Of the wealth of tabletop games released of late, Marvel Dice Masters:
Avengers vs X-Men is a particular highlight. Designed by the team behind the
Wildstar Gold
superb contemporary dice-based game Quarriors, it lets players command squads of
Marvel's much-loved superheroes in battles that tend to deliver gripping,
close-fought conclusions. The premise is simple: players build an ever more
powerful range of abilities in each game, represented by a growing pool of
symbol-covered dice. The rules initially feel bewilderingly complex, but a
little effort reveals a reasonably straightforward game with much more depth
than many dice-focused releases. Dice Masters can be expanded with booster
packs, but the starter set delivers plenty to tuck into, and fosters a
play-style that emphasises strategic gambles, making for thrilling
conflicts.
Also built around dice, but a lighter, less confrontational affair is Dungeon
Roll, which condenses the traditional tabletop pursuit of raiding monster-filled
catacombs into a compact package. Rolling dice to clear dungeons, it encourages
pushing one's luck to reap rewards, and its short games are cheerily pleasing
when enjoyed as a single-player experience.
But if a less solitary game with a board to gather around is in order, Ortus
is well worth a try. Not to be confused with tabletop game Ortus Regni, it is
fast-flowing and simple to learn, based around a martial arts conflict in a
fantasy setting. The mechanics are streamlined and the gameplay is compelling, a
great option for enjoying with friends for TESO Gold
whom a fully fledged strategy board
game may be too much.
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