So it shouldn't come as a surprise to see Keyaerts and publisher Days of Wonder put a new spin on the system to give players more of what they enjoy. Small World Underground is a standalone game that retains the feel and game play of Small World, while providing a wealth of new races and special powers for players to enjoy.
Small World Underground is set in the subterranean world below the one being fought over in Small World, with four separate game boards for the four possible player configurations. Players will once again be drafting race/power combinations to try to conquer areas in a land that's too small to fit everyone comfortably, but this time certain areas are occupied by monsters that are guarding relics and "places of power". In addition to having 15 new races and 21 new special powers, Small World Underground includes 9 Popular Places; 6 Righteous Relics; 9 Black Mountains; 1 Volcano; 106 Victory Coins; Armor, Hammer and Vengeance markers; a "Bag-o'-Many-Things"; and (according to the press release) "many other special items".
While Small World Underground is playable on its own, the game can be combined with other Small World releases, presumably by mixing races and powers as desired. The Days of Wonder press release notes that Small World Underground "is recommended for players who are already familiar with Small World".
Small World Underground will be released in June 2011 in Europe and in July 2011 in North America with a retail price of $50/€45.