Which of These Four Small Box Games is Right for You?

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[@TheDungeonDive]

Help me make the dungeon dive more full time! Join the Dungeon Dive Patreon - Thanks for the support! www.patreon.com/thedungeondive

[@kumarsalib722]

Iron Helm is such a great game. Great replayability, great playtime. I’m looking forward to the new expansions.

[@NefariousKoel]

May have to finally pick up Iron Helm. Was on the fence due to the usual Gamecrafter PoD pricing, but as far as small box crawlers go it looks to be the most appealing overall. That classic fantasy gaming art helps too.

[@mikolajwitkowski8093]

Since two of these games cannot be bought in the EU the choice is smaller than one might think.

[@jonathanstutzman7757]

Great video! Like you, I have a lot of love for Mini Rogue. Yes, as you say, it is a luckfest but there are some (a small “some”) choices. I find deciding which card to encounter sometimes leads to some careful analysis of which would be better one to face. The timing of special ability use, whether to use an experience point for a reroll rather than save for a needed payoff. Now don’t get me wrong, it ain’t Gloomhaven, but I do think there are some good simple decisions to make. I liked your analysis of which game simulated a big box game the best, Rogue Dungeon is on my list. Of ones in my collection that also simulate a big box well and are not on this video, I’d very firmly put Legends Untold on top. It essentially IS a big box game in a small box. Best amount of content per square inch in each of those sets and it’s possible combine them both into one.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Legends Untold is great. That will be featured in another of these videos in the future.

[@Elric54]

Unbroken is great. I feel like it's overproduced (Kickstarter effect), but it's a really interesting game overshadowed by publisher shenanigans

[@davidk6269]

I’m shocked (shocked!!!) that Gloomhaven didn’t qualify as a small box dungeon crawl. 😆

[@NefariousKoel]

Oof. Have owned Gloomhave for awhile now but have only done the packaging and most of the card sleeving. Yet so hesitant to get it started with a friend who really wants to play. Between the setup/takedown time, and primarily my general aversion to legacy games (despite having reusable sticker set), it subconsciously makes me cringe thinking about messing with it. Especially when I have tons of other games yet un-played. Gotta get over that hump sometime, however.

[@sethpeterson8261]

@@NefariousKoel If it makes you feel better it's our least favorite dungeon crawler. In fact I don't even really consider it a dungeon crawler.

[@NefariousKoel]

@@sethpeterson8261 - Yeah, that's the impression I get. It seems most focused on card management. Not to say that's a bad mechanic, I often enjoy it, but it looks mostly like pre-fabricated puzzles rather than a dynamic dungeon crawl.

[@thesphyrth]

Time has passed and we see how Gloomhaven took your comment personally with Buttons & Bugs.

[@davidwillems9904]

It took me a few times through Rogue Dungeon to realize, but it has a similar knowledge factor that Iron Helm has. There is only a set number of room encounter cards, so when you encounter them, you won't see them again for the rest of the game. This lets you balance items that may come up knowing they may be useful because you haven't seen a certain room yet, or basically useless since you already saw the room it would have been helpful for. Love that game.

[@davidwillems9904]

More cards would be nice, but it would eliminate that knowledge aspect.

[@GrungefolkBoy2010]

Just noticed they have a steam version of rogue dungeon, think its early access, but may be worth a try. As for these games, I have all but unbroken thanks to your channel lol will have to complete the 4 piece set 😅

[@TheDungeonDive]

I'll have to check out that Steam version! That could be really cool.

[@kyleskinner7855]

I emailed the designer about adding more content to rogue dungeon recently and he said he and the team are focused on the steam version right now. But they hope when adding to the steam version with content to bring it to the board game later.

[@sethpeterson8261]

Yeah, I asked an their forums too. He said they actually started planning a KS last year (or year before?) but held off due to Covid. I also asked about revamping all the art & presentation, can't remember exactly what he said, but it sounded like that was the plan

[@adenc.3940]

another amazing video! I lost it when I saw this video pop up in my subscription feed! continue the great work :)

[@PeIon316]

Fantastic concept, would love to see more of these comparisons!

[@yetonlock2596]

I really love this new format, small box big game.🤓

[@jean-sebastienh.8789]

Hi! Really love the concept of this video! I prefer that to just choosing one game as the best! That give us more agency in our choice and preferences! Anyway, what a epic intro speech!!! Thx for the vid!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks! Since I really like all of these games, I didn't just want to pick "the best," so I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericd.5206]

Recently found your channel through the sometimes awesome rabbit hole that the internet can be; devouring vids, especially your coverage of solo games. I just received a copy of Spire's End today, which I had to get after watching your vid covering it, and will end up buying all four games you cover in this vid. Well, definitely 3 of them; I'm bit on the fence with Unbroken. If there's some confirmation from the publisher/designer that expansions are coming that would probably sway me.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoy the vids.

[@sethpeterson8261]

Surprised you have Unbroken in this shootout instead of something like Deck Box Dungeon or Tiny Epic Dungeon which are definitely dungeon crawlers. I own Unbroken (and sorta kinda like it... maybe?), but I've never thought of it as a dungeon crawler (even less so than GH). Mostly you play a flowchart, move cubes & gain resources to craft things, repeat until you're out of time and have a fight. I am glad they put all the flavor text in there though, without that it could basically be themeless. That reminds me that I bought Deck Box today based on your review and forgot and left it out in the car!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Those other games will be featured in their own comparison videos in the future!

[@akkvik]

Dark Venture on line 1 - it says it’s pretty much a dungeon crawl-ish and wants to come play 🙂

[@johnberry5296]

I’d like to try Iron Helm and Rogue Dungeon but I think I can buy Kingdom Death Monster cheaper in the UK!!!! I have the other two and enjoy them. As I have mentioned on the Patreon I also have Spire’s End which is more story based and less replayable but has an excellent combat system and art style and I think it would be right up your street. Cheerio!

[@TheDungeonDive]

I've reviewed Spire's End! Cool game.

[@MegaChatzi]

Iron Helm for life! Can't wait to get the final expansion and fanny pack.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’m looking forward to the new stuff as well.

[@sethpeterson8261]

Thought I'd pick this up today, but my local didn't have it.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s a POD game via Gamecrafter.

[@BubbaHamilton1]

This is the video that introduced me to solo games, I now own 3 of these games in the video and it is all your fault! ;) I have the Jason Glover Dungeon Dive shirt and love it and now I want some of your other shirt designs, thanks for everything you do on this channel. The hardest part is not buying all these games that you review. I appreciate your honesty and integrity sir, having played a few of these games now, I can agree with most of your assessments. Great job man! Thanks! Keep up the great work.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad I could help!

[@MultiArashA]

unbroken has a pnp expansion

[@hywel4767]

Great video, i only own Mini Rogue but absolutely adore it, itll be staying with me forever. I want to check out the others too now tho

[@nathandavis9385]

Haven’t tried this yet but I have an idea to take the mini rouge door, lore, and boss cards and brake from the mold of the games structure by arranging them into my own dungeon.

[@chrisc1625]

I have all except Rogue Dungeon. Thanks to you, I want this! My wallet doesn't thank you.

[@sauronguitar]

Great video!!! You should do it again with others 4 small dungeon crawlers!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Sure will!

[@rpgchronicler]

Id like to get at least one of them but the thing is none of them are available in hobby stores and getting them from gamecrafter may have costly shipping costs from where i live.

[@cronopi]

I own Mini Rogue partly bec your past comments on it and I am very happy with it. It fills so well the space of playing a thematic game without tons of time and investment to it. A delightful experience that I would put up more into the vein of old CRPG's (I think that was the aim of the designers). I would love to try Iron Helm and Rogue Dungeon but the import fees to EU makes it impossible. At least seems that we are going to receive an spanish version of Iron Helm some time in the near future. Cheers!

[@PaoloDiStefanoMTL]

"A delightful experience that I would put up more into the vein of old CRPG's (I think that was the aim of the designers)." Yes, it was our aim! Glad you caught that :D

[@cronopi]

@@PaoloDiStefanoMTL Gotcha! Would be great to release it in spanish even catalan (if I was a publisher of some sorts). I don't know if you are planning to expand it some more but as it is, is great fun. Cheers, Paolo!

[@PaoloDiStefanoMTL]

If I'm not mistaken, a Spanish version is coming. But I don't know when, though...

[@cronopi]

@@PaoloDiStefanoMTL Great to hear! Sure enough it will find its audience here. Cheers!

[@getyourchadon]

Well done video, very thoughtful! I agree Iron Helm looks bad ass with its D&D first edition looks but I disagree with your opinion of the art of Rogue Dungeon. I think it looks great; I'll grant you it does have some inconsistencies but with the shear amount of art it's hard not to creep in. Rogue Dungeon definitely wins in thematically feeling like you are in a dungeon. Great Channel!

[@TheDungeonDive]

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :)

[@tgeorgom]

Have you ever played "One Deck Dungeon"? I would also get it in this list, maybe the newest Tiny Epic Dungeons.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I do not like One Deck Dungeon. I’ve reviewed Tiny Epic Dungeon. This list was not meant to be comprehensive. It was only meant to compare these 4 specific game.

[@foofire72]

Unbroken!!!!

[@dazir_solo_board_gaming3840]

Just what I needed! I somehow missed it. Thank you!

[@jay_cadiramen]

I'd love to see a video where you rate digital dungeon-esque card games (both PC and mobile) in a similar way.

[@TheDungeonDive]

What games would you recommend?

[@TheFundead]

I own all 4 of these, and are ALL in my top 10s of all time lists!!!!!.... These games are just amazing!!!!!..... Must have purchases and game plays here!!!!!.....

[@TheFundead]

Hey Daniel!!!!.... So nice that you saw and liked my comment!!!... I run a small group on Facebook called The Solo Gamers' Lounge.... We have close to 5000 members, but I still think its a small group.... I WILL mention you tonight!!!!... So thank you again!!!!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks, Andrew! :) I'm pretty sure we've crossed paths on FB before in various solo BG groups. Hope you are well!

[@EditRoom2012]

Where would you rate Deck Box Dungeons in this mix?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Really not sure. Didn’t think of it with this comparison.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

Excellent concept and execution for this video, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Not sure I would come down in overall agreement with you, however, in the end. For example, I saw a comment of yours on another channel where you said Rogue Dungeon was "a way better game" than Iron Helm. But I've never understood the tolerance some have for high-luck games. Just not my style nor fun for me. Then again, I see the rows of slot machines in Vegas, so ... 🤷‍♂

[@TheDungeonDive]

For me, I want games to be about 90% luck. I want to roll dice and react to what is happening. I don't care about being "good" or winning or exercising my pro-gamer muscles with some well executed tactics and strategy. I want to roll, move, pick a card, and have crazy stuff happen. This is why I tend to not enjoy modern games with modern mechanisms, and like older games or games with older mechanisms. :) I think Iron Helm is really great now with all of the expansions. I love it. I still like Rogue Dungeon more, though. :)

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

@@TheDungeonDive Thanks for being so clear about your game preference and philosophy. Don't be offended when I say that it is pretty much the exact opposite of mine! LOL

[@TheDungeonDive]

Not offended at all. :). We all like different things.

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

Might as well as a serious comment too :) One thing I love about this channel is that you don't discuss strategies, I hate spoilers in that regard or things that might influence how I approach a game. As for this video, I ordered Mini Rogue and am waiting to get it. Would Tin Helm be possible to play co-op by sharing decisions as the single hero? Or would that be boring?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I don't discuss strategies because I suck at games. :) I would not play Tin Helm co-op.

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

@@TheDungeonDive Haha I see. Thanks :)

[@RMVice]

Hannah Barbara cartoons

[@ryanmclaren3899]

The app comparison for Mini Rogue feels pretty apt. Feels a bit like if Reigns dropped the branching narrative and went all-in on tests and combat. I'm still loving the way the Depths of Damnation expansion drip feeds its story. Funny how sometimes, something entirely superfluous can still be essential.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I really like that expansion as well.

[@jonathanstutzman7757]

Yeah if find the narrative events, even only encountering one in a delve, really adds a lot to the whole experience.

[@darkstranger777]

With your knowledge and expertise have you ever thought about making your own game?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I am working on a game! Hopefully it's out by the end of this year. A Land in Peril. I have a design diary playlist on the channel. :)

[@darkstranger777]

@@TheDungeonDive I'm looking forward to that

[@kikolapersona]

I've been watching this channel and loving some of the games here. I went to an online store to buy one of these games that I wanted to try (Iron Helm) and it was 45$. Sucks being poor ;(

[@TheDungeonDive]

Games are getting more and more expensive for sure.

[@samurguybriyongtan146]

Noble Knight games has some used games. There are board games trades and sales subreddits as well which might help with the $.

[@sshrdlu]

I know this is not really in the spirit of your channel or this video, but are there any mid-size or big box dungeon crawlers you think could actually have been packaged at this size? I know Escape the Dark Castle has big tarot cards, but I keep looking at its relatively few components and wondering if I could make it travel-size with a craft knife...

[@jonathanstutzman7757]

Warhammer Quest Adventure Card Game. I actually got all the components into one of FFG’s small box expansions for Eldritch Horror. I had to keep those two big rule books out but as long as you have a good reference guide or have it as a pdf on your phone, there’s no need for them. I even got some fan created content in as well.

[@sauronguitar]

Escape the dark castle is not tarot cards. Tarot cards is like war of the ring

[@TheDungeonDive]

The original Assault on Doomrock could have been a small box game.

[@joefell5311]

Curious what your take is on the second printing of Rogue Dungeon? I just ordered it last night and cannot wait for it to arrive. Great video.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It's amazing.

[@joefell5311]

@@TheDungeonDive good to know. Looks like the art and some components have changed?

[@sshrdlu]

I backed Forgotten Depths because it looked like such a small box! Then, with the insert, it ballooned to become larger than any box in my collection. I hope I can resize it to something more reasonable.

[@sethpeterson8261]

Don't think I've ever even heard of it. I'll have to go check it out

[@TheDungeonDive]

There’s a video on it on the channel.

[@sshrdlu]

@@sethpeterson8261 It's a recent Kickstarter. Not a runaway success, but it met its goal and seems to have an audience! There are a few KZbin videos of the prototype from about 18 months ago, but it's due to ship as we speak.

[@pauls3585]

Where can we buy these games? I can't find them anywhere.

[@RetroRescueGamer]

Great video! Should Legends Untold and Deck Box Dungeons be on this video too? 🤔

[@TheDungeonDive]

It could be, but this video is only about these 4 games.

[@sauronguitar]

Maybe in a separate video?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yep! Eventually. :)

[@marvsolarsystem]

Been wanting to buy iron helm. Is there somewhere to purchase?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Game Crafter only.

[@marvsolarsystem]

@@TheDungeonDive yeah, I tried that. Not sure I totally understand their website, but when I click on the button for iron helm it takes me to howling gate to purchase. Also seems a bit shady. I’m sure it’s not.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s a legit. How would I have gotten it? :). There’s a crowd sale on right now for the new expansion. It’s only available via the Game Crafter. They’re a print on demand manufacturer for indie games.

[@davidsturm3546]

Are there better solo dungeon crawler on the market? Or are these your favourite solo games?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I just finished my top 50 dungeon crawl and adventure games of all time lists. They're on the channel.

[@Elric54]

I've been really enjoying one deck dungeon a lot

[@TheDungeonDive]

I couldn't get into that one.

[@Elric54]

@@TheDungeonDive I passed on it when it first dropped. I never thought I'd like a dice placement game. But oddly I got into it after getting excited from reviews on Roll Player Adventures, then wanting something with that mechanic in a lighter weight. So I feel like I'm getting a taste of RPA, but only spending 45 minutes. I'm not quite ready for a whole campaign of RPA.

[@Elric54]

@@TheDungeonDive I went all-in on Iron Helm though. Just so we're clear about where my heart is, lol

[@TheDungeonDive]

With the new crowd sale?

[@Elric54]

@@TheDungeonDive yep, the crowd sale. I got everything except the big mat. As I understand it, the big mat isn't necessary, and that most cards can stay in the box. I'm just fine with a small footprint for this game.

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

I'm thinking of making a dungeon crawler about cars called Quest For The Lost Axle. If you want to invest, let me know.

[@cameronbambridge8085]

If you make a kickstarter let me knoww. Sounds funny!

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

@@cameronbambridge8085 Haha I am just screwing around but it would be tempting to do it as a joke.

[@goodjessehobbies]

A few great additions would be Warhammer Quest the Adventure Card Game and Space Hulk Death Angel.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I consider WHQACG a medium box, and Death Angel is covered in a follow up video!

[@goodjessehobbies]

@@TheDungeonDive I see. I agree, it's medium.

[@ewenneiertz8362]

Haha ! I would say Tiny epic dungeon...

[@TheDungeonDive]

Good game. Just not part of this 4-game comparrison.

[@ranx5]

Are you thinking of getting Tiny Epic Dungeons at all to try out?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Already took a look at it on the channel!

[@ranx5]

@@TheDungeonDiveIll have to search for the vid.

[@chrisesposito5530]

Great video. Have you played One Deck Dungeon yet?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I have. I do not like it. I never really felt the theme come through on that one.

[@chrisesposito5530]

@@TheDungeonDive I think it's got some very clever mechanics, but I agree that it doesn't really feel like a dungeon crawl. It could be about anything.

[@progresspigment9593]

Would you put Tiny Epic Dungeons in this category? If so, how do you think it compares with the others?

[@TheDungeonDive]

This video was simply comparing these 4 games.

[@lucasusini6065]

omg i hate who do a review of good board game without open the box and showing the game... daaaamn youuuuuuu

[@TheDungeonDive]

This is not a review. I have individual videos for each game shown.