Dungeon Time (2017) Board Game

Dungeon Time is a real-time card game designed by Carlo A. Rossi and published by Ares Games in in 2017. The game is set in a fantasy world where players work together to complete various quests within a certain time limit.

Game Components of Dungeon Time

Rulebook

48 Mission cards

48 Item cards

10 Hero cards

4 Adventure cards

4 Adventure scrolls

24 Reward tokens

1 Backpack board

Sandtimer.

How To Setup Dungeon Time

To set up Dungeon Time, players first select a scenario and then randomly draw their starting hand, which varies in size from 3 to 15 cards depending on the number of players. This hand includes a mix of Item cards and Mission cards. The remaining Mission and Item cards are shuffled into a draw deck. Each player with a Mission card informs the group about the items needed to complete their missions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Gameplay: Players draw, play, and draw cards frantically within a timed period, typically 5 minutes, using a sandtimer.

Cooperative: Players work together, communicating to achieve missions.

Mission Completion: Players must gather the required Item cards and play the Mission card on the story deck at the right time.

Backpack Management: Items are placed on the Backpack board, which has limited slots; excess items can lead to game loss.

Resolution Phase: After the time is up, the story deck is resolved, and missions are checked for completion. Successful missions discard the required items and add reward items to the backpack.

Player Experience

Dungeon Time offers a frantic and exciting experience, demanding quick thinking, good short-term memory, and effective communication among players. The game is highly dynamic, with players constantly drawing and playing cards to meet the mission requirements before the timer runs out. The fast-paced nature makes it both challenging and exhilarating, especially as players strive to complete missions within tight timeframes.

Pros

Fast-Paced and Engaging: The real-time mechanism keeps players on their toes.

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: Various Mission and Item card combinations ensure different experiences each game.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Cons

High Stress Level: The time pressure can be overwhelming for some players.

Limited Strategic Depth: The game is more about quick reactions than long-term strategy.

Space Management: The Backpack board’s limited slots can lead to frustrating losses if not managed correctly.

Personal Thoughts on Dungeon Time

Dungeon Time is ideal for players who enjoy real-time games and cooperative challenges. It’s a great fit for families and casual gamers due to its simple rules and fast gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking complex strategic games or a relaxed gaming experience. The game’s design makes it an excellent addition to any collection looking to add a bit of frenetic fun and teamwork.

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