Wander: The Cult of Barnacle Bay | Review | with Mike

[@HungryGamerReviews]

Yup. Definitely a very simple game, but I'm with you. Love the simplicity in a game when I play solo. And the initiative board is one of my fav parts of any DC

[@OneStopCoopShop]

It’s definitely a VERY clever mechanic.

[@Tombonzo]

Excellent review and thoughts on the game. You really know how to bring all the main points of a game into focus. And coupled with play throughs, helps so people can make a decision on whether a game is for them or not.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

So glad to hear this. That’s exactly what we are here for.

[@tristanwhitley]

This is my favourite dungeon crawler so far. Unlike games like Gloomhaven where I am so worried about using up all my cards or Massive Darkness where there is a mini/card overload, this is one that I can quickly get to the table and my game group has a blast. It combines a number of games that I enjoy and leaves out the bits I didn't like (Zombicide without the annoying split rules, Mice & Mystics without the stupid cheese wheel) and adds a few things that keep me on my feet like the initiative board and the event cards. The difficulty gets a bit harder when you throw in the High Tide expansion as those mobs mean that you can take damage much faster. I also found some of the latter scenarios to give more challenge than the earlier ones with the increased stats on the mobs. It can also be quite swingy because of the event cards and the dice though which might not be some people's cup of tea. My biggest gripe is the rulebook isn't the best for what should have been a relatively simple game. Thankfully the designers have been very helpful with getting answers.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Great thoughts on the game! I’d love to play high tide, and to see where they take the game in the next KS.

[@successfulgeek]

I saw this at my FLGS a couple months ago and almost picked it up because it looks beautiful, but had a backlog of adventure games to go through, this is great info!

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Glad it was helpful! This isn't a must have, but then again, with so many damn crawler games in the world, NONE of them are must haves at this point ;)

[@TheCOMICCOMMANDER]

Im going to buy either this or Gloomhaven on Friday but I cant decide which one is the best choice. Does anyone have advise??? Wander or Gloomahven? For solo play.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

That is heavily dependent on your preference for weight and complexity. Gloomhaven is, in my opinion, one of the best crawler designs ever. But it’s also much more complex to get into than Wander, and has a VERY long campaign. Though if you get Jaws of the Lion, it’s much more accessible. Wander is a fun, lighter design, but not nearly as unique and innovative as GH

[@TheCOMICCOMMANDER]

@@OneStopCoopShop That helps, thank you. I dont mind complex, I like the long campaign aspect of GH so I think Ill go with GH next Friday.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

@@TheCOMICCOMMANDER hope you enjoy it!

[@NatanelApfel]

This definitely went past without me noticing it! I didnt hear about it anywhere. Though it looks like an enjoyable simple dungeon crawler! :)

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Same for me, passing me by, but it’s fun.

[@dddmmm21]

How old was your son when he played and enjoyed? I am wondering if 5-6yr olds could play this (assuming an adult running it). Thanks

[@OneStopCoopShop]

He was 7. I saw your question on Colin's playthrough, and the key thing is that, while character's have text-based abilities, they don't have many of them active at a time, and they change very infrequently. So with guidance and assistance, I think a 5-6 year old could muddle through successfully with one character :)

[@dddmmm21]

@@OneStopCoopShop Thanks!

[@julielane3073]

thank you for this review. This may just be a game I am looking for. I am looking for a dungeon crawler that is much more simple than my current games. Something I can just get into and play when my time is more limited.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

This may fit the bill, then! And not sure I mentioned it in the review, but you can play scenarios as one-offs if you don’t want to do a whole campaign.

[@Gutock]

I wonder... if you have Zombicide, do you need this? I feel like kids should be able to grok Zombicide. I guess issues of theme come up and the additions of a campaign and the initiative board are nice... Anyways, thanks for the review!

[@OneStopCoopShop]

You named the exact reasons I might go for this over zombicide. Campaign play, growth over time, and a more accessible theme.

[@Gutock]

I guess I'd worry about too much overlap, but still... thanks for the reply!

[@CadorYT]

Please do a review of myth

[@OneStopCoopShop]

It’s sitting on my shelf, but haven’t played it yet. Maybe one day!

[@callum5257]

@@OneStopCoopShop Myth's card mechanic is really fun

[@OneStopCoopShop]

@callum that’s the kind of thing I like to hear.

[@dilatedbeholder3865]

Great looking game. A shame the retail version is so watered down from the Kickstarter version. Too much of the cool stuff was left in the exclusives.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

Yeah, I’ve heard the expansion (which is basically impossible to find) provides some nice monster variety and more heroes. I think they are doing a new KS later this year, so hopefully all that stuff will be available.

[@chiese1xu]

This game is too simple for me. Maybe it's better for children in consideration of the cartoon artwork.

[@OneStopCoopShop]

I agree the game is light, but I think you’re exaggerating it a bit much. But if you are in for heavy tactics, like I said in the review, you are probably better looking elsewhere :)