Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card Game
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.8 / 5
- Year
- 2013
About the game
Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card Game casts 2-4 players as classic video-game villains competing to build the most enticing side-scrolling dungeon. Players lure adventuring heroes with tempting rooms, then strive to defeat them before they reach the Boss, racing to be the first to collect ten souls. Simultaneous room-building creates a bidding war each round as heroes chase the treasure they crave most. Spells add disruption and tactical depth to this fast, retro-inspired card game.
Hobbli's Notes
Boss Monster nails its 8-bit nostalgia with charming pixel art and a clever hook: greed is punished as much as stinginess. The tension between building rooms that lure heroes and rooms that actually kill them is the game's best trick. It plays fast and mean, with plenty of take-that moments that keep the table lively. It's a great gateway game for retro gamers who don't usually play board games.
What we like
- Charming retro video-game theme and pixel art.
- Clever risk/reward tension between luring and killing heroes.
- Fast-playing at around 30 minutes.
- Take-that spells keep interaction high throughout.
Keep in mind
- Player elimination can end the game early for some players.
- Take-that mechanics may frustrate less competitive players.
- Limited strategic depth compared to heavier card games.
Who it's for
Great for retro video game fans and casual groups of 2-4 looking for a light, quick, take-that card game.
