AQ HD - Overview

Arcane Quest HD is a turn-based RPG tabletop game that can be played on mobile or PC. It is based in part on the mechanics of HeroQuest. This is the sequel to Arcane Quest 2, and is in fact the remastered version of Arcane Quest 1 (with new graphics and character classes).

Each game can be played with 1 to 4 heroes, from among 8 available classes. Each class has its own characteristics (hit points, attack and defense), and its own spells (damage, healing, buffs, transformations...).

A game consists of 1 or more dungeons, each of which is a map made up of rooms and corridors, themselves made up of tiles on which to move, with an exit to reach. Some tiles can be booby-trapped. The aim of the game is to reach the final exit, or kill the final boss.

Dice are used to move, attack, defend and disarm traps. Players can fight monsters, loot chests and explore to collect gold and consumables (potions, attack buffs, defense buffs, movement buffs, etc.).

Between dungeons, gold can be used to buy equipment for heroes, such as weapons, shields, armors, helmets, magic items and belts (to carry more consumables during the adventure).

With its simple rules and fast learning curve, the game is ideal for players who want to take a gentle introduction to the genre.

It's also excellent for playing with children, who can dive right in without needing to read the rules, if properly accompanied. If you use the editor, you can even build custom stories for them!

Finally, more seasoned players will appreciate the hardcore mode, where each battle can be the last (definitive death). They can also increase the difficulty by selecting a limited number of characters to play with during their adventure.

Let's face it, the whole point of tabletop games is to share good times with family and friends. The best way I've found to play Arcane Quest as a group is as follows:

- Install the game on your PC.

- Project the screen onto the TV using an HDMI cable (or wifi if the TV is recent).

- Use one or more wireless mice. You can connect as many as there are USB ports on the PC, and they can all be used at the same time.

- Share the characters: 1 or 2 per player.

There are very few online RPG tabletop games. Yet there are many advantages over a physical version, but also some disadvantages:

+ No preparation time: dungeons are ready-made (unless, of course, you create your own dungeons via the editor). Similarly, there's no waiting between dungeons (no need to deconstruct and rebuild).

+ No stat sheets: gameplay is smoother and less messy.

+ No Game Master. So anyone can play. Online play also means you can play alone.

+ Ability to stop a game in progress and resume later without leaving junk in the house.

+ Space-saving: no need to block a table during a game, and no storage space required.

+ Infinite adventure possibilities, since scenarios and dungeons can be shared online.

+ Better sound immersion, with battle sounds and music during enemy or boss encounters.

- Loss of tactile elements, such as dice rolling and miniature movement.

- No miniatures to paint.