Doom Machine (2021) Board Game

Doom Machine is a solo or two-player board game that was released in in 2021. Designed by Nathan Meunier, this game falls under the categories of card games, dice games, print & play, and science fiction. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes and recommended for players aged 12 and up, it offers a unique gaming experience that combines dice rolling, worker placement, and track movement mechanics.

Game Components of Doom Machine

Cards: 18 cards, including machine part cards, health tracker, and rules.

Dice: 5 black 6-sided dice (12mm) and 15 yellow 6-sided dice (12mm).

Tracking Cubes: 3 tracking cubes (8mm).

Mint Tin: Standard size mint tin for storage and play.

Tin Labels: Labels for the mint tin.

How To Setup Doom Machine

To set up the game, place the machine part cards in a line within the mint tin, starting with the initial three parts. Shuffle the remaining machine part deck and place it beside the tin. Set up your health tracker and the Doom Core card. Assign the initial dice to your pool. Setup typically takes a minute or two.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Defeat the ever-evolving Doom Machine by destroying its core before it annihilates humanity.

Turn Structure:

Phase I: Roll unlocked dice, use utility slots to modify or re-roll dice, and allocate dice to either shields or machine part cards to deal damage.

Phase II: The machine AI takes action, cycling the tracking die on each machine part card, triggering abilities, and potentially dealing damage or repairing parts.

Machine Growth: Each turn, the entire line of machine parts shifts down, and a new part is added, increasing the difficulty.

Dice Management: Use abilities to modify dice results, allocate dice to attack or defend, and earn additional dice by destroying machine parts.

Player Experience

**Doom Machine** is an intense, pressure-cooker game that immerses players in an apocalyptic battle against a sentient machine. Each decision feels critical as players balance attacking the machine with protecting themselves from its ever-increasing attacks. The game’s random elements, such as dice rolls and shuffled card decks, add to the excitement and challenge, making every playthrough unique.

Pros

High Replayability: Random card draws and dice rolls ensure no two games are the same.

Portability: The game fits in a standard mint tin, making it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Engaging Mechanics: The game’s evolving machine and dice manipulation mechanics keep players engaged and challenged.

Quick Setup: Setup is quick and simple, allowing for fast gameplay sessions.

Cons

Randomness: While control over dice is available, dice rolls can sometimes be unfavorable, leading to frustrating rounds.

Component Tracking: The use of small tracking cubes can be a minor annoyance, as they can be easily knocked out of place.

Personal Thoughts on Doom Machine

**Doom Machine** is ideal for solo players who enjoy intense, strategic games with a high level of replayability. The game’s portability and short playtime make it a great option for those looking for a quick yet challenging experience. It’s perfect for fans of dice and card games who appreciate the blend of strategy and randomness. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with minimal randomness or those who are easily frustrated by unpredictable outcomes.

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