Elfenland (1998) – Board Game Guys

Elfenland

“Elfenland” is a German-style board game designed by Alan R. Moon and published by Amigo Spiele in German and Rio Grande Games in English in 1998. The game is set in the mythical world of elves and was originally based on Moon’s earlier game “Elfenroads,” published by White Wind. Elfenland won the Spiel des Jahres award in 1998.

Why is Elfenland Popular?

Elfenland is a popular game because it combines route planning and hand management mechanics, making it engaging and accessible for players of all ages. The game has subtle strategies and a racing element, which adds excitement and replayability. It also won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award, further increasing its popularity among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Elfenland

Game board

Transportation cards

Transportation tiles

Hazard tiles

Player tokens (boots and town markers)

City cards (for home cities)

Round cards

Player aids

Obstacle tiles

How To Setup Elfenland

To set up Elfenland, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding boot and town markers, placing them in Elvenhold. One town marker is placed in every town on the board. Players also receive a transportation chart and one hazard tile. The transportation tiles are separated, shuffled, and five of them are drawn and placed face up. Travel cards are shuffled and dealt to players, with each player starting with eight cards in the first round. The round cards are placed in the top right corner of the board, indicating the number of rounds to be played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Visit as many towns on the board as possible within four rounds and return to the home city.

Rounds: Each round consists of five phases: Deal Travel Cards, Draw Transportation Tiles, Play Transportation Tiles, Move Your Playing Piece, and Cleanup.

Transportation: Players use transportation cards to move along paths marked by transportation tiles. Different vehicles can travel over different terrains.

Hazard Tiles: Each player has one hazard tile to use during the game, which forces another player to use an extra transportation card.

Route Planning: Players must strategically place tiles and use cards to create efficient routes while trying to hinder their opponents.

Player Experience

Elfenland offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it an engaging game for players who enjoy route planning and hand management. The game requires players to think ahead, planning their routes based on the cards they have been dealt and the tiles available. The subtle strategies and the ability to block opponents add a layer of complexity and interaction, making the game exciting until the last round.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has simple rules, making it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking and planning.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and up.

Award-Winning: Won the Spiel des Jahres in 1998.

Fun Theme: The whimsical theme of elves traveling via various vehicles adds to the game’s charm.

Cons

Luck Element: The game has a significant reliance on luck, which can affect strategy.

Limited Catch-Up Mechanics: Falling behind early in the game can make it difficult to catch up.

Components: While the components were good for the late 1990s, they may not compare to modern standards.

Personal Thoughts on Elfenland

Elfenland is a great choice for those who enjoy light to moderate strategy games and are looking for a fun, family-friendly experience. It is ideal for players who appreciate route planning and hand management mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with minimal luck or more complex strategies. Despite its age, Elfenland remains a charming and engaging game that still offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

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