This is the King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition game comparison showdown. The Dark edition of King of Tokyo is a remastering of the original game’s artwork in a very illustrative and well made dark tone that is beyond cool, as well as, a new mechanic that makes rolling “1”s and “2”s more exciting. We dive deep into both games and compare them side by side. Learn a little about then games then check out our King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition notes and final verdict.
ABOUT THE GAMES
About King Of Tokyo (2011): You are an iconic Godzilla like monster and you are crammed into Japan with others, all vying for control of Tokyo. You win the game by either being the first to 20 victory points or the last monster standing. You get big points by being in Tokyo but you take big damage. The dice reveal a combination of attacks, health and points. You need to go big or go home in this fun and east game.
FOR MORE: King of Tokyo Page | How To Play King of Tokyo | King of Tokyo Review | Games Like King of Tokyo | Buy King of Tokyo on Amazon
About King of Tokyo Dark Edition (2020): This is a collector’s edition of King of Tokyo, with the fight taking place in an alternative and darker world in which the struggle for control of Tokyo has never been so fierce and wicked. This edition includes deluxe components (such as an embossed box and lightning-bolt-shaped energy) and all-new art by Paul Mafayon. The game is based on the classic KoT rules, with the addition of a new mechanism exclusive to this edition to offer a fresh gaming experience.
FOR MORE: Buy King of Tokyo Dark Edition on Amazon
KING OF TOKYO VS DARK EDITION ANALYSIS
Theme: This is where the magic happens. In the newer King of Tokyo Dark Edition artist Paul Mafayon has created a brand new ultra dark theme rebranding of the original game. It is beyond how amazing how creative, unique and beautiful the final product is. It still has the trademark cartoonish over-the-top-ness so even young kids still love it.
Gameplay: The gameplay runs exactly the same in King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition. You might want to stop and admire the art for an additional moment in Dark Edition because it is on a new level never though possible, but that is about it.
Mechanics: The new mechanic change is the “wicked” track which is kind of like the “power-up” expansion from the original game. In Dark Edition, this gives you wicked points for getting sets of 1s and 2s, making them more valuable. You move up a track and when you hit 4, 6 and 10 you get amazing special bonuses. That is the only change in King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition.
Time Commitment: In King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition your time commitment is exactly the same. The slight rule change mechanic happens in the background for the most part and does not interrupt gameplay. Both are quick and in your face just as intended.
Player Count: Again, this is pretty much the same game, so you are going to see that same 2 – 6 with scaling for 2, 5 or 6. The 5 – 6 play is great because this game is all about the more the merrier. Probably play something else if you only have 2 players.
Cost: This is where you need to make your decision in King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition. King of Tokyo Dark Edition is basically a collector’s edition of the original which means it is much better made. This means it will be better across the board in all categories except the price. Right now you are paying 25% more for Dark Edition though that gap is expected to widen. It is up to you if it is worth the extra money. Especially since you basically get a free expansion.
VERDICT
Verdict For the Shelf: In the battle of King of Tokyo vs Dark Edition, the verdict is King of Tokyo (20% of the time) and Dark Edition (80% of the time). The game is great for families and kids, so you may be worried that the dark characters will be too scary. They are still cartoonish and fun, kids love them. Dark is superior to the original across the board and the price increase is not very much at all to justify all of this.
What did you think of this King of New York vs Dark Edition board game analysis? Let us know on our BGH Facebook page or in the comments below.
OTHER SHOWDOWNS
King of Tokyo vs (All Others)
King of Tokyo vs Smash Up
King of Tokyo vs King of New York
King of Tokyo vs Ticket To Ride
