Review of the board game Dungeon Fighter: Heroes Keep Out

Playing for the goody-two-shoes team isn't always the right path. Sometimes, embracing the dark side is just human nature. That's why I love taking the chance to play the villain and crush all those polished heroes craving peace and glory. Do they really think they can waltz into my dark kingdom and save the world without fear or reproach? Pfft!

It's 1997—basically the Middle Ages in video game history—and Bullfrog releases Dungeon Keeper. You're the bad guy. You manage a dark dungeon full of traps and treasures that you must defend against heroes. This "builder" strategy was a massive success and became a legend that, honestly, no one has surpassed since. The 2014 mobile remake, on the other hand, is one of the worst examples of how to ruin a beloved game with microtransactions. That really didn't go well.

The new board game from Mindoku – Dungeon Fighter: Heroes Keep Out follows the vision of the famous game much better. Once again, your task is to protect your underground world and its riches from hordes of glory-seeking heroes.

How do you play Dungeon Fighter?

The principle of this board game is brilliantly simple. Players choose from nine different monster clans, set up the dungeon according to one of twenty scenarios, and do everything they can to keep the heroes from grabbing the gold treasure in the center. The actions of all characters are controlled by cards with a clear icon system. There aren't many actions. You can deploy new characters to the board according to specific rules, move, attack, or trigger room actions to, for example, craft stronger cards for your deck.

The aforementioned heroes (each type has specific abilities) enter the game continuously, attacking you and, thanks to a really clever mechanic, advancing through your realm toward the main treasure. And you must prevent that at all costs! The scenario itself adds other special elements that you need to deal with during the game. Once the hero deck runs out and your treasure is still untouched, you win.

No success without cooperation

The game mechanics are simple and clear. An experienced player can explain the rules in just a few minutes. Even so, Dungeon Fighter can really turn up the heat. Don't be fooled by the childish look. First and foremost, this is a heavily cooperative game. You know how it is—there are co-op games where cooperation is often optional and everyone can just do their own thing. Not here. Cooperation is the alpha and omega of the entire game. It's not about you wanting to get a specific card or action. You have to forget about such thoughts. The game is trying to get you at all costs and has plenty of ways to do it. Everything must be aimed at preparing the ground for the next player. Use every action so that the next person has an easier path. If you don't think about this, you won't get anywhere.

I've played quite a lot of games. I've played Dungeon Fighter repeatedly with very experienced players, and the game still crushed us in the first scenario before we realized how to approach it correctly.

Small box, sea of fun

At first glance, you won't find much in the box. Nine sets of wooden monster figures and their card decks, several modular board pieces, and upgrade and hero cards. But each scenario adds its own mini-rules to the game, which significantly change the experience. There are twenty scenarios, and you have a long journey ahead before you reach the end. The game's variability is truly great. That's definitely a big plus. Plus, when you think you've mastered the game, just increase the difficulty and there's another challenge waiting.

A game that deceives with its looks

The authors chose an appealing, for many even childish, visual style. This is in sharp contrast to how difficult the game can be and, despite the simple rules, how complex and demanding it is regarding cooperation. I often thought it would suit a darker and more mature design. Dungeon Fighter from the world of Dark Souls? Why not! On the other hand, Dungeon Fighter maintains clarity this way, and you immediately know what's happening on the board. Ultimately, it's a matter of taste. The visual side definitely shouldn't stop you from trying the game, because it's really worth it.

Dungeon Fighter is a fast-paced tactical game that requires well-coordinated players who know how to cooperate. It offers exceptionally high replayability, and despite the cute look that might not be for everyone, it offers a surprisingly substantial dose of fun even for experienced players. A truly very pleasant surprise.

author Karel Krajča