BIG GAME, small box
Lately I've been marveling at games that can do a lot with not a lot, or games that pack a lot of game into a small box. There are games out there that prove you don't need a hundred different chits and piles various components to create an immersive experience. Two recent acquisitions in this category are Iron Helm (just recently posted a video on this one), and Rogue Dungeon (working on a video for this one), both of which come from the POD service Gamecrafter.
There are a few games that I think do this kind of thing better than most, and those are Dark Venture, Legends Untold, and Escape the Dark Castle. Dark Venture is kind of insane in how it presents itself. It's a pretty small box, and yet the game is absolutely massive in scope, in table space, and in time it takes to play. Legends Untold is, too, especially in the campaign play, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what's in store for this game in the future. Escape the Dark Castle (and I'm NOT talking about that RIDICULOUS collectors box travesty. UGH! The entire game with all the expansions fits inside the original small box. That super large box is just the worst!) doesn't really create an epic experience like the two aforementioned games, but it does offer up a nearly endless supply of crazy adventures.
I'm probably going to do a top 10 list of games in this category sometime this year, after I play a few more. What are some of your favorite BIG GAMES in small boxes?
Comments (12)
Looking forward to this list. Dungeon Crawler, dungeon sprawler I can only say for my games!
Should there be two lists, one for solo and one for multiplayer?
Everything will be for solo or co-op. That’s really all I play, and don’t play enough to make a list of each of those.
You should check out both Hunted editions: Kobayashi Tower and Mining Colony 415 (plus the new kickstarter).
I just played through the campaign mode in Ruins: Death Binder. Despite of not so impressive name and art on the cards, I liked the gameplay. The story was okay and I think it's worth to play through again after some time, but later I'll try the other game modes this game includes. Totally agree about The Legends Untold! I'm looking forward to more exploration in this game.
I've had my eye on Ruins the last couple of days, but the lack of art is really pushing me away. Seems pretty cool, though.
Adventures of D & 2nd ed, Gloom of Killforth etc., Chronicles of Frost + exp., Chobolo, Maximum Apocalypse ( slightly larger box), Godforsaken Scavengers, Mage Tower, Linwood, and Red Dragon's Lair are smaller boxes on my shelf. Am more into adventure games than dungeon crawlers. How about the new The Rat's Lair or much older Search for the Emperor's Treasure? How about Hit Z Road?
For me, GOK is just outside the "small box" designation, or at least it's right on the boarder. Godforsaken Scavengers looks cool! I think I'll pick that up.
I would suggest Dungeons of D
Hopefully that gets a physical release. I'm not really into DIY games - I just don't have the time to cut / assemble. Adventures of D 2nd edition is pretty good.
Super excited for this top ten. My son and I play Escape the Dark Sector a good bit. I'm hoping to pick up Dark Venture when it's back in print.
Excited to hear your thoughts on your top 10