Dark Venture

discussion and extended turn example of 4-handed coop play (0:00); combat (53:23); overall thoughts (1:08:57)
updated solo rules: drive.google.c...
**Get Geek Gamers' new book, a literary Gothic random table, "Wanderings," here: amzn.to/33T7yix
#geekgamers #darkventure

[@GeekGamers01]

Enjoying this content? You can support the channel by donating on PayPal: paypal.me/geekgamersDeborah get SOLO GAME MASTER'S GUIDE: US customers: tinyurl.com/yckpsrxe UK customers: tinyurl.com/ykarakda get WANDERINGS: tinyurl.com/5cj3d4jc

[@arcubal]

I love the synergy between theme and mechanics in this game. Not only was the whole Kickstarter campaign run with the style of a 1980's TV commercial, this game reminds me very much of the adventures of the '80s, whether it's the typography and art, the graphic design and component design - everything screams neon '80s-outlandish-sci-fi-adventure. But it goes deeper. The randomness of the mechanics (which is actually a feature rather than a bug in this case), the elegance/simplicity of actions and combat, the narrative which is short and colorful - it all fits! The only new aspects would be the higher quality of the components (dual-layered, double-sided printed boards) and the victory point system (which is very post 1990s). I adore this game as a simple, nostalgic step into an imaginative world that doesn't have me investing hours (or days) of gameplay time. Heavy!

[@GeekGamers01]

Marcel the Arcubal Yes, you describe its appeal perfectly. The victory points didn’t bother me as much as I thought they would, probably because the rest of it was so rich

[@perplexingruins]

was looking up this game and of course GG covered it! so excited about the new edition arriving hopefully soon. Thank you for making the aesthetics comments at the beginning. I so so wish more artists would pursue variance in fantasy art. it's very stale. Graham Cranfield's Heros Journey Home also stands out!

[@GeekGamers01]

It’s a lovely game. I didn’t realize there is a new edition. I think you will enjoy the game!

[@Mercury2wo]

This is the second video of yours I have watched (Deckbox Dungeons the other one) and I must say I LOVE your style of explaining the game / narrating it. The steel pointer you use - classic!! Thanks for the great videos. Subscriber here!!

[@GeekGamers01]

Mercury2wo Well thank you so much!

[@sm1ttywerb]

It's so interesting to me that the "co-op" play of this actually makes for a more engaging solo experience than the actual solo game!

[@GeekGamers01]

It certainly did for me. The game’s core is really competitive-characters striving to attain individual goals within a constrained timeframe using limited resources. That framework loses its juice when someone is wandering around alone in the universe. The modified solo rules suggested by The Dungeon Dive and taken up by the designer (see link in my description) do try to simulate some of the experiences of having multiple characters in the world but they do so mechanically. It’s challenging to do that thematically given how the game is designed. Running 3 or 4 characters as a solo player makes this game shine-though it makes for a very involved experience that you will need some tabletop space to accommodate. IMO it’s worth it. I love this game!

[@odaduh]

Thanks for the video! I have this one as well, but was waiting for the dust to settle on the ongoing rules clarifications thread before taking a crack at it. After watching your commentary, I think maybe I was being a bit too wary and will likely try it out soon.

[@GeekGamers01]

Oda I didn’t find the rules confusing at all save for the slight incongruities in using some items during combat (I discuss this). Not pictured in the vid due to time constraints was the party entering a location and encountering an action. It seems a little unclear to me whether the “first” party member alone deals with certain encounters or whether they all do. (I made it be the first.). Hardly a mess tho, rules-wise, IMO. Overall quite clear.

[@jonanjello]

Excellent overview for Dark Venture, Geek Gamers. I played the game a few times solo, but had not considered playing it solitaire in cooperative mode. Bookkeeping, managing, and remembering the details seems a huge effort, but I'd be willing to give it a try. Thanks for the video!

[@GeekGamers01]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, lots of bookkeeping and management but I enjoyed that aspect and it kept me involved with the game and the characters. Probably a function of the fact that I was already enjoying the game after starting it solo (and then starting over). I think one could also run 3 characters solo/coop without losing too much except bookkeeping. I wouldn't go down to 2, since then the added effort wouldn't pay off...

[@jonanjello]

@@GeekGamers01 Then perhaps I'll try it at three instead of four. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@GeekGamers01]

jonanjello I hope that works out for you. :)Enjoy!

[@jonanjello]

@@GeekGamers01 Oh, one more comment - do you play the game with the soundtrack music?

[@GeekGamers01]

jonanjello Uh, no, I didn’t even realize there was a music soundtrack. I will check that out. I’m about to set up a game using the Vile Invaders expansion which I have yet to incorporate

[@kevindorn2508]

Cant wait to dig into this. My first project, after really getting the rules and flow, will be stringing something together to make a campaign style mode. Looks like the "crawl" expansion attempts something similar.

[@GeekGamers01]

It’s a special game. I hope you enjoy it!

[@fmoros]

Thanks. Great video. Regarding the confusion around using/equipping items during combat. Your interpretation on the reason why you could potentially reduce your damage is totally right. Also you only roll once to determine how much your damage will be reduce and for how much, as you did. What I am not sure about is if you have to deduct that -3 on every damage roll after you have already equipped the elixir. My feeling is that you only deduct that ´penalty´only for the bout of combat that you equip/drink/use the item but not every single time you attack after. As you said, it would not make much of a help if the Elixir gives +2 but makes you lose so many damage points. Another question is ...would not you have to use an action to equip/use in this case too?

[@GeekGamers01]

fer Yes still some ambiguities tho I believe elsewhere the designer clarified that you do not need to use actions within combat to equip. I could be wrong tho and I definitely have used actions within combat. ... still slightly unclear to me

[@fmoros]

I just saw Rob's new video on the game basics serie. And to answer my own question, he says that you don't spend 1AP when you equip/use during combat. Also, you only deduct the damage penalty once. It all makes sense, once you know :)

[@GeekGamers01]

@@fmoros Thanks for the clarification. I see he's uploaded some new vids but haven't had a chance to watch yet.

[@johannes9839]

Love your videos, Deborah! I bought both Dungeon Degenerates and Dark Venture based on your reviews, and I am super amazed by the design and world built by both games. Do you have any other game that you can recommend that is comparable? Thanks, and keep producing such great content. All the best, Johannes

[@GeekGamers01]

So glad you are enjoying my vids... and you're asking a great question. Alas, the games you name and have bought are really in a class by themselves, I think. Not too much else that is comparable in terms of developing a unique and immersive world. One thing that comes to mind--in a totally different 'feel'-is Fallen Land. It creates a world and presents an emotional experience for the player... it does help tell real stories in that world. I did a vid on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJbIaGx4erp5eLM

[@johannes9839]

@@GeekGamers01 Thanks so much! looks amazing

[@CharlesMarlow1898]

Huh, cool. I've transisioned from mildly interested in the game to interested; it seems like a fun game and, of course, I like listening to Geeks Gamers. Chin-chin.🐈

[@GeekGamers01]

Charles Marlow Thanks! I do very highly recommend this game especially if you are up for playing 3+ characters coop you will get a puzzly adventure game in a unique world with great components and tons of decision-making at every moment.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Cool game, cool video. Very much reminds me of Dungeoneer. I love the world here. It's interesting.

[@GeekGamers01]

The Dungeon Dive Thanks. Makes so many of the games coming out (and out) seem so generic in their approach to world creation and-for lack of a better word-vibe.

[@1redrab]

This game is the one that cost me a small fortune after seeing your recommendation!! Totally your fault!! hahahaha ;) 'Patron of the Arts Indeed!!' Thanks again for the awesome overview of this incredibly artistic and super cool sword and sorcery world. I cannot wait to play! Cheers, Ryan

[@GeekGamers01]

Ahhh well that’s cool. It’s a really great game-so atmospheric and really something different!

[@kosterix123]

1:16:00 isofarian has crafting.

[@williambertram7372]

I personally love the look of Dark Venture. The retro logo, the colors, the art. I might give it a try on Tabletop Simulator.

[@davedogge2280]

Looks like a light/ lite version of Dungeon Degenerates. I know it's a stretch but it does to me.

[@Boardgamer69]

For me it's more similar to Dungeoneer, the art is what makes this game looking like Dungeon Degenerates

[@davedogge2280]

@@Boardgamer69 I've got Dungoneer. A now tough game to get everything for.

[@Boardgamer69]

@@davedogge2280 I think I have everything from Dungeoneer I would love a new version with better tile and a solo mode

[@GeekGamers01]

Looks somewhat like it. Plays differently.

[@crushingit5128]

@@Boardgamer69 this game has too much world building to be compared to Dungeoneer

[@wolfpack1696]

art reminds me of Gamma World

[@zakhoskins6404]

I don't know about mechanics, but aesthetics wise, plenty of other stuff looks scarier if you're going for a dark vibe. Looks more like depressing marker art to be honest. I mean, why call it Dark Venture if there's bright green all over the place? Toxic Venture, sure. Mutant Venture, ok. But for a game called Dark Venture, I'm expecting more deep indigos, crimsons, dark olive greens, or at least some VERY well done monochromatic art.

[@mattlowder]

The theme. The theme is dark. That's what's dark, sir. LOL. Come on, Literal Larry.

[@MoragTong_]

Dungeon Degenerates is unfortunately a terrible game. I have not wanted to like a game more than that one and have actually bought it twice...there's just nothing there once you get past the amazing artwork. Very much interested in Dark Venture.