RUN (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

RUN is a deduction board game designed by Ryan Goldsberry and published in in 2023. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playing time of 10-30 minutes. It falls under the category of deduction games, where players must use logic and reasoning to uncover hidden information.

Game Components of RUN

Characters: Each player draws a character with varying traits.

Discovery Deck cards: Used to modify dice rolls or affect other players.

Vengeance cards: Used by players who have died to hinder other players.

Civil Warfare cards: Expansion cards that increase game difficulty.

Dice: Six-sided die for determining movement.

Tokens: Red square token for the peril, and other tokens for tracking.

Board: Represents the dungeon or escape path.

Character traits: Acquired from the Discovery Deck.

How To Setup RUN

To set up RUN, players start by drawing characters and beginning their escape from a randomly drawn monster. The game board is laid out, and the red square token represents the peril. Each player draws a Discovery Deck card and can choose to use, discard, or store it. The game rules, however, have been noted for being unclear, particularly with the use of tokens and ability cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll a six-sided die to determine movement.

Card Management: Using Discovery Deck cards to modify rolls or affect gameplay.

Character Abilities: Utilizing character traits to aid in escape.

Vengeance Mechanic: Players who die return as vengeful ghosts using Vengeance cards.

Objective: Cooperatively or competitively escape the dungeon or hinder other players’ escape.

Expansions: Civil Warfare and Villains & Vigilance expansions change the game dynamic to purely competitive or cooperative.

Player Experience

RUN can be a fun but chaotic experience, especially with larger player counts. The game works best with 4-6 players in competitive mode, as the cooperative elements can become confusing and drag on with too many players. The Vengeance cards add a fun retribution element, but the unclear instructions and ability cards can slow down the game.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: Combines cooperative and competitive elements.

Replayability: Multiple characters, Discovery Deck cards, and expansions offer varied experiences.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Vengeance Mechanic: Adds a fun twist for players who die.

Cons

Unclear Instructions: Game rules and ability cards can be confusing.

Token Issues: Insufficient tokens for larger player counts.

Down Time: Game can drag on with larger groups or unclear rules.

Not Suitable for All Ages: Civil Warfare cards can be too chaotic for younger players or those who are sore losers.

Personal Thoughts on RUN

RUN is best suited for players who enjoy a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay with a light deck-building element. It is not ideal for younger children or players who prefer clear, straightforward instructions. The game excels in a competitive setting with 4-6 players, where the Vengeance cards and character abilities create a chaotic and fun environment. However, the lack of clarity in the rules may dissuade some players from fully engaging with the game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.