Planet Apocalypse:

I really enjoy RTS, MOBA and, to some extent, tower defense videogames. While I was expecting more of a Doom / Diablo / Space Marine experience when I initially took a look, I was overwhelmingly pleased to see it was instead a nod to these genres, and done in a really slick way.

Some features that keep it returning to the table:

– Numerous selection of heroes, maps, legions, mini-bosses, and end bosses

– A randomized selection of power-ups available each game that you must strategize to choose, distribute and use effectively

– Meaningful coordination among players

– A nice progression of strength for both sides throughout the game, without resorting to Blue Shell mechanisms

– Bracing while rolling 6D8+6D12 for an incoming Boss attack; being amazed when you manage to roll seven 1s in a row on your own attacks

– Management of various currencies (Courage, Luck, HP, Doom), and decisions on how to balance their income streams vs. dealing with crises

– Management of the purchasable Trooper cards, of which there is also a randomized selection, and their various utilities

– Personalizing your Hero with certain “builds” which can carve out distinct roles of your choosing

– No need to rely on a campaign mode or narratives for replayability. Like the videogame genres I mentioned, you just sit and go. Start at a low level, progress to greatness, pack it up and start again another time with a whole new situation.

– The visual impressiveness of the game, including its size, and use of various colors of plastic rather than an endless sea of gray

Also, it is not a difficult sell to get to the table:

– A horrific but non-gory theme (some enemy figures are actually rather smile-inducing)
and
– Fully cooperative

All-in all, this one is pretty phenomenal.

[x-posted to bgg]