Call to Adventure (2019) Board Game

Call to Adventure is a fantasy card game that was released in 2019 by Asmodee, designed by Johnny O’Neal and Christopher O’Neal. The game is set in a rich fantasy world, where players create their own heroes by completing challenges and shaping their destinies through storytelling and decision-making.

Game Components of Call to Adventure

45 Character cards

91 Story Cards (tarot-sized)

44 Hero and AntiHero Cards

4 player boards (thin cardboard, prone to warping)

24 custom acrylic runes

40 experience tokens

11 Adversary Quests

Full color rulebook

Little red plastic destiny tokens (low quality, hard to pick up).

How To Setup Call to Adventure

To set up the game, players start by selecting their character cards, which define their origin, motivation, and destiny. The game board is organized into three acts, each representing a different stage in the character’s life. Players draw cards from these acts to acquire traits and face challenges. The runes, story cards, and other components are placed within reach, and each player receives a player board and the necessary tokens to begin their journey.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Acquisition: Players acquire cards from three acts to build their character’s story.

Rune Casting: Players use custom acrylic runes instead of dice to face challenges and overcome adversaries.

Trait and Challenge System: Traits are acquired by spending experience points, while challenges offer upgrades based on rune casting success.

Corruption Track: Players can sway between good and evil, affecting available cards and abilities.

Story Icons: Collecting story icons can provide bonus points and thematic connections.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most destiny points by completing card assignments and overcoming challenges.

Player Experience

Playing Call to Adventure is a highly immersive experience, with a focus on creating a unique fantasy life for each character. The game offers minimal player interaction, as each player’s actions primarily affect their own character. However, the competition for cards and end-game scoring adds a layer of excitement. The solo mode is particularly replayable, with various solo bosses to challenge. The artwork is a standout feature, making the game visually appealing and engaging.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple starting cards and varied story cards ensure each playthrough is unique.

Immersive Artwork: Stunning artwork on each card enhances the game’s theme and enjoyment.

Engaging Mechanics: The use of runes instead of dice and the corruption track add depth and strategy.

Modular Design: The game allows for easy addition or removal of modules like villains and allies without disrupting the basic flow.

Cons

Component Quality: Thin player boards prone to warping, and low-quality destiny tokens.

Limited Player Interaction: The game is more about individual character development than direct player competition.

Rule Complexity: The first game may take longer to explain the rules, but subsequent games are quicker once players understand the mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Call to Adventure

Call to Adventure is ideal for players who enjoy character-building and narrative-driven games. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a mix of strategy and storytelling. While it can be played with 2-4 players, the solo mode and 2-player interactions are often the most engaging. This game is perfect for fans of fantasy settings and those who enjoy the journey of building a character’s legacy rather than just focusing on the end result.

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