Avalon: Big Box is an expanded version of the popular social deduction game, The Resistance: Avalon. It was released in 2022 by Indie Boards & Cards and designed by Don Eskridge. The game is set in the world of King Arthur and his knights, where players take on the roles of loyal servants of Arthur or minions of the evil Mordred. With hidden roles and secret identities, players must use deduction and bluffing to determine who is on their team and who is working against them.
Game Components of Avalon: Big Box
Base Game Components: Include the core game elements, such as character cards, quest cards, and loyalty cards.Optional Modules: 23 distinct characters, Lancelots, Excalibur, Plot Cards, Sorcerers, Rogues, Messengers, Lunatic, Brute, Revealer, Cleric, Trickster, and Deceiver.Reference Cards: Ten double-sided reference cards to guide character abilities.Rulebook: A 20-page rulebook detailing the base game and optional extras.Character Tokens: Small round tokens to remind players of characters in the game.
How To Setup Avalon: Big Box
Setting up Avalon: Big Box involves several steps:
Distribute the role cards and loyalty cards according to the number of players.Each player receives a character card and a corresponding token.The remaining character cards are placed face down within reach of all players.The quest cards and plot cards (if using) are shuffled and prepared.Players familiarize themselves with their roles and the rules outlined in the rulebook.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Objective: Players are divided into Good (Loyal Servants of Arthur) and Evil (followers of Mordred). The Good must complete quests to save Arthur’s kingdom, while the Evil aim to sabotage these quests or assassinate Merlin.Mechanics:Voting: Players vote to select team members for each quest.Quest Completion: Team members decide whether to succeed or fail the quest.Character Abilities: Special characters have unique abilities that can influence the game.Plot Cards: Optional cards that introduce additional challenges or benefits.
Player Experience
Avalon: Big Box offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for fans of social deduction games. Players must navigate the complex web of alliances and deceptions, using their characters’ abilities strategically to achieve their goals. The game promotes intense discussions and bluffing, making each playthrough unique.
Pros
Comprehensive Content: Includes all expansions and new artwork.High Customizability: Numerous optional modules and characters for varied gameplay.Quality Components: High-quality artwork and well-designed player aids.Engaging Gameplay: Encourages strategic thinking and social interaction.
Cons
Complexity: Managing the many optional rules and characters can be overwhelming.Cost: The Big Box edition is more expensive than the base game.Cluttered Rulebook: The inclusion of all expansions can make the rulebook dense and difficult to navigate.
Personal Thoughts on Avalon: Big Box
Avalon: Big Box is perfect for those who love deep social deduction games and are willing to invest time in mastering the various characters and modules. It is ideal for experienced players of *The Resistance* or *Avalon* who want the ultimate version of the game. New players may find the sheer amount of content daunting, but the core game is still accessible and enjoyable. The new artwork adds a fresh and darker tone, making the game feel more serious and immersive. If you’re looking for a game that offers nearly limitless gameplay options and high replayability, Avalon: Big Box is the definitive choice.
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