Shadowlord! (1983) Board Game

Shadowlord! is a board game released in 1983, designed by Brad Stock and published by Parker Brothers. It falls under the categories of Exploration, Fantasy, and Science Fiction, offering players an immersive experience in a world of mystery and adventure. With a runtime of 150 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Shadowlord! has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.

Game Components of Shadowlord!

Game Board: Divided into numerous galaxies, including the central “Lost Fortress” where the Shadowlord resides.

Dice: Uses d8s for resolution mechanics.

Character Cards: Features warriors, merchants, and diplomats, each with special abilities and unique illustrations.

Power Cards: Have values of 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10, influencing various game actions.

Special Event Cards: Triggered by dice rolls, these cards introduce random events.

Spaceships: Plastic pieces used for movement and combat.

Power Stone: The central objective, held by the Shadowlord.

Alliance Tokens: Representing the four Element Masters: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

How To Setup Shadowlord!

Setup involves placing the game board, distributing character cards, and initializing the Lost Fortress with the Shadowlord. Each player chooses an Element Master and starts with a set of basic followers. The power cards and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Spaceships are distributed based on the starting galaxies controlled by each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Players aim to wrest the Power Stone from the Shadowlord and hold it long enough to win.

Turn Structure: Roll dice for random events, build spaceships, move characters, recruit allies, and engage in battles.

Character Movement: Move characters to galaxies to find allies or fight opponents.

Combat: Resolve battles using the combat values of characters and the roll of d8s.

Shadowlord Interference: The Shadowlord can move shadows to disrupt players’ progress.

Time Tracker: The game includes a mechanic where the Shadowlord gains power over time, forcing players to act quickly to win.

Player Experience

**Shadowlord** is praised for its blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Players must strategize, recruit followers, and manage resources to outmaneuver the Shadowlord and other players. The game’s artwork and components, especially the character cards and plastic spaceships, are highlighted for their quality and nostalgic appeal.

Pros

Unique Setting: Combines science fiction and fantasy elements in a compelling narrative.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think strategically about resource management, character movement, and combat.

Random Events: Special event cards add unpredictability and excitement.

High-Quality Components: Notable for its well-designed character cards and plastic spaceships.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and random elements ensure different experiences each game.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rules can be somewhat intricate and take time to learn.

Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy, especially with multiple players.

Limited Success: Despite its quality, the game did not sell well during its initial release.

Personal Thoughts on Shadowlord!

**Shadowlord** is ideal for fans of science fiction and fantasy who enjoy strategic board games with a mix of resource management and combat. It appeals to those who appreciate games with deep mechanics and a rich thematic setting. While it may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a gem for hobbyists and enthusiasts of the genre. The game’s nostalgic value and unique components make it a sought-after item for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.