Maladum Dungeons of Enveron: Honest & Precise Review
A Fresh Take on Dungeon Crawling
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron is a fantasy miniatures game that breathes new life into the well-worn genre of dungeon crawlers. Built on the highly successful Core Space system by Battle Systems, Maladum shifts the setting from sci-fi to fantasy, but keeps the same level of depth and engagement that made its predecessor a hit. With adventurers exploring ancient dungeons, battling hordes of Revenants, and navigating dynamic encounters, the game offers a rich and immersive experience for both solo players and groups.
A Visual Feast of Terrain and Detail
One of Maladum‘s standout features is the stunning 3D terrain included in the box. Battle Systems’ reputation for quality terrain is well known, and Maladum takes full advantage of this, offering players an incredibly immersive setting to explore. The modular boards are highly detailed, providing a tactile and visually rich experience that enhances the gameplay. Whether you’re sneaking through narrow dungeon corridors or battling enemies in sprawling chambers, the terrain helps bring the world of Enveron to life in ways few other dungeon crawlers can.
The attention to detail in the terrain isn’t just for show, either. It affects gameplay directly, with line-of-sight considerations, choke points for combat, and opportunities for strategic movement all playing a part. The visual and functional design of the 3D terrain makes each scenario feel unique and highly interactive.
Emergent Storytelling and Sandbox Freedom
Unlike many dungeon crawlers that follow a linear progression, Maladum offers a sandbox-style experience. The game provides players with a lot of freedom in how they approach objectives. Rather than simply exploring a dungeon and defeating enemies, the missions are built around more complex goals – retrieve an artifact, rescue an NPC, or simply escape before the Revenant hordes overwhelm your party.
This sandbox approach allows for emergent storytelling, where unexpected events and interactions with NPCs create memorable moments. For example, you might find yourself escorting a rich merchant through dangerous ruins, only to have a rogue NPC sneak in and steal the treasure you’ve been fighting to recover. These unpredictable moments add depth to each playthrough, making no two games feel exactly the same.
Tactical Combat and Character Progression
The combat system in Maladum is both simple and tactical. Dice rolls determine the success of attacks, but positioning, equipment, and the use of magic add layers of complexity. Melee combat has been refined from Core Space, introducing more nuanced decision-making, while magic adds a whole new dimension to how you approach encounters. Spells can be game-changers, but managing your magical resources wisely is key to survival.
In between dungeon runs, your party returns to town, where they can rest, upgrade equipment, and develop new skills. The campaign system tracks your adventurers’ progression, allowing you to build your characters over time. This progression adds a long-term investment to the game, making each victory or defeat feel like part of a larger story. Upgrading gear and learning new skills also means your party will play differently from game to game, increasing replayability.
The Dread Track and the Importance of Timing
One of the core mechanics that sets Maladum apart is the Dread Track. As time progresses in the dungeon, the Dread Track advances, increasing the difficulty of the game. Revenants become more aggressive, and the chances of overwhelming enemies increase. This mechanic creates a sense of urgency, forcing players to balance exploration with the need to complete objectives quickly.
You can’t afford to linger in Maladum. While the terrain and emergent gameplay invite exploration, the Dread Track ensures that dawdling will lead to your party being overwhelmed. This creates a tense balancing act – do you risk searching one more room for treasure, or do you push towards the exit before things spiral out of control?
Sandbox Flexibility and NPCs
One of the more unique elements of Maladum is the way it handles NPCs and side quests. NPCs aren’t just passive characters or simple obstacles; they have their own agendas, which can interfere with or assist your mission. For example, Denizens, a type of NPC that enters the map through event cards, roam the dungeon independently. They may attack your heroes, steal your loot, or even engage the enemies you’re fighting.
This dynamic NPC system adds to the game’s sandbox nature, creating opportunities for unexpected interactions and emergent gameplay. Whether you’re negotiating with a powerful NPC or trying to stop a rogue Denizen from stealing your objective, these interactions ensure that no two games play out the same way.
Solo Play and Expansions
While Maladum is a great multiplayer experience, it also shines as a solo game. The mechanics are robust enough to keep solo players engaged, and the emergent storytelling feels just as satisfying when played alone. For those who enjoy a deep narrative and tactical decision-making in their solo board games, Maladum offers a lot of replayability and challenge.
The game also comes with a range of expansions that further extend its lifespan. Modular expansions add new terrain, missions, and NPCs, allowing players to tailor the difficulty and complexity to their liking. This makes Maladum a flexible system that can grow with your gaming group’s needs or provide new challenges when playing solo.
Learn-as-You-Play and Rule Complexity
The “learn-as-you-play” tutorial is a helpful addition for new players. It walks you through the basics without overwhelming you with rules right out of the gate. However, once you’re ready to dive into the full campaign, expect to spend some time with the rulebook. While the game’s mechanics are not overly complex, there are enough details that require a more thorough understanding of the rules as the campaign progresses.
This means that while Maladum is accessible to new players, it also has enough depth to satisfy more experienced board gamers. Just be prepared to occasionally reference the rulebook as you explore the game’s deeper mechanics.
Balancing the Pros and Cons
Maladum is not without its challenges. For one, the need for armor and equipment is crucial, and neglecting these elements can result in devastatingly quick defeats. Enemies can hit hard, and without proper dice mitigation or defensive options, your party can be wiped out in a single encounter. However, this difficulty spike encourages smart preparation and strategic planning, adding to the game’s tactical appeal.
The game’s sandbox nature and emergent storytelling might also be a bit much for players looking for a more traditional dungeon-crawling experience. If you prefer clear-cut objectives and linear progression, the open-ended missions in Maladum may feel overwhelming or aimless at times. That said, for players who enjoy flexibility and narrative-driven games, the sandbox approach is a major draw.
Verdict
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron is a standout entry in the dungeon-crawling genre. Its combination of tactical combat, emergent storytelling, and stunning 3D terrain sets it apart from more traditional crawlers. The sandbox-style missions and dynamic NPC interactions add depth and replayability, while the Dread Track keeps the tension high throughout each game.
For fans of Core Space, or anyone looking for a fresh take on fantasy skirmish games with a rich narrative and tactical flexibility, Maladum is a must-try. Its modular expansions and solo play options ensure that it will remain a staple on your table for a long time. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or a newcomer to the genre, Maladum offers an engaging, challenging, and visually stunning experience.
– David
Scratches: 8.5/10.0