Wonder and Relic Runners

A press release from Days of Wonder notes this about Dunstan's game: "Relic Runners is his first published design, which arose from trying to see whether you could make a game combining the mathematical problem of the Travelling Salesman with the possibility of interrupting another salesperson's plans."

And to quote Dunstan himself from a separate press release: "With Relic Runners you get to plan and anticipate an amazing turn, hoping to outrace your opponents towards your goal. This feeling, along with an ever-changing board and the many surprising combinations for players to discover, are the things I am most proud of in the game. It's a game where you definitely have to keep your eyes on what your opponents are doing!"

Days of Wonder plans to have an advance copy of Relic Runners, which carries a MSRP of $60/€50, available for play at its stand during Gen Con in August 2013. More details about the game then, if not earlier...


U.S./French publisher Days of Wonder has been teasing a new release on its Facebook page for several days, dropping one image after another with little clue as to what the game in question might be. Now that info has dropped as well. In September 2013, DoW expects to release Relic Runners from first-time designer Matthew Dunstan. Here's a brief summary of the setting and gameplay:

In Relic Runners, players follow trails across the jungle board map as they explore stacks of temples and ruins, ultimately hoping to uncover precious relics and earn victory points.

Players work to efficiently manage their resources: building pathways; making sure to carry sufficient rations; and expanding their explorer's toolbox to help them explore, resupply, take additional actions, and score bonuses. Skillful planning will lead to a successful expedition as they travel their pathways to capture valuable relics.