Duel of Ages Set 1: Worldspanner

Build a modular map, draw a random squad of heroes and fight another team for the labyrinth's best gear.

Designer: Brett G. Murrell
Published by: Venatic Games

A sprawling team battle across a map you build yourself. Duel of Ages Set 1: Worldspanner, from 2003, uses the modular PAKIT board system, so each game starts with assembling the map in a way that favors you and hinders the enemy. You are dealt a random roster of heroes drawn from across time, each with strange abilities, and the puzzle is turning them into a team. To survive, you need to win equipment from the illusionary guardians in the labyrinth, with the other side close behind. Up to sixteen can play, though two or four is the sweet spot, and a game takes about two hours. Later sets extend it, so this is the start of a collecting hobby.

Modular PAKIT map you build yourselfRandom roster of heroes with unique abilitiesWin equipment from illusory guardians

Who it's for

You enjoy skirmish battles with unusual teams and a map that changes every time you play.

Not for you if…

You want a short game. Setup and play take a long while, and the box is the first step of a bigger collection.

Vibe's take

A team skirmish with a puzzle edge. Your draw is random, so half the fun is figuring out what your odd squad can do together.