Swordquest (1979) Board Game

Swordquest is a fantasy wargame released in 1979 by Task Force Games. It is designed for 1-3 players, with a runtime of 90 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and up. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of heroes battling for control of a mystical sword.

Game Components of Swordquest

Map: A colorful map of the kingdom of Tirrane.

Sword Counters: Three sword counters, with two being counterfeit.

Paladin Figures: Five paladin figures for each side.

Spell Scrolls: Magical spells found in the cities.

Rule Book: A slim 16-page rule book.

Player Tokens: Tokens for the good, evil, and optional druidic forces.

How To Setup Swordquest

To set up Swordquest, players first lay out the map of Tirrane. Each player chooses a side: the good forces led by Adam the White, the evil forces led by Shaymar, or the optional druidic forces. Players place their paladin figures at their respective starting locations. The sword counters are hidden in various cities, and spell scrolls are distributed. The setup is relatively quick, given the game’s simple rule book.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fantasy, Wargame

Mechanics: Hexagon Grid

Number of Players: 1-3

Playing Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Objective: The objective is to find the genuine Sword of Lumina and return it to your citadel. The good forces aim to destroy the sword in the fires of Sogmoth’s Citadel, while the evil forces seek to possess it. The druidic forces aim to hold the balance of power.

Combat Resolution: Ritualized combat engagement with up to five opponents per side.

Magical Spells: Found on scrolls in the cities, adding a magical element to the game.

Player Experience

Players navigate the kingdom of Tirrane, searching for the lost Sword of Lumina. The game involves strategic movement, combat, and the use of magical spells. The gameplay concentrates around towns and roads, with less emphasis on the wilderness areas. The balance between the good and evil forces is meticulous, though this balance has been criticized for making the sides too similar.

Pros

Simple Setup: Quick and easy to set up with a slim rule book.

Inspiring Theme: Heavily inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, appealing to fantasy enthusiasts.

Magical Elements: Includes magical spells, adding a layer of strategy.

Variety of Forces: Option to play as good, evil, or druidic forces.

Cons

Similar Forces: Both good and evil forces have identical abilities and spells, lacking diversity.

Limited Wilderness Use: Gameplay mostly concentrates around towns and roads.

Rule Issues: Some reviewers found issues with the rules, requiring improvisation during play.

Personal Thoughts on Swordquest

Swordquest is a game that will appeal to those who enjoy simple, Strategic fantasy board games. It is particularly suitable for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and those looking for a game with a nostalgic feel. However, it may not be the best choice for experienced gamers seeking complex and diverse gameplay mechanics. For new gamers or those looking to introduce their children to fantasy board games, Swordquest could be a decent starting point, despite its drawbacks.

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