A Monumental Dungeon Crawler Experience

Kingdoms Forlorn: Dragons, Devils and Kings is one of the most ambitious dungeon crawlers to reach the tabletop in recent years. At its core, it is a campaign-driven game filled with exploration, tactical combat, branching storylines, and a wealth of miniatures. What sets it apart is not only the sheer scale of the content, but also the way every element – from delves into cursed kingdoms to clashes against otherworldly foes – is tied together into a cohesive, narrative-rich experience.

This is not a game that fits into a single category. It blends the immersive storytelling of a narrative RPG, the tactical precision of a skirmish game, and the long-term progression of campaign systems. The result is a hybrid experience that feels distinct and memorable, while still approachable enough for those familiar with dungeon crawlers.

Production Value and Miniatures

It’s impossible to talk about Kingdoms Forlorn without mentioning the miniatures. The knights, monsters, Vassals, Kings, Devils, and Dragons are all sculpted with incredible detail, making the game stand out even before a single story card is drawn. The larger miniatures, such as the towering bosses, create a strong presence on the table and elevate the sense of scale during encounters.

Even the smaller mob miniatures, while less flashy, add thematic flavor to the battlefield. Painters will find this game to be a treasure trove, with every miniature offering an opportunity to showcase creativity. The size and variety of the models also make the game appealing as a centerpiece in any collection.

The Delve: Exploration with Purpose

One of the defining mechanics of Kingdoms Forlorn is the Delve phase. Here, knights venture into cursed kingdoms, revealing tiles that represent the shifting landscapes of these dark realms. Each kingdom feels distinct – the Principality of Stone forces careful planning with blocked pathways, while the Sunken Kingdom creates tension as flooding gradually reshapes the board.

Exploration is never just about moving forward. Events, discoveries, and narrative choices emerge as knights press deeper into dangerous territory. The inclusion of ciphers tied to each character adds a personal layer to exploration, as certain players uncover secrets others might never see. This keeps every playthrough fresh and encourages replaying kingdoms with different characters.

Clashes: Tactical Combat at Its Best

When exploration gives way to confrontation, Kingdoms Forlorn shifts into its Clashes – tactical battles that serve as highlights of the game. Fights are dynamic, as enemies escalate their behavior while knights grow stronger over time. Each battle feels different, with unique mechanics shaping encounters against bosses like the Puppet King or the Eggknight.

The combat system is designed to reward both positioning and timing. Mobs work together intelligently, pushing players to adapt strategies instead of relying on repeated patterns. Even smaller encounters feel meaningful, while major battles carry the weight of epic duels. It is here that the game’s design shines brightest, combining unpredictability with clear tactical depth.

Personal Stories and Character Progression

Unlike many dungeon crawlers where characters serve as interchangeable avatars, Kingdoms Forlorn places knights at the center of the narrative. Each knight has a branching personal story that unfolds alongside the group campaign. Choices matter, shaping the path of the character and influencing how they interact with the world.

This dual-layered storytelling – personal narrative plus shared campaign – ensures that no two playthroughs feel identical. A knight played in one group may develop in completely different ways when played in another, depending on decisions and outcomes. This design encourages long-term attachment to characters, transforming them into true protagonists rather than tools for combat.

Replayability Across Campaigns

Replayability is one of the strongest aspects of Kingdoms Forlorn. Between multiple kingdoms, knight storylines, optional hunts, and expansion content, there is an extraordinary amount of material to explore. A single campaign might take dozens of hours, yet the game continues to offer fresh experiences long after the first storyline concludes.

The flexibility of knights – allowing them to be carried into new groups and campaigns – also increases longevity. Players can return to their favorite character and explore new narrative branches without starting over completely. This modular approach ensures the game never feels confined to a single storyline.

Immersive Writing and Worldbuilding

The game’s writing deserves special recognition. The world of Kingdoms Forlorn is presented as a dark fairytale, filled with cryptic myths, forgotten histories, and unsettling discoveries. Events are not written as simple “pass or fail” moments but as evocative stories that deepen the atmosphere.

The use of rhymes, riddles, and hidden notes gives the impression of a living world full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The writing style strikes a balance between mystery and clarity, avoiding overly complex jargon while still creating a tone that feels rich and immersive. It rewards players who enjoy reading, while keeping narrative sections short enough to maintain momentum.

A Game Built for Discovery

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Kingdoms Forlorn is the constant sense of discovery. Every delve reveals new locations, every battle brings unique challenges, and every knight story opens unexpected paths. The game manages to surprise players even after many hours of play, which is no small achievement in the world of campaign-based board games.

This sense of discovery extends beyond mechanics. Hidden narrative threads, unexplored kingdoms, and optional content create layers that can be uncovered over time. It encourages players to keep returning to the game, not just to complete it, but to see what lies beyond the next decision.

Verdict

Kingdoms Forlorn: Dragons, Devils and Kings is a landmark dungeon crawler that combines deep narrative, tactical combat, and exploration into a single, unforgettable package. Its ambitious scope is matched by its execution, with stunning miniatures, branching character stories, and kingdoms that feel alive with danger and mystery.

Replayability is virtually limitless, and the game offers enough variety to keep even the most dedicated groups engaged for months or years. The mix of personal stories and group campaigns ensures that no two journeys feel alike, while the battles and exploration deliver consistent tension and satisfaction.

For anyone who enjoys narrative-driven board games, tactical encounters, or simply the thrill of uncovering secrets, Kingdoms Forlorn is a must-have. It stands as a 10/10 experience that not only raises the bar for dungeon crawlers, but also redefines what a board game campaign can be.

– David

Scratches: 10.0/10.0