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Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a board game released in 2017, based on the popular Betrayal at House on the Hill game. This game takes players to the city of Baldur’s Gate, a bustling metropolis in the Forgotten Realms universe. Players explore the city and its surrounding areas, encountering monsters, traps, and mysteries along the way. The game is known for its unique mechanic where one player may turn traitor mid-game, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

Game Components of Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

  • 12 pre-generated Adventurer cards, each with unique powers and traits
  • 2 levels of tiles: City (Building and Street tiles) and Catacomb tiles
  • Event, Item, and Omen cards
  • Haunt scenarios (50 in total)
  • Dice for resolving conflicts and triggering the Haunt
  • Tokens for tracking various game elements
  • Rulebook and quick-start guide

    How To Setup Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

    To set up the game, players first choose their Adventurers and place them on the Elfsong Tavern tile. Each player is given a randomly numbered player aid to determine the first player. The City and Catacomb tiles are shuffled and placed within reach. Players then draw tiles and explore the city, resolving Events, Items, and Omens as they are drawn. The game transitions into the Haunt phase when the Haunt is triggered by rolling dice equal to the number of revealed Omen cards and getting a result of 6 or more.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Selection:** Players choose from 12 unique Adventurers, each with special abilities like Flurry of Blows, Eldritch Blast, and Magic Missile.
  • Tile Exploration:** Players draw and place tiles to form the city and catacombs, exploring new areas and encountering Events, Items, and Omens.
  • Haunt Trigger:** The Haunt begins when players roll dice equal to the number of revealed Omen cards and achieve a result of 6 or more.
  • Traitor Mechanic:** One player may become the traitor, working against the other players to achieve their own objectives.
  • Objective:** Non-traitor players must cooperate to survive or escape, while the traitor aims to defeat them or achieve specific goals.

    Player Experience

    For fans of the original *Betrayal at House on the Hill*, *Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate* offers a familiar yet fresh experience with its D&D-themed setting. The addition of unique adventurer powers and the refined Haunt trigger mechanism enhance gameplay. Players appreciate the clearer rulebook and smoother mechanics compared to its predecessor. The game maintains the tension and thematic immersion of the original, but with a fantasy twist that appeals to D&D enthusiasts.

    Pros

  • Unique Adventurer Powers:** Each character has distinct abilities that add depth to the game.
  • Improved Mechanics:** The Haunt trigger system and rulebook are more polished.
  • Thematic Immersion:** The D&D setting provides a rich and engaging environment.
  • High Replay Value:** With 50 Haunts, the game offers multiple playthroughs with different outcomes.
  • Fast and Easy to Learn:** The game is straightforward for those familiar with *Betrayal at House on the Hill*.

    Cons

  • Some Powers Seem Underpowered:** A few adventurer abilities may feel less impactful.
  • Lackluster Haunts:** Some Haunt scenarios are less engaging or lack a traitor element.
  • Limited Editing:** Some players note minor issues with editing and consistency in Haunt scenarios.

    Personal Thoughts on Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

    *Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate* is ideal for fans of cooperative games, exploration mechanics, and the D&D universe. It offers a fun and fast-paced experience that is easy to learn, especially for those who have played *Betrayal at House on the Hill*. The game’s nostalgic value for D&D enthusiasts and its refined mechanics make it a solid addition to any board game collection. However, players seeking more complex or balanced Haunt scenarios might find some scenarios lacking. Overall, it’s a great choice for groups looking for a mix of cooperation and traitor mechanics with a rich fantasy setting.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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