Legends of Andor is a cooperative board game designed by Michael Menzel and published by KOSMOS in in 2012. The game is set in the fantasy realm of Andor, where players take on the roles of heroes tasked with defending the kingdom from various threats. With its unique blend of adventure, fantasy, fighting, and puzzle elements, Legends of Andor has become a popular choice for tabletop gamers looking for a challenging and immersive experience.
Game Components of Legends of Andor
Game Board: A large, folding board featuring various locations such as a castle, forest, and dwarven mines.Character Figures: Stand-up figures representing different heroes like the dwarf, archer, wizard, and warrior, with the option to choose the character’s gender.Cards: Decks of item cards, fate cards, and event cards.Dice: Generic D6 dice for combat and skill checks.Tokens and Tiles: Strength and willpower trackers, monster spawn tiles, and various other components like the dragon and fort stand-ups.Rulebook: Detailed rules explaining the game mechanics and setup.
How To Setup Legends of Andor
Setting up Legends of Andor involves several steps:
Place the game board in the middle of the playing area.Each player chooses a hero and places their figure on the designated starting space.Shuffle and distribute the necessary card decks (item cards, fate cards, etc.).Set up the monster spawn tiles and event tiles according to the legend being played.Determine the starting items and abilities for each hero.
The setup process is relatively quick, taking about 5 minutes.Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to complete legends, each with unique objectives and challenges.Action System: Players take turns performing actions, with night falling after 7 actions, triggering events and monster movements.Combat Mechanics: Combat involves rolling dice, adding strength, and managing willpower to avoid damage.Item and Ability Management: Players can acquire items and special abilities to aid in their quest.Time Management: The game features a timer mechanic where success in combat and other actions advances the legend’s track, which must be managed carefully to avoid premature defeat.
The objective is to successfully complete each legend by fulfilling its specific goals before the time runs out.Player Experience
Playing Legends of Andor is an immersive experience that blends strategic planning with cooperative teamwork. Each legend presents unique surprises and challenges, introducing new mechanics and concepts as the game progresses. The game requires careful time management and strategic decision-making, as killing monsters can advance the legend’s track and potentially lead to defeat. The emergent gameplay and the sense of exploration, especially with the introduction of new boards and mechanics in later legends, keep players engaged and invested in the story.
Pros
Unique Challenges: Each legend offers distinct surprises and challenges, gradually introducing new concepts and mechanics.Strategic Planning: The game emphasizes strategic decision-making, making each turn a fun challenge.Cooperative: Designed for cooperative play, fostering teamwork and coordination among players.Beautiful Artwork: Stunning artwork and detailed figures enhance the game’s visual appeal.Replayability: The game includes multiple legends and random elements, ensuring a high level of replayability.
Cons
Complex Setup: While the setup time is short, organizing all the components can be challenging.Punitive Combat Mechanics: Killing monsters advances the legend’s track, which can be frustrating and unthematic.Difficulty for New Players: The game requires a learning curve, making it less accessible to new players.Tracker Issues: The strength and willpower trackers can be easy to move out of place.
Personal Thoughts on Legends of Andor
Legends of Andor is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative puzzle games and are willing to invest time in learning its mechanics. It is not a traditional adventure game but rather a strategic puzzle that requires careful planning and teamwork. The game is perfect for those who appreciate the challenge of managing resources and time effectively, and it offers a rich, episodic storyline that unfolds as players progress through the legends. While it may not capture the spirit of adventure games like D&D for everyone, it is a brilliant cooperative puzzle that rewards strategy and coordination.
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