Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs (2024) Board Game

Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is an expansion pack for the popular board game Gloomhaven, designed by Yanis Cardin and Mofei Wang. This expansion adds new challenges and mechanics to the base game, providing players with fresh content to explore. The game is set in a dark and mysterious world, where players take on the roles of adventurers seeking fame and fortune.

Game Components of Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs

6 micro-miniatures

6 playable characters

22 scenarios

5 dual-layer trays

48 ability cards

12 progressive player modifier cards

5 health dials

20 monsters

2 alternate monster difficulty modifier cards

21 condition tokens

14 plastic tracking cubes

DIZED Tutorial

1 modifier die

1 learn to play guide[3ै।

How To Setup Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs

To set up the game, players start by selecting a scenario card, which outlines the specific mission and the enemies involved. Each scenario is self-contained, and the setup involves placing the appropriate miniatures, ability cards, and modifier cards. The game includes a DIZED interactive play-along tutorial that guides players through the setup and gameplay step-by-step, making it easier to learn without delving into the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage a hand of four double-sided cards, which can be used twice before being discarded.

Deck/Bag/Pool Building: Ability cards and modifier tables can be improved as the player levels up throughout the campaign.

Modular Board: Each scenario is represented by a single card, creating a modular and dynamic gameplay environment.

Dice Rolling: Attacks are resolved using a die in conjunction with a modifier table.

Objective: The player’s goal is to navigate through the miniature world, overcome enemies, and find a way into the Crooked Bone to convince Hail to reverse the miniaturization enchantment[3.).

Player Experience

Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs offers a compact and streamlined version of the Gloomhaven experience, designed for solo play. The game is quick to set up and play, with each scenario lasting around 20-30 minutes. This makes it ideal for travel or playing on a small surface like a coffee table or airplane tray table. The gameplay is described as fun and puzzly, maintaining the deep strategy of Gloomhaven but in a more condensed format.

Pros

Compact and Travel-Friendly: Easy to set up and play in a short amount of time.

Deep Strategy: Despite its smaller size, it retains the strategic depth of Gloomhaven.

Interactive Tutorial: The DIZED tutorial makes learning the game straightforward and engaging.

Affordable: Priced at $19.99, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other games in the series.

Cons

Component Quality: The cards are flimsy and may require sleeving to protect them from damage.

Health Dials: The health dials can fall apart, and the color choices can be problematic, especially for those with color vision deficiency.

Personal Thoughts on Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs

Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is perfect for fans of the Gloomhaven series who are looking for a more portable and quick-to-play experience. It is also a great introduction for new players who want to experience the strategic depth of Gloomhaven without the commitment of a larger game. However, due to the component issues, players may need to invest in additional protection for the cards and consider alternative solutions for the health dials. Overall, it offers a fun and challenging solo-play experience that is easy to fit into any gaming schedule.

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