Become Part of the Legend…

The dragon has been asleep for many long years. In that time, the cave under which it slumbered has changed greatly… Goblins and strange monsters have filled its gloomy depths and there are whispers that the cave itself has begun thinking, shifting, and growing evermore dangerous.

Still, stories of peril rarely overshadow the rumors of riches. And riches there may be… For where a dragon slumbers, there also lies a fiercely guarded treasure. Fortunately for the slumbering beast, malevolent crystals fill the cave’s rooms with spectral light, hiding the entrance to the immeasurable treasure trove. Many have given their lives to the search and over the years the rumors have faded to legend.

But the most courageous adventurers will not be discouraged by bloodshed. On this day, a knight steps into the darkness, her gloved hand gripping the hilt of her sword. Her years of quests–all of the victories and defeats–have led to this one final adventure. Knowing the kingdom can never truly be at peace with the dragon beneath the cave, she has come to make a final stand. Little does she know that she will awake everything that slumbers in the shadows… and begin the final battle in the darkness.

Enter the world of Vast: The Crystal Caverns…

Vast takes you and your friends into the torch light of a classic cave-crawling adventure, built on the concept of total asymmetry. Gone are days of the merry band of travelers fighting off evil. In Vast, you will become part of a new legend… Any part you wish!

Play as the classic, daring Knight, the chaotic Goblin horde, the colossal, greedy Dragon, or even the Cave itself — powerful, brooding, and intent on crushing the living things that dare to disturb its gloomy depths. Each role has its own powers, pieces, and paths to victory…and there can be only one winner.

As the ultimate asymmetric board game, Vast: The Crystal Caverns provides a limitless adventure, playable again and again as you and your friends explore the four different roles in different combinations. Play one-on-one in a race to the death between the Knight and the Goblins, or add in the Dragon and the Cave for deeper and more epic experiences, different every time.

By Leder Games. Leder Games is a small one man operation from Saint Paul. Combined with the efforts of his friends, Patrick Leder plans to make games that are exciting to play as well as artistic and socially conscious.

My Thoughts…

Patrick Leder developed a very good thematic, press your luck, and strategic board game. What I find unique and like most about the game is that each player: the Knight, the Dragon, the Goblin Horde, and the Cave itself each have their own player board, unique skills and abilities.

The Knight wins if he kills the Dragon (if in the game) or smashes 5 crystals and escapes out the entrance before being killed by the Goblin Horde. The Goblin Horde wins if they kill the Knight (if in the game) or kills the Dragon. The Dragon wins when it awakens, surfaces on a crystal tile and then reaches the entrance to escape. The Cave wins after placing all cave tiles (for building the cave), then it begins destroying cave tiles until 5 crystal tiles have collapsed, thus trapping and killing all other players. During the Cave’s turn, tiles are strategically laid to build the cave. The Cave also works to keep balance between the other players so that one does not run away with the win, because after all, the Cave doesn’t want anyone to achieve their objective before the Cave has a chance to place all cave tiles and then begins collapsing the Cave.

There is even an option for a fifth play, the Thief, who messes with all the players and wins if he can stash 6 Treasures or Dragon Gems.

Very interesting. I’m looking forward to playing this game again soon.

For more information please check out Vast: The Crystal Caverns on Board Game Geek (BGG) at https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/170416/vast-crystal-caverns. You can also visit my page on BGG at https://boardgamegeek.com/user/InsaneSkitso