In the foreboding world of Gloomhaven, strategic leadership is the key to success. As a band of mercenaries, you must navigate through the dark and treacherous world, making crucial decisions that can mean the difference between triumph and tragedy. With over 1,000 abilities to master, each of the 17 unique characters offers a distinct playing style.
Explore the world through quests and events, and delve into the depths of eerie dungeons and foreboding forests. Engage in turn-based combat, carefully selecting two cards for each mercenary on every turn. Manage your resources wisely, as cards are as scarce as life itself.
As you progress, hone your abilities through enhancements and perks, and level up your mercenaries to unlock new equipment and powers. The line between greed and morality will be constantly blurred, as you navigate the complex web of alliances and power struggles within Gloomhaven. With over 160 exclusive digital missions, the Guildmaster adventure offers a new layer of depth to the game, set in a region overrun by unspeakable horrors.
With the flexibility to play solo or in online co-op for up to four players, Gloomhaven is the ultimate strategic battle for power and survival in a world gone dark.
Should I play Gloomhaven in 2024?
The good
- True to the Board Game: Fans of the original Gloomhaven board game will find a lot to love here. The digital version captures much of the essence and intricate gameplay of its physical counterpart.
- Convenience: One standout point is how the game automates many of the tedious aspects of the board game, like bookkeeping and rule enforcement, making it far more accessible and easier to dive into campaigns without extensive overhead.
- Great Value: Compared to the often high cost of the physical board game and its expansions, the digital version offers a more budget-friendly way to experience the Gloomhaven universe.
- Replayability: The game offers varied class combinations, items, enhancements, and card mechanics, which keeps the gameplay fresh and inviting for multiple playthroughs.
- Immersive Music: The soundtrack adds a pleasant layer to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
The bad
- Technical Issues: Many users have reported persistent bugs, crashes, and technical problems, especially since the involvement of TwinSails.
- Learning Curve: The tutorials seem inadequate for new players, making the game challenging to pick up if you’re unfamiliar with the board game.
- Multiplayer Issues: There are numerous reports about a subpar multiplayer experience plagued by crashes and disconnections.
- Changed EULA: Some users are unhappy with the changes to the End-User License Agreement, citing loss of ownership and concerns about data privacy.
Verdict
Should you still buy or play Gloomhaven in 2024? 🤔 Despite its numerous technical setbacks and the occasionally steep learning curve, Gloomhaven remains a compelling and richly rewarding game, particularly for fans of the original board game. The automation of cumbersome aspects and the vast replayability largely outweigh the drawbacks, especially if the developer continues to patch and improve the game. If you love complex tactical RPGs and can overlook some bumps along the way, this game will give you countless hours of strategic fun. Just be prepared for a few technical hiccups and a learning curve if you’re new to the series. 🎲🔮
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In-game Screenshot
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
