The Legend of the Wendigo (2017) Board Game

The Legend of the Wendigo is a children’s memory game released in 2017 by Asmodee. Designed by Christian Lemay and illustrated by Nikao, this game is based on the mythical creature known as the Wendigo, a malevolent spirit from Algonquian folklore.

Game Components of The Legend of the Wendigo

32 round Scout tiles

Wendigo player tiles, each with a scout pictured on it

Sand timer

Rulebook

How To Setup The Legend of the Wendigo

To set up the game, one player is chosen to be the Wendigo, while the others form a team of scouts. The 32 Scout tiles are spread out on the table, ensuring they are easily visible and not overlapping. The Wendigo player receives their own set of tiles, shuffles them, and randomly selects one. The scouts turn away and close their eyes as the Wendigo player replaces the matching Scout tile with the Wendigo tile. The scouts then turn back, and a sand timer is flipped, giving them about a minute to memorize the Scout tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases: The game alternates between Night and Day phases.

Night Phase: The Wendigo player removes a Scout tile and replaces it with a Wendigo tile.

Day Phase: The scouts discuss and try to identify the Wendigo tile within the time limit set by the sand timer.

Objective:

Wendigo Player: Win by removing five Scout tiles without the scouts identifying the Wendigo tile.

Scout Players: Win by correctly identifying the Wendigo tile.

Player Experience

The Legend of the Wendigo is a deceptively challenging game of pattern recognition and memory. Initially, it seems straightforward, but the similarity in the Scout tiles and the limited time to memorize them make it quite difficult. The game is more manageable with a larger number of players, as they can divide the area to be memorized, but it becomes nearly impossible for a single scout player to win against the Wendigo.

Pros

Engaging for Young Players: Well-suited for young kids who excel at memory games.

Family-Friendly: Whimsical and fun, making it a great addition to family game nights.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 10-15 minutes.

Good Production Quality: Nice artwork on thick tiles.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game can feel repetitive and lacks complexity.

Difficult for Solo Scouts: Almost impossible for a single scout player to win against the Wendigo.

Dependent on Group Size: The game’s difficulty and enjoyment vary significantly based on the number of players.

Personal Thoughts on The Legend of the Wendigo

This game is ideal for families with young children, as it enhances memory and observation skills in a fun and engaging way. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it is perfect for its intended audience and can be a great introduction to more complex board games. The game’s design and artwork are also commendable, making it a visually appealing addition to any board game collection. However, for experienced gamers looking for more complexity, this might not be the best fit.

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