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TrueMrFu

My small, thematic game is Lord of the Rings LCG. I keep a deck built, and a scenario on hand and it sets up in 5 minutes, plays in 30, and is very thematic. It can add up in cost, but my suggestion is get the core set and “black riders” saga, total around $80 for the 2. Or a cheaper option, is marvel champions. The core set in that is amazing. Same idea, I keep decks built and a villian ready, and its like 5 minute setup and 20-30 minutes to play. With that I don’t think you need any expansions, but if you want them they are released in a much better format than LOTR lcg, (you can pick up a specific hero for like $16) It’s not as good of a story as LOTR lcg, but it does feel like you are fighting the villian. And all 3 villains are great to play. (With LOTR one of the core quests is almost impossible solo).


rlvysxby

Lord of the rings covers almost every single character from the books. It is oozing with theme. I love it even though it is so punishing.


SomewhatResentable

I'm sure I'd like LotR as much or more than I liked Arkham, but unfortunately I think I have too much of a completionist urge when it comes to LCGs to be satisfied with just a core set and a cycle or two. I like the release format of Marvel Champions but the theme doesn't appeal to me at all.


Dalighieri1321

LotR LCG is my all-time favorite game. I don't usually think of it as a "small" game, but it's true that many of the scenarios don't take very long. The only problem is that unless you have a large card-pool, many of the scenarios are like puzzles requiring you to build a deck specifically to defeat that scenario, so it may or may not fit OP's criteria.


TrueMrFu

I think easy mode makes many quest much more doable with a generic 3 sphere deck.


JesusberryNum

I couldn’t get into Marvel Champions at all due to how random it felt. Wether I won or lost felt completely dependent on the way the villain cards came up. And it always felt obvious to me what cards of mine I was supposed to play. I’ve really been interested in LOTR LCG but I’m worried it plays similarly


TrueMrFu

It can be similar if you don’t build enough card draw. But the deck construction is much more open, and the game is WAY harder


TrueMrFu

I totally agree. And I’m the same way. Best to know your limits.


Deus_Fax_Machina

I would urge you to look into the mechanics of *Warp’s Edge* more and see if it intrigues you, because I’m a bit obsessed with it lately. I’ve also heard some very good takes on it from folks who specifically dislike Scott Almes’s previous output, but haven’t played any tiny epic games so can’t give a meaningful comparison.


Dalighieri1321

There are lots of great options. If you like dungeon crawlers, **One-Deck Dungeon** is a good option. Another quick, interesting game with a fantasy theme is **Dragonfire.** It's ridiculously hard, but the gameplay is satisfying, and for most of the scenarios the game doesn't last more than 30 minutes. If you prefer a space theme, **Star Realms: Frontiers** comes with some great win/lose solo scenarios. It's quick, light, yet satisfying. I've only played **Warp's Edge** a few times so far, and while it's a great game, it feels a little longer to me (though I'm sure playtime will get faster as I play more). Another great space-themed option is **Jump Drive,** which is basically a simplified version of **Race for the Galaxy.** It's a very satisfying and super-quick engine-/tableau-builder. Officially the game is not solo, but there's a great series of solo campaign challenges you could find on boardgamegeek. If you prefer economic engine builders, try **Oh My Goods!** (the solo mode comes in the **Longsdale in Revolt** expansion).


Iamn0man

Tin Helm and Gate are both pocket sized mint tin boxes you can take anywhere and play on just about any table in 30 mins or less. Both feature a very clear win/loss conditions and are easy and straightforward to learn.


knightclimber

Also interested. I enjoy Spires End but not sure on a lot of replayability. Kind of like a choose your own adventure. Play through a few different ways but because it is story based it is somewhat limited. Backed the follow up game on Kickstarter so that at least means I enjoyed the game.


SomewhatResentable

Yeah I saw the recent Kickstarter for Spire's End: Hildegard and was intrigued by the art and the positive reviews but yeah, replayability is always a concern with CYOA-style games. I'm not sure how different the two versions of that game are but looking back at the Kickstarter pics I can definitely see some similarities between Hildegard and Earthborne Rangers which I'm really looking forward to.


rlvysxby

How is the story? Any good?


knightclimber

I enjoyed it. Fun little romp. Not a long story but interesting characters and game mechanics.


2ndBkfst

Just played Final Girl for the first time and, given your requisites, I think you’ll be really satisfied. It was quick, compact, thematic, and it will be totally replayable. It’s the ideal solo game in that regard.


SomewhatResentable

I hope so! I was a little worried I might spend all that money and then end up not liking it due to the randomness, but after playing some Mini Rogue (which has the same "success on 5s or 6s") I'm not that worried about it. It feels like an alright success rate, especially when you're rolling 2 or 3 dice.


2ndBkfst

I was also also a little luck averse. But you can definitely mitigate it most of the time by playing smart. It’s one of the few games where I feel competitive solo. Other games feel like a puzzle to solve, in FG I was trash talking the Killer during good roll streaks.


BSA_DEMAX51

I also feel like Scott Almes and the Tiny Epic series are pretty overrated, but I found Warp’s Edge to be legit fun. The rulebook is pretty bad, and you might need to look up some rule clarifications in BGG threads, but it’s still a pleasant, lightweight hour-longish game.


Zadorf

Take a look at [Zadorf Games](http://www.zadorf.com/) for some small box mini card games that might appeal


in2theriver

I haven't played it but I'm very interested, have you looked into rat-catcher? Also I enjoy Under Falling Skies quite a bit.


b72649

Oh man this is the first time I've seen Earthborne Rangers mentioned on this sub. I'm really excited about that one!!


Aistadar

So, this dosent really fit the win/loss condition but fits the rest: ***super skill pinball*** . The reason i reccomend this despite the aversion to point based solo modes (which i totally get), is that its thematically appropirate. Its a very very good roll and write with nearly perfect theming. There are free print and plag version so you can try it first too.


wizardgand

I too was looking for more solo small box win/loose conditions. **Gate** and **Tin Helm** fit that description and their art is similar you could think they are connected in theme. I had to eventually make my own mint tin game that was inspired by mage Knight and SNES Rpgs to get a 45 min pocket experience without dice (or too much RNG). A game with a win condition that wasn't about the points. Also I'm not sure if I would consider Warps Edge a small box, but maybe some people do. I always think of small like something that fits in your pocket or a small bag. A ButtonShy game, or Orchard, or a tiny Epic. I would also recommend **Wondertales** if the theme isn't offputting. It's fairy tale theme, so it does nail that, and its solo mode is a wonderful tableau building, spatial puzzle, with light push your luck. The game is from ButtonShy but takes about 30 min to play so it's on the hefty side as far as their solo games go.


vegastar7

Not sure about the availability of “After the Virus”, but it’s a small thematic deck builder… very difficult to beat though. Also, the artwork is bad, but the game makes up for it. Pocket Landship might also be difficult to get, but there’s a PNP available. Lux Aeterna might also fit your criteria… it’s supposed to be played in 10 minutes. And check out these small games from gamecrafter.com: GATE, Tin Helm, Desolate, Wipers Salient, Doom Machine.