Kingdom Run (2018) Board Game

Kingdom Run is a board game released in 2018 designed by Eric Claverie and published by Ankama. The game is designed for 2-4 players with a playtime of 15-25 minutes, suitable for players aged 7 and above. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Children’s Game, Dice, Fantasy, and Racing, featuring action queue, dice rolling, and a modular board as its main gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Kingdom Run

5 game boards

12 victory tokens

16 runner tokens

5 score tokens

4 dice

1 rulebook

How To Setup Kingdom Run

To set up Kingdom Run, each player selects a clan (knights, sorcerers, people of the forest, or gnomes and goblins) and places their four runner tokens on the starting line of the modular board. The game boards are assembled to form the racing track, which includes various cells and obstacles like lakes. The victory tokens and score tokens are placed within reach of all players. The rulebook provides a simple and quick guide to get the game started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to get all your runners to the finish line and accumulate the most victory points.

Dice Rolling: Players roll four dice, which can be rerolled once, to determine actions such as moving runners, placing opponents in lakes, stealing victory points, or catching up to other runners.

Action Queue: Players execute their actions based on the dice rolls, which can either advance their own runners or hinder their opponents.

Modular Board: The board changes with each play, adding variety to the game.

Victory Points: Points are awarded based on the order in which runners cross the finish line and any victory tokens collected during the game.

Player Experience

Kingdom Run is designed to be a fun and balanced game suitable for families and casual gamers. The game is easy to learn, with a simple rule set that can be understood by children as young as 7 years old. However, it also offers a layer of strategy, making it engaging for adults as well. The game’s cute fantasy theme and colorful artwork add to its appeal. Games typically last between 15 to 25 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of ages.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of luck and strategy.

Quick Games: Lasts between 15 to 25 minutes, ideal for short gaming sessions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults.

Modular Board: Adds variability to each game.

Cons

Competitive Nature: May not be ideal for families who prefer cooperative games.

Potential for Missing Components: Some users have reported issues with missing game pieces.

Dependence on Dice Rolls: Luck plays a significant role, which might frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on Kingdom Run

Kingdom Run is an excellent choice for families or couples looking for a light-hearted, competitive game that is easy to grasp but still offers some strategic depth. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy racing games with a twist of strategy. The game’s short playtime and colorful theme make it a great addition to any family game collection. However, if you prefer cooperative games or are looking for something with more complex rules, this might not be the best fit.

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