Stonespine Architects - Game Review

Title: Stonespine Architects

Designed By: Jordy Anan

Art By: Jordy Adan, Damien Mammoliti, Lucas Ribeiro, and Diego Sá

Published By: Thunderworks Games

Released: 2024

Player Count: 1-5

Time to Play: 45-60 Minutes

Ages: 10+

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Overview:

In Stonespine Architects, you won’t be delving into dungeons—you’ll be designing them! This 1-5 player drafting and pattern-building game from Thunderworks Games puts you in the boots of a labyrinth architect, competing to create the most perilous, monster-filled maze imaginable. Players draft room cards to strategically build out their dungeons, collecting monsters, traps, treasures, and, of course, points. Layer in a mix of public and private goals, blueprint bonuses, and a clever market phase, and you’ve got a game that challenges you to design with both flair and function. Build the best dungeon and earn the most reputation stars to become the top architect of terror!

What's purr-ty cool:

Not a Dungeon Crawler, but a Designer’s Dream

Let’s clear this up right away—this is not a dungeon crawler (I thought it was too at first). Instead, it’s a slick tile-laying and drafting puzzle, and honestly, it might be my favorite Thunderworks Games title to date—and that’s saying a lot considering how much I love Roll Player. If you enjoy tile placement and that satisfying “click” when pieces fit just right, Stonespine Architects will scratch that itch in the best way. The variety of goals and paths to score means no two games feel exactly the same, but it never gets overwhelming. I’ve had at least one game going at a time on BGA for a month straight, and I’m still not tired of it. That’s how fun this one is.

The Gold Standard on Market Purchases

The market phase is deceptively clever. Gold in Stonespine Architects is earned through drafting room cards or placing treasure chest tokens in your dungeon—and how much you have at any given moment determines your order in the market. Market turns go to the richest first, and gold resets every round, so it creates a fascinating decision space. Do you grab a card that helps your layout or one that fattens your wallet just enough to snipe the token you really need? Do you pass early to snag a juicy challenge card? With a bit of savvy planning, you can even take multiple turns purchasing stuff in a row. It's not just about building the best dungeon—it’s about outmaneuvering your rivals along the way.

Art That’s Charming, Not Cheesy

The artwork hits that perfect spot between whimsical and thematic. The top-down view on room cards really sells the idea that you're constructing a full-blown dungeon from above. The monsters—especially the slimes and my personal favorite, the gelatinous cube—are a delight, and the iconography is super clear, which makes teaching and learning a breeze. I also appreciate the little things, like the wooden entrance and exit pieces. They could’ve been cardboard, but Thunderworks went the extra mile, and it shows.

A Game for Everyone

This is a rare gem that fits almost any crowd. It’s approachable enough to teach your Clue-loving relatives, but strategic enough to keep seasoned gamers engaged round after round. It hits that Goldilocks zone of complexity—just right. I’d absolutely bring this to a mixed group on game night and feel confident everyone would have a great time. Whether you’re a puzzle lover, a drafting fan, or just like a game that makes you feel clever, Stonespine Architects delivers.

Now my only question is "how do I obtain a minotaur plushie"? I know they exist and I am going to need one to add to my board game plushies collection to go with my Doctor from Everdell and Marquise the Cat from Root.

The cat's meow:

"Finally, a dungeon that understands proper trap-to-treasure ratios. If you need me, I’ll be napping in the gelatinous cube room." - Solo the Spokescat

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Disclosure: Pudgy Cat Games was provided a copy of this game in exchange for a review, however, this review reflects the honest thoughts of the author.