Quest (1978) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Quest is a board game that was first released in 1978 by Gametime Games and Heritage Models, Inc. It falls under the fantasy and medieval category and is designed for 2 to 6 players. The game has a runtime of around 45 minutes and involves area movement as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Quest

Map: 22″ x 34″ paper hex grid map

Rulebook: 56-page rulebook

Cards: 40 character cards, 10 item cards, 6 monster cards

Counters: 400 die-cut counters

Dice: Two 6-sided dice

charts and tables: Diplomacy, solar, and personal combat displays

Errata sheet: Dated December 1978.

How To Setup Quest

To set up the game, players first choose between the Army game and the Quest game. In the Quest game, each player selects a character and places it on the map. The number of quests is determined by the number of players, with each questor seeking to fulfill these quests while other players defend the objectives. The game board is laid out with various geographical locations, and players receive their respective character and item cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hex Grid Movement: Characters move on a hex grid map.

Combat: Combat rules include zones of control and a combat results table (CRT).

Magic: Magical spells are integrated into the game.

Quests: Players complete quests to gain victory points.

Game Objective

Questors: Fulfill quests to gain victory points.

Defenders: Defend objectives and gain points by killing questors.

Victory Conditions: Complete quests or eliminate enemy characters to win.

Player Experience

Playing “Swords & Sorcery” can be a fun and humorous experience, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted fantasy settings. The game is known for its ridiculous world, with locations like Evelyn Woods and the Stream of Consciousness. However, it may appear complicated to some players, particularly those familiar with simpler fantasy role-playing games like “Dungeons & Dragons”.

Pros

Humorous Setting: The game’s light-hearted and humorous world adds a fun element.

Complexity: Offers a mix of strategy and problem-solving.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and different character choices provide replay value.

Awards: Finalist for the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Fantasy/Futuristic Board Game of 1978.

Cons

Complexity: May appear too complicated for some players.

Limited Appeal: Did not attract the average D&D player or historical gamers.

Coherence: Some reviewers noted a lack of coherence and restraint in the game design.

Personal Thoughts on Quest

“Swords & Sorcery” is best suited for players who enjoy a blend of traditional wargames and fantasy role-playing elements. It is ideal for those who appreciate a light-hearted, humorous approach to gaming and are willing to navigate the game’s complexity. While it may not be for everyone, it offers a unique gaming experience that stands out from more serious fantasy games.

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