Dark Domains Review: Well-Designed Worker Placement with Conflict

Yes, you can win the game with strategies other than spells. The last game I played--coincidentally a three-player game--the winner barely used spells at all, winning by building a really efficient economic engine. He was producing so much that even after an earthquake leveled his fortress, he went on to win.

The problem with "spells are best" is that spells can't be cast in a vacuum. You have to have elements, and other players want those, too.

I'm not trying to write a review here or state that the initial review is wrong. I came into Dark Domains with very high expectations and knowing that this is a game from the designer of Thunder Alley, a game I liked a lot but ultimately sold for other reasons. I love the theme of being evil and the production of the game was excellent.

Yes I tried it solo, like I do with every game I buy before I ask my friends to play this game over dozens of other games that they know and are excited to play. I've done the same with Rising Sun, Food Chain Magnate, Argent, etc to get an idea of whether it is worth our time. I didn't enjoy the game and felt that the random draws from the spelldeck were too powerful compared to the other decisions in the game and the henchman were similarly swingy. It is an extremely interactive take that style of game. I'm sure some people will like it. I love Fate of the Elder Gods and Charlie recently mentioned the game fell flat for him. Shrug.

boardgamegeek.com/video/228521/dark-doma...-through-round-table

This came out after I bought the game already. Their comments start around 2:45 and do a way better job of addressing why I had a problem with the game. Typically I like aggressive interactive games, but this one didn't work from the start.