This new turn-based dungeon crawler is inspired by the first board game I ever owned, and I can't wait to adventure down memory lane

Hero Quest wasn't the first board game I ever played. That honor goes to Scrabble or Monopoly or that weird Doctor Who tie-in with a Tardis that played quips like, "Hmm, where did I put those keys." But Hero Quest was the first board game I ever owned, handed down to me from a friend-of-a-friend's older brother. I didn't really know how to play, but my brother and I created countless adventures with the little figures, applying some of the worst paint schemes you've ever seen to the Elf and Barbarian on our journey. Now I can wallow in that nostalgia as Dark Quest 4, which takes plentiful inspiration from that very same game, releases on all major platforms.

I sometimes worry when games take a grimdark approach for seemingly no reason, but switching the word 'Hero' for 'Dark' doesn't seemed to have ruined the high fantasy vibe that I loved as a child. Indeed, Dark Quest 4 emanates the same magical excitement that captured my childhood imagination, despite the fact that it's aiming for a slightly darker tone.

This fantasy dungeon crawler is instantly going on my personal list of the best turn-based strategy games to play this year. While I usually like to play some kind of combat-oriented dwarf, the pixel art spells are pulling me towards a wizard of some description. I don't know if it's the lightning bolts or vibrant hurricanes clearing out entire corridors, but I need that power flowing through me. With ten playable heroes, though, we're spoiled for choice.

You'll also find 30 bespoke quests and 40 different monsters on your, well, quest, including everything from your standard trolls to hooded figures who seem to wield… mirrors? A fully voiced DM will narrate your progress, and I just hope they're a little less sarcastic than my (beloved) IRL Dungeon Master.

The longevity of Dark Quest 4 will be measured by its community, however. Thanks to its Creator Mode, you'll be able to design your own dungeons, quests, and campaigns in the game. You'll presumably have to add the witticisms yourself. You'll also be able to play the entire game in local or online co-op.

Dark Quest for is available now on Steam for $17.99 / £15.07. You can buy it here.

I'm ready to head on a quest down memory lane, but I've just got to check I've got my nostalgia goggles equipped before we set off. Now, where did I put those keys…?