| | | | | | | | | |

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a cooperative board game set in a dark fantasy version of Arthurian legend. Released in 2019 by Awaken Realms, this game takes players on a journey through a haunted and corrupted version of the island of Avalon.

Game Components of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

  • Tarot-sized location cards** to create the game board
  • Character ability cards** and unique character-specific abilities
  • Combat and Diplomacy decks** for each character
  • Menhirs with numbered dials** to track time
  • Event cards** for quests and random events
  • Player boards** to track character stats like reputation, wealth, food, magic, and experience
  • Dice** for random determinations
  • Miniatures**, including Guardians and characters
  • Exploration Journal** with detailed story elements.

    How To Setup Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

    Setting up the game involves several steps. First, players start in their home town of Cuanacht and set up the initial chapter using standard-sized cards that dictate the setup and conditions for progression. The game board is composed of tarot-sized location cards, and players must place the Menhirs on the board, which have numbered dials to track time. Each player chooses a character and sets up their player board to track their stats. The game also includes a tutorial that walks players through the initial setup and basic gameplay mechanics without spoiling the campaign.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Play: Players work together to explore the island of Avalon.
  • Exploration: Players discover new locations through tarot-sized cards.
  • Time Management: Menhirs with numbered dials create an artificial time limit, requiring players to manage time effectively.
  • Combat and Diplomacy: Players use unique card decks for combat and diplomatic interactions.
  • Event Cards: Random events or quests are drawn at the beginning of each day.
  • Character Progression: Players upgrade their skills and decks using experience points.
  • Objective: The goal is to find a cure for the ailing land of Avalon by completing a series of 15 chapters.

    Player Experience

    The game offers a deeply immersive experience, especially for fans of story-driven games. Players navigate through a branching storyline where every decision has significant consequences. The game’s setting, inspired by Arthurian legends and Celtic mythology, is rich and thematic, with detailed descriptions in the Exploration Journal that make players feel like they are part of a choose-your-own-adventure book. However, some players have noted that the game can become grindy, particularly in later stages, and the necessity to keep Menhirs lit can be a chore. Despite this, the initial stages of the game are highly engaging, with challenging encounters and meaningful decisions.

    Pros

  • Immersive Storyline: Deep, branching story with significant player impact.
  • Unique Setting: Blends Arthurian legends and Celtic mythology.
  • High Replayability: No two games play alike due to the branching storyline.
  • Challenging Decisions: Harrowing choices with long-term consequences.
  • Beautiful Artwork: Gorgeous card art and well-designed components.

    Cons

  • Grindy Mechanics: Later stages can become repetitive and less challenging.
  • Time Management: Keeping Menhirs lit can feel like a chore.
  • Complex Setup: Initial setup can be fiddly and time-consuming.
  • Farming Resources: Players may find themselves farming resources extensively in some phases.

    Personal Thoughts on Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

    **Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon** is ideal for players who enjoy deep, story-driven games with high replayability. It is particularly recommended for fans of games like *7th Continent*, as it offers a similar exploration and adventure experience but with a more engaging storyline and card combat system. However, players averse to grinding mechanics or those who prefer more streamlined gameplay might find it less appealing. Despite its challenges, the game provides an unforgettable experience, especially in its early stages, making it a valuable addition to any collection of cooperative adventure games.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *