Doom at a Glance
Game Type Tactical, Fighting Thematic, Miniatures, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Modular Board Team-Based Game, Variable Player Powers | Play Time 120- 180 mins | Skill/Complexity (3 - 5) Medium |
Age 14+ | Publisher(s) Fantasy Flight Games | Published 2016 |
Categories Strategy | Players 2 - 5 (5 is best) | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
Our Rating 8.5/10 | Cost $79.95 |
About – Description
Doom the board game was first released in 2016 and was designed by Jonathan Ying. The popular company for strategy type games ‘Fantasy Flight‘ released it based on and resembling the 2016 Doom video game.
This tactical strategy game is best suited to players over the age of 14 and ideal for up to 5 players with five being the recommended number to play the game with.
It has a playing time of anything from 2-3 hours, so it is a game that requires an element of commitment and concentration.
Who’s it best suited for?
The game is aimed at those who love to play strategy games and maybe those who are fans of the PC or console game. If you’ve played Doom on a console or PC then it does really help with enjoying and engaging with the board game right from the start.
Due to the length of play time, it is suited for those who are willing to commit time to it in order to achieve the best playing experience.
Skill – Complexity
Doom the board game is considered to be above average when it comes to complexity. Due to the way in which players have to plan and implement strategies, there is a large element of skill involved in playing the game.
It’s most definitely not for those new to gaming as it could be just too much and turn them away from board gaming for good.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
It is a game that consists of a double-sided board, several dice, cards, board movers and markers. In total there are 37 miniatures that consist of 4 marines and 33 demons.
The how to play manual is 16 pages long which gives you an idea of the amount of various aspects of Doom that require players to learn about. You’re going to need to set plenty of time aside just for everyone to get the low down and how to run your Doom game show.
The game involves a battle between legions of demons and marines. One player, known as the invader, controls the legions of demons and the team of marines can have up to four players.
The players are then taken through operations where the marines are given objectives to achieve along the way but the invader instructs the demons to kill the soldiers in an attempt to destroy humanity.
There are two operations known as Black Bishop and Exodus of which both consist of six missions.
This how to play video is very useful…….
Other Versions, Editions or Expansions Available?
As this is still a relatively new game there have been no new or special editions released but it has been released in the likes of Poland, Spain and Italy.
There is an expansion well worth getting once you all have become addicted to the current version. The expansion takes it to another level.
Likes & Dislikes
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Players feel as though the rules are streamlined which enables them to get into playing almost instantly but also makes it possible for new players to start playing. Of course the instructions do need a good read and more becomes digestible once playing has begun.
- Very thematic and should be a hit with Doom the video game fans, or sci-fi fans.
- The miniatures and board consist of a great level of intricacy which adds to the whole experience of the game.
- Players feel as though the game is fast, despite it having a 2-3 hour playing time you are well engaged.
- While Doom leans more toward the medium complexity level of play it is a lot of fun and does not tax the brain to much.
- Some players felt that the balance of the game was lost depending on the number of players that play the game.
Final Thoughts
A game that is perfect for Doom fans but a game that is also suitable for those who are not familiar with the game. Players appreciate the fact that it is quick to play, there is a lot of action and the miniatures are great.
It is a game that offers a lot of fun over a long period of time which is ideal for those who really do like to put time and effort into getting as much as possible out of games such as Doom.