Some times for crowdfunding it’s a slow week. Other weeks on crowdfunding, and this is one of those, it is very busy. So let’s look at the four games that came up on Tuesday that caught my eye. There is another one, but it hasn’t come out yet, I think it might launch today or tomorrow. But that is also one that I need to look into more. What board games came to crowdfunding that I wanted to keep my eye on.

Crowdfunding Round-up

Critter Kitchen

Critter Kitchen I wrote about a bit ago as it was announced during the Dice Tower Summer Spectacular. So it might have gotten lost in the shuffle, but this is a game from Cardboard Alchemy, known mainly for putting out Flamecraft. Flamecraft is a fun family weight worker placement game that maybe takes a little long but has the most adorable dragons and artwork.

When they announced Critter Kitchen what caught my attention was the amazing artwork. Sandara Tang is doing it again and this time it’s all animals not just dragons. But for the game itself, you are collecting resources to be the best rated and reviewed chef during food week. So it takes place over several rounds as you try and complete recipes and goals that will get you the most points. It’s still a worker placement game, but like Flamecraft, one with a very fun theme.

Backed

Spirit Fire

First of two games that should be solo only or solo mainly. Spirit Fire is from Orange Nebula. Orange Nebula if you aren’t familiar with their other crowdfunding games, did Vindication and Unsettled. Two big games that have great components. Spirit Fire is their take on an adventure story driven game, and one that is solo. It is mainly solo because you can play it two player but it’ll be shared decision making, like most solo games.

I know less about this game play than some of the others. But the company so they already have some built in trust that way. But the game itself sounds unique. It’s an open world adventure but one that says it won’t have much story. You create the story as you go. This could be a great thing where it gives you a lot of freedom, it could be awkward. But again, Orange Nebula has my trust on it.

Backed

DreamEscape

DreamEscape is one that I stumbled across more. I like how on Gamefound you can explore the upcoming crowdfunding games. I came across it there and it immediately sounded interesting to me. A Lovecraftian setting where you are trying to escape dreams sounds fun. And I like the idea of living, dying, and replaying scenarios. It lets you use your knowledge in the game.

The question I have about this game which sounds like a card exploration and adventure game, is replayability. I said I like the sound of the scenarios being a challenge, and I hope that they stay a challenge. But it reminds me of a cross between something like an Etherfields and an Arkham Horror Card Game which are two things that immediately draw me in. And again, a solo game (or two player) but seems like mainly a solo experience.

Backed

Secrets of the Lost Tomb

Secrets of the Lost Tomb is the only one of these that I’ve played around with. And I didn’t play the original version. At Gen Con this is a game that I got to demo, and I’ll say demo loosely. I got to sit down and learn a little bit about the game. But it caught my attention for a few reasons.

Firstly, it’s a scenario driven game where you’re exploring a tomb in a cooperative nature. But you’re building out the tomb like you build out the house in Betrayal at House on the Hill. And I like that idea that each scenario doesn’t have to be set-up a certain way. I can start playing it faster because I’m not looking to make sure certain rooms are in certain spots. Also, the fact they aren’t increases the replayability.

The other thing is that it’s fully cooperative and you still have the finding loot, leveling up character that going on. Secrets of the Lost Tomb looks like beer and pretzels fun, though too big to play at a bar. The game just seems like it leans into the pulp nature and the nature that anything could happen. That makes it a bit rough around the edges, but what felt like it’d be a fun game.

Pick-up at Retail

Final Thoughts

As much as I want to pick-up Secrets of the Lost Tomb, I think it’s a game that would make more sense at retail. The extra content, scenarios you can go on, is a lot. And not all of that might be coming to retail. But what comes in the main box is a lot as well. And I can’t back all the games on crowdfunding.

What I did choose to back, I think it makes sense to back it there. Critter Kitchen would be the other one that I maybe could wait for retail on. But Orange Nebula does all their games on crowdfunding, so picking it up later would mean buy Spirit Fire at a mark-up on the second hand market. And I’d guess the same with DreamEscape but that’d be even harder to find because right now it has less people backing it.

Out of all of these games, I think I’m most excited for Spirit Fire. It’s so ambitious. But Critter Kitchen and DreamEscape are obvious close behind for me to back them. It was a strong week and there is a game, Wonderous Creatures, that I know is coming soon to crowdfunding as well, possibly today.

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