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Game Info
Year
2019
Collection
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Description
Iron Helm is a solo-play dungeon crawler in which you play as a hero in search of one last major score before finally hanging up the sword and retiring.
Iron Helm uses a draw two, pick one mechanic, that has the player draw two cards from the dungeon deck, reveal one, and then decide to either resolve the revealed card, or take their chances with the unknown.
Players will start the game with some coin that they can spend to equip themselves for the adventure. Once inside the dungeon they will encounter nasty foes, discover treasures, unlock plot cards, and ultimately face a dungeon boss.
Along the way you will learn new skills and upgrade your character with new items. You will have to manage your health and energy levels, while trying to avoid hazards like getting poisoned or lost in the labyrinth.
The core mechanics in Iron Helm are based on the core mechanics of our other solo-play game Desolate, but with many new advanced layers. Each adventure should feel unique with multiple characters, items, foes, and loot to encounter and the player will have to make tough choices with each new dungeon card drawn.
In order to win, you must unlock the dungeon boss, by resolving a certain number of plot cards, and then vanquish the boss. You will then score points based on a multitude of accomplishments to determine how well your retirement will be.
-description from designer
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 10 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video z-n_vz4gFRw
The Dungeon Dive Review at 0:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88688 · mention_pk 234398
Click to watch at 0:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Adds modularity and replayability
- Keeps core feel while expanding options
Cons
- Increases complexity and setup variety
Thematic elements
- Preserving the core experience while adding modular variety
- Dungeon-crawl enhancement via modular expansion components
- Enhanced options through booster packs and modular components
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck augmentation — Additional cards can modify encounters, loot, and enemy variety
- Modular Board — Booster packs and modular components add new cards and options to the dungeon deck
- Modular expansion packs — Booster packs and modular components add new cards and options to the dungeon deck
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love Jason Glover's character art it's so good
- Iron Helm is a game that is made so much better by every expansion you add to it
- If you are looking for a Dungeon Crawl a light Dungeon Crawl that has good choices that I think ironhelm is a game for you
- The base game is okay but the expansions add so much to it
- This dungeon deck has 16 cards and there are going to be eight turns in a dungeon level
- Theming fits really well with that element of choice
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video z-n_vz4gFRw
The Dungeon Dive Review at 1:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88688 · mention_pk 234397
Click to watch at 1:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong alignment between theme and mechanics, especially the emphasis on choice and risk
- Expansions add substantial depth and variety
- Tight, decision-driven dungeon exploration with meaningful upgrades
- Accessible light dungeon crawl compared to crunchier giants
Cons
- Base game can feel just okay without expansions
- Some expansions (e.g., Beasts and Burdens) can substantially increase difficulty
- Early onboarding can be a bit dense for new players
Thematic elements
- Choice-driven exploration with risk and resource management
- Dungeon crawl featuring old, seasoned adventurers on a last quest to retire
- Light campaign with plots and loot that influence progression
Comparison games
- Rogue Dungeon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- boss and campaign structure — Base game features three main bosses (Lurker, Lich, Naga) with expansions adding more complexity and final bosses
- Boss Battler — Base game features three main bosses (Lurker, Lich, Naga) with expansions adding more complexity and final bosses
- Card-based dungeon deck — Players traverse a dungeon via a 16-card deck per level, drawing two cards each turn and choosing between the top or bottom action on a revealed card
- Loot and artifacts — Loot decks offer repeatable and one-use items; artifacts are more powerful but mixed with risk
- Plot cards and pressure luck — Plot cards introduce story-driven choices with consequences and a mix of fate-driven outcomes
- Resource Management — Health, energy, and rations must be managed; energy fuels attacks and rations prevent starvation
- Track Advancement — Monsters defeated can be traded in as trophies to gain new skills across agility, mind, and brawn
- Trophies and skill progression — Monsters defeated can be traded in as trophies to gain new skills across agility, mind, and brawn
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love Jason Glover's character art it's so good
- Iron Helm is a game that is made so much better by every expansion you add to it
- If you are looking for a Dungeon Crawl a light Dungeon Crawl that has good choices that I think ironhelm is a game for you
- The base game is okay but the expansions add so much to it
- This dungeon deck has 16 cards and there are going to be eight turns in a dungeon level
- Theming fits really well with that element of choice
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Y8YjZOGrhJI
The Dungeon Dive Discussion at 4:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87876 · mention_pk 230333
Click to watch at 4:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great expansion with 20 new cards
- new character options (ancestry/race/class)
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- character customization and progression
- fantasy dungeon crawl
- class/race-based character development with new options
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building / character customization — new cards upgrade a player's class/race options
- token tracking — new trackers and physical tokens to track stats
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is kind of a sneaky way of enticing people to buy all of your games
- I'm not cynical about that at all because this game comes with a whole bunch of stuff that I find useful
- Iron Helm I am super excited for because you get one old card and 20 new cards this is a really great expansion for Iron Helm
- Dust Runner is this little tin game, very much kind of a Mad Max Fury Road Style game where you are taking these little mini cars and trying to get from point A to point B before the bandits catch you and destroy your car or before it blows up from some unforeseen circumstances
- seven all new cards so none of these cards have been previously released
- you will get three new enemies for each of the Waves, right wave one two and three so we get the Gloom skull we get the swine witch and the claw bone
- this Oracle deck now this Oracle deck is really interesting because it's not really for any of his games you could probably use this to maybe add a little bit of an RPG feel to games like telm or what's the new one that's coming out 10 the Overland crawl I was a backer on that on the crowd sale on gamecrafter
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video u7xKzLuKt5I
The Dungeon Dive Discussion at 10:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 85608 · mention_pk 219879
Click to watch at 10:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- old adventurer on a final mission
- fantasy/adventure tone with a veteran hero
- grimly heroic, last-quest vibe
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I am bringing books back to the channel because I think it's one thing that really does separate The Dungeon Dive from other channels.
- God, I hate that word content. Some book episodes. I'm not just shoveling content for people to consume.
- If I'm happy on a personal level, and if I'm happy on a personal level, then I think the episodes, the things I make will be better for it.
- Aliens Failins is fantastic.
- Against the Horde was effortlessly fun.
- The last third is so action-packed.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video w68xGF_YIgU
Dungeon Dive Review at 0:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 74248 · mention_pk 178698
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong art direction (black-and-white, cross-hatching)
- Engaging journey feel with plot cards
- Tight decision making and card manipulation
Cons
- Potential memorization burden
- Possibly dry or repetitive for some players
Thematic elements
- adventure, dungeon exploration, treasure
- Dungeon crawl card-driven exploration with plot cards and progression
- journey with rest between levels; plot cards
Comparison games
- Rogue Dungeon
- Mini Rogue
- Unbroken
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-drawing and card manipulation — players draw and choose cards to encounter (strategy and memory)
- Level progression — multiple levels with plotting cards, representing a journey
- Memory — memorization of cards and sequences affects decisions
- memory/recall — memorization of cards and sequences affects decisions
- Resource Management — managing resources to survive exploration
- Track Advancement — multiple levels with plotting cards, representing a journey
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the battle of the small box card games that simulate a big dungeon crawl feel
- I love replaying mini rogue
- rogue dungeon tops in that category
- Jason Glover's amazing art in Iron Helm
- this game does a great job of simulating a large box dungeon crawl
- I would choose Rogue Dungeon to play the most
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video TDOWMduvE1o
Dungeon Dive Top 5 List at 5:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 74143 · mention_pk 178421
Click to watch at 5:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- expansions add interesting new elements
- enjoys Jason Glover's art on the table
- looks forward to new content integrating well
Cons
- original base game can be fiddly and expansive in detail
Thematic elements
- heroic fantasy with fantasy art and thematic touches
- fantasy dungeon/archetypal heroic adventure
- campaign-driven with expansions and new scenarios
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- expansion-driven content — new expansions introduce new mechanics, scenarios, and thematic elements
- Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game — new expansions introduce new mechanics, scenarios, and thematic elements
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- five games that I want to either get to the table or get back to the table
- there is no game over until the player just decides to stop playing
- I'm going to reevaluate the game reapproach it see if I can approach the game more on its terms
- very difficult to learn
- looks beautiful on the table I love the way it looks I love the way it feels
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video e3iVHufcQQA
AzureDeath | Solo Board Gaming Top List at 36:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11503 · mention_pk 33841
Click to watch at 36:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- amazing art and storytelling
- enormous content and expansions
- strong solo replayability
Cons
- randomness can be punishing for some players
Thematic elements
- fantasy dungeon exploration and loot
- solo dungeon crawler with RPG flavor
- story-driven dungeon runs
Comparison games
- Too Many Bones
- Mage Knight
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building roguelike — single-character dungeon crawl with card-driven combat and loot.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the zombie game in my collection
- gaming Nirvana
- my first ever certified dopamin award
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WZzWaTscHwU
AzureDeath | Solo Board Gaming Top List at 2:37 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10956 · mention_pk 32249
Click to watch at 2:37 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- one of the top 20 for the author
- great solo dungeon crawler
Cons
- drops in ranking may be due to availability or competition
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- totally deserves to have some spotlight here.
- it's out of print, it's not even funny.
- the newest edition which includes the solo mode in the box, which is the one that I got.
- I love Shadows of Brimstone so much. It's such an awesome dungeon crawler, my favorite by far.
- I can't believe I haven't played it.
- Shadow Run Crossfire. Amazing deck builder.
- One of the best experiences I've had in board gaming
- this is what started the hobby for me.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mspxJ9n8anM
AzureDeath | Solo Board Gaming Top List at 16:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7667 · mention_pk 22703
Click to watch at 16:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging gameplay loop with strong dopamine hit
- Compact footprint with deep mechanics
- High replayability with expansions
Cons
- Price tag is high
- Overproduction of wood tokens can be expensive
- Rule typos and need for editor
Thematic elements
- hero progression, dungeon exploration
- Dungeon crawl
- grim, roguelike
Comparison games
- Desolate
- Tin Helm
- Masonite
- Mage Knight
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dungeon Crawl — Solo dungeon exploration with progression
- dungeon_crawler — Solo dungeon exploration with progression
- Permadeath — High risk of player death on first floors
- randomized_progression — Procedurally generated rooms and loot
- token_tracking — Resource tracking via wooden tokens (food, gold, poison)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the solo mode for this game is really good
- if you want a Master of Orion like experience in board game form and that is solable I think this game is amazing
- this campaign took me almost like 15 to 20 hours to complete in total
- it's a car driven system that takes over in the role of the Imperial player
- this game gives me a dopamine hit that a few other games do
- the rules are an Abomination
- it's insane
- it's just a lot of content
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GU3ONxUJIOc
AzureDeath | Solo Board Gaming Top List at 43:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5527 · mention_pk 16435
Click to watch at 43:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong solo-first design
- Expandable via expansions and variants
Cons
- Out-of-the-mainstream distribution
- Learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
- Single-character oriented dungeon crawling
- Dungeon-crawler with traditional fantasy motifs
- Campaign-lite through modular dungeons
Comparison games
- One Deck Dungeon
- Ironwall (homebrew options)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice-driven resolution — Combat and tests resolved by dice.
- Single character progression — Progression through dungeons with loot and upgrades.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This game is amazing at creating an emerging narrative.
- I voted this number one adventuring game this year.
- Emerging narratives are just fantastic in Explor It.
- The lore, the art, the setting—the Gothic vibe here is unmatched.
- You can play solo without a DM and still have a deep experience.
- This is one of the best dungeon crawlers you can buy today.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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