The New Dungeon! (1989) Board Game

The New Dungeon! is a classic board game released in 1989, designed by Borras Plana S.A., Fafner Spil, Parker Brothers, and Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). It falls into the adventure, dice, exploration, fantasy, fighting, and medieval categories, making it a popular choice for fans of role-playing games and fantasy settings. With a runtime of 45 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and up, The New Dungeon! has been enjoyed by many over the years for its immersive gameplay and variable player powers.

Game Components of The New Dungeon!

Rulebook

Large folding game board

250 cards (including 196 monster and treasure cards, 36 spell cards, and 6 blank cards)

6 plastic miniature game pieces

2 six-sided dice

18 named characters

Expansion set with 10 Ral Partha metal miniatures (including Halfling, Cleric, Ranger, and Gnome Illusionist).

How To Setup The New Dungeon!

To set up the game, players first lay out the large folding game board. Monster and treasure cards are randomized and placed face down in the dungeon rooms, with treasures placed first and then monsters on top. Additional monster cards are placed in larger chambers at key intersections. Each player selects a character and starts at the designated starting space.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Selection: Players choose from six character classes: Warrior, Elf, Dwarf, Wizard, Paladin, and Thief.

Combat System: Combat involves rolling two six-sided dice to meet or exceed the monster’s required number to defeat it. If the roll fails, a second roll determines the outcome for the player.

Treasure Collection: Defeating a monster reveals a treasure card, which the player can collect. Each treasure has a gold piece value.

Magic and Abilities: Certain characters and items (like magic swords and crystal balls) have special abilities that aid in gameplay.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate a specific amount of treasure, varying by character class, and return to the starting space.

Player Experience

The New Dungeon offers a straightforward yet engaging dungeon-looting experience. Players navigate through a six-level dungeon, battling monsters and collecting treasures. The game is relatively simple, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The addition of cooperative elements, healing, and trading between players enhances the gameplay experience.

Pros

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play.

Variety in Characters: Six different character classes with unique requirements and abilities.

Cooperative Elements: Allows for healing, cooperation, and trading between players.

High Replayability: Randomized card placement ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Color Blindness Issue: The color-coded system may be challenging for players with color blindness.

Limited Complexity: The game’s simplicity may not appeal to players seeking more complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on The New Dungeon!

The New Dungeon is ideal for fans of light-hearted, family-friendly dungeon crawls. It’s a great introduction to the genre for new players and provides a nostalgic experience for those who played earlier versions. The game’s simplicity and cooperative elements make it a good choice for family game nights or casual gaming sessions. However, players seeking more complex gameplay may find it too straightforward.

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