A Unique Setting with a Gothic Flair

Darkest Doom drops players into the cursed land of Betel, a region inspired by seventeenth-century Europe but twisted by dark fantasy. The first thing that strikes you is the theme: anthropomorphic animals acting as Guardians, desperately racing against time as the Eclipse threatens to consume the land. Unlike many fantasy games that lean on familiar tropes, Darkest Doom’s setting feels more unusual and memorable. It blends gothic elements with anthropomorphic characters, creating a visual and narrative contrast that keeps the world intriguing.

Guardians and Their Paths to Victory

At the core of the game stand four Guardians, each with unique abilities and traits. Picking one is more than just cosmetic—it determines how you’ll interact with quests, battles, and exploration. Every Guardian grows stronger by upgrading statistics, a mechanic tied closely to Vicar Percival’s quests. This progression gives a sense of roleplay, letting players shape their characters across the eight days of the Eclipse.

Victory is not tied to a single strategy. Instead, Darkest Doom offers multiple paths: completing quests, acquiring relics, upgrading stats, or pursuing other objectives. This variety means that even after several plays, the routes to success remain fresh. It also adds replayability, since no two sessions unfold the same way.

The Citadel and Resource Management

Each new round begins with a Dawn, where players reset and restock. The Citadel plays a central role here, offering decks of Equipment, Spells, and Traps. What makes this system interesting is that the same card can have different effects depending on which Guardian uses it and what stats they have chosen to enhance. This design encourages experimentation and rewards players for tailoring their builds.

The Citadel also serves as one of the main outlets for spending fame points. Fame accumulates rapidly during play, and while some may find limited ways to spend it restrictive, the Citadel helps keep it useful. For those who enjoy the feeling of collecting and upgrading, this mechanic contributes to the sense of growth throughout the game.

Solo Play and Bot Guardians

Not every large, competitive board game translates well into a solo experience, but Darkest Doom makes a genuine effort. The Bot Guardians allow solo players to enjoy the same strategic depth as with a full group. They act as automated opponents that provide real resistance, creating tension and keeping the Eclipse from feeling like a one-sided countdown. For gamers who often play alone or in smaller groups, this mode is a welcome inclusion.

Tension in the Dawn and Dusk Cycle

One of Darkest Doom’s most distinctive features is its morning and evening structure. Each round is split into two parts, with Guardians making choices and reacting to the shifting darkness. This cycle builds tension, as threats mount while players race to secure their own objectives.

With two or three players, the game flows smoothly, maintaining the intended sense of urgency. With four players, however, the pace slows noticeably. Games can stretch long, and some turns may start to feel repetitive. For groups that enjoy long, sprawling experiences, this might add to the epic feel. But players preferring tighter pacing may find themselves wishing for fewer phases.

Strategy vs. Complexity

Darkest Doom tries to offer freedom by giving players a large number of actions, abilities, and items to explore. The upside is variety: you always feel like you have options and can adapt to changing situations. The downside is that sometimes this abundance borders on overwhelming. Instead of “strategic richness,” it can feel like option overload. For experienced strategy fans, this might be welcome. For newer players, the learning curve can be steep.

Still, once the rules settle in, the game reveals plenty of meaningful decisions. Every action matters, and because multiple victory conditions exist, players constantly weigh trade-offs. This ongoing tension keeps sessions engaging despite their length.

Components and Production Quality

Miniatures are among the highlights of the physical production. They are detailed, sturdy, and visually striking—an aspect that definitely helps immersion. Moving these well-sculpted Guardians around the darkly illustrated map is a satisfying experience.

The artwork across the game also deserves praise. It conveys the gothic tone and sets the atmosphere immediately. From the board design to the Guardian portraits, the visual identity of Darkest Doom is cohesive and memorable.

Unfortunately, not everything in production is flawless. The cards arrived thin and prone to wear, almost requiring sleeves from the start. Misprints on some components added to frustrations, especially after long shipping delays. These issues don’t ruin the game, but they create friction that could have been avoided with better quality control.

Replayability and Player Experience

Replayability is one of Darkest Doom’s strengths. The mix of multiple victory paths, diverse Guardian abilities, and a modular system of quests and relics means that no two games unfold in exactly the same way. Players who enjoy exploring different strategies will find reasons to return.

The player experience varies significantly depending on group size. At two or three, the game feels tense and engaging, with little downtime. At four, expect a slower and more methodical pace. Solo players will appreciate the inclusion of Bot Guardians, which keeps things competitive even without friends at the table.

Who Will Enjoy Darkest Doom?

Darkest Doom will appeal most to gamers who appreciate ambitious, thematic designs with a darker aesthetic. Fans of medium- to heavy-weight strategy games will find the depth satisfying, particularly if they like games where multiple paths to victory coexist.

Groups looking for a quick, light experience will likely struggle with the game’s length and complexity. Similarly, players who dislike managing many small rules and actions may find it cumbersome. But those who enjoy investing time into a game world and unraveling its systems will be rewarded.

Verdict

Darkest Doom is a bold attempt to merge RPG progression, competitive strategy, and gothic fantasy into one ambitious package. Its strengths lie in its immersive setting, strong miniatures, multiple paths to victory, and surprising solo mode. On the other hand, over-complexity, long playtimes with four players, and some production missteps hold it back from greatness.

Ultimately, Darkest Doom is not for everyone—but for the right group, it can be a thrilling, atmospheric journey through a cursed land where every choice matters. If you are drawn to dark fantasy, detailed miniatures, and strategic decision-making across multiple sessions, Darkest Doom is worth exploring. Just be prepared for a heavier, more demanding experience that rewards patience and persistence.

– David

Scratches: 8.0/10.0