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Vast: The Crystal Caverns GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2016

Vast: The Crystal Caverns

1-5
Players
150
Minutes
10+
Age
2016
Published

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What to Expect

In Vast, players take on unique roles such as the Knight, Goblin horde, Dragon, or even the Cave itself, each with distinct powers and victory paths. The game features a modular board and blends mechanics like action points, dice rolling, and hand management. The asymmetry creates diverse scenarios and intense interactions as players compete for the dragon's treasure deep within the cave.

Who Is This Game For?

Vast is aimed at experienced gamers who enjoy complex, long games with asymmetric roles. Suitable for 1 to 5 players, it includes a solo mode for solo adventurers. Players should be ready for approximately 150 minutes of gameplay and have some familiarity with dungeon crawlers or thematic strategy games.

How It Works

Players use action points to perform moves and dice rolls to resolve combat and events. Movement takes place on a modular grid where line of sight affects tactics. Hand management is important to control resources and actions. Each player controls a unique faction with individual abilities and win conditions, emphasizing the game's asymmetric nature.

Action Points Dice Rolling Grid Movement Hand Management Line of Sight Modular Board

What Makes It Special

Designed by Patrick Leder and David Somerville, Vast stands out for its extreme asymmetry, giving each role a unique gameplay experience. It was nominated in 2016 for awards like Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game and Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game. Part of the Vast family, it blends dungeon crawler elements with modular boards and multiple mechanics.

Awards

GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2016
Nominated
2016
  • 2018 Goblin Magnifico — Nominated
  • 2017 SXSW Gamer's Voice: Best Indie Game of the Year (Multiplayer) — Nominated
  • 2016 Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game — Nominated

Pro

  • Asymmetric roles with unique abilities
  • Modular board for variable setups
  • Includes solo play option
  • Diverse mechanics such as action points and dice rolling

Contra

  • Long playtime around 150 minutes
  • High complexity, suited for experienced players
  • Minimum age 10 requires some gaming experience

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is set in a dark fantasy cave guarded by a sleeping dragon. The cave is inhabited by goblins, monsters, and magical crystals hiding a vast treasure. The theme combines classic adventure with a mystical dungeon crawler atmosphere.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Take time to understand the unique roles and focus on mastering core mechanics like action points and movement.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes, Vast: The Crystal Caverns includes a solo mode for single players.

How long does a game really take?

Gameplay lasts about 150 minutes, requiring a longer play session.

What prior experience do I need?

The game is complex and targeted at experienced players familiar with dungeon crawlers and asymmetric games.

How does this compare to similar games?

Vast is unique due to its extreme asymmetry and very distinct roles each with their own victory conditions.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced gamers rather than families with younger children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of action points, modular board, and asymmetric roles makes Vast special.

Fazit

Vast: The Crystal Caverns offers a complex and lengthy experience with high replayability through asymmetric roles. Recommended for experienced players interested in dungeon crawlers and strategic depth.