Dark Emperor (1985)

About this game

"Dark Emperor" is a two-player boardgame of warfare and quest in a fantasy universe. One player is a Dark Lord invading the world from another dimension; the other player must rally the kingdoms of the world to fight the invaders. There is a race-for-time aspect to the game as the Dark Emperor becomes steadily stronger whilst the opposing player scrambles to put together an alliance. The map is remarkable in that this world has obviously suffered extensive meteoric bombardment.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.