Embarking on a quest through treacherous dungeons in search of magical treasures feels as inseparable from board games as peanut butter is from jelly. The Talisman: The Magical Quest Game series was among the pioneers in forging this addictive combination. Launched in 1983 by Games Workshop, the same company that brought us iconic tabletop games like Warhammer and Lord of the Rings, Talisman introduced players to new realms and the coveted Crown of Command. Fast forward over four decades, and Avalon Hill has now unveiled the fifth edition of Talisman, offering yet another chance to test your courage against dragons in the ultimate race to seize the crown.
In Talisman, you and up to five fellow adventurers choose from a dozen unique characters, such as a quick-fingered thief, a spell-casting wizard, or a brave warrior. Each character embarks on a journey towards claiming the Crown of Command. This edition stays true to its roots: roll the dice, venture to various spaces where you might draw an adventure card, battle a beast, discover a magical item, or stumble into a tavern where fate rolls the dice for you. The gameplay continues in turn, with players vying to possess one of the Talisman relics, brave the fiery valley, defeat the Elder Dragon, and ultimately secure the crown and victory.
Though this adventure board game’s mechanics might seem simple—or even vintage to some—Talisman’s charm lies in its balance between risk and strategy. While there are numerous board games today that boast grander campaigns akin to Elden Ring or Divinity: Original Sin, the straightforwardness of Talisman makes it less daunting and more accessible, especially to newcomers or younger board game enthusiasts. Although it may not be the go-to for seasoned players, it’s an excellent option for a casual game night with friends or family who want to dabble in adventure board games.
Despite its humble mechanics, Talisman thrives on the question of whether to strengthen your character or push forward in the game. This adds a delightful tension to each decision, as players weigh the risks and rewards of their moves. However, luck plays a huge role, with outcomes largely determined by dice rolls. Dubbed the “Adventure Monopoly,” it’s far more engaging and swift than its namesake. The inclusion of a Fate resource in this edition does attempt to counterbalance luck, allowing rerolls and strategic movement, but there’s room for more mechanics that reward strategic thinking.
The latest edition introduces tweaks that enhance the game’s pace while softening some of its harsher elements. Take, for instance, the Toad transformation—it used to hobble players for three turns but now only lasts one. A new approach to character death also improves the experience; instead of losing everything and starting anew, players retain their possessions and relocate to the Village, purchasing extra lives as needed. While this change makes the journey gentler, it somewhat lessens the thrill and stakes of in-game conflicts. Long-time fans will appreciate the rulebook’s inclusion of alternate rules that nod to past editions.
Aesthetically, the fifth edition is adorned with beautiful revamped artwork, but some elements feel frozen in time. Small fonts and board text alignment pose readibility hurdles, and player aids, which are often standard in contemporary games, are notably absent. Meanwhile, the iconic stat tracking cones could use a refresh for better usability. Considerations for colorblind players and distinguishing between cone sizes would enhance the game’s accessibility. While these design quirks don’t detract from the overall experience, modernizing them could lead to even more immersive gameplay.
Expansions have always been integral to Talisman’s allure. With the new Talisman Alliances: Fate Beckons expansion, this iteration introduces a novel cooperative mode—a first for the series. This add-on shifts the base game into a campaign-style adventure, replete with Trials that players tackle together. Offering strategic planning and cooperative trading, it infuses the Talisman experience with a fresh, collective angle. Though the card swapping process before play is a minor hassle, the expansion’s directions are clear, ensuring quick game resets for classic play.
Even with its 2024 release, Talisman Fifth Edition invokes nostalgic sentiments—both positive and critical. Some may see its mechanics as outdated, while others cherish them as the essence of Talisman’s enduring legacy. Personally, I wish for deeper strategic elements but appreciate the edition’s efforts to streamline and soften gameplay. The Alliances expansion also helps position Talisman as a welcoming introduction to adventure board games, made even more attractive by its affordable price point.
