Descent Legends of the Dark Review - Is It a Board game? Or a Video Game? or something more? 

I’m right there with you, it’s a $150 app game. I’ve been gaming for over 8 years now and buying games for minis isn’t a factor anymore (I’ve got 100s). One last thing, the physical boards art are bland and have little to no creativity.

With a game without an app you aren’t doing anything more on the terrain than you are in this. The app takes care of the DM activities and the tracking that would have been done on cards. So instead of looking from the map to cards and moving tokens around. You are looking from the map to a screen and pushing buttons.

I guess an app doesn’t break my immersion as much as referencing cards and books. I hate missing fiddley rules because they’re buried on page 68 of a poorly written and laid out rule book. Having an app manage that aspect is great and I don’t think you highlighted that well. Clicking on the water or spike underlay and having its effect immediately available or having the app remind you of an after attack affect is fantastic. Also your point about drawing the terrain vs. laying it out, that would be true for descent 2 as well. All you’re using terrain for in general is to know where your character is in relation to other pieces in the game. You could draw those instead of laying out all of the tiles then as well. I guess it truly comes down to what “breaks your immersion” and for me, this app does not. Keep up the great work and get some more Malifaux on the table. Wish we were a little closer as I’d come play some Faux!

Great review Rob, thanks for posting. I have Descent v.1 plus all expansions and I love it. This is definitely not for me. The focus should be on the board tiles, miniatures and cards. If I want a screen involved I'll just play something on my console.

A lot of people have been trying to come to terms with how much of a castrated boardgame experience this is, but you are the only content creator I've seen so far that had the brilliant idea of simply going handheld on the camera to show you exactly what you are doing and how pointless the "board-game part" of this product is. Kudos! Sad for Descent though:S

16:36 - Where the heck did you pull the sneaker out of ? ! ! :-D :-D I did not see it coming and it made me laugh. :-)

I love to role dice and draw cards. Don't want electric devices while playing boardgames. And during a shutdown I continue playing :-). Agree totaly with you. For example: although I posess a kindle (for journeys) I prefer reading books and turn the pages.

I haven't finished this video yet, but I had to pause it at the 8minute mark because I just don't agree with any of the points you're making right now. Everything you're saying about this game you could say about any dungeon crawler board game. Minis? Don't need them use standees! Tiles? Don't need it just draw a map! Terrain pieces? Don't need them just use a banana peel! I 100% understand (but don't agree) not liking apps in board games, but I really do feel like this game in particular fantastically blends app integration with board game mechanics. Your cards and abilities are not represented in the app. Your dice rolls are not represented in the app. The position of your character and the enemies are not represented in the app. The app handles math, setup, and story elements, the latter of which is not much different than having to dig through a story book. I'm sorry if I should have finished the video before commenting because you did say at the beginning that you like some things about this game (and you did play for 20 hours so it can't be awful, right?) but I just felt the need to express my opinion. Thanks as always, Rob!

This is exactly how I felt when they came out with the app for mansions of madness! I kept thinking what's the point of the board and the mini's I was just looking at the app for everything. I don't mind apps in game if it helps or supplements, but this for me is too much for exactly the reasons you outlined. Thank you for your time spent reviewing this!

Whats up my old Pal! I played this game the other night off of Steam and had some fun with it. Not going to buy the game its not great but if gaming group wants to play I can break out some maps and recreate it on the table. Got 2 3D printers and loads of dungeons and terrain already. I'd say Pretty good game for free lol.

Super accurate review, right all along. I see design wise what they were shooting for, more terrain no gm etc. Regardless when I think of the app I see Bill Engvall saying "Here's your sign" looking at Golem Arcanum. Fads come and and go, I'll see in five years what Descent 4th ed looks like.

Btw Rob... this review was one of your best! ! All your points were well said! Great job! 👍

Thanks for the Shout out buddy!!! I'm sure you're aware Miniature Market already sold out! September 8th Rob 8.0 😉

I watched a playthrough of it (sped up a bit) and man was it a complete slog to get through what seemed like a smallish scenario. The amount that was accomplished for the amount of time it took seemed quite disproportionate. As I suspected, which the playthrough confirmed, the app is 90%+ of the game. The moving the miniatures and rolling the dice, and fiddling with cards seems completely extraneous and almost an unnecessary exercise. Some will like it, I'm sure, but definitely not for me.

Get or Keep your Second Edition Descent!! The "Art" is Hideous!! A 4 Year Old Can Draw Better!! Overpriced & Underwhelming!! Dump This Trash ASAP!!

I never get the „you do not need the components, you can just draw it on paper“ arguement. I have never seen someone who played the Warhammer tabletop with paper cutouts instead of miniatures, which you totally could so. But there is more to a game than just the gameplay. If you do not care about the miniature and terrain I get it. But then you are not in the target group. I haven‘t played the game yet, still in box, but my previous experience with app games from FFG were just good, so I am looking forward to it. I still appreciate the work you out into it and your opinion.

Yeah. I’m, so far, really loving this game. My first love is video games then board games so merging the best of both is a match made perfect for me.

The story writing here is awful. Sooo many clicks to get through it. I like the fiddly reduction through the app but not enough for the cost of cardboard.

I feel Destinies is essentially simplified version of the same app-gameplay (select interaction, roll dice and and tell the app how many successes). And for me feels like an improvement, a faster, simpler version. Even the board feels more meaningful as it's "the world map" also, you look at it to figure out what to do next. I don't even always bother finding the correct mini, it really doesn't matter which "town folk" you got. But it's fast and seamless. Of course that tries to be more a story driven campaign and this a "tactical dungeon fighter" or something, so very different games. But the app part is quite identical and I think Destinies is a better match (at least for what it tries to do at what pricepoint).

Game is an easy pass for me , the price is out of bounds for one and the other, there is no game that I want that takes an app or have to dl anything to my computer. Reminds me of a mobile hybrid that just doesn't interest me, it's like you said it takes away from the board, it even looks like a mobile..

I've been waiting for your review :) I have two questions - I wonder how hard would it be to substitute/proxy the physical elements (ie use other figures, DIY board parts, print cards, or 3D print stuff) and then play with the app? Doesn't this pose a risk to FFG? 2nd question - is it any good to play as a group of 3 or more - I've seen positive comments on Solo play but concerns over group play. How does it play if there is a group - is the crafting element awkward?

Firstly Good to see you looking better and more refreshed after the last 6 months, hope your family and arm are doing well. I play games for the tactile and social and when solo the immersion plus tactile , I have done the digital world in spades and decided I enjoy the tabletop and despite a huge backlog of painting the minis. I am not against apps for tracking between sessions or even to assist. The solo apps for Descent and Imperial Assault are ok not too intrusive because the main focus is on character boards and the situation map. Journey's to middle earth for me is the limit. I watched some playthroughs of Legends of the Dark and I found it soulless, the app narrative sounded like it was written by a eight year old. Some of the mechanics look cool but the character mechanics for CoD, Tainted Grail are great, love to see them translated to skirmish games. To me Sword and Sorcery has much better story and mechanics. More digital stuff for Descent 2 may have drawn me in but having just backed CoD (core + SG and Apocalypse SG) I am glad that tis is just meh. I am playtesting for Lasting tales and it hasn't got innovative mechanics but it plus Battlesystems terrain and modular realms for dungeons together with an AI GM is far more fun than this game looks. I also feel buying Arydia will give me far more game, innovative mechanics and also bring some gamers I know into the TTRPG world. PS Look at Modular Realms for quick alternative to drawing dungeons on the fly - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Aw6fBkGvUCw.html www.kickstarter.com/projects/modularrealms/modular-realms-relaunch?ref=user_menu

Pretty much agree with everything you said, but for some (me included) art can break a game for me, especially those with extravagant themes. For me, the art is absolutely hideous, especially that elf character. With both your and Vasal's review, even if I could look past the heinous art, the game is just not there. I really hate myself for selling all my Descent 2nd Ed stuff a while back because I was all in for Gloomhaven. Not that Gloomhaven is bad, but after seeing FFG release this atrocity, Descent 2nd edition may end up being a relic of what great board games can be... FFG please let your Asmodee overlords sell-off TI4 to someone who actually cares about creativity and more importantly, gamers!! :)

Wish you talked more about the combat mechanics and what you liked or didn’t since that’s mostly what your doing in dungeon crawls. Otherwise good review. Def convinced me not to waste my money.

I think it’s pretty telling that Golem Arcana is still the one and only example that every app-naysayer have of a game that isn’t supported anymore.

I think you make an excellent point the game would have been best served by putting a ruleset together that doesn't require an app, then let each person decide how they want to play.

Same focus issue as Mansions of Madness 2, sadly.

I agree with what you said Rob. My main issue with the app is that I just don't see it being a great multi-player experience. I could imagine a solo game being okay, assuming you like the app. However, in a regular board game, everyone has an equal visual on the game. For Descent, people at the other end of the table from whoever happens to have the ipad won't be able to see what's going on. This means players will have a different experience depending on where they're sitting. I suppose you could attach it to a giant screen, but how many people happen to have a large tv hanging next to their gaming table? I sure don't.

Interesting review. It’s all subjective… either you like it or don’t. Either people like the app or they don’t. It’s purely subjective. Hell… fun is subjective lol. I’m liking it. That’s good enough for me lol.

I think you nailed it Rob. This could have been sold as a small $30 box with a deck of cards and dice paired with the app. The monsters and heros tracked on the app. THAT would have been innovative.

Wow Rob what can I say...you said it all my friend. I agree, man I hope more game co. Don't go app only board games. It seems more like 80% app. With this game. Plus the app seems like it would really slow the game down a lot. Just my thoughts.

Rob agree with you on the Comics. Unfortunately the future is going to be online for comics

I really hear you Rob. I'm also a PC gamer besides playing boardgames. So why shouldn't I just play Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition or Baldur's Gate 2 or Divinity Original Sin 2 on my PC? Somebody please explain it to me?

I’m going to give this game a shot. Your comments are very legitimate. However, from my side of things I have a nine-year-old boy that I would very much like to get into dungeon crawlers and this seems the best gateway type of game. I am hoping this will be the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.

Most honest and informative review yet. Thanks Rob..this game is not for me at the current price tag. Maybe on the 2nd hand market after someone else has played it and moved on.

Is looking in a book for outcomes so much better than having an app tell you?

I apologize for saying you were “grumpy” on another live stream. It was not intended to describe you, but another member of chat. We tease each other because we are both older and fit the grumpy old man stereotype. I have met so many wonderful content creators and I understand how much work you do. If you took offense, my apologies.

I’ve seen some of your videos before but today after watching this video I just became a subscriber ASAP! Right there with you 7 years old when I got Pong and Amiga computes from 500, 2000…! I wished I had seen your video before I spent $99 on the game… ;)

But Rob, your argument of not needing a board or terrain can be said for almost every other board game. If a game simply gives you a scenario book for you to setup the board, you can also just trace draw it straight from the book onto that plexiglass table of yours too. Book, app, what's the difference? When you go into this with your mind already set on doubting app-driven game, your decisions are already made by that influence before you've even touched it. All I can see with all the negativity from everyone is that they don't want an app, they just want a book or a deck of cards for narration and interaction (just like Arkham Horror 3rd Edition). Why is that? Why is there such a strong opinion on technology that improves on the quality of life?

Well said Rob, I wholeheartedly agree with everything. Being immersed in a rpg is the whole point of the roleplay aspect of it. I cannot imagine playing Gloomhaven and then between town and before doing battle constantly having to deal with an app to pull me out and make sure and check everything is done what an app tells you too. Don't get me wrong, Gloomhaven has apps for the phone or PC but they are just there to help if you have a hard time keeping track or cutdown some downtime from cards and such. But you do not have to use any of it to still play and enjoy the game in it's rawest form.

Fine review, thank!

I haven't gotten too far into the video yet but wanted to comment on two early things. The idea that a person can only have one 10 rated game is ridiculous which is what your definition of "10 means there is no other better game in the world" would mean. I've never run into a person who thought that's what 10 would mean in any situation. I get that expecting people to adhere to any sites definitions of what scores mean is likely never going to happen and BGG's secondary qualifiers on what their scores mean are also ridiculous. "never will turn down a game and expect that to never change" ?? But come on people can love 2 games pretty much equally for different reasons or situations. The point about apps not being updated to work with a current OS is valid but to FFG credit they do release their apps as windows programs on Steam which I would suspect would prolong the life well beyond that of mobile devices and their many OS updates.

Have to agree with your take. Seemed very fair and balanced I was going to say I could use some form of assistance from an app to remember all the modifiers in Shadows of Brimstone and keep tally of XP and gold lol My only experience of using an app was a simple programme to substitute the GM in Hero Quest so I could play it solo It was distracting from the board. IIRC I kept moving the characters on the laptop rather on the board! lol

Really glad I bought the new Heroquest over this game. I have a bunch of Descent stuff from 1st and 2nd edition which will probably just start getting used for D&D.

Haters mostly fans of old game. Fans of new titles are supported by FF or.have received free promo copies. Fantastic insight into this. Must admit, I haven’t opened my yet, I haven’t felt like breaking the plastic wrap. Top review.

I own just about everything for Descent 1 and do own everything for Descent 2. I really like them both, but something has kept me from buying this one. I think you identified the issue. While apps can be amazing for handling varying stats, card decks, random events, complex combat, etc., I think they may have moved too much to the app this time. I may still end up buying it, but I’d probably just play it solo. If they hadn’t drawn us in with the Descent name, we might have a completely different impression. Nice video Rob. 👍

Thumbs up Rob! I totally agree with you. Paying that much money better put some well produced items in my hand. The handling of components is so part of the experience of board gaming. An app to supplement a game ... okay, but when it is the game itself.... hard pass. Thanks for doing this video!

People don't like to be told they are wrong . It is a computer game 😁 and you had the foresight to warn us and it is destined to fail. If I wanted a pc game I would play wildermyth on steam. Descent was marketed to be the next definitive rpg boardgame. It's no where near gloomhaven, middara & chronicles of drunagor. You are a gem to the community unlike some youtubers who are defending this game which I have unsubscribed due to dishonesty.

So what if app assisted board games removed more of the graphical interaction (point and click) and only told you where to put stuff, but to continue you and the app have to interact via voice like Alexa? Almost like you were talking to a DM. Would that immerse more into the board game? Do you think that would be a better direction to go with these app assisted games? I would think if you had more intelligent voice interaction, you could focus more on the board as you adventure through the scenario.

I understand and kind of agree, but the app do for me all the job that I really hate to do when playing dungeons crawler, including gloomhaven, man I just hate to do all the calculation every single time when I attack or defend, and the book keeping of all status and conditions tokens from enenmies, characters and terrain is hard, and this is a problem for me that have all dungeon crawlers, so the app for me is the best solution right now. Oh and the other thing that the app do for me is the customization of some aspects of the characters and weapons, I love it, and the town services, inventory and gold management, really love this too, and the enemy AI the app take care of that too, all the things I hate to do, the app take care for me. Now the focus on the app rather than the table, may be a problem.

Curious if you could play through the game completely on the app and just the player board and dice? What would be lost if you didn't use the miniatures and terrain?

I could buy Shadows of brimstone Swamp and Folklore Affliction brand new for the same price as this game 😁

I watched some of Rob's gaming tables videos...looks interesting..not $175 interesting in my opinion...if I want app games I will play my JiME or MoM

That's your opinion and I respect that. But for me, it's a win and i just love this game. all the app is doing is replace the need of a DM

They should have just released it as a app without gamebox and minis. Over priced cheaply made game with a poor story line.

This looks fine if FFG wants to sell it to me as a mobile game for $7.99. I however question the sense of people who want to pay $175 to buy it as a board game instead.

Thanks for the video! Couldn´t agree more!

Spot on... video game with needless board game components.... what were they thinking?

Is it a video game? Is it a boardgame? It’s just a game. I was a naysayer for a while because I have lost faith in FFG. And I still stand by that. But I buckled and got this in the end. What’s important to me is that the money I spend provides me with entertainment. I’m about 10 hours down in this and I’ve got some great entertainment out of what I bought. As a hybrid I think they nailed it. I don’t look at it as a successor to Descent. Just a form of entertainment. A game. Considering the amount of hours that I will get out of this I’m OK with $140. If it’s not supported after I finish then I’ve still got my moneys worth.

I am sitting in the middle on this one. I like the app in some games and it works in this game but the app is flawed. It has bad voice acting which destroys it. If you have to spend that much time in an app it should be top quality especially from a heavyweight like FFG.

Great review Rob. This is an easy pass for me, with all the great video games and board games out there, I don't see why I would need this hybrid.

Review starts at 5:41

It huts me a lot that this crap is selling, and it's selling just because of the name... a great name.

I get having issues with using the app. I guess personally, I find that more often than not they do enhance the experience, especially when the physical components were built with the apps in mind. But yeah, there does come a point when you have to ask "why even make this a board game, just make it a video game". I still believe that Legends in the Dark still retains more on the "board game" side of things. It's mostly an advancement of the Journeys in Middle Earth, Mansion of Madness and even the Descent; Road to Legend app. Taking them all to their next logical step (and you can see a lot of the influences from the JiME app in this app). That being said, the point you made about how these apps can severely limit the longevity of a game, especially once the publisher abandons them and technology continues it's unrelenting march forward, is a very valid one. We have already seen this with a couple of FFG's own apps, such as the Arkham Horror companion app and the Warhammer Fantasy 3e RPG dice roller app which both were rendered unusable when iOS made the switch to only allowing 64 bit apps and FFG neglected to update them to accommodate these changes. Other than the app issues, I am glad to hear that you aren't turned off by the art. For myself and many others, this was a major negative of the game as we were left scratching our heads as to why FFG would decide to break from the established Terrinoth art style of previous games which was quite serviceable. I dunno, maybe it will grown on me over time.....

Good honest review, Descent Legends of the Dark is not a board game it is an experiment gone wrong! a Frankenstein monster left to wander the board game wastelands alone. Basically you are paying a small fortune for a virtual board game app fluc!king ridiculous, why not just release an updated version of Descent Journeys in the Dark with all that rad 3D terrain? supposedly even the new heroquest re-release coming from hasbro has a crappy app attached, Technology progresses fast will these app driven board games still be playable in 20 years? doubtful! I can grab a copy of advanced heroquest a 25+ year old game and have one hell of a fun time on a dungeon crawling adventure, slaying monsters. looting ect. If you want a board game to stand the test of time and become a thing of legend, stop making board games with addon apps.

Great video review, Rob. I have been waiting to get your opinion once you got this to the table. Based on what you and others are saying, I think I would enjoy the game for a while, but it wouldn't be worth the price in the long run. My son and I are currently loving Descent 1st edition, and looking forward to Oathsworn in the not-too-distant-future. This Legends of the Dark seems to pale next to either of those games.

I've played the first three missions and to me it isnt any more app than descent 2d, imperial assault or mansions of madness (which I played all extensively). To me this is improved and amazing!

Thank you, 100 % agree with you. I think the same about this game. I hoped it would be great, but it is only OK.

Good, Honest review Matches what Tom said about it. Joel said he won't review it I'm still waiting to see if Michael King touches this

Adventures in Terrinoth! Sounds good to me! :)

Spot on Rob! It´s plain to see this game is not for us that came into the hobby via Warhammer Quest, Talisman, or the old TSR stuff. It´s not for the ones that remember 1st edition, that tried to emulate a role playing dungeon crawl (or a campaign with Road to Legend). It´s for the people that only played video games. And those have no patience and see no point in paying this kind of money. Shadows of Brimstone is still the best.

Still ugly, fidgety and overpriced. No buy for me. Thank you for showcasing.

What's card discard tray and where you get from? I like it!

Mansions of madness?

I agree with your review. But I hope that the people that bought it like it.

Not sure how your videos popped on my feed, but glad they did. Great stuff. I only learnt of this game few days ago, and I love a board game and FFG... So marketing can't. Be that grand... Anyway, once I learnt of it.. I was excited thinking this could be amazing and waste 170 GBP... Your review has saved me time, money and space on a shelf already collecting dust with games I've never played. I see your point exactly without knowing much of game... When does it stop being a dice rolling, card flipping, board following social event to all just staring at a tablet.... Might as well get my friends to. Bring their PCs and W do a LAN on a few Rpg..... One thing I am curious about-would you say that the style and system of this game with the app, lessons the learning curve and manual to read and digest? Does the app enable a more jump in approach for this limited on time, casual players or those that struggle to generally commit to reading a fat rule. Book to give up before half way?!

Hi Rob Have you only played this game on your own?

Here's how I feel. I like what it seems the app does. But I don't want to pay $150 on pointless terrain when my immersion is in the app. So...what's to stop a person from just buying a set of dice for under $10...print and play the few cards there are...and just using graph paper and playing this for under $20?

Currently I'm feeling that this game, is the expensive elephant on my shelf.

Nice write up Rob. It comes down to how much of the game and the management of it do you want in an app vs controlling it all via the Boardgame itself. These Hybrid solutions are great to the extent that they give people different options around how they want to play a boardgame. It offers the option of allowing apps to handle the cumbersome overhead that otherwise comes with many Boardgame based Dungeon crawls. Personally, I don't mind their inclusion to some extent and have enjoyed games like Descent 2.0 with the app (it had its issues though... felt more like a race than a dungeon crawling adventure...) Personally, for me when a boardgame gets way too cumbersome with complex Rules and combat mechanics, having to control countless tokens, cards, keeping track of which way the wind is blowing, etc, etc (again this is subjective to the individual…) I will no longer enjoy the boardgame experience and will play a video game equivalent instead, and again conversely if the app takes away too much of the boardgame experience (i.e.: I am spending more time on the app than with the boardgame itself) again I'll play a video game instead. Games like Shadows of Brimstone, D&D Adventure games, and heck even Talisman with my kids allows me to get away from the Digital world completely (my choice of course) and gives me the balance I like for the complete boardgame experience with my family... A video game like Skyrim on the other hand also offers me a fully immersive RPG experience and will do things better than a boardgame in many ways. Heck, and I also get to have the tactile feel of a mouse and keyboard!

Do you think DnD adventure system is better then this?

Sold my first edition think I'll find one again

Not enough real physical product for the cost, in my opinion. Also not enough flash and awe as a video game to warrant the cost. Fails on both fronts for me. Its 5 out of 10 for me.

Interesting. I think digital comics are far superior than physical comic books. And I’m an old guy. For me using the app to manage the game doesn’t break my immersion. I haven’t played this particular game yet but it’s arriving soon and I will give it a go.

Great review mate thanks so much 😊

I have only played about half the first mission so far but I already noticed the disconnect from the app and the components. I was just constantly looking at the app and the board had very little impact except the hero and weapon cards. Like you don't even need to put the sight tokens down or the terrain just look at the app. I will play through the whole game but I don't ever see myself playing it 10 years from now. The minis and terrain could be great for dnd but I spent 150 dollars on this game it should be something I play for years and years ir at least pick up once in awhile for a replay.

It's not even for sale here in europe yet, so I don't have to make the call yet. I don't see the hurry, maybe I'll just wait and see if they announce the second act or if that get canceled. I can see many game stores having a problem with the size of this box. So if it dosen't sell well, I think they'll stop taking it in because of the size. They can probably have 3-4 other games in it's space that might sell better.

This board game will likely not convert boardgamers into App gamers... But it may convert a few young app gamers into boardgamers. Maybe that's the audience that this game needs to hit up.

Thank you for this great review. I liked lord of the rings but here the app is too much... I was hesitating but 160e is way too much for this decorative boardgame. I really like the way you explain your point of view!

About the discussion if good quality miniatures and terrain are needed on this game, actually many boardgames with fancy component could be played using only a pencil, paper and some dice. But for many players the nice components are really important and part of the fun and experience. Now, if this game worth $175, that's another discussion...

Great honest review Rob! I like how you mentioned the 10s and 1s on BGG. The game is definitely not perfect, but it's also not terrible. There are some new accounts made in the last two weeks just to try to influence the rating which is insane. Mansions of Madness and JiME used the app brilliantly without overpowering the physical aspect, but for Legends of the Dark it tips that balance. The app is well done but it the end it might as well be a video game cause the physical pieces are mostly eye candy. The characters are tropes and the story is generic, and unless you haven't played or seen any fantasy adventure game or story it's nothing new. Thanks for being unbiased and addressing all the points!

I'm not buying in to this game. It would have to have absolutely brilliant gameplay to make up for the artstyle that I just really don't like. That's a very subjective reason to write a game off. There are a lot of dungeon crawlers out there and the game visuals are an important part of immersion for me. If you are going to spend loads of money on plastic it should at least be plastic that you like the look off. There is a lot of competition in this particular corner of board gaming and every mark against a game can put it out of the running. If it had gloomhaven+ level of gameplay I might be looking at it with interest despite the art style. But no one is making that claim. From what I've seen of the app it has loads of talking between the characters that the players are meant to be playing. Without a lot of player input. 1. This is a bit of an immersion breaker. 2. It'd bombarding me with the art that I don't like. The script would have to be amazing to make up for that. At which point I'd rather be reading it as a novel anyway. Combat is, apparently, very good. And I hear it has a back button. So the app isn't all bad. As for the name... Yeah. It's d&d 4th edition all over again. Calling it something else would have stopped a lot of people getting upset. No matter how many times FFG said "it isn't Descent 3rd edition" people kept calling it Descent 3rd edition. Changing the subtitle from "journeys in the dark" to "legends of the dark" just isn't enough to differentiate the games from each other. I have a feeling that if this game doesn't do well I can forget any hope of an updated Imperial Assault (which according to an interview from early 2020 was being worked on and what was being done wasn't "a new edition"... Which is suspiciously similar to how the described the new Descent game a few months later.)

Hi Rob. Good points. My Dream is to create the most immersive board game experience to date. I do have my criterias. For exemple I like when all components are where they are supposed to be. Nothing should be left somewhere on the table. That's one. I wonder, for you personally, what do you consider and feel to be the most immersive, any title that you could think of, I would really like to know. Much love. You already know I love what you do. Cheers.

Which modern day dungeon crawler would you play over this solo? This seems like a game where the app really helps out a solo gamer where you can viably play 3 handed without losing your mind (like Gloomhaven). But curious what dungeon crawler has captured your time.

Thanks for the review Rob. Really appreciated the honesty and concerns you raised there. I am a supporter of hybrid experiences as long as the focus is on the board game side. I will try and see how this game plays myself, i received my copy recently. However one thing i have notice i think it should be mentioned, it has incredibly good miniature quality. GW grade hard plastic miniatures that are NOT on sprue, they are already built. I think those miniatures justify the price especially for those of us spending so much on kickstarters for mediocre miniatures

One thing about this game is that it is UGLY as heck. Just look at the tiles Rob starts with. Absolutely terrible. Haha your drawings are better than the tiles provided. I am serious because you create your own dungeon based on the app. You prove the point!

I'm just a beginning gamer but I don't think I'll ever buy a game that needs a app to play. Just me, what ever makes you happy.

Great video! I wasn't going to get the game, but watched playthroughs and jumped in. I"m loving the hell out of it. If you don't like it, fine. If you do, that's great. Play what makes you happy. And you have tons of options (Gloomhaven, Sword & Sorcery, Brimstone, Imperial Assault, etc.). I agree with a lot of your points and do have issues with this game. It's not great, but I do enjoy it a lot. I play it 100% solo and no way I would play this with a group. We'd be passing around the app and one person would have to read all that text. But as a solo game, I enjoy it a lot.

Descent: Legends in the App

I rather like app games for solo play, I love Descent 2e with the app for solo. Probably going to pass on this one though, since I’m not into the terrain stuff. I totally get not digging app stuff though, and I kinda hate apps when I’m not playing solo. I’m curios what your top Dungeon Crawl games are?