In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the encounters between Count Dracula and Professor Abraham Van Helsing perfectly capture the timeless battle between darkness and light, especially as they unfold in the hauntingly atmospheric Whitby, England. Dracula, a centuries-old vampire with chilling supernatural powers, has come all of the way from deep in the Romanian mountains, intent on spreading his undead curse and ensnaring unsuspecting victims in his shadowy web while expanding his influence. Meanwhile, Van Helsing, a knowledgeable and resourceful doctor, stands as a beacon of reason and determination, eager to protect the townspeople from Dracula’s sinister plans. Their confrontations are filled with tension and intrigue as Van Helsing uses his expertise in folklore and science to unravel Dracula’s tactics and vulnerabilities. The dramatic cliffs and shadowy graveyards of Whitby create an atmospheric backdrop for their clash, highlighting the timeless themes of good versus evil and the battle between ancient superstition and modern knowledge in this thrilling tale.

With Dracula back in Whitby in Dracula vs. Van Helsing, it, yet again, falls to the legendary vampire hunter to stop him! This 2-player game from Mandoo Games was recently brought stateside by 25th Century Games in their 2024 Kickstarter campaign (along with quite a few other great games!). Théo Rivière and Maxime Rambourg‘s design places players in the role of either the enigmatic vampire or the esteemed hunter as they battle for the souls of Whitby’s residents. Each role comes with its own path(s) to victory but with very similar strategies. Weberson Santiago‘s striking, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the gothic essence of the classic tale while approaching it with a modern flair, blending traditional elements of horror with contemporary design techniques to create a visually captivating experience. Combining Dracula vs. Van Helsing with Santiago’s previous forays into the spooky genre (i.e. The Bloody Inn, Whirling Witchcraft), I can safely say that I am quite the fan. Each game showcases Santiago’s talent for crafting immersive atmospheres, making the themes come alive in a way that resonates with me. The combination of his artwork and the compelling mechanics of Dracula vs. Van Helsing makes for an unforgettable, fun adventure.

One of the things I appreciate most about this particular game is how it occupies a small space on the table, making it easy to set up and enjoy without overwhelming my limited gaming area while still providing an immersive experience. The board is only a little bigger than the box, which also allows me to take it almost anywhere if I’m not planning on gaming at home. Once players decide who is playing which role, the City board and Color Ranking board are placed between them, and the cards are shuffled. On the city board, each of the 5 districts gets 4 Human tokens placed within them {human side up) and the Ship marker is placed in the first port of the Round Track. The 4 Color tokens are placed on the Color Ranking board at random. One at a time, players will draw 5 cards and place them in their cardholder in the order they were drawn with the first card aligned with the first district. In addition to their cardholder, the Dracula player receives 12 HP markers. With the setup complete, players are ready to dive into the gameplay, where strategy, deception, and cunning tactics will determine the outcome of this thrilling confrontation between these legendary foes.

As players step into the shoes of the renowned vampire hunter or the sinister vampire himself, each will vie for supremacy in a thrilling contest of wits and strategy. Van Helsing’s mission is clear: he must drain all of Dracula’s life points before the dark lord transforms the four inhabitants of any district into vampires. The game unfolds over a maximum of five suspenseful rounds, with players taking turns—starting with the cunning Dracula—drawing cards and deciding whether to play them to the discard pile or swap them with one of the five cards on their rack. Either choice will unleash powerful abilities. With eight different types of cards, each boasting unique effects, players must think critically about their choices. If the tension mounts, a player can call for the end of the round, but only after six cards have been discarded, adding another layer of strategy to the game. As each round concludes, the excitement peaks when players compare the cards on their racks, each corresponding to one of the five districts on the board. If Dracula holds the higher card, he claims a human soul, turning it into a Vampire; but if Van Helsing prevails, Dracula loses precious health points. The clock is ticking, and every decision counts, as the game can end suddenly if either player meets their victory conditions or the fifth round comes to completion and Dracula still survives. With clever tactics and a bit of luck, who will emerge victorious in this epic clash of good versus evil?

I will be the first to admit Dracula vs. Van Helsing is much more balanced than the rules made it appear; at first glance, it sounds as though the game is stacked against Van Helsing. However, after playing, it’s clear that the design creates a fair and engaging challenge for everyone involved. The quick playtime means that rounds move swiftly, allowing players to stay engaged without feeling bogged down by lengthy deliberations. The level of light strategy keeps the game flowing smoothly, fostering a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Each turn becomes an opportunity for quick tactical adjustments, which adds to the thrill of the competition. The back-and-forth nature of the gameplay not only enhances interaction between players but also allows for unexpected twists that can shift the tide of the game in an instant. Ultimately, this balance of strategy and speed contributes to a fun and memorable gaming experience, where every decision matters, and players remain on their toes until the final round.

All photos of 25th Century Games product were taken and edited by Krista.