Unknown (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Unknown is a cooperative board game released in 2016, designed by Boya Sun. It falls under the categories of adventure, exploration, horror, and science fiction, appealing to fans of these genres. With a variable player count of 1-6 players and a runtime of 45 minutes, Unknown offers an immersive gameplay experience where players work together to uncover mysteries and survive challenges.

Game Components of Discover: Lands Unknown

Biomes: Each copy includes two of four possible biomes.

Scenarios: Four scenarios per copy, with a total of five different scenarios across all copies.

Characters: Each copy contains a subset of twelve different playable characters.

Terrain: Various terrain tiles.

Items: Different items and resources.

Monsters: Unique monsters and enemies.

Health State Tracker: A system to track character health and stamina.

How To Setup Discover: Lands Unknown

Setting up the game involves selecting the biomes and scenarios included in your copy. Each copy has a unique combination of these elements. Players choose their characters and start by exploring the terrain, which is composed of modular tiles. The setup is relatively straightforward, with players placing the terrain tiles and distributing the necessary items and resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players explore a unique, modular board composed of terrain tiles.

Survival: Manage health, stamina, and resources to survive the harsh conditions.

Scenarios: Complete specific objectives within each scenario, such as fetching items or reaching certain locations.

Combat: Simple dice-rolling mechanics to resolve combat, with the ability to modify dice rolls using items and resources.

Discovery: Discover new items, areas, and narrative elements as you explore.

Objective: Survive and complete scenario objectives while managing resources and health.

Player Experience

Playing Discover: Lands Unknown can be a thrilling experience due to its unique elements and the thrill of discovery. However, the game’s replayability is limited by the fixed scenarios and components included in each copy. Players enjoy the initial exploration phase, but the game can become repetitive once the initial discovery is complete. Combat can be frustratingly random, and the game’s reliance on luck can be disappointing.

Pros

Unique Copies: Each copy of the game is unique, offering a distinct experience.

Exploration: The exploration mechanics are engaging and exciting.

Stamina and Health System: The health state tracker and stamina system add depth to the game.

Discovery Aspect: Finding new items and areas is a highlight of the game.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Scenarios are not highly replayable, and the game can feel repetitive.

Random Combat: Combat is heavily reliant on luck, which can be frustrating.

Lack of Indication on Components: There is no clear way to know which pieces are included in your copy or how to track them.

Personal Thoughts on Discover: Lands Unknown

Discover: Lands Unknown is for players who enjoy exploration and survival games with a unique twist. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking high replayability or consistent strategic depth. The game’s innovative concept of unique copies is intriguing, but it falls short in execution due to the limited replay value and random elements that can make gameplay feel out of the player’s control. If you enjoy the thrill of discovery and are willing to accept some randomness, this game could be a fun addition to your collection.

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