Mice and Mystics: Downwood Tales
- Designer Jerry Hawthorne
- Publisher Plaid Hat Games , CrowD Games , Cube Factory of Ideas , Ediciones MasQueOca , Filosofia Éditions
- Illustration JJ Ariosa , Chad Hoverter , David Richards
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Downwood Tales takes you outdoors into new adventures featuring anthropomorphic animals like frogs, turtles, and the three blind mice. This expansion adds new heroes, villains, minions, equipment, and story arcs. Key mechanics include Area Movement, Dice Rolling, and Storytelling, offering varied scenarios that expand the original Mice and Mystics universe with fresh challenges.
Who Is This Game For?
This expansion is aimed at fans of the base game and players who enjoy cooperative adventures with light to moderate complexity. Suitable for families from age 7 and more experienced players willing to invest about 90 minutes per session. Prior experience with Mice and Mystics is recommended as it builds on the core game.
How It Works
Downwood Tales uses cooperative gameplay where players work together against the game. Area Movement governs character positioning on the board, while Dice Rolling determines action outcomes and combat results. Variable Player Powers and Role Playing allow unique character abilities and immersion. Storytelling drives the narrative through new adventures and challenges.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jerry Hawthorne and released in 2014, Downwood Tales was nominated for the Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion Award in 2014 and the Gra Roku Best Expansion Award in 2020. It expands the fantasy cooperative base game with new characters, enemies, and outdoor adventures, deepening the Mice and Mystics series.
Awards
2014
- 2020 Gra Roku Best Expansion — Nominated
Pro
- Cooperative adventure with new storytelling elements
- Varied new characters and enemies
- Mechanics: Area Movement, Dice Rolling, Variable Player Powers
- Nominated for Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion 2014
Contra
- Requires the base game Mice and Mystics
- Approximately 90 minutes playtime requires patience
- Complexity may be challenging for younger family members
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantasy world populated by anthropomorphic animals, the game explores forest and natural environments through a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Best experienced after playing the base game to understand new mechanics and story elements better.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Downwood Tales supports solo play as the base game includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 90 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with the base game Mice and Mystics is recommended since this is an expansion.
How does this compare to similar games?
Downwood Tales enhances cooperative adventure with new story arcs and variable player powers within the Mice and Mystics universe.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, for ages 7 and up, though players should handle the complexity and 90-minute playtime.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Area Movement, Cooperative Game, and Storytelling mechanics makes this expansion unique.
Fazit
Downwood Tales is a worthwhile expansion for Mice and Mystics fans seeking new stories and mechanics in a cooperative adventure. It is less suitable for players without the base game.
