Although I've really enjoyed 2nd edition in the few games I've played, several of my friends in my core gaming group do not. This is due to concerns about balance (which is unjustified, imo), play style (too much pressure to race to victory), and the speed of progression compared to 1E. Valid concerns, but ones I don't share. I want to play this **** game!

Over the next couple of days I'm going to try running a solo game with the actions of the overlord determined algorithmically on a per quest basis . Interruption OL cards will be modified, and the top cards of the deck (number undetermined) will be played automatically.

I'm letting you all know about this as I go through, because there are bound to be imbalanced algorithms I make, or better ways to go about doing things. There will also be problems that arise. Comments and suggestions (or your own attempts to run though this) could make it better. Eventually we might be able to make an entire single player unofficial rule book!

Let me know if you're interested. First blood starts tomorrow!

Yes, this would be interesting to see how it plays solo with that AI Player… Thanks.

I too would like to see how this goes for you. As I to have friends that do enjoy this game but don't want to play it as much as I.

Sounds like a great idea! I would also like to play as a player and use the "AI" overlord - could be fun!

Any progress with your solitaire variant?

I actually mentioned solo play in a post not too far back. I think that D2e is a great platform for solo play. Also I am working on some solo play mechanics myself and would be very interested in what you come up with. Maybe we could share some ideas. Just let me know.

Don't want to be redundant, but here is my earlier post in another thread on solo-play:

"Basically, I try to fulfill the objectives whenever I play the heroes or the OL (but mainly "root" for the heroes!).

The only real modification to the rule I use is with the OL cards: I discard and redraw 3 new cards every turn (heroes AND OL) and use them as it fits.

Only exception to that rule: the OL can keep ONE card for the next turn only if it is unusable the turn it is drawn.

That works fairly well so far…"

I'm pretty sure this is how Skynet started…

I'm in the same boat. Love the game. Gaming group likes it but refuses to play it because the campaign takes too long or they would rather play 3-4 different games in one evening than just one game. So my desire to play it is far outweighing my actual opportunity.

The Overlord is clearly the AI component of choice. Making the heroes AI would be much more complicated.

I like the idea of the three new cards every turn. I had not considered that. My thoughts on Overlord AI are as follows:

1) If the mission is a "prevent the heroes from grabbing objects"

- Always choose monsters that can block passages/corridors effectively. WIth good defense rolls

- Always make a move to defend first, attack second.

2) If the mission is a race against the heroes to grab objects (like fat goblin)

- Choose quick minions like goblin archers

- Choose an open monster group that would harass the heroes.

- Play the way an Overlord would play. Grab and go with the quick and harass with the others.

3) Attack logic:

- Attack weakest hero first in terms of the following order:

A) Remaining hps

B) Max hps

C) Defense die

D) Card logic:

Always play a card if you can. If it is a trap/harassment card, choose a hero with most movement points.

4) Levelling up

- Avoid trap cards/path. I know these are powerful cards, but they require "nuance" on when is the most opportune time to play (i.e. a human) and can be tricky when coming up with simple solo AI. It is my humble opinion that you must go events/magic path in order to make it the simplest experience for the solo player.

Nice sugestions, i try to put in practice, i was thinking, maybe in the turn of the heroes roll a die, with 3 or less, check the cards of the overlord and play wherever be valid, if the die rolls 4+ , choose one (or more) heroes and give him a fatigue or damage token.

down laod the rules for the D&D baord games. one player can play all 5 heros agaisnt the game. it works great for solo play but (imo) compared to Descent they are not that great. heros and core rules are pretty slim picken compared to this game and while tis fun to play solo it doenst have the same action that this game does. its too happen chance instead of reactionary like the overlord can be. but. take a look at them, they might spark some ideas for your solo game.