Skulk Hollow (2019) Board Game

Skulk Hollow is a 2-player asymmetrical board game that was released in in 2019. Designed by Dustin Foust, Sebastian Koziner, and Helen Zhu, the game features players taking on the roles of either the Foxen heroes or the Guardian creatures in a battle for supremacy. With its unique gameplay mechanics and captivating artwork, Skulk Hollow has garnered attention in the board gaming community.

Game Components of Skulk Hollow

Main game board set up as a diamond shape

Guardian side boards

Action cards for both Foxen and Guardian players

Unit miniatures for the Foxen Clan

Large Guardian miniatures

Heart meeples and relic tokens

Amber cubes

Player aids for movement and attacks

How To Setup Skulk Hollow

To set up Skulk Hollow, players start by placing the main board in a diamond configuration, with the castle facing the Foxen player and the ruins facing the Guardian player. Each player selects their respective leader and units; the Foxen player chooses a leader like the Foxen King of War, while the Guardian player selects a behemoth like Grak. The components are organized in compartmentalized trays and cardboard boxes, making it easy to manage the various pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Gameplay: Players take on the roles of either the Foxen Clan or a Guardian, each with unique abilities and objectives.

Action Cards: Players use action cards to move, summon units, and execute special abilities.

Unit Deployment: Foxen players can add additional units to the board and leap onto the Guardian to attack.

Guardian Abilities: Guardians can crush, throw, and move Foxen units around the board.

Objective: The Foxen player aims to take down the Guardian by attacking its various parts on the Guardian side board, while the Guardian player seeks to achieve specific goals like spreading tentacle roots or collecting rune tokens.

Player Experience

Playing Skulk Hollow involves intense, concentrated action from the start, given the small 3×3 grid of the main board. The game requires strategic thinking as simply smashing the opposition may not lead to victory. The unique diagonal movement and board setup can cause initial confusion but becomes clearer with a few plays.

Pros

Engaging Asymmetry: The game offers distinct and engaging play experiences for both sides.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategy and planning to achieve victory.

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games typically last around 45 minutes.

High Replayability: Multiple Guardians and Foxen leaders provide varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Initial Learning Curve: The diagonal board setup and unique movement rules can be confusing at first.

Balance Issues: Some players feel the Foxen are too powerful, leading to repetitive gameplay from the Guardian’s perspective.

Limited Options for Guardians: As the game progresses, the Guardian’s attacks and options can be severely limited.

Personal Thoughts on Skulk Hollow

Skulk Hollow is ideal for players who enjoy tactical combat and asymmetric gameplay. While it offers a unique and engaging experience, it may not be the best fit for those seeking perfectly balanced gameplay. The game’s visual appeal and variety in Guardians and Foxen leaders make it an attractive choice for fans of strategic two-player games. However, the potential imbalance and repetitive strategies for the Guardian player may deter some from repeated plays.

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