HEXplore It: The Domain of Mirza Noctis (Core Game)

This is a good adventure game. It is a bit fiddly and the rules are a bit unclear, but I love playing this game.

I also own Vol. 1 and 2. Of those three, this is easily my favorite and the reason I started collecting Hexplore It. It has fantastic art and theme, with strong Castlevania vibes and a ton of flavor text. Speaking of art, it's all over a bunch of stuff now, including every single encounter card. The encounters being in their own deck fixes a big problem I was having with the previous volumes, much as I love them. The random nature of things would sometimes create a very intense, demoralizing first couple of turns. Just disaster, disease, curses, afflictions, high-level battles... though this was before I learned to navigate these things very well, it was still nigh on unavoidable sometimes to just get wrecked early on. That kind of brutal experince isn't really possible now. At least, highly unlikely. I'm getting the new encounter decks for the previous volumes too. It's much better that way, and spreads things out a little more evenly. The addition of the dungeon is well executed, and probably my favorite thing about this volume. The setting and mechanics work well together, along with all the great writing, to create a strong atmosphere and a very fun game to play. I'm a big fan, and I intend to get all the Hexplore It stuff I can get my hands on. I think this one will remain my favorite though, because Castlevania dungeon crawler adventure game toolbox is precisely what I want. Do bear in mind that these games are self-described toolboxes, designed by a Dungeon Master. That feeling comes through stong. If you want something where the system completely takes the reigns on exactly how you play, this might not be for you. It's not that the rules aren't complete or concise, per se... it's just that you can really tell this was designed by someone who is very much a Dungeon Master, rather than a strict board gamer. Having been a DM for many years, that is what I want. But it might not be what you want. Still though, for me, 10/10,

The quality of the components are top-notch. Hexplore it cut very few corners to bring his to market. Excellent value, and an excellent game. Playing this game does require a commitment. If you are looking for simple easy gameplay, this one is not for you. If you are looking for a challenge you Hexfound it