Kingdom Death: Monster (2015) Board Game

Kingdom Death: Monster is a cooperative board game that was released in in 2015. It was designed by Zeen Chin, Lokman Lam, and Lorinda Tomko, with stunning artwork by Kingdom Death. The game falls under the categories of adventure, fantasy, fighting, horror, and is labeled as mature/adult due to its dark and gritty themes.

Game Components of Kingdom Death: Monster

1 x Hardcover rulebook (235 pages, 11″ x 8.5″)

1 x Showdown board (heavily illustrated, 2′ x 3′)

1 x Double-sided Hunt / Settlement board (heavy cardstock)

2 x Game token sheet (127 tokens)

1 x Terrain token sheet (31 terrain tiles)

1 x Monster Controller panel

4 x Survivor gear grids (heavy cardstock)

1 x Survivor record sheet pad (50 sheets, 6″x6″)

1 x Settlement record sheet pad (50 sheets, 8.5″ x 11″)

5 x 10-sided black Kingdom Death lantern dice

1 x 10-sided white Kingdom Death lantern dice

4 x 6-sided Survivor hit location dice

1 x 10-sided translucent orange Death die

How To Setup Kingdom Death: Monster

Setting up *Kingdom Death: Monster* involves several steps. First, players select a quarry to hunt and set up the Hunt phase by drawing event cards and placing character figures and the monster on the board. The game includes a painless play-along tutorial in the rulebook to guide beginners into the game. Players must organize the various components, including the boards, tokens, and dice, according to the instructions in the rulebook. The setup process prepares the game for the three main phases: The Hunt, The Showdown, and The Settlement.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together as survivors facing monstrous threats.

Three Phases:

The Hunt: Players pursue the next fight, triggering random events and making decisions that affect the outcome.

The Showdown: Players fight the monster using AI decks and Hit Location cards, with each battle being unique.

The Settlement: Players manage resources, craft gear, and make decisions that impact the settlement and future story events.

Resource Management: Crafting gear and managing inventory are crucial for survival.

Dice Rolling: Dice are used to determine successes and failures in various aspects of the game.

Story Events: Over 40 story events shape the campaign, influenced by player decisions and discoveries.

Player Experience

*Kingdom Death: Monster* offers an immersive and complex world where players must navigate through a dark, horror-filled environment. The game is known for its stunning artwork, though it is not for the faint of heart due to its graphic content. Players will experience frequent character deaths, diseases, mental disorders, and other hardships, which are integral to the game’s theme. Each campaign is unique, with the story unfolding differently based on player choices and events. The game is designed for long-term play, spanning multiple “Lantern Years,” each taking around 1.5 to 5 hours to complete.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: The game offers a rich, dynamic story that changes with each playthrough.

Deep Mechanics: Combines resource management, crafting, and strategic combat for a complex gaming experience.

Visual Sophistication: Stunning artwork and high-quality components enhance the game’s overall appeal.

Replayability: Each encounter and story event is unique, ensuring high replay value.

Cons

High Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve and requires significant time investment.

Graphic Content: The game includes violent, dark, and mature themes that may not be suitable for all players.

Cost: The game is expensive, priced around $420.

Frequent Character Deaths: Characters die often, which can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Kingdom Death: Monster

*Kingdom Death: Monster* is ideal for experienced gamers who appreciate deep, complex gameplay and are not deterred by graphic content. It is a game for those who enjoy strategic planning, resource management, and cooperative gameplay. The game’s unique blend of horror and survival elements makes it a standout in the board game community. However, it is not suitable for casual gamers or those sensitive to mature themes and frequent character deaths. If you’re looking for a challenging, immersive experience that will keep you engaged over many gaming sessions, *Kingdom Death: Monster* is definitely worth considering.

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