Dark Tower
- Designer Roger Burten , Alan Coleman , Vincent A. A. J. Erato
- Publisher Milton Bradley
- Illustration Bob Pepper
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players embark on a quest to find three keys and unlock the Dark Tower. The game features exploration, battles against bandits and dragons, resource management, and trading at bazaars. An integrated computer manages combat, food supplies, and adds musical cues, providing a unique experience for its time. Movement occurs on a circular board representing four realms, with players building armies to defeat the tyrant within the tower.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for players aged 10 and up, Dark Tower is a medium-complexity game lasting about 90 minutes. It supports solo play and up to four players. Prior experience with fantasy or adventure games helps but is not required. The game combines tactical combat and exploration elements for fans of electronic and board game hybrids.
How It Works
Using Area Movement, players navigate a circular board divided into different regions. Push Your Luck mechanics come into play during battles and resource management. Players input moves via a keypad on the electronic tower, which controls combat outcomes, tracks food supplies, and provides musical feedback. The goal is to gather three keys, raise an army, and defeat the tower's evil ruler.
What Makes It Special
Dark Tower was a groundbreaking electronic board game by Milton Bradley in 1981, designed by Roger Burten, Alan Coleman, and Vincent A. A. J. Erato. Its combination of Area Movement and Push Your Luck with integrated electronic gameplay was unique at the time. It belongs to the family of 3D components and miniature-based fantasy games, offering an interactive experience rare for its era.
Pro
- Innovative use of an electronic game computer
- Combination of Area Movement and Push Your Luck
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Fantasy theme with dragons and magic
Contra
- Relatively long playtime of around 90 minutes
- More complex rules suitable for players aged 10 and up
- Electronic components may be prone to failure
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a fantasy world with four realms and a dark tower ruled by a tyrant. Themes include magic, dragons, and epic quests in a medieval fantasy landscape.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the electronic controls and movement mechanics to fully enjoy the adventure.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Dark Tower includes a solo mode and supports 1 to 4 players.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 90 minutes, with the electronic system streamlining play.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic experience with adventure or fantasy games helps but is not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Dark Tower uniquely combines traditional board game mechanics with an electronic game computer, a novelty in 1981.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable from age 10, but due to complexity better for families with older children or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Area Movement and Push Your Luck enhanced by electronic game management.
Fazit
Recommended for fans of electronic-supported fantasy adventure games with tactical depth. Those interested in classic mechanics combined with early game technology will find Dark Tower a notable piece of gaming history.
