Board games and tabletop games are tons of fun, but can seem a little bit intimidating to newbies. They often feature elaborate rule sets and complex combat systems that can take some getting used to. When makingSunderfolk,a collaborative tactical RPG for mobile phones, developers Secret Door and Dreamhaven wanted to make a game that was simple enough for newbies to grasp but also appealed toDNDveterans who love creating optimized builds and tackling tricky quests. The result,Sunderfolk,is a game that is straightforward to pick up but also has plenty of optimization and challenges.
Game Rant had the opportunity to both previewSunderfolkand speak with its developers about the process of creating a game that can best be described as “JackboxmeetsDungeons and Dragons.“The team emphasized that they wanted gamers of all levels to enjoySunderfolk,making it perfect for a family game night but also ideal for those who love a little bit of a challenge.
Sunderfolk Developers Wanted To Avoid The Need For Extensive Setup
The team at Secret Door are all big fans of board games andDungeons and Dragons,and they wanted to create a game that brought to life their own experience adventuring together and hosting board game nights. However, they wanted to avoid the extensive manuals, complex setups, and math-heavy combat systems often associated with many board games.
Technical Director Chris Sigarty is a self-professed board game lover, but he acknowledged that it can be difficult to get non-enthusiasts, such as his own family members, to play games that require hours of setup, citing his personal favoriteGloomhavenas an example. He channeled those experiences into makingSunderfolk"easy and seamless” and “remov[ing]…barriers into getting into the game.”
The Card-Based System Can Be Both Simple And Complex
Sunderfolk’sUI focuses on presenting players with the information they need, and not overwhelming them. Combat is handled via a combination ofcard-basedplayer skills and a randomized Fate Deck, which can provide bonuses or drawbacks. Weapons and trinkets are simple as well, adding straightforward bonuses that a character can generally activate in combat. However, players interested in more complex build optimization have opportunities to do this by selecting the right skill cards and items to use in various situations.
Game Director Erin Marek explained the philosophy behindSunderfolk’scard-based skill and battle system:
“Cards are very tactile…[and] easy to customize. They keep a nice, clean format for people being able to understand things…We wanted to make sure players had enough variety that [they] could actually spec differently.”
Social Elements Are Allowed To Take Priority
The game’s straightforward UI and systems mean that the social elements of playing acooperative RPGtogether can come to the fore.Sunderfolkplayers can pause the game at any time, even during the heat of battle, to share stories or comment on the action. They can send each other messages and items via the Post Office, or steal treasure from one another in battle. Out of combat interactions focus on adorable animal NPCs who players can bond with, even getting the opportunity to name some of them themselves. Every aspect of the game contributes to creating a social-focused atmosphere of collaboration, humor, and bonding.
Sunderfolkpromises to be a delightful introduction to the world of co-op RPGs for newbies, as well as a fun new experience for those with a lifetime of tabletop gaming under their belts. It can be the perfect choice for a family game night, a DND group taking a break between campaigns, afun party icebreaker, and much more.
