As a dedicated tabletop writer, I've often found myself with blind spots in certain gaming genres. One such blind spot was miniatures games until the emergence of Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron. This latest sensation in the miniatures gaming world seemingly came out of nowhere, captivating tabletop reviewers across the board.
Uncover the Magic of Maladum's Dungeon Crawling
Maladum: A Unique Blend of Genres
Maladum is a remarkable fantasy adaption of Core Space, a 2019 cyberpunk dungeon crawler. Its intricate tactile elements and tension-filled play initially gained acclaim. Last year, it was updated with a fantasy veneer, earning praise as "one of the most inspiring and creative dungeon crawlers in a decade." The tabletop gaming community took notice, with its 2023 Kickstarter raising nearly $1 million and fulfilling to backers earlier this year. 1: The concept of dungeon crawling, born from old school RPGs like D&D, involves exploring dungeons to solve puzzles, fight monsters, seek treasure, and complete heroic missions. What sets Maladum apart is its unconventional approach. As Player Elimination's review pointed out, it mimics the structure of extraction shooters, with the primary objective being to get in and get out. 2: This unique gameplay is played through a series of scenarios, each with its own goals such as rescue missions or monster control. The Doom mechanic intensifies as the session progresses, increasing the difficulty of escape as more monsters populate the dungeon. Maladum can be played solo or in a campaign with the same characters, maintaining the excitement of earned loot.The Intricate Game Materials
In Peachy Tip's unboxing video, the intuitive setup of the miniatures and 3D dungeon settings was highlighted. The detailing of these cardboard cutouts and intricate parts is a sight to behold, envied by any tabletop gamer. However, assembling it all requires patience, organization, and dexterity, reminding us why some games exist in the theater of the mind. 1: The quality of the game materials is such that one may find themselves spending hours pouring over every detail. From the design of the miniatures to the intricacies of the dungeon settings, every aspect is crafted with care. 2: This attention to detail adds to the immersive experience of playing Maladum, making it a truly unique gaming experience that stands out among its peers.Expanding the Maladum Universe
Two weeks ago, Battle Systems announced two Maladum expansions: Beasts of Enveron and Of Ale and Adventure. Beasts of Enveron, coming out in November, adds biodiversity to the dungeons along with nine additional event cards and one hidden location. 1: This expansion enhances the gameplay by introducing new elements and challenges, making each dungeon crawl more diverse and exciting. 2: Of Ale and Adventure, set to release in December, is more substantial, coming with its own rulebook, printed terrain components, and additional NPCs, side quests, and loot. It provides even more opportunities for players to engage in ongoing campaigns.Both expansions are currently available for preorder, allowing players to further immerse themselves in the world of Maladum.