Board Game Arena

Hello Everybody,

I am writing this post to see if anybody knows of any modern board games that utilizes map exploration, fighting monsters and completing quests (objectives) as the main game mechanics. I used to play an older game called Mystic Wood as a kid, and am looking to see if there are any modern alternatives. In Mystic Wood, you are trying to complete your quest while also exploring the map and fighting monsters. The game is from 1980, and is fun to play even to this day. I've seen Mage Knight, but that is more of a Euro puzzle. Magic Realm has been suggested to me, but that takes months to learn how to play. Runebound is similar, but lacks the exploration element. Same with Talisman. Do any of you have any recommendations for me? I look forward to hearing back from you!

Haven't played it yet but it sounds like Gloomhaven and/or Frosthaven would be worth a look. On BGG, Gloomhaven seems to come up under the same categories (adventure, explore, fighting, grid movement, etc.) as Mystic Wood. It does have a large time commitment however, and you mentioned that as a turn off. It's also quite expensive although there is a 2nd edition coming out that may make getting a 1st edition a cheaper alternative.

I played Gloomhaven and I enjoyed it a lot. I won't call it an Euro puzzle, you got real attack powers, movement powers, damage, summoning, built-in monster AI, mini quests, storylines and personal goals. That said, the power management can feel a bit gamey to people.

And have you looked at Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, Fallout and Mansions of Madness?

Maybe you would like Gloomhaven or Aftermath.