Inferno – A Journey Through Dante’s Hell in Board Game Form

Inferno takes its inspiration from the first part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, vividly reimagining Dante’s descent through the multi-hued, concentric circles of hell. In this board game, players embark on a mission to guide lost souls to their corresponding layer of hell, all while Dante makes his way to the deepest recess of the underworld.

👥 1-4 players, ages 14+
⌛ Playing time: 45-120 minutes
📝 Designer: Fernando Eduardo Sánchez
🎨 Artwork: David Benzal & Cristian Casado Otazu

🏢 Publisher: Red Mojo Games (prototype copy provided)

📌 Note: This review is based on the prototype. For a look at the final version, check out our latest impressions here!

Guiding Souls: The Heart of Inferno

Each player’s turn in Inferno kicks off with the task of moving a soul. This is done by either ferrying a soul across the river Styx from the cemetery to hell’s first layer or by guiding a soul through the various layers to its designated color-coded destination. Souls navigate these layers via chain paths, bypassing occupied spots to halt at the first available space. The symbol on this space dictates the player’s next action within the city’s confines.

The city is neatly divided into four quarters, each housing two buildings adorned with symbols that echo those found within hell’s layers. Players venture into the quarter that mirrors their soul’s final stop in hell to take their next action. First off, they can dispatch a worker to the city to carry out a specific building’s action. From erecting their tower and gathering resources to inviting visitors or trading Florins for Drachmes, the possibilities are varied. Alternatively, players may choose to accuse a sinner in the quarter, which brings a new soul of the building’s color to the graveyard and sends the player’s family members home. This act of accusation propels players forward on the sin track, offering immediate bonuses and potentially scoring points at the game’s conclusion.

Each accusation causes Dante to descend further into hell, rewarding players who have advanced the furthest on the sin track corresponding to Dante’s current layer with diplomas. The game reaches its climax when Dante arrives at the last layer, triggering the final scoring phase. Points are awarded based on several criteria: progress on the sin tracks, scoring of Fraud Cards, the height of players’ towers, the number of guests housed, the wealth accumulated in Florins, and the number of family members at home at game end.

From Concept to Reality

Crafted by Fernando Eduardo Sánchez and brought to life by Red Mojo Games, Inferno offers a board game experience steeped in the rich narrative of a classic literary epic. Set to launch its crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound on February 20th, Inferno is designed for 1-4 players aged 14 and up, with game sessions spanning between 45 to 120 minutes.

Our team had the opportunity to delve into a prototype version of Inferno, giving us a preliminary glimpse into what players can expect. While it’s challenging to assess the rulebook of this early edition fully, our past experiences with the publisher, particularly their acclaimed game Tindaya, leave us optimistic about the final product. Even at this stage, the quality of the components, including the custom meeples, is impressive. We’re particularly excited about the upcoming miniatures set to replace the cardboard standees of the prototype’s guardians, as teased by the creators. For those eager to explore the game’s aesthetics and components in depth, a visit to the Gamefound page is highly recommended.

Hell Reimagined: Theme and Gameplay in Harmony

Inferno excels in weaving its thematic elements into the gameplay mechanics. The narrative follows Dante’s descent through hell, with players guiding souls to their respective layers and earning diplomas from Dante himself for excelling in sinfulness. This integration of theme and mechanics is further enhanced by the stunning artwork of David Benzal and Cristian Casado Otazu, enriching the game’s immersive experience.

While the core gameplay—moving souls and executing actions based on their final resting places—is straightforward, mastering Inferno is anything but simple. Players must carefully balance their actions, deciding whether to expedite a soul’s descent or opt for strategic stops in higher layers for specific benefits. This requires players to anticipate their opponent’s moves and adapt their strategies accordingly.

We really appreciate the amount of strategic depth, devoid of reliance on luck. Players must predict and outmaneuver their opponents, with the flow of new souls into the cemetery partially influenced by player actions and a card deck that introduces a slight element of unpredictability. This blend of strategy and minimal chance ensures a dynamic gameplay experience that rewards foresight and planning.

Furthermore, the soul movement—whereby all players can influence the descent of souls, potentially benefiting opponents—adds a special dynamic to the game. Players must navigate the delicate balance between advancing their position and not inadvertently aiding their rivals. Successfully guiding souls to the deeper layers of hell for higher point rewards, without enabling opponents to do the same, becomes a critical aspect of the game’s strategy. Inferno’s ever-changing game state fosters a dynamic play environment, where players’ plans can be swiftly upended by rivals claiming crucial spots. This sometimes causes moments of downtime as players need to recalibrate their strategies.

Enhancing Replayability: Guardians and Game Variability

Inferno’s design incorporates more variability into each session through the introduction of two randomly selected guardians, like Medusa, King Midas, and Cerberus, in each game. These mythical figures not only enrich the game’s lore but also significantly impact gameplay by offering unique abilities that can shift strategies, award points, and even freeze souls in unexpected layers. This element brings even more challenges and strategic considerations, ensuring no two games feel the same.

The game’s design thoughtfully accommodates different player counts, with a dual-sided game board catering specifically to smaller (two players) and larger groups (three to four players). For two players, the game tightens by reducing the number of spaces per layer, affecting soul movement and end-game scoring. In contrast, the three and four-player setup adjusts the length of the Dante track for a three-player game. This scalability ensures a consistently engaging experience, whether it’s a cozy evening with a close friend or a lively game night with a full group.

Final Thoughts

Inferno invites players into the epic narrative of Dante’s journey through hell, blending deep strategy with thematic richness. The game demands a delicate balance between advancing personal ambitions and managing the opportunities left for opponents. Mastery lies in navigating the dual pathways of guiding souls to their rightful layers for immediate points or engaging in the nuanced play of city actions and sin tracking for longer-term gains. The optimal path to victory lies in striking a harmonious balance between these elements.

Inferno is a game for players who relish games that require thoughtful planning, resource management, and strategic foresight. The presence of mythical guardians adds a twist, enriching the gameplay with their varied influences. This game is a testament to the enduring appeal of Dante’s narrative, offering a board game experience that is both intellectually stimulating and engaging.

Ideal for those who appreciate a game that seamlessly blends story with strategy, Inferno is particularly suited to experienced gamers looking for a fresh challenge. It captures the essence of Dante’s descent, inviting players to employ wit and cunning as they navigate the treacherous layers of hell.

📝 Our insights into Inferno come from a prototype provided by Red Mojo Games. As with any preview, the final product may present variations from our experience.