Small World Underground
2-5
8+
40+
Small World Underground is a stand-alone game set beneath the surface of the same fun, light-hearted Small World universe of epic conquests and fallen empires.
Designed by original Small World author, Philippe Keyaerts, it features all new Races and Special Powers, and introduces Monster occupied regions that protect Relics and Places of great power!
images © Days of Wonder
Play Small World Underground on its own or combine it with other Small World game elements.
User Reviews (6)
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Improvements/Changes over the original:
—–The Good:
- More Female/Elegant races (A request from fans during the original)
- More Unique Themed Races:
- Abilities that activate after a race goes into decline
- Relics
- Monsters as opposed to Lost Tribes
—–The Minor Let downs:
- Races and powers from the original not present.
(Sorry No Flying Amazons)
- Some characters may have similar abilities and when you want to mix the sets you may want to pick and choose.
*** From my experience as a designer though it’s good they kept some of the mechanics that worked instead of completely revamping everything. I personally like choosing the more interesting version of a character ***
Down Time & Player Experience
Small World is actually a fairly short game often completable in less than an hour even with three or more players. It runs smooth, swift, and at a great pace.
It’s also long and tedious sometimes lasting two hours plus with downtime that will make you want to slap someone.
This is very dependent on who you play the game with.
The game provides several sheet copies of all the races and powers enough for everyone to have their own copy BUT often times people will wait until their turn to read up on the races they’re about to choose or plan a strategy for what they already have.
This can seriously ruin the Small World Experience and dramatically change the game play time. Specially for the impatient.
I LOVE this game but I will admit that you don’t want to play it with that guy/girl who always takes forever to make simple decisions.
Worthwhile Investment
Small World has had two full games and several expansions. The creators of the game listen to fans world wide (the inspiration for their expansion races/powers) and the more they create the more you want to collect.
While the instructions can feel a bit tough to read the first time around, the game itself is extremely easy to learn if you have someone at your side to explain it. Casual and Strategy fans can both enjoy this franchise although like any title there’s probably someone out there who’d rather sit out.
In comparison to the original Small World there are some nice new things. I really like the new relics and location based bonuses. There are some nice new races but personally I like the ones from the original Small World more.
If you already own Small Word I am not sure if you should buy Small World Underground, because you will get only the relics in addition.
If you do not own the original Small World I suggest you by Small World Underground instead of the original one.
I loved the new races and special powers. I especially like the river that runs through the middle of the board. It’s fun to add something to use the tokens for aside from attacking. The relics and special places add a nice twist to the game, creating a way to steal powers from others. Only complaint is that it’s hard to mix some of the old and new races together because of their abilities.
I played Smallworld first, which my sister owns and really liked it. When I saw Underground, I decided I had to have it. The game has very minor differences, and still has the same enjoyment value. My only real criticism is in regards to the number of pieces. We’re really careful with our games, but I am still worried about losing pieces.
initially i gave this game a 7 but the more i play the fun i have if i can change the score now this game will get 10 … simple but yet fun art works are great races are funny whole family can enjoy it
Rules are easy to understand and yet downtime with 3+ players can be enormous for what it wants to be. 2player it shines.