The Keeyp (2019) Board Game

The Keeyp is a fantasy, fighting, and party game designed by Goodgis and Bradley Kelley, with artwork by SaySaku. It was released in 2019 and is suitable for 2–6 players, with the best experience for 4–5 players. The game features dice rolling, player elimination, take that, and tile placement mechanics, providing a fun and engaging gameplay experience for players aged 7 and above. The Keeyp is a roguelite-inspired board game that combines elements of dungeon exploration and strategic combat, making each gameplay experience unique.

Game Components of The Keeyp

• Keeypling Cards: 14 unique character cards.
• Dungeon Tiles: 35 tiles used to build the dungeon.
• Item Cards: 36 different items that players can collect.
• Key Card: A special card representing the key needed for escape.
• Rule Booklet: A PDF guide explaining the game mechanics and rules.

How To Setup The Keeyp

1. Prepare the Play Area:
   • Place the Start tile in the center of your play area.
2. Player Setup:
   • Each player selects a colored player piece and places it on the Start tile.
   • If playing with 2-4 players, set the HP die to 4; for 5-6 players, set it to 6.
3. Distribute Keeypling Cards:
   • Deal each player 2 Keeypling Cards.
   • Players choose one card to use and place the other face down.
4. Dice and Card Preparation:
   • Separate the blue die (for rolling) and the red die (to track HP).
   • Shuffle the decks of Item Cards, Keeyp Tiles, and Keeypling Cards, placing them aside for drawing during gameplay.
5. Starting the Game:
   • Each player rolls the blue die; the highest roll goes first.
   • On their turn, players can move their Keeypling based on its Speed (SPD) stat and lay down a new Keeyp Tile to expand the dungeon.
6. Gameplay Elements:
   • Players will explore, gather items, and engage in combat as they search for the Key and aim to escape through the Gate.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The primary goal in The Keeyp is to be the first player to find the Key and escape through the Gate. If no player manages to escape, the last player remaining in the game wins. This dual objective encourages both exploration and combat, as players must navigate the dungeon while also competing against each other.

1. Exploration:
   • Players take turns exploring the dungeon by moving their character (Keeypling) based on its Speed (SPD) stat. The number of spaces a player can move corresponds to their Keeypling’s SPD.
   • As players move, they draw and place Keeyp Tiles to expand the dungeon, creating a unique layout for each game.
2. Item Collection:
   • Throughout their exploration, players can gather various Item Cards that provide advantages such as increased attack power or healing abilities. Items can significantly impact gameplay by enhancing a player’s stats or providing special abilities.
3. Combat:
   • When a player lands on a space occupied by another player, combat ensues. The attacking player uses Attack (ATK) cards, while the defending player uses Defense (DEF) cards.
   • Combat adds an element of strategy as players must decide when to engage in battle and how to utilize their items effectively.
4. Unique Characters:
   • Players choose from 12 distinct characters known as Keeyplings, each with unique abilities and stats that influence their gameplay style. Selecting the right character can be crucial for success.
5. Winning Conditions:
   • Players can win by either successfully reaching the Gate with the Key or by being the last player standing after all others have been eliminated through combat.

Player Experience

Pros:

• Engaging gameplay with a mix of strategy and luck.
• Quick runtime makes it ideal for short gaming sessions.
• Beautiful artwork and thematic elements enhance the overall experience.

Cons:

• Player elimination may lead to some players being left out of the game early on.
• Limited player interaction outside of direct combat.

Personal Thoughts on The Keeyp

The Keeyp offers a unique blend of fantasy, fighting, and party game elements that can appeal to a wide range of players. While the game’s design and components are well-crafted, the player elimination aspect may not be suitable for all gaming groups. The pricing and availability of The Keeyp may vary, so it’s worth checking online retailers for both new and used copies.

Overall, The Keeyp is a fun and entertaining game that is worth trying out for those who enjoy fantasy-themed games with a mix of strategy and luck. However, players who prefer games with less player elimination or more complex mechanics may want to skip this one.

Game Components of The Keeyp