Above and Below
- Designer Ryan Laukat
- Publisher Red Raven Games , Arclight Games , Bard Centrum Gier , Conclave Editora , Devir
- Illustration Ryan Laukat
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Above and Below, you build your village above and below ground. You send villagers on expeditions to explore caves, gather resources, and construct houses. Your choices influence a narrative told through a paragraph book, creating a rich storytelling experience. Dice rolling, action points, and storytelling choices add variety to each game.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players who can invest about 90 minutes into a medium-complexity adventure. It is not a family game as it requires strategic planning and reading narrative passages. Prior experience with worker placement or city-building mechanics is beneficial.
How It Works
Players allocate action points to assign villagers to tasks like exploring, resource gathering, or building. Expeditions trigger narrative choices that affect gameplay. Dice rolls support actions, while set collection advances village development.
What Makes It Special
Ryan Laukat blends Action Points, Dice Rolling, and Narrative Choice in Above and Below. The game was nominated for several 2015 awards including Golden Geek and Board Game Quest. It mixes town-building with storytelling and belongs to the Above and Below family.
Awards
2015
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Nominated
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game — Nominated
Pro
- Combination of town-building and storytelling
- Narrative choices create varied experiences
- Multiple award nominations in 2015
- Suitable for 2-4 players with medium complexity
Contra
- No official solo mode (minimum 2 players)
- 90-minute playtime requires patience
- Medium complexity demands player experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantasy world, players establish a new settlement on the surface and explore an extensive cave system below. Themes include exploration, building, and survival after a barbarian raid.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on balanced use of action points and leverage your villagers' unique skills.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Above and Below is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not have an official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game takes about 90 minutes, allowing for an extended play session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with strategy and storytelling games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Above and Below combines town-building with narrative choices and dice mechanics, setting it apart from classic worker-placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 13+, it is better suited for experienced players than younger family members.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Action Points, Narrative Choice, and Dice Rolling shapes the gameplay.
Fazit
Above and Below is a recommended blend of building and storytelling for 2-4 experienced players who appreciate narrative depth. It is less suitable for families or solo players.
