Photo credit: arstechnica.com
The developers behind Sunderfolk set out to create a gaming experience that rekindles the spirit of traditional game nights. Judging by the excitement and camaraderie it has sparked among my friends and me, they’ve undoubtedly achieved their goal. Our gaming sessions have transformed into lively debates over tactical decisions—why I overlooked a piece of treasure or how a particular move disrupted our strategy. Such spirited discussions can be hard to come by as adult responsibilities often interfere with social interactions. Yet, through four separate Sunderfolk gaming nights with friends scattered across different states, I’ve found a way to reconnect and reclaim those enjoyable moments.
Sunderfolk stands out as an inviting game, filled with clever mechanics and engaging gameplay that encourages teamwork and strategy. One of its strongest features is the ability to gather a group of friends to deliberate over hexagonal tiles, determine turn orders, and formulate whimsical names for in-game entities, such as the entertainingly dubbed “Pointy Bros” for arrow-firing ogres. If your existing gaming calendar is full, consider adding Sunderfolk as a low-pressure option that doesn’t require extensive planning. The game’s design makes it approachable for novices while gradually introducing more complexity as players become familiar with the mechanics. What’s particularly appealing is that only one person needs to own the game, making it accessible; all that’s required is a smartphone, creating a light barrier to entry for an enjoyable group activity. While there are areas that could benefit from refinement, the fundamental gameplay loop and the camaraderie it fosters are solid and rewarding.
Although I have yet to experience the mine cart missions, I’m eager to encounter them, anticipating another layer of fun and adventure.
Select Your Class and Join the Adventure
In Sunderfolk, players engage in turn-based strategic combat on a grid that features an array of objects, foes, and unexpected challenges. Character selection leans on traditional RPG archetypes; in my experience, we formed a party comprising a rogue, a berserker, a mage, and a pyromancer. Each round, players choose from an ability card that can significantly influence the course of play, much like in Gloomhaven, where tactical positioning and the sequence of actions are crucial. For instance, my rogue character can execute a swift attack and gain strength by claiming nearby gold, or utilize a combination of movement and strikes to maximize damage while remaining out of reach of threats, effectively benefiting from the ‘Shrouded’ protective mechanism.
Ultimately, the combination of strategic gameplay with a community-focused experience makes Sunderfolk a fresh addition to the genre, perfectly suited for friends eager to engage in light-hearted yet competitive gaming sessions. As we navigate our own adventures and cement our friendships through shared challenges, it becomes clear that Sunderfolk holds a special place in the landscape of social gaming.
Source
arstechnica.com