Dungeon Dare 2020 Update - Online Demo

I really enjoy this quick game. After a handful of plays today, I've added it to my "bookmarks" to visit while on coffee breaks for the day job. You've been able to create the same kind of tensions and temptations as Incan Gold (one of my personal favourite games) in a solitaire format.

Nice work...! Pleased to see that it's won back some of your attention.

Best of success with this, however far you choose to take it. :)

I saw that you'd changed the Map to the Torch in the past couple days. Intrigued to see what these beta cards might be...

Since you've already gone ahead with the concept of "Booster Packs"... I felt like it would be appropriate to share my idea (at this point in time).

How about have Booster Packs of 10 Cards, 9 "white border" and 1 "black border" (Rare). This would cap the levels to 10 Cards max...

But EACH Level is a NEW Booster. And therefore you ONLY need to keep track of 10 cards ... Which are different per booster pack. And your level and score can be the differentiating factors.

I played the game and it's FUN.

Note #1: You can make the Booster = 15 cards... For more of a challenge. Then you can have levels of rarity... Where the Monsters and the difficulty level you choose affect how the Booster gets randomized. Could be freaken awesome!

Note #2: You can use the Player's Defense Level (Easy: 6, Mid: 5 or Hard: 4) and setup some rules concerning randomization.

Like Easy (6) = 6 Loot, 5 Monsters, 3 Random and 1 Rare (black border).

Where the Loot and Monsters are SEEDS and the Random and Rare are "randomized"... So at the minimum you would get 6 Loot and 5 Monsters. Anyways it's just concepts ... you can adapt and implement whatever methodology you prefer.

But it's very cool... And I'm sure it's simple enough to explain to kids HOW to play!

Note #3: Playing your game ACTUALLY INSPIRED me to focus more attention on "Monster Keep" (MK) and spend a couple of hours working on the cards for this revised edition. All this mention of "Boosters" had got me "excited" (What can I say I really enjoy 'cards' and card games)...

MK will be made with Plastic Cards from Asia. But my prototype cards are throw away paper... Just to illustrate the concept and see how PLAYABLE the game really is.

Thanks for inspiring me to continue my own design! Cheers.

Note #4: And no MK is not using a booster sales format. Your game just reminded me that focusing on MK over the next few days could be a "nice" break from TW editing. I deserve a break every now and then... So I'm going to TRY to wrap up the Editing of the cards tonight and print the paper cards to place them in sleeves so that I can playtest MK and all it's "newer" glory.

I'm planning to use the Magic: the Gathering Aftermarket Sales Format for MK. Basically I have setup a webstore and am planning to sell CARD SETS (each Monster is a SET) and you can figure out what Monsters you want to add to your nine (9) Monster Micro Deck.

Prices will be per Monster set and will allow you IN-GAME to randomize your cards to maximize their abilities...

Seems like, with the additions you've made lately, scores have a tendency to inch higher (particularly in the case of lucky draws involving the Potion of Power). In a game which relies so heavily on luck, I think this is a good trend. You're keeping it in balance with the addition of bad luck (except when Cerberus ends up "chasing his own tail" it can be devastating), the draws made by the Snake Pit and Goblin, and the scaling effect of the Dragon.

I also think classifying the Magic Lamp as a treasure was a good choice in this regard. Plain coins are just plain, and you already have plenty of them. If Scores were heading on a downward trend with all these changes I would suggest rewarding coins to the player if they Free the Genie, but it just doesn't seem necessary at this point.

With the variable value of the treasures you've added recently, I think you tap into a player's greed and sense of risk in a great way. Scores go up as a reward for daring, and when bad luck does strike, it doesn't feel absolutely terrible, as gains can be made on a future floor or even a future game.

I've played this almost exclusively solo, so the "beat your personal best" urge seems very strong. Coupled with its quick setup time, I think this game is fantastically well-done. :)

• Regarding the redraw monster: I don't think I'd ever choose the shuffle option for this, unless it instantly killed me when I drew it (which incidentally would likely be the same if it doubled the attack of all revealed monsters, anyway).

  How do you intend to track this in the analog version of the game? Some kind of "marked for death" token seems to be jarring to the form factor you've established, in my opinion. Maybe one way to do this is the Incan Gold/Diamante method: have two cards, and if the second is revealed before the player withdraws, the player is insta-killed.

• Regarding the redraw treasure: doesn't seem like there's any downside to putting it back in the deck, unless it somehow takes away previously-collected treasure. Maybe it's a "Coin Collector" who steals all the player's coins, and they're set aside. The player must shuffle the Coin Collector back in the deck, then must draw the Coin Collector again in order to reclaim their stolen coins.

This is difficult to replicate. But I have the impression something happens with the Goblin that doesn't allow the Bomb to destroy it when that particular combination comes out.

Bomb -> Light Fuse -> Draw Goblin

I had one life point remaining, and as soon as the Goblin appeared, the round ended.

If I can replicate this again, I will surely let you know.

Had my highest score ever just today. :)

Question regarding the Potion of Power: does it increase the strength of the shield to +2 instead of +1? I've not seen that combination yet, but I wonder.

Additionally, I can see mechanically why you permit this, but do you think the Potion of Power is a bit excessive regarding the Treasure Chest? As long as you have one of the pair revealed already, you gain 12 coins instead of 6. Even works if you reveal the Key after the Potion. Would there be a simple way on your end to nerf this? Or are you pleased with the outcome and I'm just nit-picking?

I suppose it depends on how you intend for the game to be played. For example, I find the game exceptionally entertaining because I play it exclusively solo, like on a coffee break. I really enjoy Dungeon Dare, and it's primarily due to seeing how my personal best changes over time: through dumb luck, daring, foolhardiness, shrewdness and savvy play, or otherwise.

However, if I were playing the game with one or more opponents, I could easily see myself feeling like it's completely dumb luck that their score is so much greater than mine, souring me to the experience. My gut tells me that the dynamics of a 1 vs. 1 game would amplify this effect, particularly regarding those with a heavy competitive urge.

If it is in fact considered for competitive play, maybe major swings shouldn't be in the cards, so to speak. The illusion of control is tenuous at best, and as you admit "swinginess" is rampant. Maybe a 2-player match just isn't recommended for this game, and I'd suggest a 3-player match as the potential sweet spot for multiplayer. More rounds provide an opportunity for averages to emerge, but a low player count keeps game time trimmed to a snappy 30 minutes or so.

From bad, to worse, to even worse-er. :)

https://imgur.com/a/TdDxoOh

I think it's part of the charm of this game, not a downside. I was sharing this because I had a good laugh out of it at the time. It comes with the territory, and when it comes with that territory, personally I like your game a lot. :)

One of my favourite games these days, that I love to teach others to play - Incan Gold - is all about random swingy-ness. The only reason that game is considered positively is because players' winnings are concealed throughout the game. Otherwise, you could never legitimately extend that game to five rounds. :)

It's a specific style of game you've created here (and with your more recent effort, Maverick) has a quick setup time and a quick, dramatic punch. The fact that it's solo means that I can play it anywhere and scratch that itch whenever I like.

I can play this game forever. A new "coffee break" session at least once a month for the rest of my life. It perfectly scratches that press-your-luck itch.

Hats off to you, Gregg. :D