Benevolent (2022) Board Game

Benevolent is an abstract strategy board game released in 2022 by designer Yuri Zhuravljov and published by Hobby World. The game focuses on area majority/influence and set collection mechanics, providing players with a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Benevolent

Game Board: Representing a magical forest.

Gift Tokens: 5 different types that players need to collect.

Guardian Cards: Associated with the forest’s guardians.

Player Tokens: For tracking player progress.

Rulebook: Instructions for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Benevolent

To set up **Benevolent**, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, which depicts a magical forest. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point on the board. The gift tokens and guardian cards are shuffled and placed in their designated areas on the board. Players then receive any starting items or cards as specified in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Players aim to collect all 5 different gift tokens to win the game.

Mechanics: The game involves token collection, resource management, and strategic movement through the magical forest.

Player Interaction: Players respect the forest’s guardians to obtain the necessary gift tokens.

Turn Structure: Players take turns moving through the forest, interacting with guardians, and collecting tokens.

Player Experience

Playing **Benevolent** immerses players in a whimsical magical forest where they must navigate and interact with various guardians to achieve their goal. The game requires a balance of strategy and respect for the forest’s inhabitants, making each turn engaging and thoughtful.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The magical forest setting is visually appealing and thematic.

Strategic Depth: The game requires thoughtful planning and interaction with guardians.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.

Compact Playtime: Games are relatively short, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Cons

Luck Element: The random distribution of guardian cards and gift tokens can introduce an element of luck.

Simple Gameplay: Some players might find the mechanics too straightforward or easy.

Personal Thoughts on Benevolent

**Benevolent** is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games. It’s perfect for those looking for a game that combines thematic elements with easy-to-understand mechanics. While it may not offer the complexity that hardcore gamers seek, it provides a delightful and engaging experience for its target audience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.