So I might do a more traditional review of this, because I realized that I didn't really talk about the game much at all. Sorry about that! Hopefully this rambling series of tangentially-related subjects is of some interest to some of you. :)
I like that you're expanding game discussions beyond the usual standard review, and taking it almost to the level of art criticism and analysis. And why not? I think games can be art. Good stuff. Keep it up.
The level of depth in this video is astounding...and I still don't know how the game plays, hah! I don't mean that as a negative. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on what is most important to you in games, and I think I have similar leanings when it comes to theme and the ability to be transported to another place/time through a game and the combination of its art, theme, components and mechanisms. I didn't expect to learn as much about pop art as I did, and I appreciated that. With all the depth here you presented it all quite clearly. Great job and thanks for the video.
I don’t usually post on RUclips but felt it necessary to let you know I agree with your perspective on this and other hobbies a lot more than other channels. In regards to this hobby and all my other hobbies I find ambience and atmosphere to be key. Whether that is old monster movies, video games, listening to and creating music, books etc. I know myself and others appreciate this take on board games and whenever you comment on other aspects of life and other hobbies. The channel gives me a sort of gaming historian/Retronauts vibe but for boardgames. Just a tad bit younger than you so I can relate to much of your journey. I missed a bunch of tabletop and rpg culture growing up as I was only slightly introduced to it before. I have only recently got involved in the hobby due to my longtime interest in things in the periphery of gaming and table top rpg’s. Thanks again, I sincerely enjoy all the types of videos that you put out and I just felt that this video was a good place to post my appreciation for your unique take.
I suspect this is a nearly unique "review" of a game. It deserves to be widely known! You've added great depth to my appreciation of how this game LOOKS, and I will retain that view of the game while I play it. - toby
Totally agree with you. I was drawn to gaming by theme, art, and story. Mechanics are important but secondary in my opinion. I started in late 80s with d&d, Warhammer, then early gw board games like Space Hulk.
Hello Daniel, I came to your channel as I was looking for a review of Dungeon Degenerate. The engine of recommend.games recommended the game and the artwork on the box intrigued me. Your enthusiasm for the game and the entire world got me hooked and I am lucky enough to fall in love just in time for the new Kickstarter going online. I did not follow your recommendation to get everything, but I got the 4 Zines, the miniature hand of doom and the Grime & Gold expansion. So, I really love your approach to reviewing board games and I could not agree more with your philosophy on importance of world building, theme and setting. Also, on artwork, can’t be more bored of more Vincent Dutrait artwork and agree that Too Many Bones looks ugly. However, I did not grow up with Swords & Sorcerers or DnD or similar. I am only getting slowly drawn into this coming from mainstream board games such as Catacombs, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Aftermath, Mini Rogue, Escape the Dark Castle. So, I was wondering if you have any hints on where to go next. Do you recommend any other boards games or rather start looking into adventure books or RPGs? I play a lot alone and sometime with my wife but hardly in bigger groups. So excited to get your advice. Please continue your focus as you really cover a gap the segment of board game reviewers. Thanks a lot, Daniel! Best regards,
Thanks! It's hard for me to give personal recs. I would say just scan my channel and watch the videos for the games that look interesting. However, games like Catacombs, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Aftermath, Mini Rogue, Escape the Dark Castle are not mainstream at all! :) These are solidly hobby-style games. I typically cover games that can be played solo, but not always. I also have a top 10 list for adventure games, and for dungeon crawls.
Great review and I agree that we should have a channel that talks more about other aspects of this hobby. I found myself writing down some names of authors here that I should definetly read. About using DD as a RPG, I mean, the world is there in these books. The art, the mechanics, the monsters, everything to create your own adventures! My friends used to create games all the time, and use simple mechanics created on the fly. I remember we used a pool table as the "dice" once, rolling balls in the holes lol. Anyway, I have to get this game! But I will wait for the second printing kickstarter though, because of the shipping rate to Europe is crazy. I want to get it all. :)
There is a really cool series of Sword & Sorcery anthologies I didn't mention that are highly recommended called Swords Against Darkness. I think there are 4 volumes. Tons of great stuff in those. There is so much that I wanted to talk about on this video, and I really only got to about 1/4 of it! Should have made an outline! Oh well....fodder for other videos. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Great video - very informative. I totally agree about your overall opinion on DD and you nailed it when you said it recapture your feelings/experiences that you had as a kid - works the same way in my case. I felt similar excitement related to games probably two times in a lifetime before DD - when I first played HeroQuest (I was like 10 back then, maybe 11) and then when my friend lent me his first edition of WFRP. I also like that you mentioned the fact that artistic style can really push one away from a game. I've see people posting on BGG many times that art doesn't matter and they only care whether a game is "good" but for me art is an integral part of this "good" - for example I probably have similar feelings toward Gloomhavean that you have toward Too Many Bones. BTW, I believe the longest route I came up with have like 12 missions - not sure it is actually doable though "thanks" to doom track :-) Also I'd encourage you to play with three characters when you're playing solo next time. Oh and I totally have dreams about playing DD as full fledged RPG one day since first time I played it :-D
I really think you could turn DD into an RPG with almost no issues whatsoever. The GM could run the PCs through the mission book, using the non-combat encounters as NPCs and events, and everything else as intended. The system is there, and it is already strong. I can't even imagine controlling the Doom track for 12 missions. I've lost all three campaigns I've played with 2 adventurers because I couldn't keep control of it. I'm not big on GH, either. It's look, or its gameplay. You played WFRP? I've got some first edition stuff. I've never actually played it, but it is one of my favorite RPG books of all time. I love reading through it.
That's what i would hope for. The mechanisms are so solid. I can't really think of a way to make the game better, or a better game, except by adding more variety to the stuff.
Bringing up Gilbert Shelton and the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, reminded me that I still own the game FEDS N' HEADS which was produced in the early 70's and included as an insert to Playboy magazine. I wish I still owned my copy of the original stand alone boardgame of Feds N' Heads which was produced as a follow up to the Playboy release but I at least still have the magazine game. Though it is in the tradition of a roll and move Monopoly style game, the satirical theme and nostalgia quotient make up for the basic mechanics. Every so often you can find a copy selling relatively cheap on secondary market sites.
Oh wow! I had not idea that existed. Pretty cool. I have a few old Playboys, both for the fiction and naked chicks. ;) One vintage Playboy issue I recently found had original short stories by three or four of my favorite authors. It was an awesome find.
Really enjoyed this video! Would also be interested in a more traditional review of it as well. I've been holding off on ordering the world books, mainly because shipping tends to be pricey from them, but I will definitely be getting them soon. Two side things: 1) where did you find those token containers? They look perfect. 2) I spotted the Lion God on your shelf, any KDM content coming? Sure it's not a dungeon crawler (Silver City expansion though), but I think it could still fit into the vibe of your channel. It's without a doubt my favorite game. Keep up the good work my man!
Thanks. Will be working on something more traditional this week. Which containers do you mean? The circle ones, or the square ones? I love KDM. One of my favorites of all time. However, I probably won't be doing any content on that simply because there is already so much of it on RUclips.
The circle ones with the lids. I'll probably be ditching the insert that comes with DD and would like something similar to those for the tokens. There is a lot of KDM content on here, but would still be interested in hearing your thoughts on it, especially in a similar way as this video, considering you have a deep knowledge and passion for these genres.
I could touch upon the body horror genre and its relationship to KDM. I'll keep that in mind, and see if I'm inspired to do something. The round ones with the lids I got on Amazon. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078K6ZM5C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You’re probably familiar with the art of Gary Chalk (by name or otherwise) but I would say he’s a towering figure in fantasy illustration with a fair bit of a weird vibe.
He's my favorite fantasy artist! Grew up with his art in old GW and Fighting Fantasy books. Pretty sure I mention him in this video. If not, then I do so in an early one.
The deal with most of my games is world world building, quests, hero level up, the unknown and new game ideas. It`s not all about winning (just a goal to reach) but about the experience of the game. Even if I can not get my hands on dungeon degenerates in Europe right now, there are still plenty others. A smaller game called Bethel Woods, came to my attention. A game based on a novel and music which was created for the theme. Plus an interesting game mechanic... fixing machines with the mancala game mechanic. In the next weeks I might give Machina Arcana a try. A dungeon crawl heavy on theme with colors the opposite of dungeon degenerate, quite dark , unknown horrors are waiting.
Really glad you mentioned Machina Arcana. I have the game, and the art is very cool. Dark, and brooding. It has a bold and unique look. However, they are completely changing the art for the new edition coming to KS later this year, and it looks so dull and boring! They've "updated" the art to full-on, generic, Fantasy Flight style art. Really bummed out about the direction they are taking the game's look.
Guess the new art is for the second edition on kickstarter 4th of September. They do it just like it was done with "Darkest Knight", a second kickstarter with new art and a higher price . May be they include also new events or new chapters.
Hey there! Great video, was on the fence but think Im going to Kickstart the 2nd printing. Question though, if I can't afford the whole set, would you recommend the character packs or books first?
Mark Piper thanks. I would get the characters first. They add more game. However, everything will be available from their website so don’t feel pressured. Only the minis are limited.
Keep it up, your reviews are great especially with you specialising on adventure and dungeons. I first purchased legends untold on your review and it's great. Now I've got dungeon degenerates, but only got the core set so far because someone was selling it secondhand. Thanks
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
So I might do a more traditional review of this, because I realized that I didn't really talk about the game much at all. Sorry about that! Hopefully this rambling series of tangentially-related subjects is of some interest to some of you. :)
I like that you're expanding game discussions beyond the usual standard review, and taking it almost to the level of art criticism and analysis. And why not? I think games can be art. Good stuff. Keep it up.
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it. Glad you like what I'm trying to do.
The level of depth in this video is astounding...and I still don't know how the game plays, hah! I don't mean that as a negative. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on what is most important to you in games, and I think I have similar leanings when it comes to theme and the ability to be transported to another place/time through a game and the combination of its art, theme, components and mechanisms. I didn't expect to learn as much about pop art as I did, and I appreciated that. With all the depth here you presented it all quite clearly. Great job and thanks for the video.
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and found it informative.
After watching all these videos for over a year I finally decided to buy it! Can’t wait!
Hope you enjoy it!
Great video! I'm definitely keen to see more discussions like this!
I don’t usually post on RUclips but felt it necessary to let you know I agree with your perspective on this and other hobbies a lot more than other channels. In regards to this hobby and all my other hobbies I find ambience and atmosphere to be key. Whether that is old monster movies, video games, listening to and creating music, books etc. I know myself and others appreciate this take on board games and whenever you comment on other aspects of life and other hobbies. The channel gives me a sort of gaming historian/Retronauts vibe but for boardgames. Just a tad bit younger than you so I can relate to much of your journey. I missed a bunch of tabletop and rpg culture growing up as I was only slightly introduced to it before. I have only recently got involved in the hobby due to my longtime interest in things in the periphery of gaming and table top rpg’s. Thanks again, I sincerely enjoy all the types of videos that you put out and I just felt that this video was a good place to post my appreciation for your unique take.
Hey, thanks a lot! Really appreciate the thoughtful comment.
man, as usual i really appreciated your talks about games and the other things around them. Being an illustrator it does interests me as well !
Thanks! Mining the depths of the videos here. :)
YOU ARE CORRECT! GOOD WORK!
What are some of the lesser known pulp/outsider artists that inspired the look and feel of the game?
I suspect this is a nearly unique "review" of a game. It deserves to be widely known! You've added great depth to my appreciation of how this game LOOKS, and I will retain that view of the game while I play it. - toby
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video. Thank you for introducing me to Lee Brown Coye such an amazing body of work.
Great video! Thanks for having a different channel, I enjoy yours way more than what is out there right now...
Glad you enjoy it!
Pulp paperbacks, Space Hulk, and Dungeon Degenerates. We are kindred spirits. Thanks for the vid.
Sure thing! Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Totally agree with you. I was drawn to gaming by theme, art, and story. Mechanics are important but secondary in my opinion. I started in late 80s with d&d, Warhammer, then early gw board games like Space Hulk.
Spot on discussion. Korgoth of Barbaria, I offer up to the mix. Well done!
You’re exploring the depths of the Dungeon Dive with this one! :)
Hello Daniel,
I came to your channel as I was looking for a review of Dungeon Degenerate. The engine of recommend.games recommended the game and the artwork on the box intrigued me.
Your enthusiasm for the game and the entire world got me hooked and I am lucky enough to fall in love just in time for the new Kickstarter going online. I did not follow your recommendation to get everything, but I got the 4 Zines, the miniature hand of doom and the Grime & Gold expansion.
So, I really love your approach to reviewing board games and I could not agree more with your philosophy on importance of world building, theme and setting. Also, on artwork, can’t be more bored of more Vincent Dutrait artwork and agree that Too Many Bones looks ugly. However, I did not grow up with Swords & Sorcerers or DnD or similar.
I am only getting slowly drawn into this coming from mainstream board games such as Catacombs, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Aftermath, Mini Rogue, Escape the Dark Castle. So, I was wondering if you have any hints on where to go next. Do you recommend any other boards games or rather start looking into adventure books or RPGs? I play a lot alone and sometime with my wife but hardly in bigger groups.
So excited to get your advice.
Please continue your focus as you really cover a gap the segment of board game reviewers.
Thanks a lot, Daniel!
Best regards,
Johannes
Thanks! It's hard for me to give personal recs. I would say just scan my channel and watch the videos for the games that look interesting. However, games like Catacombs, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Aftermath, Mini Rogue, Escape the Dark Castle are not mainstream at all! :) These are solidly hobby-style games. I typically cover games that can be played solo, but not always.
I also have a top 10 list for adventure games, and for dungeon crawls.
@@TheDungeonDive Agree, tricky to give recs. So, you have won a follower and I will browse your channel for some inspiration. All the best!
Second printing Kickstarter is live! www.kickstarter.com/projects/seanaaberg/tarot-goblinko-dark-fantasy-medieval-punk-tarot-de
Great review and I agree that we should have a channel that talks more about other aspects of this hobby. I found myself writing down some names of authors here that I should definetly read. About using DD as a RPG, I mean, the world is there in these books. The art, the mechanics, the monsters, everything to create your own adventures! My friends used to create games all the time, and use simple mechanics created on the fly. I remember we used a pool table as the "dice" once, rolling balls in the holes lol.
Anyway, I have to get this game! But I will wait for the second printing kickstarter though, because of the shipping rate to Europe is crazy. I want to get it all. :)
There is a really cool series of Sword & Sorcery anthologies I didn't mention that are highly recommended called Swords Against Darkness. I think there are 4 volumes. Tons of great stuff in those.
There is so much that I wanted to talk about on this video, and I really only got to about 1/4 of it! Should have made an outline! Oh well....fodder for other videos.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Great video - very informative. I totally agree about your overall opinion on DD and you nailed it when you said it recapture your feelings/experiences that you had as a kid - works the same way in my case. I felt similar excitement related to games probably two times in a lifetime before DD - when I first played HeroQuest (I was like 10 back then, maybe 11) and then when my friend lent me his first edition of WFRP.
I also like that you mentioned the fact that artistic style can really push one away from a game. I've see people posting on BGG many times that art doesn't matter and they only care whether a game is "good" but for me art is an integral part of this "good" - for example I probably have similar feelings toward Gloomhavean that you have toward Too Many Bones.
BTW, I believe the longest route I came up with have like 12 missions - not sure it is actually doable though "thanks" to doom track :-)
Also I'd encourage you to play with three characters when you're playing solo next time.
Oh and I totally have dreams about playing DD as full fledged RPG one day since first time I played it :-D
I really think you could turn DD into an RPG with almost no issues whatsoever. The GM could run the PCs through the mission book, using the non-combat encounters as NPCs and events, and everything else as intended. The system is there, and it is already strong.
I can't even imagine controlling the Doom track for 12 missions. I've lost all three campaigns I've played with 2 adventurers because I couldn't keep control of it.
I'm not big on GH, either. It's look, or its gameplay.
You played WFRP? I've got some first edition stuff. I've never actually played it, but it is one of my favorite RPG books of all time. I love reading through it.
Nice time travel into the past ! How about Robert Crumb’s works? Do you know them?
TomaszP oh yeah. His stuff is great.
It seems to me they don't need to ever make another game. They can just continue this game with more items characters maps and story books.
That's what i would hope for. The mechanisms are so solid. I can't really think of a way to make the game better, or a better game, except by adding more variety to the stuff.
Bringing up Gilbert Shelton and the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, reminded me that I still own the game FEDS N' HEADS which was produced in the early 70's and included as an insert to Playboy magazine. I wish I still owned my copy of the original stand alone boardgame of Feds N' Heads which was produced as a follow up to the Playboy release but I at least still have the magazine game. Though it is in the tradition of a roll and move Monopoly style game, the satirical theme and nostalgia quotient make up for the basic mechanics. Every so often you can find a copy selling relatively cheap on secondary market sites.
Oh wow! I had not idea that existed. Pretty cool. I have a few old Playboys, both for the fiction and naked chicks. ;)
One vintage Playboy issue I recently found had original short stories by three or four of my favorite authors. It was an awesome find.
And actually if you do not care if you got the original, you can download a pdf of all the components from freaknet.org.uk and have a pnp copy made...
Really enjoyed this video! Would also be interested in a more traditional review of it as well. I've been holding off on ordering the world books, mainly because shipping tends to be pricey from them, but I will definitely be getting them soon.
Two side things: 1) where did you find those token containers? They look perfect. 2) I spotted the Lion God on your shelf, any KDM content coming? Sure it's not a dungeon crawler (Silver City expansion though), but I think it could still fit into the vibe of your channel. It's without a doubt my favorite game.
Keep up the good work my man!
Thanks. Will be working on something more traditional this week.
Which containers do you mean? The circle ones, or the square ones?
I love KDM. One of my favorites of all time. However, I probably won't be doing any content on that simply because there is already so much of it on RUclips.
The circle ones with the lids. I'll probably be ditching the insert that comes with DD and would like something similar to those for the tokens.
There is a lot of KDM content on here, but would still be interested in hearing your thoughts on it, especially in a similar way as this video, considering you have a deep knowledge and passion for these genres.
I could touch upon the body horror genre and its relationship to KDM. I'll keep that in mind, and see if I'm inspired to do something.
The round ones with the lids I got on Amazon.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078K6ZM5C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's something I would be interested in seeing, if you ever decide to go that route. Thanks for the link!
You’re probably familiar with the art of Gary Chalk (by name or otherwise) but I would say he’s a towering figure in fantasy illustration with a fair bit of a weird vibe.
He's my favorite fantasy artist! Grew up with his art in old GW and Fighting Fantasy books. Pretty sure I mention him in this video. If not, then I do so in an early one.
The deal with most of my games is world world building, quests, hero level up, the unknown and new game ideas. It`s not all about winning (just a goal to reach) but about the experience of the game. Even if I can not get my hands on dungeon degenerates in Europe right now, there are still plenty others. A smaller game called Bethel Woods, came to my attention. A game based on a novel and music which was created for the theme. Plus an interesting game mechanic... fixing machines with the mancala game mechanic. In the next weeks I might give Machina Arcana a try. A dungeon crawl heavy on theme with colors the opposite of dungeon degenerate, quite dark , unknown horrors are waiting.
Really glad you mentioned Machina Arcana. I have the game, and the art is very cool. Dark, and brooding. It has a bold and unique look.
However, they are completely changing the art for the new edition coming to KS later this year, and it looks so dull and boring! They've "updated" the art to full-on, generic, Fantasy Flight style art. Really bummed out about the direction they are taking the game's look.
Glad, I will still get the kickstarter exclusive box with the old art the next days.
Are they changing the art for the next print run?
Guess the new art is for the second edition on kickstarter 4th of September. They do it just like it was done with "Darkest Knight", a second kickstarter with new art and a higher price . May be they include also new events or new chapters.
Oh cool. I know there will be new cards/events and stuff, that will be available through the KS as expansions.
Hey there! Great video, was on the fence but think Im going to Kickstart the 2nd printing. Question though, if I can't afford the whole set, would you recommend the character packs or books first?
Mark Piper thanks. I would get the characters first. They add more game. However, everything will be available from their website so don’t feel pressured. Only the minis are limited.
It is almost like a hunter s Tompson gonzo review. Love it.
Gonzo board game journalism. lol. Love it!
Keep it up, your reviews are great especially with you specialising on adventure and dungeons. I first purchased legends untold on your review and it's great. Now I've got dungeon degenerates, but only got the core set so far because someone was selling it secondhand. Thanks
Thank you. Appreciate it. Glad you got some good games!
great video
Also, DCC RPG is awesome as hell.
Whats DCC?
Yes. this.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.