Dragonslayer (1981) Board Game

Dragonslayer is a board game that was released in in 1981. It is designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and features artwork by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.). The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of dragonslayers seeking to defeat the mighty dragon threatening their kingdom. With a runtime of 120 minutes and recommended for players aged 12 and up, Dragonslayer offers an immersive adventure and exploration experience with a focus on combat and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Dragonslayer

Map of Urland: A 17″ x 22″ map of the fictional land.

Die-cut counters: 100 counters for various game elements.

Battle Display: An 11″ x 17″ display for combat.

Rules sheet: A detailed sheet outlining the game rules.

Quick reference sheet: Includes examples and a quick guide to gameplay.

How To Setup Dragonslayer

To set up the game, each player **selects a magician and an abode** and places two King’s men on the map. The Dragonshield and Ulrich are also placed on the map, and tiles are positioned facedown on the towns and hamlets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Each magician takes their turn in a specific order (Aurric, Merridyds, Old Kyvin, Galen).

Actions: On their turn, a magician can spend up to 3 days moving by land or sea, or by taking tiles. They can also move their two King’s men.

Building Strength: Magicians aim to build up their strength and magical items before challenging the dragon.

Combat: When a magician feels strong enough, they move to the Dragon’s Lair to engage in combat. If they slay the dragon, they win the game. If they lose everyone in their party, they are out of the game. Other results lead to a draw, and the dragon is moved to a new location.

Victory Conditions: The game ends when a magician slays the dragon, with that player being the winner.

Player Experience

**Dragonslayer** is described as a **simple yet imaginative game**. It appeals to fans of the movie and those who enjoy tweaking and fine-tuning game systems. The gameplay involves strategic planning and resource management as players prepare to face the formidable dragon.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game is deeply rooted in the fantasy world of the movie, making it appealing to fans.

Strategic Depth: Players must build their strength and gather magical items, adding a layer of strategy.

Interactive: The game allows for multiple players, enhancing the social aspect of gameplay.

Cons

Complex Rules: Some players find the rules steep and the game punishingly difficult in its original form.

Limited Replayability: The game’s difficulty and punishing nature can limit its replay value for some players.

High Price: The game was noted to be somewhat expensive for what it offers.

Personal Thoughts on Dragonslayer

**Dragonslayer** is ideal for **fans of the 1981 movie** and those who **enjoy strategic fantasy games**. It is not for casual gamers who prefer light, easy gameplay, as it requires some complexity and dedication to master. The game’s appeal lies in its deep thematic integration and the challenge it presents, making it a great choice for gamers who like to immerse themselves in a fantasy world and enjoy a bit of complexity.

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