Deadly Doodles (2019) Board Game

Deadly Doodles is a flip-and-write game designed by Katie Cook and published by Steve Jackson Games in in 2019. It is a paper-and-pencil game that can be played by 1–4 players, with a runtime of 20–30 minutes. The game is targeted towards players aged 8 and older and offers a fun and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Deadly Doodles

4 dry-erase boards

4 dry-erase markers

36 cards

Rules

How To Setup Deadly Doodles

To set up Deadly Doodles, each player receives a dry-erase board and a marker. The deck of 36 cards is shuffled and placed in the middle of the playing area. The game is ready to start once all players have their boards and markers, and the cards are within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics: Players draw cards and then draw paths on their dungeon maps using the dry-erase markers. Each round, 4 new cards are revealed, showing various pathways or traps.

Game Objective: The objective is to score points by drawing paths, collecting loot, and fighting monsters. Points are awarded for treasures, weapons, and defeating monsters. Penalties are given for uncompleted paths, unused entrances, and traps crossed by other players. The player with the highest score at the end of the 7 rounds wins.

Player Experience

Deadly Doodles offers a fun and quick dungeon crawl experience. Players enjoy the simplicity and speed of the game, making it an excellent addition to any game night. The game is easy to explain and plays well with 2-4 players. The hand-drawn style of the pathway cards adds a charming and thematic touch to the game[3%.

Pros

Speed: The game is quick, lasting around 20 minutes.

Fun: It is highly enjoyable and easy to understand.

Thematic: The game captures the essence of a dungeon crawl in a unique and engaging way.

Versatility: Suitable for young and old, experienced and novice gamers alike.

Cons

Lack of Color: The dry-erase boards are plain and lack the vibrant color seen on the box art.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for up to 4 players, which some users feel could be expanded.

Personal Thoughts on Deadly Doodles

Deadly Doodles is perfect for those who enjoy quick, thematic games that are easy to learn and play. It is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a fun, light-hearted dungeon crawl experience. While it may lack the complexity and depth of other games, its simplicity and speed make it a great addition to any game collection. If you’re looking for a game that can be played in a short amount of time and still offers a lot of fun, Deadly Doodles is a great pick.

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