Drakon

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

Any one else enjoy Tom Jolly's Drakon (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/23107) game?
When I purchased Dungeon Twister, I also picked up Drakon - 3rd Edition.

A description posted on BGG:
The old dragon Drakon has captured a brave band of adventurers who have sneaked into her lair to steal her gold. But rather than eat them immediately, Drakon has decided to make it a game: Greed shall set one of the adventurers free. She sends the frightened adventurers into her magical, mad vaulted chambers, and the first one to collect ten gold from Drakon’s maze gets to go free. The rest get to be lunch.

Each turn, players must choose one of two options: (1) place a tile from their hand onto the board, expanding the dungeon; or (2) move their Hero to an adjacent tile. Many of the the dungeon tiles have an icon that allows players entering that space to take a special action (for example, taking a piece of gold from the dragon's hoard, stealing gold from another player, or destroying a tile that is already in play).

This morning I got my son to play three games. This afternoon my wife joined us for a fourth game! I've managed to escape the beast all four games! 8)
It's a fun, light and quick game.
The advanced rules incorporate a hero ability to be used once for each character: Wizard, Knight, Amazon, Dwarf, Thief, and Barbarian.

The components are of great quality and gorgeous artwork. The charcters are nicely sculpted plastic, unpainted miniatures.
The dungeon, gold coins and Hero ability markers are all made of very sturdy cardboard. The tiles were difficult to remove safely and needed some sanding to the edges to remove the bumps where the tiles connected to the sprue (not sure if that's the correct term).


The box art for both 2nd and 3rd edition is pretty sweet:

2nd Edition
I prefer this artwork
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic313758_md.jpg



Third edition is funnier. Love that peek-a-boo I see you pose and look of Drakon!
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic153409.jpg

Any other Scapers a fan of this game?

[Malechi]

HeH,

Have you played Dungeon Quest (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/472)?


Dungeon Quest
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic276311_md.jpg
Drakon
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic139454_md.jpg


Dungeon Quest
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic228105_md.jpg
Drakon
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic193985_md.jpg


Dungeon Quest
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic116778_md.jpg
Drakon
http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic174977_md.jpg



I read the description and took a look at the parts/rules for Drakon and it seems to be a dumbed down version of Dungeon Quest. Considering I own Dungeon Quest and all of its expansions I cannot see me even considering Drakkon as a future purchase. I would like to hear from anyone that has played both to inform on the play differences. This question is similar to the one I asked concerning Last Night on Earth when I was not going to get LNoE due to its similarity to Zombie Plague. Then I played LNoE, I now own it!

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

I have not seen or heard of Dungeon Quest, but it does look a load of fun to play.
The components look nifty too.
Looking at the price on BGG and eBay, Drakon looks to be the better deal for me. ;)

Oh come on Mal, you know you'll be on the lookout for a copy of Drakon! How can you say no to those dungeon tile graphics (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/174976?size=original)???

[Malechi]

Yes, Dungeon Quest is an old Games Workshop board game, it was released and went out of print some 15 years before Drakon was released, ergo its price on eBay.

We need to get together for a gaming weekend play our games the other doesn't have. Actually playing Drakon first is about the only way I would even consider buying it.

[skyknight]

I have been eyeballing Drakon as well, looks kinda fun.

[Gabbi]

I read the description and took a look at the parts/rules for Drakon and it seems to be a dumbed down version of Dungeon Quest.
in fact, you could not be more wrong ^^
the only common point is the setting (fantasy heroes in a dragon guarded dungeon).

I own both, and the two games are very different.
plus, If I should point what is the dumb one, it will be not Drakon, nothwithstanding all the fun I've got with DungeonQuest back in the days.

DungeonQuest is the typical game of the period, lots of randomness, great flavor. somewhat like Talisman. draw card, face what opposes you (usually rolling dice).
Drakon is more kinda "German" game. easy rules, no need of FAQs, not so much randomness, need to think to get victory (while in DingeonQuest it is almost luck).

put simple, you have some room tiles in hand. on your turn you can do one of two things: draw a tile and add one on the table, following arrow markings on tiles, OR move your charachter in one adjacent tile, again following arrow markings.
to win the game you must be the first to collect 5 gold tokens (10 in 3rd edition. but in 2nd all gold tokens are worth 1, in 3rd gold have a variable value, adding some randomness to the game).
each room tile has a special power (give you a gold, allowing to steal gold, move your charachter more, rotating or replacing tiles, etc).
so the game is simple, but it's also quite deep, as usually you'll have to think forward to a couple of turn at least.
each player plays for himself, but due to the factor that you cannot place a tile AND move on it in the same turn, often you'll have to cooperate with others to avoid some other player's victory (i.e. "I'll place this tile there, you move on it to activete its effect, so you can remove that gold tile from there..."). for this reason, with 4 or 6 players, the game is excellent played in teams of two.

just a note: I'm not saying a game is better than other, they're just different.
you can prefer one or the other, or like me, just love both ^^

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

I have been eyeballing Drakon as well, looks kinda fun.
You sir, need to get Dungeon Twister as well! Eyeballing your collection, I noticed it was missing!

[dra(gon)]

my brother got drakon und that "lucky bastard dungeon" quest with all expansion for 90euro last year the seller had no idea that the heroes were so rare, the sold tex sayd nothing abut that.


well drakon was a coolgame but wie have some silly situation, withe the harp and key , we where stuck in the maze of madness. that was so silly.


dungen quest aka drachenhort in germany(was a uglier version of the gw version) with out expansions.


here is a review from my brother about the german version drachen hort(dungeonquest) http://www.fantasynetwork.de/fantasynetwork/sites/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=125


that was a cool game , dragon , sunmarker und a maze with 99% of death.

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

well drakon was a coolgame but wie have some silly situation, withe the harp and key , we where stuck in the maze of madness. that was so silly.

During one game I created a gold cycle with four rooms/tiles in which I was going in circles collecting coins in the three of the four spaces.
My son made short work of that by destroying one room and replacing another with a card from his hand.


here is a review from my brother about the german version drachen hort(dungeonquest) http://www.fantasynetwork.de/fantasynetwork/sites/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=125


that was a cool game , dragon , sunmarker und a maze with 99% of death.
Sounds incredibly fun. Looks like a cool game with nice bits too.

[Malechi]

put simple, you have some room tiles in hand. on your turn you can do one of two things: draw a tile and add one on the table, following arrow markings on tiles, OR move your charachter in one adjacent tile, again following arrow markings.
to win the game you must be the first to collect 5 gold tokens (10 in 3rd edition. but in 2nd all gold tokens are worth 1, in 3rd gold have a variable value, adding some randomness to the game).
each room tile has a special power (give you a gold, allowing to steal gold, move your charachter more, rotating or replacing tiles, etc).
so the game is simple, but it's also quite deep, as usually you'll have to think forward to a couple of turn at least.

So, apparently, the only difference between Drakon and DungeonQuest is:
Drakon: Place a Tile or Move.
DungeonQuest: Place a Tile and Move. With combat and a limited amount of time to do it in added for fun and excitement ...

I'll stick to DungeonQuest at this point ...
:roll:

[mrbistro]

No, they really are pretty different. Drakon is not an adventure game. That said Mal, I want you to experience the difference which is why I will do the noble deed of buying you a brand new copy of Drakon in exchange for your copy of Dungeon Quest. I know, I know, it's not a fair trade. S'okay though. I'll make do.

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

:lol:
~

If anyone's curious, here is an example of the neat components from Drakon. I uploaded this image and it was approved by BGG.


http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic378348_md.jpg
These are the hero ability markers. They designate if a character has used their one-time ability during the game. Once a hero uses the ability, the token is discarded.
Neat little graphic and die cut.

http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic378351_lg.jpg
This is a player guide. There are six guide cards for up to six players. the guide assists in explaining what each type of Drakon's special dungeon floor tiles do when played or landed upon.

[Malechi]

No, they really are pretty different. Drakon is not an adventure game...
Niether is DungeonQuest. It is a tile laying and collection game just like Drakon.

... That said Mal, I want you to experience the difference which is why I will do the noble deed of buying you a brand new copy of Drakon in exchange for your copy of Dungeon Quest. I know, I know, it's not a fair trade. S'okay though. I'll make do.
As long as you throw in Queen's Gambit and Risk: Black Ops.
:twisted:

[Jim]

Speaking of Bistro's Black Ops, I see he said that it was gifted to him by a god-like being. Cool!

Jim

[Gabbi]

So, apparently, the only difference between Drakon and DungeonQuest is:
Drakon: Place a Tile or Move.
DungeonQuest: Place a Tile and Move.
nope. in DungeonQuest you choose a direction, then draw a tile to see what room there's ahead, then draw a random encounter.
in Drakon you can place the tile anywhere on the board (following arrow direction).
it's a totally different kind of game. it's not an adventure game. it's a strategic one. even more (I don't know to explain this in English, please be patient and try to understand what I'm trying to say) the background is not so firmly coherent with rules, in fact this game could have another setting, or even be an abstract one.
really, you may not trust me, but these are really different games. different for gameplay, for luck influence, for strategic depth.
my suggestion is to try it, if you can, to check yourself. I suppose the chances will not lack in USA with all the cons around the country.
also, I will not gain anything if you'll purchase this game. I'm not a FF employee nor a Tom Jolly friend ^^
I just think Drakon is a great game (try it played in 2 players teams) and its likeness with DungeonQuest is not a valid reason to not try it (because the likeness is only aesthetic).
then, you may not like it, it could not be "your cup of tea", but you should give it a try, imho.

[skyknight]

I have been eyeballing Drakon as well, looks kinda fun.
You sir, need to get Dungeon Twister as well! Eyeballing your collection, I noticed it was missing!Yessir, that is one of those that I have been tossing around...someday I will own it I think!

[mrbistro]

As long as you throw in Queen's Gambit and Risk: Black Ops.
:twisted:
No can do, but I do have some interesting pictures of me with Black Ops - will that work?

Speaking of Bistro's Black Ops, I see he said that it was gifted to him by a god-like being. Cool!
All hail mighty Mij!

I just think Drakon is a great game (try it played in 2 players teams) and its likeness with DungeonQuest is not a valid reason to not try it (because the likeness is only aesthetic). then, you may not like it, it could not be "your cup of tea", but you should give it a try, imho.
Give up. Mal is just trying to avoid the obsessive need to buy another game, even though he feels deeply compelled to.

[Gabbi]

Give up. Mal is just trying to avoid the obsessive need to buy another game, even though he feels deeply compelled to.
oh. I'm terribly sorry, then.
so forget what I've previously written, Malechi: Drakon is an awful game. word. ^^;

[Malechi]

As long as you throw in Queen's Gambit and Risk: Black Ops.
:twisted:
No can do, but I do have some interesting pictures of me with Black Ops - will that work?
Wait. I have seen the picture! The trade is off because I know where it as been!
*Malechi runs off to wash his hands and his eyes*

Give up. Mal is just trying to avoid the obsessive need to buy another game, even though he feels deeply compelled to.
Tis oh so true. Could you imagine my collection if I actually lived near people that play games?
:roll:

Gabbi ... thanks for the updated description. It made a slight bit more sense than any other list of differences I have heard to date. I will force HeH to play a game with me next time we get together to see for myself.

[nyys]

On sale at Fantasy Flight for only $10 at the moment.

http://store.fantasyflightgames.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=TJ04

[Hendal]

Drakon is Ok, I liked it a lot more till I got stuck and really couldn´t move at all ( a harp connected to the starting room - with the dragon on it, If I moved I had to go to the harp room to lose a coin and be sent back to the starting room where I could only go back to the harp room? I just kept pulling tiles hoping I could float away to a different room, but it never happened.

But still it is a nice light game I feel, nothing to heavy and still glad I have it in my collection.

For $10 - get it , that is a steal of a deal.

[wbdhoc]

I considered this on impulse today but decided upon another Dungeoneer expansion. From the box, however, I'd submit that Drakon looks a bit more like a "race for the county line" with a dungeon crawl theme rather than an according to Hoyle "room to room" (or tile to tile) ala Dungeon Quest. It's no accident that Jolly's other signature FF title, Cave Troll, was originally slated as an archaeology theme ("Cave In"). The game and theme for Drakon seem compatible but not organic in the same way "Quest" nigh requires a fantasy setting for legibility. My current dungeon crawl itch is being scratched by Dungeoneer but if they don't re-release the wererat expansion soon I'll probably succumb to Dungeon Twister.

[IAmBatman]

I have Drakkon now (bought it during that sale) and it's a lot of fun. Unfortunately I also got another copy for Christmas ... anyone interested in a trade (it's new in box, even has the shrinkwrap on) feel free to pm me. I'm mostly just looking for anything fun to add to my game group.

[nyys]

I already have it, but I did just post the following about it in the "What Board Game are you Currently Playing" thread, in case anyone needs a little shove.

Got to play two games of Drakon last night before the kiddies headed to bed. I know I've gushed about this game before, but it really is a great family game.

It's pretty much a 'screw your neighbor' game and my kids find it endlessly hilarious to mess with Dad the whole time we're playing.

Now that they both have all the symbols memorized (about 20) they have no trouble playing the game and even make some pretty good decisions.

I suppose this wouldn't be the best game to pulll out with a group of ultra-competetive people, as there could be hard feelings with all the messing with eachother, but we keep it light in my house. I make sure I laugh everytime I think I'm going to grab a coin, then my daughter puts down a Harp Room, forcing me in there instead of collecting the prize.

My daughter (4) competely pulled one over on my son (7) and I last night in our second game. For the most part she just places chambers and my son and I battle it out for the treasure, but she's definitely been learning through observation.

We (my son and I) both needed a coin or two more to finish the game, but before we knew it my daughter had collected a nice pile herself, and when I decide I better check her count, wouldn't you know that she had enough for the win. Classic moment, the fist pump of triumph and the bewildered look on my son's face was pricless.

[IAmBatman]

Yeah, it can be really fun trying to figure out how to get nice little gold circuits (my favorite is using the teleporter with a gold room right next to it so that you move and get gold, move to the teleport room and transport back to the gold room, get gold and move to the teleport room ... etc.
It can also be fun to deny people these circuits.

[nyys]

My son likes to do that with the Key Room, since it allows you to go against the arrows, but after it gets set-up someone usually either drops a Drakon Room or Destroy a Room, and it ends very quickly.