Descent Vs Ravenloft

[stormbringer]

I had alot of fun playing Ravenloft last night. I was running through the comparisons last night on my way back home between Descent (non-campaign game) and Ravenloft.

Descent has more characters (even in the base game) and alot more options. Every time I play it it's a different game. Magic items play a big part in winning, especially when gold treasures start coming out.

Ravenloft is alot easier to setup due to the dungeon randomly being built as it's played. Treasure seems way more toned down than Descent. Even abilities seem underpowered (i.e. a fighter that only does 1hp of damage). Combat seems simpler with no line of sight issues. I like the fact that you can just run away from monsters.

What's everyone else's thoughts?

Jeff

[mattgo]

They're definitely different types of games. Descent is a traditional dungeon crawl, with the ability to upgrade and customize your characters -- a real selling point, in my opinion.

Ravenloft is more of a puzzly co-op with dice thrown in for good measure. I like them both, but neither is a replacement for the other, despite similar themes.

--Matt

[andyp]

In terms of gameplay, Descent is really about min/maxing each characters advantages and disadvantages. Every new weapon/minion level/skill etc can drastically change the game.

In Ravenloft there is aren't very many game-altering events like that so the power curve basically stays the same. I guess a game of Ravenloft kind of feels like playing through the first level of a Descent dungeon.

That being said, I like both games a lot. Ravenloft got me interested in D&D 4th edition, and I haven't roleplayed in years. Descent is probably the overall deeper and better game but Ravenloft definitely has some advantageous.