Dark Dealings (2016) Board Game

Dark Dealings is a fantasy card game designed by Rob Lundy and published by Nevermore Games in in 2016. The game is set in a dark and magical world where players take on the roles of evil sorcerers competing to become the most powerful villain.

Game Components of Dark Dealings

Cards: Featuring various illusions, defenses, and combat actions.

Player Boards: For each overlord to manage their strategies.

Tokens: To track health, resources, and other game states.

Rulebook: Outlining the three phases of the game.

How To Setup Dark Dealings

To set up the game, each player selects an overlord and receives a corresponding player board. The deck of cards is shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand. Tokens are distributed as per the rulebook instructions. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting resources and cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hero Phase: Overlords use illusions to set up their defenses.

Defense Phase: Overlords prepare their defenses against the heroes.

Combat Phase: Heroes attack, and overlords use their defenses and combat actions to defend.

Objective: The goal for the overlords is to successfully defend against the heroes, while the heroes aim to defeat the overlords.

Player Experience

In **Dark Dealings**, players take on the role of overlords defending their domains against pesky heroes. The game is designed for 1-6 players and lasts about 15-20 minutes. It is recommended for players aged 12 and above. The gameplay involves strategic card management and proactive defense, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are short and can be completed in under 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Players need to strategically manage their cards and resources.

Multiplayer Support: Supports a wide range of players, from solo to six players.

Fantasy Theme: Appeals to fans of fantasy settings and defensive strategies.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Some players may find the game repetitive after multiple plays.

Simple Components: The game components, while functional, are not overly complex or visually stunning.

Personal Thoughts on Dark Dealings

**Dark Dealings** is ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic card games with a fantasy twist. It’s a great option for families or casual game groups looking for a game that can be learned quickly but still offers some depth. The game’s short playtime makes it an excellent filler game or a warm-up for longer game sessions. However, players seeking highly complex or visually elaborate games might find **Dark Dealings** a bit simplistic.

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