Game On! Deliverance Review
Deliverance
Angelic Clash of Good Vs. Evil.
Publisher: Lowen Games
Year Published: 2023
BGG Page: Deliverance
Downloads: Christmas 2023 Scenario Pack
Last Updated: January 21st, 2024
Where to Buy
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Game Overview
Deliverance is a fast-paced, modern dungeon crawler where you and your fellow players take on the roles of angels sent to save a cozy town from encroaching darkness. Demons lurk across a series of tiles looking for saints to influence. Your mission is to defeat the demons and deliver the saints and the small town of Fallbrook.
The box comes with skirmish, campaign and dedicated solo game modes. The solo mode offers the option of using a non playable character (The Intercessor), who empowers the lone wolf angel! And there are free scenario packs Lowen provides which makes for a nice hybrid between the skirmish and campaign experiences.
I am a fan of this game. You can see that the folks at Lowen have literally put their heart-and-soul into this production. That said, below is an unbiased review with some aspects that could be improved upon. I hope you enjoy it!
*This Board Game Review is Based on Deliverance Deluxe Edition w/Metal Coins
Adaptability
The game has been designed to facilitate player ramp-up in terms of the number of rules. The first few missions of the campaign limit the rules and phases played. For a dungeon crawler, the game strikes a strong balance between adaptability and cognitive engagement. Playing a skirmish for your first game is not recommended.
Gradually, you will be introduced to the darkness system which adds another evil dynamic you must manage appropriately.
Engagement
The game is not as complex as larger dungeon crawlers tend to be. This makes accessibility better, but at a bit of a cost to engagement for seasoned gamers. Overall, there are many strategies to be learned and implemented. You will quickly see how focusing on combat (which is fun!), is not always the best strategy. Managing the darkness and delivering the saints tends to yield better long-term results.
Also worth mentioning is the cool upgrade track for your angels found in the campaign mode. Angel skill cards have levels, and you will decide between upgrading existing skills (to a higher level) or adding a second skill (at a lower initial level).
Human Connection
The social aspects of this game are strong as well. It is a cooperative game, and you can leverage your awesome angel powers to assist other players. There are strategies to be had in terms of multiplayer dynamics as well. Notably is that a given angel can revive a fallen one. Theme integration is solid across the player interactions. The game is also good for older children and their parents playing together, keeping both age groups engaged.
Immersive Experience
The theme speaks directly to both good and evil aspects of modern-day life. The component quality and artwork provide a visually compelling narrative you find yourself thrown into. Like many players, I generally do not complete entire campaigns due to the time commitment. However, in this case, I likely will be completing the entire campaign, including the legacy content. Also worth mentioning are the nine angels you get to choose from. And it ships with five levels of difficulty for each one-shot skirmish. Campaign missions have an optional challenge condition to gain more experience points. There is also a cool replay mechanic, for the campaign specifically, whereby you get to draw an extra prayer card when playing a prior failed mission.
If there is one aspect of immersion missing here it is that of expansions. Formal expansions typically ship new characters, boards and components. While not a requirement for shipping a great game (which this is!), they do add another degree of immersion and replayability. However, replayability remains quite high here thanks to both a skirmish mode and the free scenario packs Lowen is providing.
What I Liked
Amazing Artwork & Components
Built-In Storage Tray
Campaign Story is Engaging & Fits the Theme
Campaign Character Upgrade System
Have it Your Way!!
Campaign, Skirmish & Scenario Packs.
1-4 Players, Solo Specific Mode of Play
Theme Integration is Fantastic
What I Disliked
Cardboard Demons Out-of-Box via Deluxe Edition
Lack of Initial Expansions
Token Quantity & Movement for Light(er) Dungeon Crawl
*It's worth mentioning that Lowen provides a few things that help with the above issues: Acrylic Demons are an optional buy, there are free scenario packs for download, and a few damage dials do ship to help with the damage token constant movement aspect
Who Should Buy Deliverance
This is a game designed for folks wanting an upgraded dungeon crawler. I have played five total sessions, one skirmish and four campaign missions. It is a solid choice for the right buyer persona. It’s obviously a more complex game than most, however in terms of dungeon crawlers it’s a light(er) fare. For all these reasons, the perfect audience is seasoned tabletop gamers or less experienced casual crawlers seeking a modern and upgraded experience, without all the complexity.
In terms of age, the game nails it in my opinion at fourteen years of age or older. The monsters are clearly designed to accommodate a wide age range. Please note there are a few sections of content in the campaign booklet that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The game also makes a great gift for Christians who would enjoy a modern board game that is influenced by scripture. Everyone can enjoy this game thanks to its lighter design. And for these reasons, it is an excellent gateway game into the dungeon crawl genre as well.
House Rules & Mods
Blessed - Starting Skirmish Games w/Heavenly Treasure
Level Up - Modify Angel Base Attributes
Proceed With Caution - Solo Mode Without Intercessor
The End First - Skirmish Games Using the Legacy Content
Deliverance Strategy
Choose Wisely - For Skirmish(s), Choose All Angels Best for that Mission. For campaign mode, select a good balance between supporting and fighting angels.
Healing Radius Talent Cards - With these Talents In-Hand, Move in Numbers.
Keep One Angel Healthy - Once All Angels are Reviving, Game is Over.
One Eye on Darkness - Manage Darkness & Deliver Saints (As Opposed to Always Battling).
Deliverance Ratings
Adaptability: 8.5
Includes Complexity, Difficulty & Learning
Engagement: 9
Includes Mechanics, Strategy & Theme
Human Connection: 8
Includes Family Fun, Player Interaction & Theme
Immersive Experience: 8.5
Includes Artwork, Components, Replayability & Theme
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
*For a review of the rating system please see here
Deliverance Closing Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed our first board game review with Deliverance. Deliverance is an excellent game, lots of design work went into solo play, and replay is quite high. If Lowen continues to provide download content or formal expansions, this could be an enjoyable multi-year journey for the dungeon crawl fan.
Until Next Time, Enjoy the Tabletop.
The Amazing Deliverance Box Art
Optional Angel Miniatures
Optional Metal Coins
Instruction Booklet