In this video, Daniel (@dungeondive) takes a long-awaited look at Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island, a game he had long suspected he would enjoy—and that suspicion proved correct. Rather than offering a how-to-play or structured review, this is a relaxed, personal exploration of the game, its expansions, and what makes it so compelling.
Daniel discusses the base game along with the Treasure Chest modular expansion and touches on the Mystery Tales campaign. He highlights the game’s rich thematic integration, brutal survival mechanics, and the sheer variety of content—from characters and gear to events and scenarios. While he praises the second edition’s improved rulebook, he also notes that the game can feel fiddly at times due to inconsistent rules and exceptions.
The video emphasizes:
- The game’s puzzle-like, worker-placement core disguised as an adventure
- Why Daniel finds it more enjoyable as a solo experience
- The unique “memory” system in the event and encounter decks
- The usefulness of the Treasure Chest for adding modular elements and accessibility tweaks
- The impressive Book of Adventures, which organizes dozens of scenarios by genre, difficulty, length, and intended audience
Daniel expresses a desire for more sandbox-style scenarios without strict turn limits and invites recommendations for fan-made content. Though punishing, Robinson Crusoe offers a deeply immersive and rewarding solo adventure—stressful, surprising, and full of memorable choices.