It would be an understatement to say that this past winter break was beyond busy. Among my many guests, my parents visited from the US. Still, even with them around, Eric from Book of Revenant and I still had time to delve into most sought after Dragon Quest Anniversary item: Dragon Quest Dungeon R.
Dungeon R is a competitive board game that mixes the sensibility of battleship with elements of Dungeons and Dragons. Each player has their set of 28 blocks, and a grid mat that represents the dungeon. Players place the blocks as walls, and slowly create a labyrinth for the opponent. Players then place the boss of the dungeon at a place of their choosing, as well as an entrance point for the opponent. Depending on the mode being played, players also add treasure chests, enemies, and pits.
The game has three modes, each one progressively more complex than the last, and requiring more play time. Eric and I were on borrowed time as it was, so we decided to try out the quickest mode: Level 1. Level 1 has no enemies other than the dungeon boss, and neither does it have chests. The object of this mode is to get to the dungeon boss before your opponent. Players have a pad of grid paper where they chart their map around the maze giving coordinates for their next move, while the opponent, acting as dungeon master, moves a miniature of the hero around the board to keep track of player progress. When a player hits a wall, their turn is over, and it’s time for the roles to switch.
Both Eric and I hope to get more play time in in the near future, but for now, here are a few photos from our first successful game of Dragon Quest Dungeon R.
Eric, reading the rules before we started. Even at 11:30 in the morning indoors, he still has that damn cap on.
The game board set up on my side, along with all the figures still in their packaging. The chocolate bar-looking package is my wrapped box of wall blocks.
My dungeon. I thought it would be rather devious, but it ended up being too easy. I need more practice designing grid dungeons.
Eric’s dungeon. This caused me a lot of problems.
Hopefully in the near future, we’ll have photos of the other modes in action.
What do you think? Are you interested in learning more about Dungeon R? Is it a waste of time? Should HDRL just stick to video games? Let your voice be heard by posting in the comment box below!
That’s very cool. Is there anywhere to import it? If not, it could probably be played with home-made pieces; I’d like to hear the rules in detail.
I wish we got interesting board games like this here. Unfortunately, we will probably get Monopoly: Election ‘08 Edition instead.