Dungeon Alliance (2018) Board Game

Dungeon Alliance is a board game released in 2018, designed by William Bricker, Víctor Pérez Corbella, Biagio D’Alessandro, and Manolis Frangidis. It is a fantasy adventure game that involves exploration, fighting, and deck-building mechanics. The game is designed for 1-4 players and has a runtime of 60-180 minutes.

Game Components of Dungeon Alliance

17 unique hero characters, each with their own set of cards

Hero miniatures

Monster tokens and miniatures

Dungeon tiles and map pieces

Trap tokens

Experience point tokens

Dice

Character cards and ability cards

How To Setup Dungeon Alliance

To set up Dungeon Alliance, players first choose four heroes from the available pool of 17 characters. Each hero comes with three unique cards that are combined into a single deck. The dungeon map is constructed randomly using dungeon tiles, ensuring a different layout each time. Players place their heroes on the starting tile, and the game is ready to begin. The setup involves preparing the deck, laying out the dungeon, and placing monsters and traps according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-building: Players draw and use ability cards from their combined hero deck.

Dungeon Crawling: Heroes move around the map, exploring rooms and fighting monsters.

Miniatures: Heroes and monsters are represented by miniatures on the board.

Variable Player Powers: Each hero has unique abilities based on their character cards.

Random Dungeon Generation: The dungeon layout changes with each play.

Game Objective: The goal is to clear the dungeon by defeating monsters, avoiding traps, and collecting experience points.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of strategy and randomness as they navigate the dungeon. Each turn involves drawing cards and deciding the optimal actions for their heroes, considering factors like monster behavior and trap risks. The game rewards clever planning and adaptability, as the draw of cards and die rolls can significantly impact the outcome of each turn.

Pros

High Replayability: The random dungeon generation and variable hero combinations ensure a different experience each time.

Cerebral Gameplay: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Solo Mode: Particularly enjoyable for solo players, offering a challenging puzzle to solve.

Unique Heroes: Each hero brings distinct abilities and personalities to the game.

Cons

Multiplayer Issues: Can be frustrating in multiplayer due to the randomness of card draws and the potential for uneven player experiences.

Setup Time: Requires some time to set up the game, especially when constructing the dungeon map.

Complexity: May require dedication to learn and master the game’s systems.

Personal Thoughts on Dungeon Alliance

Dungeon Alliance is for players who enjoy strategic deck-building games and dungeon crawlers. It is particularly suited for solo players who appreciate a challenging, puzzle-like experience. While it can be enjoyable in multiplayer, the game’s mechanics are more streamlined and satisfying when played solo. It is a game that reveals its depth and complexity over time, making it a great choice for those willing to invest time in learning its systems and optimizing hero combinations.

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.