Bridge Troll (2009) Board Game

Bridge Troll is a board game released in 2009 and designed by Ryan Laukat. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, economic, and fantasy. The game is published by Z-Man Games and Pegasus Spiele and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. With a playtime of around 45 minutes, Bridge Troll is best played with 3-6 players.

Game Components of Bridge Troll

Player boulders: Each player starts with six boulders of their color.

Traveler cards: Representing various travelers like fat merchants, pilgrims, poor monks, and royal personages.

Hazard cards: Including knights, bandits, dragons, and Billy Goats Gruff.

Bridge points: Used to track the construction and appeal of each player’s bridge.

Dice: To determine the number of travelers arriving at the bridge each turn.

Trophies: To determine player order and initial bridge points.

How To Setup Bridge Troll

To set up Bridge Troll, each player selects a set of boulders and places them within reach. The traveler cards and hazard cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. Each player receives a trophy based on the number of players, which determines the starting order. The dice are ready for the first roll to determine the initial number of travelers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction/Bidding: Players bid using their boulders to secure travelers.

Hand Management: Players manage their boulders, traveler cards, and hazard cards.

Game Objective: The goal is to build the most impressive troll bridge operation by collecting tolls from travelers, using some as food to sustain yourself, and defending your bridge from hazards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective (Detailed)

Bidding: Players throw boulders to bid for travelers, with the highest bidder getting first pick.

Traveler Management: Players can use travelers for tolls or as food.

Hazard Defense: Players must use their boulders to defend against hazards like knights and Billy Goats Gruff.

Bridge Construction: Players use toll-money and food to build and improve their bridge.

Player Experience

Bridge Troll offers a fun and interactive experience where players balance bidding, resource management, and defense. The game’s artwork and creative elements, such as the various travelers and hazards, add to its appeal. Playing with a full set of players enhances the game’s dynamics and excitement.

Pros

Engaging Artwork: The game features creative and appealing artwork.

Balanced Mechanics: The game requires a balance between bidding, resource management, and defense.

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

High Replayability: The random nature of the traveler cards and hazards ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: The game may have a slight learning curve due to its multiple mechanics.

Luck Factor: The roll of the dice and the draw of traveler cards introduce an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Bridge Troll

Bridge Troll is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy bluffing and strategic resource management. It’s particularly fun with a full set of players, as it creates a lively and competitive atmosphere. While it may not be the best fit for very young children due to its complexity, it is suitable for kids aged 10 and above who can appreciate its strategic depth. Overall, Bridge Troll is a delightful game that combines humor, strategy, and fun, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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