Chaos Progenitus (1996) Board Game

Chaos Progenitus is a horror-themed board game released in 1996 by Destination Games. Designed by Lester Smith and featuring art by William W. Connors, James Holloway, and Lester Smith, this game is known for its collectible components and dice mechanics. With a runtime of around 20 minutes, Chaos Progenitus is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Chaos Progenitus

13 special six-sided dice per player, each representing different body parts of a demon (brain, arms, eyes, legs, lungs) or items (sword, shield, whip, bellows, trident).

Each die has icons for plus, minus, hit, move, and block.

Starter Set and expansions (“A Few Parts More” and “Drippy Are The Damned”) which may include promotional “Noble House” demons.

How To Setup Chaos Progenitus

To set up the game, each player assembles a demon by selecting 13 dice. These dice are divided into two categories: body parts and items. Players ensure they have a balanced set of dice to represent their demon effectively.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative Roll: Players roll for initiative to determine the order of play.

Rolling Dice: The first player rolls all their dice against an opponent’s demon.

Matching Dice: Dice are matched part for part against the opponent’s demon, with special abilities on identifying faces and damage sources on other faces.

Damage: Damage can be “stun” (heals over time) or “wound” (usually permanent). Destroyed body parts are removed from the game.

Minus Icons: These icons prevent dice from being rolled in subsequent turns.

Game Objective: The last player with a demon having at least one body part remaining wins.

Player Experience

Chaos Progenitus offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, as players must strategically assemble their demons and navigate the outcomes of dice rolls. The game is known for its addictive nature and collectible elements, similar to Lester Smith’s previous game, Dragon Dice.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully assemble their demons and plan their attacks.

Collectible: The game features a wide range of collectible dice, adding a fun element of discovery.

Addictive: Players find the game highly engaging and replayable.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a learning curve due to the various icons and special abilities on the dice.

Randomness: The outcome is heavily influenced by dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Chaos Progenitus

Chaos Progenitus is ideal for players who enjoy strategic dice games with a collectible twist. It is particularly suited for fans of games like Dragon Dice and those who appreciate the combination of luck and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with minimal randomness or a simpler ruleset.

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