As usual my statement (to myself) of, "I don't need to buy another game for at least a month or so" did NOT hold up.
Our local board game cafe had a coupon sent to all newsletter subscribers for 20% off. So naturally, I took a look at their online store (which has improved in the past 6-8 months) and there I saw a game that was next on my radar; One Deck Dungeon. 😁
So.... I did it. Most likely it'll be home with me by tomorrow.
Guess I better dig out my homemade dice tray from the moving boxes. 😏
Excellent pick!
I think ODD is great! Although it comes in a small box (which is very nice), it's not a small game and it's on-par with bigger box games in terms of contents, depth, and above all, fun! Rules are clear and easy, set-up is super fast, playtime is good (never too long, but not so short you feel it ended too early).
The expansion is not necessary at all, there is really enough in the base game to enjoy it aplenty (that said I have just received this very morning the Abyssal Depths expansion).
Note that it may be frustrating at times because there are high chances to die early on in the game... But if you go past these harsh beginnings, you should have good odds to at least reach the boss! It's not an unfair game, there is a lot of mitigation, except in the early game. So if you struggle a bit at first... it's worth to persist!
Note also that this is one of the rare games that Athena, JW and I all like. A true rarity!