Above and Below is a narrative-driven board game that combines village building, resource management, and fantasy exploration. It was designed by Ryan Laukat, known for creating both the mechanics and illustrations of his games.
Players are survivors of a barbarian attack, searching for a new home. As they begin building their village, they discover mysterious caves beneath the ground, filled with treasures, dangers, and stories. The goal is to build the most successful village both above and below ground while exploring the underground world full of narrative adventures.
The game is played over 7 rounds, during which players manage their village board and villagers. Each villager has special abilities that influence the success of actions.
Players can send villagers into the caves, triggering events from a storybook. Another player reads a passage, after which the exploring player chooses how to respond. Success depends on villager abilities and dice rolls. Building structures above ground or in the underground provides points and bonuses, while training villagers improves their abilities for future tasks. Harvesting goods allows players to gain resources for trading or scoring points.
Every building, resource, and decision contributes to reputation, which grants additional points at the end of the game. Players collect Village Points, which determine the winner.
If you’re looking for a game that blends fantasy storytelling, strategic building, and light exploration, Above and Below is an excellent choice for immersive and imaginative game nights. 🕯️
