DOOM: The Board Game (2016) Review

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DOOM: The Board Game (2016)

Theme: asymmetrical combat pitting multiple DOOM Marines against demons from Hell

Team: Developer Jonathan Ying and Fantasy Flight Games

Players: 2-5 (3+ preferred)

Style: Cooperative/Competitive

Balance: Appropriate

Complexity: Moderate

Time: 120-180min (usual ~145min)


Components

Y Card

Y Dice

Y Meeples 

Y Trackers

N Social/Negotiation

N Building 

N Leveling


Mechanics

Y Keyword

Y Symbols

N Drafting



Pros

  • Balance based on player count is an appropriate challenge for the multiple DOOM Marines and single Demon player

  • Upgrades in the form of weapon pickups are theme-appropriate, with such cards as “Rip & Tear” specific to the Chainsaw

  • Extensively detailed miniatures ranging from various marines, Cacodemons, Possessed Soldiers, the Cyberdemon, and more; almost worth the cost for these miniatures alone

  • Stagger rules thematically integrate the Glory Kill mechanic from the video game

  • A slew of campaigns and missions keep replay value high

  • Color-blind assistance is included in the form of symbols

  • Randomized initiative within a round-based structure keeps combat from being stale and predictable

  • Advanced rules are presented as optional to curtail complexity


Cons

  • Initial setup can be lengthy as several decks require construction and individual pieces of the board must be specifically arranged before each mission

  • Enemy health tokens and the like can become clustered on the board when multiple miniatures are in close proximity

  • Unpainted figures

  • Several Demon card abilities require several DOOM Marines to be present


Closing Notes

DOOM: The Board Game integrates the theming and integrity of the associated video game franchise into tabletop form in a nearly flawless manner through an asymmetric gameplay loop that incorporates a high player capacity. The group that I consistently play tabletop games with-as well as others that have participated sporadically-have loved both slaying Demons and Marines alike, with the only major drawback keeping us from playing this game consistently being the time it takes to set it up. I highly recommend DOOM: The Board Game to fanatics of the sourced video game, as well as those that enjoy asymmetric gameplay, futuristic or demonic theming, and story structure in tabletop form. Thanks for reading.

Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews on Steam.

Originally posted on April 8, 2023.


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