DOOM: The Board Game

DOOM (2016): up to four marines face a demon invader across two operations of tactical miniature combat.

Designer: Jonathan Ying
Published by: Fantasy Flight Games
Editions by: Hobby World, Edge Entertainment, Galakta, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Asterion Press, Bethesda Softworks, LLC

This is DOOM: The Board Game from 2016, the tabletop version of the id Software and Bethesda shooter, not the video game itself. One player runs the invader, a demon horde commanded through a hand of cards, and up to four others play elite marines working as a team. You play two connected operations on modular maps, with objectives like restoring power or heading down into the depths. Marines move across a grid, roll dice to shoot and build up their loadouts, while the invader keeps spawning nastier things. Expect about three hours of lopsided-feeling, loud, miniature-driven combat. A good fit if you love the source material.

One invader against a marine teamTwo connected operations on modular mapsMiniatures, dice combat and loadout upgrades

Who it's for

You love the DOOM games and want a long, one-versus-many miniature battle on a Saturday afternoon.

Not for you if…

You want something short, quiet or low on setup. It is long, rules-heavy and needs the invader to enjoy their villain role.

Vibe's take

Loud, bloody and lopsided in a deliberate way. The marines feel like a tight squad pushing through a maze of monsters, while the invader player gets to be gleefully nasty with each new wave.