Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game (2015) Board Game

Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game is a two-player abstract strategy game that was released in in 2015. Designed by Jason Vargas and published by Catalyst Game Labs, the game is set in the world of Vikings and focuses on grid movement and tile placement mechanics. With a short runtime of 15-25 minutes, Jarl is suitable for players aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game

19 dark forces in a bag

19 light forces in a bag

Rulebook

Reference Card

Gameboard

Warrior tiles, including Jarl and Freeman tiles

How To Setup Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game

To set up the game, place the gameboard in the center of the table. Each player takes one bag of warrior tiles and removes their Jarl and two Freeman tiles. Players place their Jarl on one of the middle two spaces on their side of the board in the first row, and the two Freeman tiles are placed on adjacent spaces. The tiles must be placed with the starting side face up and the name of the piece facing the owner.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Grid Movement

Tile Placement

Game Objective

Capture the opponent’s Jarl.

Alternatively, win if the opponent is unable to move or place any tiles on their turn.

On each turn, a player can either pull a random tile from their bag and place it on an unoccupied space adjacent to their Jarl, or move one of their warrior tiles using the legal moves printed on the tile and flip it to the other side.

Player Experience

Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game is a strategic game that relies heavily on planning and tactical movement. Players must balance between expanding their presence on the board and protecting their Jarl. The game has a light Vikings theme, but the core appeal lies in its abstract strategy, similar to games like Chess.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a deep strategic experience with various movement profiles for each tile.

Quick Playtime: Games last between 15-25 minutes, making it a great option for a quick strategic session.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game relies somewhat on luck, as drawing the right tiles at the right time can significantly impact the game.

Imbalanced Pieces: Some tiles seem too powerful, which can lead to dominating the board if used correctly.

Defensive Game: It leans more towards a defensive game compared to its counterpart, The Duke.

Personal Thoughts on Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game

Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who enjoy tactical planning. While the Vikings theme is light, the game’s core mechanics make it appealing to players who enjoy games like Chess. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with a strong thematic experience or those who prefer games with minimal luck involved. For players of The Duke, Jarl offers a similar yet slightly different strategic challenge, making it a worthwhile addition to their game collection.

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