Cephalofair Games, the publisher of the Gloomhaven and Frosthaven franchises, has expanded the IP with yet another streamlined addition to the series. Alas, this is not the Jaws of the Lion equivalent for Frosthaven, but rather a brand-new game (of sorts) called Gloomhaven Buttons & Bugs.
The newest instalment in the franchise is a lightweight solo version of the game based on the rules of Gloomholdin’, Gloomhaven’s sister card game. Buttons & Bugs have a solo original campaign story which has been designed and written by Isaac Childres, and it further builds on the worldbuilding by adding to the storyline of the game and telling of events that took place after Forgotten Circles and Gloomhaven.
To make the gameplay easier, each of the games is reduced to playthrough chapters that are based on single cards, with only one mercenary battling their way through opponents. There is a modifier table and a dice that will determine the outcome of a battle, which further changes the paradigm from the main game. The AI will control your opponents further streamlining the experience.
Simplified Gloomhaven That Adds to the Story and Mechanics
As to the mercenary cards, the player has four of those that are double-sided and they can use either side only once. Once again, you will be levelling up and trying to develop your character by buying items, advancing, and improving your skills, and more. Hailed as one of the best dungeon crawler board games, this new option is a great game to introduce someone to the game and teach them while they play.
The new game is available through the Gloomhaven Grand Festival crowdfunding campaign that is currently ongoing on Backerkit and it makes a fine addition to the overall campaign and universe. The Backerkit campaign has raised close to $2.9 million as of the time of writing, with 14 more days to go and 12,515 backers having committed to the campaign already.
An average campaign in Buttons & Bugs lasts 20 minutes and no official retail release date or price has been announced. For now, the best way to get your copy of this watered-down but equally fun and authentic Gloomhaven game is by checking out the Grand Festival campaign and perhaps making a purchase.