The Ultimate Board Game Transformations: 10 Unbelievable Video Games That Will Blow Your Mind

The popularity of board game adaptations for video games is evident, as numerous games have been adapted for tabletop play. In 2023 alone, titles such as Dead Cells, Terraria, Slay the Spire, Deep Rock Galactic, and even Monster Hunter have either announced or released their board game versions.

Now, let's explore a few more notable examples of games that lend themselves well to board game translation. It's important to note that this involves more than simply merging the aesthetic styles of these games with existing board game mechanics. Instead, we'll delve into how the mechanics of these video games could be effectively incorporated into a tabletop experience.

9 Inscryption

Inscryption is one of the easiest video game to board game adaptations out there since it is a roguelike game based on a card game concept.

If translated into a tabletop format, the creators would need to find a way to incorporate the fourth-wall breaking and visual-change elements of Inscryption into the mechanics of the board game. However, if this could be achieved, it has the potential to become incredibly popular. Hypothetically, it would be amazing if the creator of the game managed to integrate aspects such as puzzle-solving within the room where the card game takes place, changing the game mechanics as players progress, or even incorporating the found-footage aspect of the video game.

8 For The King

For the King is essentially a video game adaptation of a board game, featuring cooperative gameplay and a hexagonal tile map similar to popular board games like Settlers of Catan. However, the origins of this game can be traced back to its development as a tabletop RPG before it was transformed into a board game by Colby Young, one of the original developers at IronOak Games. Recognizing its potential, the team decided to create a video game version and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. Considering its board game roots, For the King could easily be adapted into a physical board game, although each session would likely be quite lengthy. Any potential creators should consider reaching out to IronOak to either collaborate or reference their original board game concept.

7 Hollow Knight

Other roguelikes and Metroidvanias have the potential for creative and unique board game adaptations, similar to titles like Dead Cells and Binding of Isaac. Among them, Hollow Knight stands out as one of the most inventive due to its visually appealing art style, engaging mechanics like combat and the Charm system, and the rich worldbuilding and history of Hallownest.

Fans of the series would undoubtedly be thrilled to have the opportunity to further immerse themselves in the captivating world of Hallownest, especially while awaiting any updates on Silksong. When envisioning how Hollow Knight's mechanics could be translated into a board game, one possibility could be a 'boss battle' style game reminiscent of Townfolk Tussle or Kingdom Death Monster. Alternatively, it could follow a Munchkin-type format similar to Binding of Isaac: Four Souls.

6 Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is included here because it presents an intriguing opportunity to adapt a game focused on achieving a perfect run into a board game format. Alternatively, games like Katana Zero or Sifu could also be considered for this adaptation.

In this hypothetical board game, players would be faced with a series of decisions and dice rolls as they progress through a sequence of boards, which represent levels. To win, players would need to successfully pass every dice roll. Initially, this task may seem impossible, but with each attempt, players have the potential to earn or discover items that enhance their rolls. These items could include different weapons or one of the Masks from the Hotline Miami titles.

5 Hades

Hades, the well-known title by Supergiant Games, shares similarities with Hollow Knight that make it suitable for adaptation into a board game. While translating the combat mechanics might pose a challenge best left to board game designers, nearly everything else in Hades could make the transition smoothly.

As players venture through the realms of Tartarus, physical 'boards' representing each realm could prompt them to make choices between different Gods or Greek Heroes for various Boons. They could even encounter unique events, such as the chance to switch their Infernal Arm or reap benefits from Zagreus' growing bond with companions found in the game.

4 The Earth Defense Force Series

If Warhammer 40k can seamlessly control entire armies on a tabletop, then the same can be achieved with Earth Defense Force.

This beloved game series, reminiscent of campy Starship Troopers, has captivated many players who enjoy its quirky nature and gameplay. Adapting it to a tabletop format would require a focus on survival, striving to outlast the enemy or reach a specific objective rather than achieving absolute victory. The abundance of weapons, monsters, and levels throughout the games leaves one curious about the possibilities for a board game adaptation.

3 Loop Hero

Loop Hero seems to have been designed with a potential future board game adaptation in mind. The mechanics in the game can easily be translated into a board game format, with the exception of the auto-battling feature. Players can easily imagine a board game equivalent for the placeable tiles, the town area that can be upgraded, the unlocking of gear through loops, and the boss fights. The only challenge would be integrating multiple players into the game, as Loop Hero was initially designed for solo play.

2 Moonlighter

Moonlighter should definitely be included in this list of roguelikes. Its unique combination of managing a shop during the day and exploring dungeons at night would translate well into a board game format.

In Moonlighter, players take on the role of Will, who runs a store during the day, selling a wide variety of items collected from nearby dungeons. When night falls, Will ventures into the dungeons to progressively clear them and collect more materials for his shop.

1 Enter the Gungeon

Finally, let's address Enter the Gungeon. Enter the Gungeon deserves a place among games like Hollow Knight and Hades, primarily due to its captivating designs, immersive world-building, and overall aesthetic. If these elements were transformed into physical board game pieces, they would undeniably attract a large audience. The presence of tangible cards, dice, and other components would effortlessly generate enough interest to entice people into purchasing this hypothetical board game adaptation.

Furthermore, the immense variety of guns, character classes, bosses, and items that players can encounter in each playthrough provides an ample amount of material for a board game adaptation. This would ensure that every session delivers a completely unique and engaging experience.