Dungeoncrawl/RPG-lite?

[Andrew May]

Sorry guys, I expect this has come up more than once before but my search skills are lacking!

So, what are the options for someone wanting to get into some "light" delving/exploring/adventuring? Maybe something not too serious, suitable for kids even? I'm looking for something fun that you can pick up and put down without getting to in depth.

I eagerly await your replies!

[Elbows]

Well, if you're looking for something for kids...I'd wait till Christmas and see if you can pick up a copy of the new Hero Quest (simple dungeon crawl board game).  Someone suggested the upcoming game Myth in my thread - not sure how in depth it is.  Failing that, if you're going to go super-simple, just make something up?

[Cherno]

There was in fact a thread about suitable dungeon crawls rules recently:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=63202.0

[Daeothar]

Someone suggested the upcoming game Myth in my thread - not sure how in depth it is.

Yeah, that was me, I admit it...

Myth has some interesting rules which are quite different from the common fare of stats, dice and equipment, but once you 'get it', after a couple of rounds of play, it's really simple, while still maintaining several levels of depth, which you can delve into after getting to know the game.

I'm pretty stoked about it and can't wait to get my copy and extras from the Kickstarter. there are some definite RPG elements to the game and playing the later levels with starting characters is plain suicide from what I hear. There apparently will be a second Kickstarter, advancing the character development and adding bigger enemies (Dragon!). Also, the game is completely cooperative; there is no GM, and the game's difficulty adapts to the amount of players involved.

I can also recommend Super Dungeon Explore, especially when you're wanting the game to be played with kids. Mostly because of the chibbi aesthetic. Basically, it's a trip down memory lane for all those who used to play 8-bit RPGs back in the day. The whole game is geared towards bringing such games onto a gaming board. During a crawl, there will spawn more and more enemies as the heroes slay them, escalating to the point where an end-level boss is triggered. Great fun, but between crawls, there are very little RPG elements, as nothing carries over from one game to the next. Still; it has an instant appeal to the kids.

The old mainstay Hero Quest needs no explanation of course. And I think the new incarnation, if it can survive all the drama until it's released, will be no different. Advanced HQ might also be an option, but I think Warhammer Quest might be a little too convoluted and random to provide a consistent challenge. Plus, there is the fact that these games can tend to become repetitive and can be easily broken once you understand their system.

Finally, there is the old Dungeons and Dragons boardgame. It's basically a toned down version of Hero Quest. So pretty simple to understand (and break ), but it does have some RPG elements, has bendy plastic figures, which are kid friendly and plays pretty fast.

I canot comment on Descent, as I have never played it, but from what I read, it's pretty heavy on the rules and time (a single crawl can take an entire day apparently).

Hopefully that helps

[sundayhero]

Dungeon and Dragons adventure system !

Ravenloft
Ashardalon
Drizzt


These boxes brings a fun cooperative/solo game experience, and also a good source of material for other games (a lot of minis, dungeon tiles, etc...)

[BigB]

I've successfully run some dungeon crawl campaigns with:

Warhammer Quest (It was a warhammer world campaign and this was awesome)
Swords & Wizardy (DnD lite precursor.  VERY good)
Goalsystem Delves (great engine, but lots of conversion work compared to the others)

[Vauln]

I also like the D&D Adventure Games, they are great for younger gamers. Get a couple of them and you can add them together to create something even greater. As I understand they are also compatible with the Dungeon Command sets.  

[Rhelyk]

I would recomend Descent, been playing a 2nd ed campaign and it's pretty good. It's a lot more RPG-lite than the first edition was, and is designed around the group playing as a traditional RPG party with traditional classes/archetypes. Havne't tried any of the expansions, but the base game is designed around playing as a linked campaign.

I would recomend against the D&D boardgames. The production values are through the roof, the figures are decent and you get a fair amount of them, the cardstock boards and components have great art and are really thick and sturdy, the mechanics are pretty well balanced. HOWEVER, the game feels very by-the-numbers. It's mechanically sound, but there's just no "magic" in in, there's nothing about it that really gets you excited. I own ravenloft and ashardalon and we've played it a few times, and generally enjoyed it while playing, but it never captured any of our fascination and it has sat in my closet for 3 years. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just didn't have the fun&excitement factor.

[Mister Rab]

If I might recommend my own set of playtest rules... Goblinquest has had some positive feedback and plays really well with my 6 and 4 years-old sons.

[Elbows]

Rab,

I looked at that the other day - looks like a hoot.  Not my style (no kids just yet to play with) but it looks rather charming. 

[Sir Barnaby Hammond-Rye]

We played a fantasy version of Ronin last night that worked reasonably well given that it was thrown together. Lizardmen versus dwarves and humans. I fudged the spells, using the mystic powers from In Her Majesty's Name. Somehow forgot to include any sort of healing spell which I realized about halfway through.

[Jorny]

I would also recommend Descent 2nd edition. Rules are relatively easy to learn, the production value is very high and it plays quickly. We have been able to fit in two or three adventures in one night. If you play a campaign it's also fun even if you lose!

[Mister Rab]

Rab,

I looked at that the other day - looks like a hoot.  Not my style (no kids just yet to play with) but it looks rather charming. 

Thanks! Glad it appealed 

[**GS**]

I would also recommend Descent 2nd edition. Rules are relatively easy to learn, the production value is very high and it plays quickly. We have been able to fit in two or three adventures in one night. If you play a campaign it's also fun even if you lose!

I second that! Descent is a very nice way to get into dungeoneering or roleplaying.
I started the same with a bunch of 12 year old kids using Hero Quest 3 years ago. They grew bored after 4 or five sessions so I had them switch to Pathfinder. We are stilll playing and having lots of fun every other friday.

GreetZ
GS

[Too Bo Coo]

I would also recommend Descent 2nd edition. Rules are relatively easy to learn, the production value is very high and it plays quickly. We have been able to fit in two or three adventures in one night. If you play a campaign it's also fun even if you lose!

I have a brand new copy with all of the first edition monsters and characters and the conversion kit to use them in 2nd ed for sale.  I'm looking for 80 euro plus shipping for the whole thing.  The game and conversion set alone are 80 euro, so you get the 1st ed stuff for free...  The game is 100% unplayed and the components are wrapped.  So if there is anyone in Europe interested...