Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs review

[@NeutiquamErro1]

They say in any entertainment medium you should find a critic/reviewer that shares your tastes (Ebert was my go-to movie critic), and Mike, you're my go-to guy for board games. Thank you for your short-form reviews, focus on mechanics over vibe, and the Britney Spears microphone. I've really enjoyed Buttons and Bugs and love to play this one on a TV tray while watching Home Improvement. Such a wholesome way to wile away a Sunday afternoon.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Britney Spears microphone?! I love it! 😂😂😂

[@OneStopCoopShop]

COMPONENTS - They get the job done. My cards are bowing slightly, but nothing major. The only BIG annoyance is that they picked SUPER similar colors for the enemy life spinners, so I constantly get the green and blue one confused. 0:00 - Introduction 0:45 - Accessibility 1:35 - Campaign 2:15 - Character Variety 3:10 - Card Play Choices 4:08 - Tactical Battles 5:03 - Final Thoughts

[@CamObscura88]

I appreciate the price point but the components really are pretty terrible. The rulebook is missing, the cards are really bendy, and the colors are indeed terrible. That said, I think it’s a blast nonetheless for what it is and enjoy taking it with me for travel.

[@CaptainTruelove]

Components are definitely a mix for me. On one hand, the mini miniatures are well made and sculpted, and a lot of the boards are two-tiered so the cubes don't move around. On the other hand all my cards are severely bowed and twisted which is problematic when it is also the board and the components are light, the dials are also rather questionable and flimsy. All said, I would have gladly payed more for better card quality since they are such a crucial part of interacting with the game.

[@jeffrey5270]

Biggest plus for me is that this is true solo! I find two handed gloomhaven hurts my brain too much.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Good call, should have mentioned that!

[@SirThecos]

I absolutely agree! 🤓

[@BobLee-df4zh]

Absolutely insane that this doesn't come with a proper rule book. I feel most other games would get slammed for something like that. It's obviously aimed at a certain audience with zero regard for accessibility or new players.

[@AtrusDesign]

To be honest I don’t eee a big problem. The rule book does exist, it’s just online. What is the problem with it?

[@boodesultan12]

i wonder if they will ever do duo mode or button and bugs duo variant

[@OneStopCoopShop]

That would be interesting, though I think it would be pretty tough to make the tactical movement satisfying on those tiny one-card maps with 2 heroes :)

[@boodesultan12]

@@OneStopCoopShop nonetheless I hope they expand more on gloomhaven solo and not stopping at button and bugs(currently I only have final girl series but I plan to get more solo board games)

[@jonbower194]

Could you play this on a plane in coach?

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Carefully, you might be able to manage it

[@tiredguy2753]

For me it is hard to see me playing this over something like JOTL unless I was traveling and wanted something "that fits in my pocket essentially". I mean yes it is a stripped down version of gloom but to stripped down for me. Jaws strikes that happy medium between too stripped down and full on gloom. That being said still I wonder if frosthaven will ever get a JOTL version.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

I can see me playing this over Jaws when I only have 20 minutes, or when I don't want to deal with all the campaign crap and just want to fight some baddies :) But yes, like I said in the review, JOTL is still the best intro/accessible gloomhaven experience out there. And I'd also love a Jaws of the Frosthaven someday!

[@Simon-L-B]

I have a problem. Every time I see this game online I misread the name to butts and plugs 😬 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Well… that would be slightly different 😜

[@Ant-gu6vz]

theyre currently hiring playtesters! my ass hurts

[@bullno1]

I kept joking about Tiny Epic Gloomhaven and it actually happened. Although this is a bit more like Gloomhaven for ants.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

What is this?! A Gloomhaven for ANTS?! How can the children learn how to dungeon crawl if they can't even fit in the BOX!? (Sorry, silly Zoolander reference, if you didn't recognize it)

[@pocketstring3634]

I usually download the rules anyway

[@Dragonnox]

I am still waiting for Cephalofair to ship me my copy. They have been very disappointing so far with the campaign and their awful communication (the substance, not the frequency). Still have no idea when my copy will show up.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

That’s terrible! I hope you get it soon

[@PublicExecution]

I couldn't stand Gloomhaven at all. It "bug"ged the living hell out of me, so my finger isn't on the buy "button" for this.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

I would definitely skip this then. It's still very much Gloomhaven, just in a miniaturized form