Review of the Magical Quest 5th Edition Board Game

Exploring treacherous dungeons to uncover loot and mystical treasures is as complementary to board games as peanut butter is to chocolate. Among the pioneers of this compelling mix is the Talisman series, initially launched in 1983 by Games Workshop. Back then, this company was primarily known for its Warhammer and Lord of the Rings tabletop war games, and Talisman quickly captivated players by introducing them to a world filled with diverse regions and the coveted Crown of Command. Fast forward more than four decades, the latest in this long-standing series is here: Avalon Hill’s fifth edition of Talisman. Once again, players can test their courage against dragons and see if they have what it takes to seize the crown.

In this quest for the Crown of Command, you and up to five friends can choose from 12 distinct characters, including a swift thief, a spell-casting wizard, and a robust warrior, among others. This new edition retains the game’s classic rhythm: you roll dice, move your character to a space, then draw an adventure card that could unleash a monster, present a magical item, or propel you to a tavern where fate relies on another dice roll. This sequence continues until a competitor possessing one of the legendary Talisman relics passes through the Valley of Fire, vanquishes the formidable Elder Dragon, and claims the Crown of Command for the triumph.

While the rules of Talisman might seem basic or outdated, they are, in fact, part of what makes the game charming. The market today is filled with intricate campaign-style board games that offer epic adventures. Titles like Elden Ring and Divinity: Original Sin, not to mention Avalon Hill’s HeroQuest, stand as more complex evolutions of the Talisman formula. However, for younger players or newcomers, the complexity and cost of these modern games might be daunting. Although I might not pick Talisman for a session with seasoned gaming friends, it’s a perfect choice for a casual game night with my nieces and nephews or less experienced players eager to give something new a try.

Though Talisman might not have the flashy moves of today’s adventure games, it excels in creating an intriguing decision-making dilemma. Do you focus on building up your strength, or push forward in the race? This balance of advancing while avoiding becoming underpowered adds an exciting layer of strategy. Deciding whether to engage with the next enemy for rewards or make a beeline for the crown is a constant challenge.

In Talisman, luck plays a huge role since almost every part hinges on rolling dice. It’s similar to an “Adventure Monopoly” but with a faster pace and more enjoyment. Movement is determined by dice rolls, offering only the decision of whether to move clockwise or counterclockwise. Various outcomes depend on further rolls or random card draws, and even battles revolve around luck. Although the fifth edition introduces a Fate resource, allowing players to reroll dice or move extra spaces, I still wish there were more strategic elements to balance out the randomness.

The latest edition introduces tweaks that make gameplay quicker and less harsh. For example, being transformed into a toad—a classic Talisman challenge that formerly lasted three turns—now only affects you for one. Additionally, character deaths have been toned down. Instead of losing everything and starting fresh with a new character when you die, the fifth edition lets you keep your belongings and return to the Village to buy extra lives.

While these changes make the game kinder, they might also take away some of the intensity and thrill from risky encounters. Wisely, the rulebook includes “Alternate Rules” from prior editions for fans who prefer the classic challenge. Moreover, it marks all the new fifth-edition changes for easy comparison.

The game features refreshed artwork, but many elements are starting to show their age. The text on the board and cards is particularly small, with its outward-facing orientation making it difficult for players to read easily. A player aid summarizing the board spaces, which is common in modern games, would help immensely. The stat tracking cones, a signature of Talisman, could also use an update. Differentiating between the cone sizes is difficult, even when up close, and maybe assorted shapes or textures could enhance clarity. Should there be any future enhancements, maybe fan creations or 3D printing could offer solutions to these issues.

Speaking of expansions, Talisman is well-known for its myriad add-ons, and its first for this edition does something brand-new—introduces a cooperative mode. The Talisman Alliances expansion turns the core game into a lighter campaign experience, featuring five Trials that players must tackle together, earning rewards that carry over to future games.

Unveiling envelopes and boxes, my friends and I found this cooperative twist brought a refreshing strategic layer. It allowed us to plan mission strategies, share resources, and see how the game became progressively tougher. Although the task of swapping cards might be a slight hassle, Alliances makes resetting the game straightforward once you return to the original Talisman setup.

Even though Talisman Fifth Edition might appear dated with its release in 2024, it maintains the essence that’s kept it alive for over 40 years. Some might view its mechanics as relics, while others see them as an appealing nod to a classic past. Personally, I’d prefer it focused less on luck and more on strategy, but I acknowledge the tweaks that make this version friendlier and faster. With its Alliances expansion adding an enticing gateway into the adventurous board game world, Talisman remains an attractive choice, especially given its reasonable price point.