Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks (2017) Board Game

Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks is a board game based on the popular British science fiction television series “Doctor Who.” Released in 2017, the game allows players to take on the role of different incarnations of the Doctor as they travel through time and space to thwart the plans of the Daleks, one of the Doctor’s most iconic enemies.

Game Components of Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks

4 individually sculpted Doctor miniatures (First, Fourth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Doctors)

5 Dalek Markers and a Davros Marker

6 Dalek miniatures and 1 Davros marker

4 TARDIS markers

40 Adventure cards and 30 Companions

Various dice with unique iconography

Timey-Wimey cards and Sonic Charge tokens

Location tiles and Time Anomaly cards

How To Setup Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks

Players begin by choosing one of the four available Doctors and selecting a Companion. Each Doctor is placed on their respective player board along with their chosen Companion. The game board is set up with location tiles, and the Dalek ship is positioned at the starting point. Players receive a set of dice based on their chosen Doctor and Companion. The first game setup can be simplified to eliminate some of the more difficult aspects, making it easier for new players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Semi-cooperative with competitive elements

Mechanics: Dice rolling, dice manipulation, and companion recruitment

Objective: Players must work together to stop the Daleks from reaching Gallifrey while competing to be the first Doctor to reach Gallifrey

Key Actions:
– Roll and manipulate dice to overcome challenges.
– Recruit Companions to enhance dice rolling capabilities.
– Use Timey-Wimey cards and Sonic Charge tokens to influence dice rolls.
– Resolve Time Anomalies to maintain game progression.

Player Experience

The game offers a rich Doctor Who experience, with players traveling through time and space, encountering various challenges and recruiting Companions to aid them. The game’s design ensures that the theme is well-integrated, making it immersive for fans of the series. However, luck plays a significant role, and great rolls can often trump strategic planning. The game’s pace builds tension as the Dalek ship moves closer to Gallifrey, and players must manage their resources carefully to succeed.

Pros

Thematic Integration: Excellent incorporation of the Doctor Who theme, making it a delight for fans.

Companion Mechanics: Using Companions to “focus” dice is thematically perfect and adds depth to the game.

Immersive Experience: The game provides a sense of immersion in the Doctor Who universe, with detailed miniatures and clear iconography.

Replayability: Multiple playthroughs offer different experiences due to the variety of challenges and Companions available.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Great rolls can significantly influence the game’s outcome, sometimes overshadowing strategic planning.

Competitive Aspect: The competitive element can feel out of place in a cooperative setting, creating an oddly selfish tone.

Rule Clarity: Some minor rules may be unclear or hard to find in the rulebook.

Personal Thoughts on Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks

**Doctor Who: Time of the Daleks** is an excellent game for fans of the Doctor Who series, offering a nostalgic and engaging experience. While it may not be ideal for those seeking a purely strategic game due to its luck-based mechanics, it is a great choice for those who enjoy dice manipulation and semi-cooperative gameplay. The game is accessible even to those not deeply familiar with the show, but its true value lies in its ability to bring the Doctor Who universe to life on the gaming table.

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