The classic “dungeon crawl” has spawned a host of board games, with the latest being Dungeon Saga from Mantic Games, designed by Jake Thornton (creator of DreadBall).  After attracting over a million dollars of pledges from nearly 6,000 backers, Dungeon Saga: The Dwarf King’s Quest will be released into the hobby trade this September.

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Dungeon Saga features the time-honored “overlord” style of play, in which one player assumes the role of the “Necromancer” who controls the actions of the monsters and villains and constructs the game board during play.  The other players act as typical fantasy game heroes (barbarian, dwarf, elf, and wizard) who must work together to overcome the overlord’s evil plans.  For those wishing a less confrontational experience, a fully cooperative version of the game is also included.

The game system uses a combination of dice and cards to control the action.  Characters and heroes are represented by 26 sculpted unpainted plastic miniatures, and all of the tokens, markers, and board pieces needed to play are included in the box.  Ten different scenarios are included as well.

Dungeon Saga: The Dwarf King’s Quest is a game for two to five players, ages 13 and up.  MSRP is $79.99.

In addition to the boxed game, several Dungeon Saga products will release in September.  These releases will include the Counter Upgrade Set ($17.99), the Legendary Heroes of Dolgarth miniatures expansion ($34.99), the Evil Dead Miniatures Set ($24.99), Dungeon Furniture Pack ($17.99), Dungeon Doors Pack with 10 plastic dungeon doors ($17.99), and the Halls of Dolgarth Tile Pack ($24.99).

The Adventurer’s Companion book will also release in September. The 96-page full color book includes rules for solo play, design-your-own dungeons, and character creation. MSRP is $49.99.

A full expansion set, Dungeon Saga: The Return of Valandor is planned for release in November.