A Wolf in Kobold’s Clothing – Pathfinder: Level 20 in Review
Pathfinder: Level 20 is the first design collaboration between Lynnvander Studios and Gale Force Nine. This small-box game is many things, but it definitely ain’t honest. Its first fib is the tall tale concept – anyone who has played the tabletop RPGs Pathfinder or Dungeons & Dragons knows that level 20 is a myth. It’s something you dream and read about, and that’s it. Well, good news. You still don’t get to play that level 20 fighter that’s been scraping across your brain for a decade. Instead, you get to play its afternoon snack.
In Pathfinder: Level 20, the players take on the role of kobolds in their den, scampering away from a fighter who only needs five XP to hit level 20. Your goal is to not be the kobold at the end of the fighter's sword!
Ages: 10+
Players: 2-6
Game Length: 20-30 minutes
The concept here is great. Perhaps the best part of the game. Each player is a lowly kobold. You scurry about the dungeon room board and dig through junk, hoping to find some moss or a stalactite. Maybe some rotten food.Then you take those meager vittles and use them as makeshift weaponry to ward off the unicorn that is a level 19 warrior looking for their last bit of XP. You care little for your furry brethren, perfectly content to feed them to the invaders like minnows to the maw. As long as you manage to be the final survivor, you win.Alternatively, you can embarrass the thirsty warrior so severely that they flee in shame. In that case, you win if you’re the one to deal the final shameful blow to their ego.
Fantastic concept
The second lie Pathfinder: Level 20 tells is one of a light and fluffy game. It wants you to believe it’s the type of thing we designate as filler.
In truth, this can be that. You can sit down for a 20-minute escapade where your cute critters dance around and slowly get eaten while you all laugh. It works well enough in this format, as the process of play is simple and frivolous. You get to feed rotten cheese to a level 19 fighter and shout “shame!” as they slip on moss and collide with a stone wall. Why shouldn’t it be facetious and mirthful?
Because this bastard lies. I warned you.
If you put some careful thought into this design, it will mirror your effort. Beneath the slime and fecal matter of the dungeon floor, there is a serious abstract waiting to be unearthed.Yes, this game can be quite thoughtful and stimulating mentally. With a certain set of players, it will stretch just a hair too long as it broaches 40 minutes. This level of thought is capable due to the board state being almost entiretly transparent. Couple that with the AI running the fighter so deliberately, it’s easy to spend a couple of minutes thinking through your options.
I’m not saying Level 20 belongs in the famed GIPF series, but it’s closer than you’d think.
