Dig Down Dwarf (2013) Board Game

Dig Down Dwarf is a dice rolling game designed by Jason Glover and published by Grey Gnome Games in in 2013. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above. Players take on the role of dwarves mining for precious gems and treasures deep underground.

Game Components of Dig Down Dwarf

Mint Tin: Contains various decks of cards.

Gems: Crystal pieces in different colors (black, blue, clear, green, purple, red).

Dice: Four 12mm six-sided dice.

Meeple: One mini, acrylic, opaque gold meeple.

Relic Cards: Provide scoring opportunities or one-time use abilities.

Character Cards: Unique abilities and bonus points for each character.

Neoprene Game Mat: Optional, designed by Toby Lancaster.

How To Setup Dig Down Dwarf

To set up the game, players start by preparing the mine area where gems will be placed. Each player selects a character card, which outlines their unique abilities and bonus points. The relic card deck and gem tin are also prepared. The game begins with each player drawing two random gems from the tin and placing them on the table to form the mine.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll four six-sided dice to achieve specific number sequences required to mine gems.

Gem Collection: Gems are added to the mine, and players roll dice to match the sequences needed to collect them.

Relic Cards: Failure to roll the required sequence earns a relic card, which can provide scoring opportunities or special abilities.

Character Abilities: Each character has unique persistent abilities and bonus points for collecting specific types of gems.

Game End: The game ends when no more gems can be added to the mine and all players have had an equal number of turns. The player with the most valuable collection of gems is crowned the new King of Black Mountain.

Player Experience

Dig Down Dwarf offers a thrilling experience with a blend of luck, strategy, and reward. Players must balance the risk of pressing their luck to roll the required sequences with the potential benefits of gaining valuable gems. The game’s fast-paced nature and unique character abilities keep the gameplay engaging and competitive.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Quick turns and dynamic gameplay keep players engaged.

Strategic Depth: Balancing risk and reward adds a layer of strategy.

Unique Characters: Each character’s abilities and bonuses add variety to the game.

Solo Mode: Includes a solo mode, MineShaft Mayhem, for single-player fun.

Cons

Luck Dependency: Heavily dependent on dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Complexity: Some players might find the game mechanics too simple.

Personal Thoughts on Dig Down Dwarf

Dig Down Dwarf is ideal for fans of dice games and those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. It’s a great choice for casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game that can be played in a group or solo. The game’s unique character abilities and relic cards add a layer of complexity that keeps the game exciting and replayable. However, players seeking highly complex or deeply strategic games might find it a bit light.

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