Bargain Quest (2017) Board Game

Bargain Quest is a card game designed by Jonathan Ying and released in in 2017. The game allows players to take on the role of shopkeepers in a fantasy world, competing to attract and equip heroes for their adventures. With charming artwork by Victoria Ying, Bargain Quest offers a unique twist on the typical dungeon-crawling genre by focusing on the business side of things.

Game Components of Bargain Quest

Shopkeeper boards

Item cards

Hero cards

Employee cards

Monster cards

Upgrade cards

Adventure cards

Coin tokens

Quest Token

Storage Area

How To Setup Bargain Quest

To set up the game, each player selects a colored shopkeeper board, which, despite different colors, are all identical in layout and abilities. The Item, Heroes, and Employees decks are shuffled and placed within reach. Monster cards are shuffled and stacked by tier, with tier 1 on top and tier 3 at the bottom, face down. The Upgrade cards are set aside, and the small Adventure cards are shuffled and placed face down. Each player receives five coins and one player gets the Quest Token. Players then draft four Item cards, choosing one and passing the rest to the left until all players have four cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft Item cards at the start of each round.

Blind Bidding: Players use a blind bidding mechanic with hearts on Item cards to attract Adventurers.

Shop Management: Players manage their shop by selecting items to display and sell to Adventurers.

Combat: Adventurers equipped by players fight Monsters at the end of each round.

Scoring: Players earn points from the money they earn and the damage their equipped Adventurers inflict on Monsters. The player with the most points after the third Monster is defeated wins the game.

Player Experience

In **Bargain Quest**, players take on the roles of shopkeepers, aiming to sell the most valuable items to Adventurers before they face Monsters. The game is known for its humorous theme, where players must balance attracting Adventurers with the right items and maximizing their earnings. The gameplay involves strategic card drafting and bidding, making it engaging but sometimes leading to stagnation if the same Adventurers are drawn repeatedly.

Pros

Wonderful Artwork: The game features artwork full of personality and humor.

Engaging Theme: The theme of being a shopkeeper in an RPG world is unique and entertaining.

Fun Card Combinations: Drafting items and winning over heroes can lead to powerful and fun combinations.

Gateway Game: It serves as a good gateway game for new players and younger audiences.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: The game can become stagnant if the same heroes are drawn repeatedly.

Limited Variety: Holding onto cards between rounds can lead to repetitive player experiences.

Expansions Issues: Some expansions, like *Sunk Costs*, may feel unnecessary and distracting from the main gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Bargain Quest

**Bargain Quest** is ideal for those who enjoy card drafting and strategic shop management with a humorous twist. It is a great game for new players looking to enter the world of board gaming, especially those familiar with RPG themes. However, players seeking high variability and complex gameplay might find the base game a bit meandering. The game’s expansions can add fresh elements, but they are not without their criticisms. Overall, it is a charming and entertaining game that fills the niche of being an RPG shopkeeper, making it a unique addition to any game collection.

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.