Interesting Kickstarters (Week of 4/2/2018)

If you like large-scale solo games with a lot of exploration, this may be an interesting time on Kickstarter for you. 

1. HEXplore It: The Forests of Adrimon

I recently reviewed the first installment in the HEXplore It series, The Valley of the Dead King. It was very good—definitely good enough to make me think about backing The Forests of Adrimon. It would be an instaback if I weren't broke right now. In VotDK, players were able to combine their role (i.e. class) and race to create interesting combinations of character skills. This next installment is no different, with plenty of new races and classes to try. There are also new ways to power up your characters, since you can now reconstruct relics as well as draw power up cards that increase your character's stats. My only complaint is that I wish the evil sorceress weren't missing a rather crucial part of her skirt. At that point, why even bother? 

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2. Maximum Apocalypse (Gothic Horrors Expansion + Reprint)

If you missed Maximum Apocalypse the first time around (I did), you now have a second crack at it. This is a roguelike survival horror game that will play out differently each time. Players work together to explore, scavenge, survive monster attacks, and complete game scenarios. Players may also choose from a variety of character types, so you can test out different strategies and play styles. The all-in rookie pledge is about $90, however, so it's another big hit to the wallet. 

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3. Dead Throne

Dead Throne claims to be an open world board game with an innovative "mechanical market." (Basically, market cards can be slotted into the game's lid and locked in place.) This game promises a seamless adventuring experience for 1–7 players, but I will be honest—I'd rather see more gameplay videos from previewers who aren't associated with the project. This seems to be Sharkee Games' first venture, and it looks ambitious AF. With a base price tag of $126, Dead Throne would a huge purchase, and I don't personally feel like I've been given enough information to back the project comfortably. At this point, however, it is going to fund, so if you want in... 

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