Sanctum
Sanctum review
Sanctum is a fantastic board game that truly captures the essence of hack-and-slash RPG video games, specifically evoking the spirit of Diablo. The game offers a compelling experience with its unique characters, engaging skill trees, and exciting loot acquisition.
Each player takes control of one of four distinct characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, as they journey through the fallen city of Sanctum, battling demons and collecting loot. The game's brisk gameplay, with the possibility of overlapping turns, ensures that the action never slows down.
The game's art and components are top-notch, with beautiful miniatures and detailed character boards. The inclusion of everything you need, including health and mana counters, player boards, and even terrain, makes for a very well-equipped game. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the miniatures.
While the game is designed for competitive play, I found that it easily lends itself to cooperative play with simple house rules. The game's core mechanics are simple to learn but offer surprising depth, making it a rewarding experience for both new and experienced board gamers.
My only minor criticism is that the movement system could be more dynamic. I found the linear path and limited movement options to be a bit uninspired. Additionally, the winner determination at the end of the game, with the highest health player winning, felt a bit anticlimactic.
Overall, Sanctum is a highly enjoyable game with excellent replay value. The various character builds, loot options, and dice rolling mechanics ensure that every playthrough feels unique. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys Diablo-style games or dungeon crawlers in general. I'm eagerly awaiting any future expansions to further enhance the game's already impressive offering.