Exploring Undermined A Hidden Gem from UK Games Expo and Our First Impressions
- Alex Critchell
- Jun 4
- 6 min read
The UK Games Expo is well-known for showcasing a plethora of innovative and entertaining games, and this year was no exception. Among the various titles presented, one game that stood out to us was Undermined. This game designer by the small independent publisher Devilfly Games has a unique blend of strategy, take that and resource management resulting in this game captivated our attention immediately. In this article, we delve into our first impressions of Undermined, covering its game mechanics, component quality, and what we liked (and didn’t like) about this hidden gem.
First Impressions
As we approached the Undermined booth, we were immediately captivated by the vibrant artwork and the inviting setup on the table, complemented by stunning advertising banners that danced with color. The Wild West theme, rich with the allure of the gold rush era, beckoned us closer. The concept of a mining company as the game’s inspiration was brilliant, offering an immersive experience that truly felt like we were on a treasure hunt!
The first detail that caught our eye was the intricately designed artwork on the box cover and cards, which perfectly encapsulated the essence of the Wild West. This eye-catching design not only set an exciting tone for the game but also ensured that the artistic quality flowed seamlessly throughout every component, enhancing our anticipation and engagement.
Quality of Components
One aspect that often makes or breaks the gameplay experience is the quality of the components, and Undermined certainly excels in this regard. The components in the core box are not just good; they are exceptional! With high-quality cards that shuffle smoothly and cardboard coin tokens boasting a satisfying thickness, every element feels premium. The dice are crafted to perfection, featuring pips that are not only easy to read but also add a touch of elegance to each roll.
Each piece feels well-made, promising longevity even after countless play sessions. The vibrant colors and stunning illustrations do more than just catch the eye; they serve a purpose. Players can easily identify different resources and game elements at a glance, enhancing the overall flow of the game. It's this combination of durability and aesthetic appeal that truly elevates Undermined into a realm of its own.
Game Play Overview
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Undermined, a captivating game for two to six players! In this thrilling experience, you will take on the role of mining company tycoons, wielding pickaxes and explosives to uncover hidden treasures and earn victory points. Your mission? Be the first to unearth twelve victory points and claim your title as the ultimate mining mogul! But beware—the mining landscape is fraught with dangers, and the path to victory is never easy. Will you strike it rich in the Wild West?
Setting Up the Game
To kick off your adventure, each player is dealt two event cards, receives two dollars, and is equipped with one Iron Pickaxe card, one TNT card, and a copy of Standard Safety Gear. These resources will be your lifeline as you embark on your quest for wealth. The last player to venture underground gets to start the game!
Your Turn: Four Exciting Steps
On your turn, you will navigate through four thrilling steps: Respite, Shopping, Preparation, and Mining. Once you've completed your turn, the action passes to the next player!
1. Respite Phase
Begin your turn by collecting two dollars from the bank and drawing a card from the Event deck. If you find yourself holding two event cards that you don’t wish to use, feel free to discard them to draw a new card from the deck. Remember, this can only be done once per turn!
2. Shopping Phase
Next up is the Shopping phase! Here, you can sell any treasures you've collected for their monetary value. After cashing in, you can purchase one item from the Shop Deck to enhance your mining arsenal. Keep in mind that if you ever have more than four cards in your supply, you must discard down to four. You’ll encounter three types of items:
Tools: Essential for mining.
Explosives: Perfect for blasting through multiple rocks.
Equipment: Provides bonuses and protection.
Some items will have limited uses, so strategize wisely!
3. Preparation Phase
Now it’s time for the Preparation phase! You can spend two dollars to move the top card of the Rock deck to the bottom, ensuring you’re always ready for what lies ahead. Choose a Tool or Explosive to mine with, and if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask another player for help. Just remember, if they lend a hand, they may expect something in return! Be cautious—betraying a fellow miner could lead to unforeseen consequences later in the game.
4. Mining Phase
Finally, it’s time for the Mining phase! Roll two dice and add the total to the value of the Item you’ve chosen, along with any help from your fellow players. Compare your total to the value of the card on top of the Rock deck. If your total meets or exceeds the card's value you successfully mined the rock. Flip it over to reveal its effect, which may grant you dollars or allow you to draw from the Treasures & Perils deck. Remember, you can only mine through multiple Rock cards if you’re using explosives!
Claiming Victory
The game concludes as soon as a player reaches twelve victory points from the cards they control. Will you be the first to strike gold and claim victory in Undermined?
What We Liked
There were several aspects of Undermined that we truly enjoyed, making it a standout experience in the world of board games. Let’s dive into what makes this game so engaging:
Engaging Theme: The underground mining theme is not just a gimmick; it feels integral to the gameplay. Each action taken by players is directly tied to the theme, enhancing the overall experience and creating an immersive adventure that draws you in.
Dynamic Gameplay: The mix of strategies players can employ keeps the game fresh and exciting. Whether you’re looking out for yourself, trying to help others, or simply scheming to sabotage your opponents, the event cards can make it all happen, ensuring that no two games feel the same!
Component Quality: The quality of the game components is top-notch. This level of attention to detail not only enhances immersion but also provides a satisfying tactile experience that players will appreciate with every turn.
Replayability: Each playthrough feels unique thanks to varied strategies and player interactions. It's hard to declare one way to play as the "best," which adds to the fun. This variability has led us to enjoy two demos at the show and play it several times since bringing it home!
What We Disliked
Our journey through the world of Undermined was largely a delightful experience, filled with excitement and strategy. However, like any adventure, there were a few elements that might pose a challenge for some players. Let’s dive into the details!
Take That Mechanic: This mechanic is akin to a double-edged sword—players either love it or loathe it! In Undermined, you'll encounter cards designed to throw a wrench in your opponents' plans. It’s essential to keep this in mind as you navigate the game, as it can lead to some intense moments at the table!
Heavy Influence of Luck: Luck plays a significant role in this game, particularly with card draws from blind decks and purchases from a shared market. However, fear not! With multiple decks in play, a stroke of bad luck with one could be balanced out by a fortunate draw from another, potentially turning the tide in your favor!
Play Time: Undermined is designed for fast-paced fun, requiring only twelve victory points for a win. While this keeps the action lively, some players might feel the game wraps up a bit too quickly. If you’re looking for a longer experience, consider raising the victory point target to eighteen for a more extended game as advised in the other modes of play!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Undermined is a delightful addition to the world of tabletop gaming, especially for those who revel in strategy games infused with a Wild West theme. The game's combination of engaging mechanics, high-quality components, and diverse strategies makes it an excellent choice for a quick yet thrilling gaming experience.
Why We Recommend Undermined
Our recommendation? Undermined is perfect for those who appreciate lightweight games that offer engaging strategy and abundant player interaction. With a host of options to manipulate each other's gameplay, it creates an exciting atmosphere at the table. Whether you're gathering with friends for game nights, enjoying casual get-togethers, or introducing new gamers to the fun of tabletop experiences, this game shines. However, if you prefer games that have less take that mechanics and emphasizes securing victory through strategy rather than luck, you might want to consider other options.
Join the Fun!
If you're in the mood for a game that beautifully balances fun, strategy, and stunning design, be sure to check out Undermined. We left the booth eager to unpack this treasure again, and we suspect many others will feel the same after their first experience.
Stay tuned for more insights and reviews from the UK Games Expo and beyond!
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