Gloomhaven

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 42
  3. Negative: 8 out of 42

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  1. Iyunzusto
    Jan 9, 2022
    2
    Incredibly boring.

    For context I'm a huge strategy, tactics and rpg nerd having sunk thousands of hours into these formats since 1990. Gloomhaven takes the tactical rpg template and adds layer upon layer of annoying, contrived mechanics in order to create difficulty but which just reduce the fun factor instead. The core culprit is the card burn system which means you run out of actions    Incredibly boring.

    For context I'm a huge strategy, tactics and rpg nerd having sunk thousands of hours into these formats since 1990. Gloomhaven takes the tactical rpg template and adds layer upon layer of annoying, contrived mechanics in order to create difficulty but which just reduce the fun factor instead. The core culprit is the card burn system which means you run out of actions over time. The abilities are already weak (like attack at range for 2 damage.. which has a significant chance to be a 1 or 0 due to combat rolls), do on top of being weak are also scarce.

    I get the need to create tension and pressure but the system chosen here reduces fun an increased tedium. Exhaustion (which is when you run out of cards) could have instead been a resource that you spend on moves, like energy.

    The end result is that it can take two hours to complete a tiny fight in 2 rooms.

    Even if you are victorious, it feels like a job. Like work. Without any of the satisfaction that other tactical fighters deliver.

    If you love strategy and tactics and are thinking about buying, go watch one of the 3 hour YouTube walkthroughs of a single tiny scenario, where one turn sometimes takes 15 minutes just to decide which cards to burn, and imagine if that's how you want to spend 3 hours. If so go for it    … Expand
  2. 92ross
    Jan 18, 2022
    0
    It's a perfect copy of the board game. The game is a lot faster as there is no set up or moving the enemy. You'll need a group of experienced players and discord to play it properly. Oh, and a bottle of red wine will help things nicely.
  3. DolEggert
    Feb 9, 2023
    0
    This is a direct adaptation of the boardgame experience, which is entirely a positive thing. If you liked the boardgame, you will love this game. I loved the board game experience, and the PC version is a further improvement to that experience. The heavy burden of keeping track of all the mechanics in the boardgame version, is all automated in the PC version, which for me was a way betterThis is a direct adaptation of the boardgame experience, which is entirely a positive thing. If you liked the boardgame, you will love this game. I loved the board game experience, and the PC version is a further improvement to that experience. The heavy burden of keeping track of all the mechanics in the boardgame version, is all automated in the PC version, which for me was a way better gameplay experience so you spend your time actually playing the game, rather than tracking and setting up the game pieces. We are a group of 4 friends who lives in different areas of the country, and the PC version makes it possible for us all to play together often. There is a quite a few bugs that should be easily fixed, but especially scenario-specific game mechanics are often very bug-filled, which is why i rate 8 instead of 10.… Expand
  4. Yesname
    Sep 25, 2022
    0
    Hardly recommended game. It forces player to do only one strategy otherwise you lose scenarios. Also it is almost impossible to win scenarios even on the lowest difficulty. Only for masochists.
  5. Mizuiro
    Apr 23, 2023
    4
    So BORING, TEDIOUS, ridiculous mechanics, you can't even **** move without playing cards even when no enemies are present.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    100
    Even if you have never heard of the legendary board game Gloomhaven, you should not miss its digital adaptation. If you enjoy ingenious turn-based strategies and dark fantasy, Gloomhaven is the game for you. In addition, thanks to multiplayer, you don't have to go on dangerous expeditions alone, and thanks to the support of creating new scenarios, the game offers an endless number of adventures and rotten dungeons.
  2. Games.cz
    Nov 30, 2021
    90
    The best-reviewed board game in the world gets its own digital adaptation - and it’s excellent. The board game comes to life thanks to beautiful animations and sounds. This is a true treat for any strategy game enthusiast.
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  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Nov 22, 2021
    50
    Gloomhaven tries to bring the experience of the board game on our screens, but fails to recreate the feel of being around a table. The game, although very loyal to the source, lacks pacing and the missions (very repetitive after a while), even at the lowest levels, are incredibly hard and for the most part frustrating. It is definitely overwhelming for a new player, and way too much relying on RNG for a good result. A good opportunity that sadly doesn’t really deliver.
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