Boss Monster 2: The Next Level (2015) Board Game

Boss Monster 2: The Next Level is an expansion for the original Boss Monster game, which was released in in 2015. Designed by Johnny O’Neal, Chris O’Neal, and Christopher O’Neal, this expansion takes the city-building card game to new heights with additional cards and mechanics. With a focus on retro video game themes, players take on the role of classic villains constructing dungeons to lure in hapless heroes.

Game Components of Boss Monster 2: The Next Level

160-card set: Includes 12 new bosses, 75 room cards, 31 spell cards, and 42 heroes.

New Bosses: Each boss has unique level-up abilities, EXP values, and treasure types.

Room Cards: Divided into monster rooms and trap rooms, used to build dungeons.

Spell Cards: Instant effects with various applications, including epic spells like Lightning Bolt and It’s On!.

Heroes: Includes regular, epic, dark, and hybrid heroes with special abilities.

How To Setup Boss Monster 2: The Next Level

To set up the game, you start by shuffling the five types of cards and separating them into their respective piles. Heroes are stacked with normal heroes on top and epic heroes at the bottom. Room and spell cards are placed beside each other. Each player is dealt one boss card at random, though a house rule suggests dealing two boss cards and letting players choose one.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players.

Objective: Players compete to build the most attractive dungeon to lure and kill heroes, earning points.

EXP System: The boss with the highest EXP moves first each round, but in a tie, the boss with lower EXP wins.

Treasure Types: Each boss attracts specific types of heroes based on their treasure type (swords, tomes, money, ankhs).

Level-Up Abilities: Activated when the dungeon reaches its maximum of five rooms, offering powerful single effects or ongoing abilities.

Cross-Table Effects: Includes mechanics like cycling rooms to affect opponents’ dungeons.

Player Experience

**Boss Monster 2: The Next Level** offers a blend of luck and strategy, making it engaging for players of all skill levels. The game is known for its fun and strategic gameplay, with new card varieties that keep the experience fresh. It is particularly appealing to fans of 8-bit nostalgia and retro video game art styles.

Pros

High Replayability: New card sets and mechanics ensure the game remains fresh over multiple plays.

Balanced Gameplay: More balanced than the original, with more ways for players to come back or lose their lead.

Stand-Alone or Expansion: Can be played as a standalone game or combined with the original Boss Monster set.

Engaging Art Style: Features a cool retro video game art style that adds to the game’s charm.

Cons

Adjustment Period: Players familiar with the original game may need time to adjust to new strategies and card sets.

Game Length: Games with more players can extend beyond the advertised 30-minute duration, often lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

Initial Complexity: New players might find the game slightly difficult to pick up, though it becomes fun quickly once the mechanics are understood.

Personal Thoughts on Boss Monster 2: The Next Level

**Boss Monster 2: The Next Level** is ideal for fans of strategic card games and those who enjoy a mix of luck and planning. It is a great addition to the Boss Monster series, offering new challenges and dynamics that enhance the original game. If you’re new to Boss Monster, this sequel can serve as a solid starting point due to its accessibility and ease of play. However, combining it with the original set can create an even more immersive and varied experience.

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