Catacomb, a two-player abstract strategy game from Thundergriff, offers a surprisingly deep gaming experience packaged in an unconventional soda can. This unique presentation houses a collection of uniquely illustrated dice (white, black, and brown) featuring skulls, knives, hearts, and even paper rolls, alongside bone and yarn-decorated tiles – a quirky and memorable aesthetic. The gameplay revolves around building three-tiered towers, strategically placing dice according to simple yet impactful rules: towers can’t exceed three dice, and you can’t stack dice of your own color.The core gameplay blends simplicity with strategic depth, offering two distinct paths to victory. Players can either dominate the central columns with their colored dice or strategically place their cat tokens atop three completed towers. Optional modules, including a color-changing cube and space-blocking toilet paper tokens, dramatically increase complexity and replayability, catering to both casual and seasoned board game enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a quick filler game or a more challenging strategic encounter, Catacomb delivers a unique and engaging experience.
Pros And Cons
- Fast-paced
- Easy to learn
- Entertaining
- May be considered too simple or not special by some players
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Game Components and Setup
Catacomb, from Thundergriff publishing house, is a surprisingly abstract game presented in an unusual soda can package. The core game includes a variety of uniquely illustrated dice (white, black, and brown) featuring skulls, knives, hearts, and paper rolls. There are also several tiles decorated with bones, fish bones, and balls of yarn – a playful nod to the game's theme.
The setup involves arranging the tiles randomly to create a three-tiered structure. Players then take three dice and place them strategically onto the colored tiles, beginning the game.
Gameplay and Rules
Catacomb features two primary rules. First, towers cannot exceed a height of three dice. Secondly, players cannot place a die on top of a die of their own color. This strategic limitation adds a layer of depth to the game.
Turns consist of two actions: placing a die or moving an existing column of dice (one to three). When placing a die, it must be placed on top of an existing die of a different color or on a neutral space. Moving a column involves shifting dice down to adjacent empty spaces.
Winning the Game
There are two ways to win Catacomb. The first is to have the top dice of all three central columns be the same color as your color. The second is to create three towers of three, regardless of color, but with each tower topped by one of your colored cat tokens.
The game adds two optional modules: a valuable cube that changes color when moved, and toilet paper tokens that block spaces. These modules add extra layers of strategy and complexity to the game.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Catacomb is a fast-paced, abstract strategy game that offers a unique blend of simple rules and strategic depth. The unusual presentation, playful theme, and optional modules add to its charm. While some players may find the game too simple, its quick gameplay and replayability make it a good filler game or a fun casual option for two players. The added modules increase complexity, providing longer and more strategic game sessions for more experienced board game players.
The game's simple rules and unique dice illustrations make it accessible to beginners, while the strategic choices and potential for complex game states provide enough depth for experienced players to enjoy. Overall, Catacomb is a light yet engaging game that's worth checking out for anyone seeking a quick and fun abstract strategy experience.
