Catacombs (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Catacombs is a fantasy board game that was first released in in 2010. It is designed by Kandy Chen, Jacqueline Moreno, Christina Sealey, and Emma Bramma Smith, and features art by Elzra. The game falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Adventure, Fantasy, Fighting, with gameplay mechanics that include flicking, player elimination, role-playing, team-based gameplay, and variable player powers. Catacombs has garnered a loyal following over the years due to its unique blend of strategy and dexterity elements.

Game Components of Catacombs

Wooden discs representing Heroes and monsters

Room cards that determine the layout and difficulty of each battle

Hero character cards with unique abilities and special powers

Monster cards with varying stats and behaviors

Item cards and spells for Heroes to use

Game board with obstacles and a “moat” to define out-of-bounds areas

Boss cards with special powers and challenges

How To Setup Catacombs

To set up Catacombs, one player takes on the role of the Overseer, who acts as the game’s antagonist and world-builder. The Overseer selects a series of nine room cards, each representing a battle against monsters. The room cards specify which monsters will be present and the difficulty level of the room. Heroes and monsters are placed on their respective sides of the board, and the game begins with the Heroes taking their first turns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dexterity: Players flick wooden discs to attack or move characters.

Tactical Planning: Players discuss and plan their attack order and strategies.

Variable Player Powers: Each Hero has unique abilities and items.

Game Objective

Heroes’ Goal: Defeat the monsters in each room and ultimately the Catacomb Lord to save the town of Stormtryne.

Overseer’s Goal: Defend the catacombs by controlling the monsters and stopping the Heroes.

Player Experience

Playing Catacombs feels like a miniaturized version of a traditional tabletop RPG, complete with strategic planning and exciting dexterity challenges. Players work together as Heroes, discussing the best approaches and executing precise disc flicks to defeat the monsters. The Overseer adds a dynamic element by controlling the monsters and designing the dungeon layout, making each game unique. The game encourages teamwork and excitement, with moments of triumph and disappointment that keep players engaged.

Pros

Engaging Dexterity Mechanics: Flicking discs adds a fun and challenging element to the game.

Strategic Depth: Players must plan their attacks carefully to succeed.

High Replayability: Variable room setups and multiple Heroes and monsters provide a different experience each time.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Potential for Lengthy Final Battles: Certain bosses, like the Sorcerer, can lead to prolonged and sometimes tedious final combats.

Clarity on Some Rules: Minor ambiguities in rules, such as handling discs knocked off the board, can arise.

Personal Thoughts on Catacombs

Catacombs is an excellent choice for fans of dexterity games and those who enjoy tactical RPG elements without the lengthy commitment of a full RPG session. It’s ideal for groups of up to five players and offers a balanced mix of strategy and physical skill. The game’s design allows for easy expansion, making it a great foundation for additional content and adventures. Overall, Catacombs is a fun, interactive game that blends teamwork, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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