Dungeon Academy (2019) Board Game

Dungeon Academy is a dice-based board game designed by Régis Torres and released in in 2019. It is a fantasy game that involves dice rolling, line drawing, paper-and-pencil elements, real-time gameplay, and variable player powers. The game is suitable for 1-6 players with a recommended age of 10 and above.

Game Components of Dungeon Academy

16 room dice

Dungeon lid and board

Adventure sheets

Hero cards (10 unique characters)

Energy tokens (health and mana)

Loot cards (20 cards)

Exit cards

Labyrinth and Boss dice

Timer

Potions (red and blue)

Treasure and quest cards

How To Setup Dungeon Academy

To set up Dungeon Academy, place the dungeon lid in the middle of the table and fill it with the 16 room dice. Flip the lid over to drop the dice into the dungeon, creating a unique maze for each game. Each player receives an Adventure sheet and a random Hero card. The energy tokens, representing health and mana, are placed in a pile on the table. The loot and exit cards are also placed within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll-and-write

Real-time gameplay

Maze navigation

Resource management (health and mana)

Combat against monsters

Game Objective

Navigate through the dungeon within a set time limit (60 seconds, 45 seconds, or 30 seconds).

Defeat monsters using the right potions.

Collect loot and complete quests.

Earn glory points by defeating monsters and completing quests.

The player with the most glory points after four levels wins.

Player Experience

Players start each round by rolling the dice to create the dungeon layout. They then draw their path through the dungeon on their Adventure sheet, collecting potions and fighting monsters. The game is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making, as players must balance their health and mana while competing to be the first to exit the dungeon. Each player can choose a unique hero with special abilities, adding a layer of strategy. The addition of Labyrinth and Boss dice in later rounds introduces new challenges and variability.

Pros

Unique Dungeon Each Round: The dice create a new dungeon layout for each game, ensuring high replayability.

Fast-Paced and Engaging: The real-time element adds tension and excitement.

Variety in Heroes and Loot: Ten unique heroes and 20 loot cards provide diverse gameplay experiences.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Real-Time Pressure: Some players may find the timed aspect stressful.

Limited Regeneration: Health and mana do not regenerate between rounds, requiring careful management.

Potential for Mistakes: The speed of the game can lead to errors in path drawing or resource management.

Personal Thoughts on Dungeon Academy

Dungeon Academy is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy real-time challenges. It’s a great addition to any family game collection or as a filler game for gaming groups. The unique hero abilities and varied loot cards ensure that each game is different, making it appealing to players who value replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or strategic gameplay without time pressure.

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