There is a lot of people that like this game but I would vote NO on Runebound. Played twice & did not liked it very much.
The problem? The first combats are very, very, VERY tough. The combat mechanic goes like this: Each side roll a D20 & add the relevant bonus. Now, players' stats at the start are between 2 & I think 5, maybe one has a 6 & the firts quests have enemies that starts at 9 & can go up to 12...
So, to win your 1st few combats & progress in the game, you have to roll a high # on your D20 & hope the baddie will roll low, since the strength difference can be up to +10 in favor of the monster.
So I find it way too much luck dependent at the begining for my taste & it's hard to come back from behind once you start loosing battles.
Also, there is an item that felt way overpowered, Mirror of Reflection I think it's called, that cause the monster to take a wound everytime it hits you. The player that find that treasure has
IMHO a huge advantage for the rest of the game.
YMMV but it has been a bad experience for me.
Other suggestions:
Prophecy: I haven't played this one but it's suppose to be similar to Talisman.
A bit different but still games that you have to visit locations to get items, clues, experience, in the hope of defeating the big nasty at the end, I would check either
Arkham Horror (if you like Cthulhu) or the less expensive
A touch of Evil (Classic horror). I own both & they are a blast.
If money is no object, I hear lots of good things about
Descent: Journey into the dark but haven't played it.
Hope it helps
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