Talisman:

The Magical Quest Game

Review by Stephanie E Phillips

Designed by Robert Harris
Games Workshop 21045
Released, 1983:
Catalog No, 1007
Price. $18.00
Complexity. Beginner
Solitaire Suitability. Now

Talisman is a board game where the player character (PC) is on a quest to secure a magic talisman and reach the Crown of Command. The player moves from square to square or region to region by rolling a die. He has adventures fighting dragons; garnering magic objects; and gaining or losing lives, strength, craft, or gold. The object of the game is to reach the Crown of Command and cast spells on the other players causing them to admit defeat or die.

The cover graphics are interesting but not heart stopping and the board lacks high color graphics. The color is almost antique looking. The best pieces in the game are the character cards. The colors are brighter and the color coding on the edges is very helpful. The lack of color on the board and playing pieces challenges the player to use his imagination.

I found the rules very easy to understand and reference during play. To win the game requires skill, but luck can be a true ally The adventures of the PC are determined by the luck of the draw, and sometimes a life depends on the roll of the die. A skillful player who chooses allies and weapons wisely can balance the element of chance.

The challenge is always new because the adventures change position each time the game is played, and the PC has different allies and weapons. Whether the players sally forth for the adventure or slip cautiously along, they have an equal chance at drawing a dragon or finding the perfect spell. A PC never knows whether he will encounter a ghost or a bag of gold. Of course things get tougher the closer he gets to the Crown Of Command.

I'm not familiar with all the games on the market. Talisman lacks the confusing complexity of some of the games I've tried. It's perfect for the beginner and much easier than Dungeons and Dragons . The more experienced player is sure to find a new twist or two.

Aside from having to reread the rules occasionally, I really enjoyed the game. I can be content to stay in the outer regions and gain knowledge or skill or I can venture into the middle region where I run a greater risk of losing all.

Playing the game was easy I think the age range is fairly accurate. With a game taking only an hour or so to play, a player is free to come and go at his leisure.

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