Here Be Dragons, players step into the role of Captain Francis, a rough-around-the-edges leader tasked by the king to help clear the path for Christopher Columbus. It’s no simple task, though — Francis and his crew face dangers at every turn, from fearsome sea monsters to rival ships and even the occasional tentacled horror lurking beneath the waves. At its core, Here Be Dragons is a turn-based tactical game that combines traditional strategy elements with dice mechanics. Each turn, players allocate dice rolls to various actions, like attacking, defending, or performing special maneuvers. The result is a satisfying blend of luck and skill, as players must adapt their strategies based on the numbers they roll while planning ahead to outwit their monstrous enemies. The tactical aspect deepens as players are forced to manage limited resources and make strategic sacrifices, balancing between risk and reward as they engage in naval battles.
Art Style: A Medieval Map Brought to Life
One of the first things that players notice is the game’s striking art style. Inspired by medieval sea maps and maritime folklore, Here Be Dragons is filled with vivid illustrations that bring the world to life. The aesthetic makes every battle feel like a journey through an ancient, mysterious sea, with its paper-like map interface and hand-drawn sea monsters that seem lifted from the edge of some long-forgotten explorer’s map. The distinct art style is both charming and eerie, creating a surreal atmosphere that adds to the game’s dark humor and nautical theme.
Dark Humor: A Quirky, Irreverent Adventure
Here Be Dragons doesn’t take itself too seriously. The game’s narrative, dialogue, and characters are full of dark humor and quirky wit. From sarcastic comments from your crewmates to humorous interactions with other captains, the writing is peppered with jokes, puns, and references that keep players entertained. Even the monsters you fight have personalities, as if they’re in on the joke, too. This humor creates a lighthearted experience, even amid the challenging gameplay, and adds personality that sets the game apart from other tactical titles.