Inn-Fighting (2007) Board Game

Inn-Fighting is a board game released in 2007 by designer Rob Heinsoo and publisher Hobby Japan. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of characters fighting in a tavern brawl. With its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, Inn-Fighting offers a fun and exciting experience for 3 to 6 players.

Game Components of Inn-Fighting

Rules sheet

6 special six-sided Brawl dice

1 twenty-sided die

52 character cards

Poker chips or tokens for hit points

How To Setup Inn-Fighting

To set up the game, each player is dealt two Action cards and one Adventurer card. Players place their Adventurer card in front of them and review their Action cards. If an Action card is a Bystander, it is placed next to the Adventurer. Players then assign poker chips or tokens to represent the hit points of their Adventurer and any Bystander.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative: Each round starts with a d20 roll to determine initiative.

Brawl Dice Rolls: Players roll the six Brawl dice to determine attacks (punches, chairs, power symbols).

Targeting: Attacks are directed based on the symbols rolled (e.g., punches target the player to the left, chairs target the player to the right).

Damage Calculation: Players roll a d20 and add the number of relevant dice symbols to determine damage. Each character has a Skill value that influences damage.

Defense: Players can roll a defense die if hit to mitigate damage.

Victory Points: Knocking out an Adventurer or Bystander earns victory points.

Luck and Ale Symbols: Accumulating three luck symbols grants an extra Action card; three ale symbols allow healing.

Game Objective: The first player to reach 20 victory points and damage an opponent’s Adventurer on their turn wins.

Player Experience

Inn-Fighting is a fun, yet somewhat chaotic and random game. Players take on the roles of adventurers in a tavern brawl, using dice rolls to determine their actions. The game is quick, lasting about 30 minutes, and involves a significant amount of luck. The whimsical characters and humorous setting make it enjoyable for fantasy fans.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last about 30 minutes.

Humorous Setting: The tavern brawl theme is entertaining and light-hearted.

Easy to Learn: Basic mechanics are simple to grasp.

Replay Value: Multiple characters and random dice rolls offer varied experiences.

Cons

Poor Rules Clarity: The original rules are poorly written, though an FAQ helps.

Imbalance: Some characters are significantly more powerful than others.

Fiddly Mechanics: There is a lot to keep track of, especially for new players.

Luck-Dependent: The game heavily relies on luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Inn-Fighting

Inn-Fighting is ideal for fans of Dungeons & Dragons and light, casual gaming. It’s a great choice for a quick, fun session with friends who enjoy fantasy settings and don’t mind a game with a high luck factor. However, players seeking deep strategy or balance may find this game less appealing. It’s perfect for those looking for a humorous, light-hearted gaming experience.

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