The Goonies (1985) Board Game

The Goonies board game was released in 1985 by Milton Bradley, based on the popular adventure movie of the same name. The game allows players to relive the thrilling adventures of Mikey, Data, Chunk, and the rest of the Goonies gang as they search for One-Eyed Willy’s hidden treasure.

Game Components of The Goonies

Gameboard: Unfolds to reveal the tunnels and challenges of the adventure.

Playing Pieces: Representing Mikey, Chunk, Mouth, Data, and Sloth, with additional pieces for the teenagers in the expansion.

Dice: Various types used for skill checks based on Strength, Dexterity, and Search skills.

Wish Tokens: Styled like coins from the movie, used to upgrade dice or block damage.

GM Screen: Looks like the map from the movie, used by the Goondocks Master to hide the Scenario Book.

Scenario Book: Contains nine scenarios, including three from the original story and six for a sequel.

Cards: GM cards for adding dangers, Peril cards for increasing difficulty, and Teenager cards for one-time use abilities.

Punch Sheets: Containing items, paths, and enemies.

Silver Doubloon and Copper Bones Key: Used to unlock secrets and find the treasure.

How To Setup The Goonies

To set up the game, the Goondocks Master (GM) prepares the board using the secret adventure guide, depending on the scenario being played. The GM sets up the first room, and as players move into new rooms, the GM populates them with items to search, paths, and enemies. Players choose their characters and start with basic goals, such as finding a specific room or item. The gameboard unfolds to reveal the next trials of the adventure as each challenge is completed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Actions: Each character can take two basic actions per turn, including moving, searching, fighting, and scenario-specific actions.

Skill Checks: Players roll dice based on their character’s skills (Strength, Dexterity, Search) to pass various tests.

Wish Tokens: Can be used to upgrade dice or block damage.

GM Role: The GM activates enemies, plays cards to add hazards, and can use Peril cards to increase the game’s difficulty.

Objective: Players must work together to find One-Eyed Willy’s treasure and collect enough “Rich Stuff” before the GM’s timer runs out or the Goonies’ health is depleted.

Player Experience

Players experience a collaborative adventure where they strategize and solve challenges together. The game is designed to be fun and reminiscent of the movie, with mechanics that reflect the characters’ abilities and the need for teamwork. For example, Mikey is excellent at searching, while Sloth excels at fighting. The game encourages players to work together, deciding who should handle obstacles and who should search or move through the next room. The Goondocks Master can adjust the difficulty to keep the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Nostalgia: Perfectly captures the spirit of the 1985 movie.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids aged 10 and up, making it ideal for family game nights.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to understand but still challenging and fun.

Replayability: Nine scenarios in the base game, with additional adventures in the expansion.

Customizable Difficulty: The GM can adjust the game to be as kind or evil as desired.

Cons

Nostalgia Dependency: Some elements and references might be lost on those not familiar with the movie.

Limited Character Progression: Characters do not level up, which might be a drawback for some RPG enthusiasts.

Rule Forgetting: Some players might forget certain rules, such as the use of Wish tokens and Teenager cards.

Personal Thoughts on The Goonies

The Goonies: Never Say Die is a game that is ultimately for fans of the movie and those looking for a family-friendly, cooperative adventure game. It is ideal for families with children aged 10 and up, as well as adults who want to relive their childhood memories. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with engaging gameplay makes it a great addition to any game night. However, it may not be as appealing to those who are not familiar with the movie or prefer more complex RPG mechanics.

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