Top 10 Dungeon Crawls and Adventure Games - The Runners Up

[@TheDungeonDive]

Top 10 Dungeon Crawls (2024 edition) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaK9p2Vtm6uEorMsi=IMUrHBrZUnQ8uMHy Top 10 Adventure Games (2024 edition) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH60dHSVeJ6tpbMsi=6ru2kjXEf-_l4d41

[@solitaryrpg]

What a great follow up video. Always like hearing what you have to say about games.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@didierj3836]

You made me discover SoB and I bought a bunch of boxes that I sold some months later in order to finance other games but I go back to it and this time I have the project to keep only the heroes miniatures and create standees for all the threats. It's a long term project, I hope to post the result in the FB group later this year.

[@pedroalves6425]

Regarding DUN, I think it helps having a mindset that it´s really a Tabletop RPG experience without social conflict or Role Playing. Having played AD&D2e for long time really endeared me to the game. On another note, congratulations, this is by a landslide, the best DC channel in the interwebs :D

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yeah! So many of the games I cover are RPG substitutes / adjacent. It’s just that I only have so much time and mental capacity to devote to rules and campaign play, so I prefer simpler RPG adjacent games. :) if I didn’t have to be constantly focusing on different things for the channel, I’d probably play it more.

[@matthewgonneau1056]

Great fun! Your freeform hobbyist voice really shines here - maybe because you were unshackled from the stricter top 10 countdown format haha!. Looking forward to more "bundles talk" like this!

[@BeatRag28]

You could do a top 20? Incoming top 100 😂 I love these videos for the information. Always helps to discover more options

[@KyleMaxwell]

Thanks for doing this. Need to look into a few of these; I am partial to games that only require something to write or draw with and minimize both clutter and the likelihood of me fumbling with physical objects.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I cover a ton of those kinds of games on this channels! Have two great guides to them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36VhGemjMqWsNUsi=E1F5mbgW_HNkb7Oe kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4qrpWSmmbiWgZIsi=jSzfkFBjpha8YKEl If you like those kinds of games, you’ve come to the right place!

[@Dagon1820]

Having watched your original DUN video and the excitement you got describing the game...that's the number 1 right there.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s a very good game.

[@ADungeonDelve]

Very nice video! I have 12 of these games (7 Dungeon Crawlers and 5 Adventures). I like them all quite a bit (three of the Dungeon Crawlers are in my top 10 games).

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks! 12 out of 20….not bad crossover. :)

[@pedrowayne4675]

What a great idea! …love the concept of chatting about games in the top … I think that this would be a good format in Discussing the too 10 … perhaps not listing them as #1. #2 etc.. and talking about them in no particular order!

[@TheDungeonDive]

It's fun to discuss them in this way.

[@DustinDustin00]

I played Dungeoneers with a friend and a big office white board with a bunch of colored magnets (to track who had taken action, on fire status, defending status, half-health status, etc). We had a lot of fun, but I almost feel like it would have been better with one person just running the white board, lols. The rules have lots of holes and errata and I haven't tried out the 2nd edition rules, so, yeah, you do have to be ready to "make up rules as you go". But the author is putting in the work to fix things and I imagine it will continue improving. All the standies and maps are terrific for using in other games, too!

[@OldSkooolGamer]

Just became an instant fav channel! Well done!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Welcome to the Dungeon Dive!

[@HungryGamerReviews]

ah the challenge of KZbin. Every so often I go through a recording and playtesting and editing frenzy which allows me to put a crawler on the table for a week and go to town.

[@boatofcar3273]

Another great list. Thanks Daniel!

[@crazyvolucris]

Wow... i´ve got 5 DC´from your Runners (2 i bought just because of your videos, so thank you) and also 5 from the Adventure Games... 3 because of your videos🤩 i guess i am in the right place. So Thank you for everything and your great "look at" Videos or the beloved "one Thing i like...". 🙌👍🏻

[@TheFatalT]

Eagerly awaiting League of Dungeoneers over here. Dungeon Universalis looks awfully tempting as well. Don’t know if my back can handle too many more giant game boxes though 😂

[@Caratacus1]

Yay Space Cadets: Away Missions! Me and the wife actually painted it all we loved it so much. Have played thru 2 full campaigns on different difficulty levels. Have played it with seasoned wargamers and total newcomers and it always goes down well. An underrated gem IMHO so nice to hear it get a shout out by Daniel. I think that if it had had a more common theme (altho I love the classic sci-fi theme) then it would have been a worldwide hit.

[@armstronghawkins9183]

I respect all who play Talisman in 2024. My friends have all abandoned it. I paint the minis but...no one will play. Thank you for keeping the dream alive.

[@sethpeterson8261]

That's a bummer. For us the "best" version of the game is a complete 3rd edition. As simple as it is it creates an incredibly immersive, thematic flavorful adventure Everytime with awesome emergent and clutch moments and shifts in fortune. Its way underated. Painted mine also and recently added the additional 14 unreleased Heroes (from the beta version, from WD and Troll magazine etc...). Took a bit to find minis matching that Old hammer style and having Heroes cards printed, but worth it!

[@the_Mike_d]

I'm really hoping you can figure out a solo/companion mode for League of Dungeoneers - no pressure! It's another great list regardless - especially hearing your thoughts on why some things didn't get into the top 10. I also have so many games I enjoy playing with others but they're flat for me as a solo experience. Finding a game that you enjoy solo and with 2-3 other people? That is quite difficult.

[@browe]

Against all odds (*so* not a CMON fan), I really do like Cthulhu: Death May Die--for all the reasons you shared. Delighted to see Xia on your list, and it's not hyperbole to say I just cannot wait for Arydia: The Paths We Dare Tread this year!

[@yodennis2000]

I usually find something I've previously overlooked in these kinds of lists.

[@antytrend]

first let me say: love this videos. I think all of the new Heroquest game pieces are highly inferior to the old.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I do not think that. :). Everything in the new HQ is better quality IMO.

[@Linnir]

As an avid Dungeon Universalis player I must say you are right about the rules hurdle. It took me months to internalise everything to the point where I play the game as designed. You do need to play as designed, otherwise you experience a pale shadow. To better help new players, I really think this game needs a Jaws of the Lion campaign clone to introduce the full rules gradually.

[@xSean0607]

I think dragon's down, the reimagine of magic realm, that is being delivered this year could be ayet another candidate to the adventure list of games.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Looking forward to it!

[@d.aardent9382]

Whoa really? Interesting!!

[@swordsnstones]

whoah Dan... finally got to see yer face :) great vid bruddah

[@sethpeterson8261]

Daniel just a heads up in case you somehow missed it. But Drakborgen, the RPG adventure based on the original DungeonQuest boardgame, is being released in English for the Dragonbane RPG. Full color and using the art from the recent release of the Swedish boardgame reprint The kickstarter still has 40+ hours to go.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh nice! Thank you. Appreciate it. I'll check it out.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Nice and affordable! Like that.

[@sethpeterson8261]

@@TheDungeonDive Yeah, pretty cheap at $24. Couldn't help myself and grabbed the limited version though, ha!

[@jupiterloner999]

I'm so happy that you mention again the game Darkest Night. My favourite~ Then you mentioned the game Clank. Somehow I dislike it, but can't tell why. May I know why you said it's not a good deck building game? Curious...

[@TheDungeonDive]

Not enough options to cull cards and not enough options to feel like you’re building a character.

[@jupiterloner999]

@@TheDungeonDive I see. Would like to see your recommendations video on that if possible, because your videos are great source for gaming discovery and your advices are very useful so far~ 👍

[@apolloangel9374]

I play DCs only, I have plenty of them and almost all the well known ones. DUN is over the top and is the one I keep playing at least on a weekly basis. If I had to keep only one, it would be DUN and perhaps I would make some space too for WHQ 95 for nostalgia purposes.

[@AdamHennebeck]

If you feel like answering, why DUN over LoD? I'm trying my best to get into either and having some difficulty with the learning curve.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

I wrote a review about it on BGG recently if you're interested. Titled "It's a pleasure to play".

[@TheDungeonDive]

@@AdamHennebeck I've got detailed reviews covering both, so you should have enough info to make a very sound decision! This is a three part review of DUN, LoD and DC - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqafZesZq6Lqtksi=PUXBJTezKVHNy2bs DUN - review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqeylWerrq-efKcsi=sIViO9blAgVojy2V LOD - review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp-QqYadlKuHZqMsi=pOJ2141ohHX4rBwW

[@crazyvolucris]

@@AdamHennebeck well, for me it got the "better" dice mechanics while fighting. Not that random D100. DUN uses 2D6+Skill in a vs. mode, so way more "controllable" but still deadly🤪 (personal reference)

[@capnbob0618]

Ooo would be interested in your thoughts about a way to play LoD with one hero. The new printing is coming soon and am a bit worried about its complexity with four characters.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Hopefully I come up with something. :)

[@ConraDargo]

I guess as a party game, Escape the Dark Castle might work and feel better! Me and my friends just really didn't enjoy the randomness or the risk/reward part; it often felt like the game was playing _us_ or even being played by itself, as we chucked the dice and hoped for the best 😶 Kinda tempted to give it another chance, since it's been like 6-7 years now. I _do_ like the artwork and the card descriptions!

[@TheDungeonDive]

The game is totally playing you - that's kind of the point of the game! :) It's not a game of skill, tactics or strategy. It's about creating a story of black comedy, death, and doom.

[@ConraDargo]

@@TheDungeonDive Aaah right right, glad it wasn't just us! Was even thinking that perhaps I missed something in the rules 😆 Well then, I won't be returning to it anytime soon, but instead look at some other games that are less luck-based and I've had my eyes on for some time! Thanks for really making that clear ^^

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh yeah - if you want to avoid luck, probably best to stay away from most of the games covered on this channel. LOL! I prefer my games to be about 90% luck! Roll those dice, and pray to RNJesus.

[@prestigepea1235]

Space Cadets Away Missions is so good. If I could reboot any game it would be this one, with less dull art. I know they went for a 50s TV vibe, but the convept deserves art that mirrors the source - Less Buster Crabbe and more Alex Raymond!

[@samt9387]

Great vid 👍

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks 👍

[@cammychoate]

I knew SoB would be along before long lol Are your RPG rules available anywhere? I haven't seen them on BGG

[@davidautinify]

man, when you said Fallout came out in 2017 it gave my brain whiplash. seems like a lifetime ago. in the "before times" lol.

[@garyclarkson5246]

Daniel, I can’t find a video for you on Bardsung. What are your thoughts? Should I consider getting into this game?

[@TheDungeonDive]

The game board was too big for my table so I sold it.

[@jackrutter9797]

I haven't finished the video yet, so apologies if you mention them ater, but what are the games in the thumbnail please? Thanks

[@TheDungeonDive]

Just images. One is path finder pawns on a dungeon playmat, the other is a piece of art by Steve Fabian, originally used as a cover for an Arkham House book.

[@wasylwasylson7349]

Some editions of some games can seriously differ from one another and can play substantially differently from one another. Not the case with Talisman though - at least the 2nd, 4th (and 5th from what i can see) editions, they are pretty similar although 4th/5th has some good mechanical upgrades.

[@bloodrunsclear]

This is the League of Dungeoneering All the monsters keep appearing! Oh, to be a dungeoneer Swimming in pools of gold!

[@kevinstricklen7579]

If you get the retail version of Hellboy, what single expansion would you recommend that would include the random scenarios you mentioned? Comparing Hellboy and C:DMD, which one would you choose over the other?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’m not sure. I don’t know which expansion they came in, because I got the KS version. I have very little knowledge of the retail versions. Probably best to ask on BGG. Sorry.

[@VaultBoy13]

The one you need to start playing random scenarios is the BPRD Archives Expansion.

[@ajmunzi]

What do you think of the upcoming Talisman 5th edition? Would it be the definitely edition surpassing 2nd?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Looks cool. I don’t rank editions so not really worried about it surpassing anything. The first expansion will introduce co-op and solo play, so I’m excited.

[@1AngelAlita]

I still haven't played LoD because of rulebook and other issues but that should be hopefully remedied with the update pack.. ;)

[@frankbranham7404]

Hmmm. I bailed on Fallout after the first game because of the weird balance issues with the faction system. I might have to see about another look. My current campaign is Pericle, which I'm REALLY warming to. The current Labyrinth campaign looks like a GREAT way to play it for your tastes--I bet they'd send you one if you asked, but the current Gathering Darkness campaign is suprisingly good in terms of feeling like a big old RPG campaign. It is descended from the tri-stat Melee/Wizard/The Fantasy Trip games by way of Dark City Games really cheap line of GOOD solo microgame RPGS. Pericle blings up the price and production a lot, and adds a pretty simple webapp---which works fairly well for the story paragraph branching duties. The best part of Pericle is the game system extensions. It really is a nice crunchy tactical layer on top of TFT's classic play. You can't just step away from a battle easily AT ALL, grapples can be lethal, and either being caught or catching someone unawares is just brutal, and can require 3 turns of doing nothing before they can hit you. (Surprise round, stand, draw a weapon.) The Labyrinth kickstarter includes a bestiary add-on--which is probably enough to run this as a full-blown tabletop RPG with a lot of depth.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I backed the new dungeon crawl focused version. :)

[@link_7164]

Hi, have you ever played sword and sorcery: immortal souls (or others from that series) please?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I played the first S&S game. I did not like it.

[@link_7164]

@@TheDungeonDive what didn’t you like about it please? Rules, gameplay, immersion in the theme? I saw someone on dice tower describe it as the closest feeling to D&D they got from a board game. Since watching your channel I’ve been exposed to a lot of games i hadn’t previously heard of. Is there something you’d recommend in that particular direction instead? I realise that probably no board game will give the true feeling. Also I don’t mean in terms of talking as your character as you would in D&D, rather a some feeling of immersion of being your character, some openness combined with the dungeons, perhaps some problem solving. The second series of S&S looked like a candidate to me with some apparently extensive above ground areas as well as the dungeons.

[@TheDungeonDive]

My thoughts on S&S are here kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6O5lIuXi612jtksi=ofRLkHT-uxCE2ZLT I'd recommend every game in my top 10 Dungeon Crawls and Adventure Games, and every game in my runners up video over S&S. :) For something that someone else might call "D&D in a box," I'd look towards something like League of Dungeoneers.

[@Amuro94]

Do you have a top 10 adventure games and top 10 dungeon crawler games but only small boxes? Such as iron helm, mini rogue and the like?

[@TheDungeonDive]

No, but it have many, many dozens of hours of small box game coverage in the small box office playlist! kzbin.info/aero/PLKewgRd8Eir_888eCDZrnXxiFNough6Vr&si=RxPoBig4kZo5vszM

[@jasons.9389]

I would love to see your house rules. I bought it for my sons and I to play and we have the same feelings. Any help would be amazing!!!

[@jasons.9389]

Sorry, forget to mention my question is from Heroquest. Thanks!!!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Check out my HeroQuest playlist.

[@glaxonberry3667]

Where does Dungeons of Doria fall in your lists?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Great game! Haven’t played it enough to know.

[@HungryGamerReviews]

I just let Hellboy go recently. Wonderful game, but just couldnt justify the shelf space cause it wasnt getting played enough

[@d.aardent9382]

I may choose LOD to buy out of all the big dungcrawls games, as i don't really have any of the classic ones (edit: errr i remembered i do have Runebound 1-2 still in shipping box) ...and havnt decided on which big dungcrawl to buy until recently reading comparisons comments opinions in some recent vids. I think lod probably a good investment. If i ever get time to play it is an entire whole other thing. But hey i saw someones channel showing the new Hexplore It game, Mountains of Godai ,i think its called? Its set in a Asian setting and fighting a dragon god or serpent god ,that is trying to bring about "end of the world" kinda thing. It looks and sounds really cool. This one might be the one hexplore it i will buy. What do you think about that one?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Haven’t looked much at the new one. I know it’s more tower defense than adventure. My shelves are pretty full, so I think I’m good with the Hexplore It games I have. Volume 1 is amazing.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

Having played both LoD & DUN, I can easily say that DUN is the superior game. To each their own though.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Just having access to all of them is amazing.

[@melmarrison8769]

LOD can be randomised, I don't think Dun can be out of the box. Plus Dun Version one suffered from translation issues and had to wait for an update. LOD suffered from this also, and That update is now hitting the populous. I have not played Dun, and am waiting for new LOD rulebook before I properly dive in.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

DUN is intentionally dungeon agnostic, meaning it can easily run LOD's random dungeons out of the box, or any random dungeon system like WHQ. Can LODs use any other dungeon system and still function? No.

[@KyriosHeptagrammaton]

I don't quite understand Shadows of Brimstone. Very cool setting, but if I wanted to do that much writing and recording on sheets of paper I'd rather just play an OSR dungeon crawl.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Well, there you go! You’ve solved your problem. Play the games that make sense to you! I play those other kinds of games as well, and just made a massive video about them.

[@KyriosHeptagrammaton]

@@TheDungeonDive Oh yeah for sure. You like it, you like it. Just never quite clicked with me. (That said my pianist with a tentacle mustache is a character I still sometimes think about)

[@TheDungeonDive]

There are tons of games that don’t click with me as well, well loved ones even. :)

[@1AngelAlita]

SoB is my favourite dungeon crawler. There's no writing on sheets of paper at all when you use coins and for example poker chips for XP. I just write when some stat changes, which doesn't happen very often. I don't like writing during the game either but it's really not a problem... :)

[@VaultBoy13]

@@1AngelAlita There's some items that you can get in town that you have to write down, because there's no card for them. You also have to write down skill each time you level. Love the game, but it's got a fair amount of stuff to write down.

[@xgrowlingjAnx]

Dungeons of Doria and Dungeons of Infinity could be runners up, too :)

[@TheDungeonDive]

There are so many! DoI, as it is now, definitely wouldn't be a runner up, but I'm looking forward to the new version coming sometime soon!

[@xgrowlingjAnx]

@@TheDungeonDive Are you planning to do a video about the new version?

[@TheDungeonDive]

When it arrives, yes. :)

[@dandanita1692]

so is Iron Helm really $60? for some cards. I paid $60 for Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion. I would pay $60 for Iron Helm if it included all the expansions but those come at $9 with Iron Chest at $35.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s print on demand. Jaws of the Lion is mass market in stores like Walmart and Target. Economy of scale is very real.