PENNY DREADFUN: Duchy, Demony, Dickensy (2018) Board Game

PENNY DREADFUN: Duchy, Demony, Dickensy is a board game that was released in in 2018. It is a humor-based game designed by Anna Rudka and Magdalena Szerszeń, with artwork by Redi Games. The game is set in a quirky, fictional world that combines elements of duchies, demons, and characters inspired by the works of Charles Dickens.

Game Components of PENNY DREADFUN: Duchy, Demony, Dickensy

Game Board: Featuring Victorian London, underground tunnels, and the nine circles of Hell

Character Cards: Nine unique historical and literary characters, such as Sherlock Holmes, Alice in Wonderland, and Jack the Ripper

Event Cards: Humorous and narrative-driven cards describing various events and encounters

Item and Equipment Cards: Artefacts and tools to aid in character development and combat

Miniatures: Detailed miniatures representing characters and creatures

Dice: Used for movement and resolving actions

Talent and Skill Cards: For character development and progression

How To Setup PENNY DREADFUN: Duchy, Demony, Dickensy

To set up the game, each player selects a character to play as. The game board, which includes the map of London, underground tunnels, and the nine circles of Hell, is laid out. Separate decks for events, items, equipment, and talents are prepared. Players start their adventure at Buckingham Palace, initially moving only within the outer circle of London. They can progress to the underground tunnels and eventually to Hell by fulfilling specific conditions, such as acquiring special cards or unlocking certain skills.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players build their decks to enhance their characters’ abilities and execute actions.

RPG-like System: Characters can develop their skills and talents through the game.

Narrative-Driven Gameplay: The game features extensive text on event cards, guiding the story and player interactions.

Cooperative and Competitive Elements: Players can cooperate to overcome challenges or compete against each other.

Objective: The main goal is to find and rescue Queen Victoria, who has been taken to Hell. The player who succeeds in returning her to Buckingham Palace wins the game.

Player Experience

PENNY DREADFUN offers a unique blend of humor, history, and horror, making it a captivating experience. Players engage in a rich narrative, interact with absurd and historical characters, and navigate through a Victorian London overrun by supernatural creatures. The game’s flexibility allows players to adopt various strategies, from cooperative gameplay to competitive interactions.

Pros

Unique Theme: Combines Victorian London, occultism, and British humor.

High Replayability: Multiple game modes, including story mode, sandbox, boss rush, and an RPG system.

Detailed Components: Includes detailed miniatures and hand-painted illustrations.

Flexible Gameplay: Supports cooperative and competitive play, as well as solo mode.

Engaging Narrative: Humorous and narrative-driven event cards enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires a significant amount of time to set up and understand the rules.

Cost: The game, especially the deluxe version, can be expensive.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can last from 60 to 180 minutes, which may be daunting for some players.

Personal Thoughts on PENNY DREADFUN: Duchy, Demony, Dickensy

This game is ideal for fans of Victorian-era settings, British humor, and those who enjoy a mix of horror and comedy. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate narrative-driven games and are comfortable with a high level of complexity. The game’s unique blend of mechanics and its absurd humor make it a standout in the board game genre, appealing to fans of games like *Talisman* and *Munchkin*. However, due to its complexity and lengthy playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

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