LOOM: Portent of the Vale

Shieldice Studio · Board game · 2023
1 Solo 60–120 min
rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy an immersive solo adventure packed with narrative and a cosmic horror vibe, LOOM is for you! The way it blends cards, dice, and paper to create a unique story each time is its biggest draw.

Highlights
  • Emergent and engaging narrative
  • Deep solo experience
  • Replayability with multiple endings
  • Death-based progression system
Keep in mind
  • Requires printing and assembly
  • High language dependency
  • Can be dark and challenging
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a solo adventure packed with dark fantasy and horror! 'LOOM: Portent of the Vale' is a print-and-play game where you forge your own journey through a sinister world. Armed with a map, a character sheet, and a pencil, you'll explore the Vale, a place that's growing darker by the day. Each game, you create a brand-new hero from predefined options. Your turn is a race against time (and action points!) to move across the map. To generate the story, you'll use a deck of cards and two dice, which will present you with paragraphs full of situations: facing deadly foes, uncovering secrets in abandoned buildings, helping NPCs with quests, or even praying at shrines. Everything that happens is recorded on your sheet. When your movement points are spent, it's time to set up camp and hope for a good rest. But the game doesn't end there: death is just the beginning to unlock powerful items for future playthroughs! With 30 different endings, each session is a new chance to explore the consequences of your choices and see what fate awaits you and the Vale.

It's a game that invites you to weave your own narrative, where longing, defeat, and hope intertwine in a world on the brink. Cosmic gods scheme in the shadows, and deadly enemies lurk. Are you ready to face what the Vale holds?

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Traditional Playing Cards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Mechanism: Legacy Players: Solitaire Only Games
Publisher Shieldice Studio
Designer Jay Merritt
Artist Jay Merritt

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play LOOM?
LOOM is designed exclusively for 1 player. It's a solo experience!
How long does a game session take?
A session of LOOM can vary quite a bit, but expect it to take between 60 to 120 minutes per playthrough.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency. All story text and action descriptions are in English, so a good command of the language is essential.
What do I need to play LOOM?
You'll need to print the components (map, character sheet, etc.), a standard deck of cards (52 cards), two dice, and of course, a pencil to record everything.
Does the game change each time? Is it a Legacy game?
Yes! LOOM has Legacy elements. Your actions and the outcome of each game can influence future playthroughs, and your character's death unlocks permanent items for future adventures.
Is it a difficult game?
It can be challenging and dark, as the theme suggests. The difficulty comes from managing your resources and making strategic decisions in a hostile world.

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