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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Board Game was released in 2013 by Cryptozoic Entertainment. It is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel “The Hobbit,” as well as the second installment of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation. The game allows players to embark on an adventure through Middle-earth, facing challenges and obstacles inspired by the popular fantasy series.

Game Components of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

  • Four custom dice** and two special gold dice
  • Character tiles** for the dwarves and other party members
  • Special item/help cards**
  • Two game boards** with their own deck of event cards
  • Quest cards** divided into running events and diplomacy/fighting quests
  • Resource tiles**
  • Event cards** that add or upgrade quests

    How To Setup The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    To set up the game, players first prepare the two game boards, each with its own set of quest cards and event cards. The boards are divided into two rows: the top row for running events that must be completed in order, and the bottom row for diplomacy and fighting quests that can be done in any order. Players also shuffle and place the event decks, and each player selects a character card. If playing as an expansion, players can continue with resources saved from the previous game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Dice Rolling: Players roll the four basic dice up to two times to complete quests by matching symbols.
  • Quest Completion: Players must complete at least one quest per turn or lose resources.
  • Character Powers: Character cards provide special abilities like extra rerolls, free dice symbols, and the ability to roll a gold die.
  • Event Cards: These cards add new quests or upgrade existing ones, increasing difficulty.
  • Smaug’s Destruction: On the 4th board, a track monitors Smaug’s destruction of the town, and players can spend resources to push him back.
  • Scoring: Points are scored based on remaining resources and Smaug’s final location on the track.

    Player Experience

    Playing The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an immersive experience that captures the themes of the movie adaptation. The dice-based quest completion system prevents the game from having a definitive optimal solution, keeping gameplay dynamic. Players must strategize and work together to complete quests while managing the looming threat of Smaug’s destruction.

    Pros

  • Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategy.
  • Dynamic Quests: Quests are updated by event cards, keeping the game fresh.
  • Thematic Integration: The game stays true to the Tolkien’s Middle Earth theme.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the random nature of event cards and dice rolls.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Setup and rules can be complex for new players.
  • Scoring System: Using special cards can reduce points, adding a layer of strategy but also complexity.
  • Difficulty: Adding multiple event cards can make the game very challenging.

    Personal Thoughts on The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    This game is ideal for fans of Tolkien’s Middle Earth and cooperative board games. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and dice mechanics. The game’s ability to be played as a standalone or as part of a series adds to its versatility, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best choice for new board game enthusiasts.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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