Modiphius are now live on Kickstarter with their new board game set against the backdrop of the brutal, bloody, demon-slaying combat of the DOOM franchise. DOOM | Arena Board Game is ready for you to scoop up with both a retro and an ultra-modern vibe!

DOOM | Arena Board Game // Modiphius

DOOM | Arena Board Game is a fast-paced, PvP miniature-based board game for two to four players, taking around forty-five minutes to play.  One player takes on the role of the Doom Slayer whilst the others command the hordes of Hell. Modiphius has described the game as "heavy metal chess", where the mechanics are simple to learn but hard to master. Each demon that you throw into the maelstrom has a unique way that they move and attack, meaning that you'll need to position them well in order to claim victory against the Doom Slayer.

DOOM | Arena Board Game (1993) // Modiphius

DOOM | Arena Board Game comes in two different flavours. You can go for the DOOM (1993) version or DOOM: The Dark Ages. Both contain miniatures that match the era and suit the designs of the characters and demons that you would have seen on screen. If you're a retro fan, you have the 1993 version. If you love the modern slaughter of The Dark Ages, you can go down that route.

In the 1993 version, the Doom Guy will be battling against classic possessed marines, imps, lost souls, barons of hell and spider masterminds with a package that is drenched in the aesthetic of the early 90s. It's pixel-perfect first-person shooter action.

On the other hand, you can embrace the Sci-Fantasy Medieval look of The Dark Ages, the latest addition to the DOOM franchise, where the Doom Slayer has to battle against all manner of new and deadly foes as well as towering titans.

DOOM: The Dark Ages | Arena Board Game // Modiphius

When it comes to how the game plays, both versions share the same DNA. Every creature and character has unique abilities and you'll have to balance your strategy between offensive and defensive, working out the best way to maximise the pain that you dish out whilst avoiding incoming attacks.

There is one overarching goal to the game: spill the most Blood. Damage dealt to your opponent can propel you towards victory but it also generates Tempo, a resource that charges your game-changing and devastating abilities. All of this takes place over three rounds of utter carnage. Spend your Arsenal Points to upgrade your forces. Doom Guy can unlock new weapons, whilst Hell can bring bigger, meaner demons to the tabletop. The most Blood spilt crowns the winner!

How To Play Doom | Arena Board Game

Check out the gameplay demo above to see how the mechanics work, giving you an idea as to whether or not you're going to be diving into this one on the tabletop.

DOOM | Arena Board Game - Miniatures & Pledges

Both games also come with a suite of awesome miniatures fit for the period. You can either go ultra retro with the 1993 version (look at that Doom Guy!)...

DOOM Miniatures // Modiphius

...or you can go down the route of The Dark Ages and snag yourself a nice graphical upgrade. I suppose it depends on the aesthetics that you prefer and what stage of your DOOM-life you're at! I think I'd have to go for the retro version based almost entirely on nostalgia.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Miniatures // Modiphius

I do think both sets of miniatures are pretty nice but the 1993 miniatures would be excellent to paint up in some bright, lurid colour schemes. You could have a lot of fun with those. You shouldn't miss out on the Titans for The Dark Ages.

DOOM: The Dark Ages - Titan Miniatures // Modiphius

What's also cool about Modiphius is that if you don't want to go Premium (like in the All-In pledge below) is that they have also designed some standee options for those who want to get involved but at a lower price point.

All-In Pledge // Modiphius

A Standard Edition pledge comes with standees for all of your demons, plus the Doom Guy and you get the Kickstarter Exclusive miniatures for the Doom Guy/Doom Slayer. That sits at around £45. The Premium Edition is just a little bit more expensive at £60 and comes with miniatures for all of your demons, plus your "heroes" and the Kickstarter Exclusive figures. There are plenty of ways for you to mix and match as well.

What do you make of DOOM | Arena Board Game?