan.

Player Experience

Playing **Adventure Games: The Dungeon** is akin to experiencing a choose-your-own-adventure story. Players work together, discussing their next steps and making decisions that impact the game world. The game encourages teamwork and observation, as players must carefully read the adventure book and examine the illustrations for clues. Each chapter can be saved, making it easy to pause and resume the game. The game’s design promotes family-friendly gameplay and fosters discussions between sessions.

Pros

Collaborative and Replayable: Suitable for 1 to 4 players with enough content for approximately three different playthroughs.

Immersive Storytelling: The game offers a thrilling adventure with branching pathways and multiple decisions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families and younger players, though the recommended age is 12+.

Resettable: All components can be easily reset for new players.

Hint System: Available clues help players if they get stuck.

Cons

No Loss Condition: Health is used more for scoring than as a lose condition.

Non-Interactive Combat: Combat mechanics are not interactive.

Anti-Climactic Final Battle: Some players find the final battle lacking in excitement.

Reduced Fun on Replay: Subsequent playthroughs may not be as exciting due to known surprises.

Personal Thoughts on Adventure Games: The Dungeon

**Adventure Games: The Dungeon** is perfect for fans of cooperative games, escape rooms, and point-and-click video games. It offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling that keeps players engaged. The game is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a collaborative adventure. While it may lose some appeal on subsequent playthroughs, the first experience is highly satisfying and enjoyable. If you’re seeking a game that combines adventure and teamwork, **Adventure Games: The Dungeon** is an excellent choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.