The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party (2020) Board Game

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party is a board game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novel “The Hobbit.” The game was released in 2020 by Weta Workshop, known for their high-quality collectibles and merchandise related to movies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Designed by Jarratt Gray and Ian Luxmoore, with art by Dan Falconer, this game brings the world of Middle-earth to your tabletop.

Game Components of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party

1 x Bag End Playing Board

15 x Character Standees with Stands

21 x Curious/Furious Tokens

1 x Supply Bag

26 x Item Tokens

13 x Dwarf Cards

30 x Party Cards

11 x Bag End Cards

60 x 1-Point Tokens

15 x 2-Point Tokens

4 x Player Boards

1 x Rulebook.

How To Setup The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party

To set up the game, players start by placing the Bag End Playing Board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of character standees and places them on the board. The supply bag is used to hold the item tokens, and each player receives a player board. The curious/furious tokens, dwarf cards, party cards, and Bag End cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players begin with two party cards each and can hold a maximum of three at any time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Action-Based Gameplay: Players move their dwarves around Bag End, performing actions listed on party cards.

Token Management: Players manage curious and furious tokens, which reflect Bilbo’s mood.

Item Collection: Players gather items to match the requirements on party cards.

Song Performance: Players earn points by singing lines from the song “The Things Bilbo Hates.”

Objective:

The game ends when all 15 lines of the song are sung or when Thorin arrives at Bag End.

Players aim to earn the most points by performing actions, collecting items, and managing Bilbo’s mood.

The player with the most points wins, gaining the support of Bilbo and Thorin for future adventures.

Player Experience

Players step into the shoes of the thirteen dwarves, creating a mess at Bag End under the watchful eye of Gandalf. The game is perfect for families, offering a light-hearted and humorous take on a memorable scene from The Hobbit. As players perform actions and sing lines from the song, they must balance Bilbo’s curiosity and fury, ensuring they don’t push him too far. The colorful artwork and engaging mechanics make the game an enjoyable experience, blending mischief and fun with strategic gameplay.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with its light-hearted and humorous tone.

Colorful Artwork: Features vibrant and stylized artwork by Wētā Workshop.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines action-based gameplay with token management and item collection.

Short Playtime: The game lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Fun Theme: Captures the essence of the unexpected party at Bag End from The Hobbit.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, limiting its scalability.

Simple Gameplay: Some players may find the mechanics too light or simple.

Dependent on Theme: Appeal may be limited to fans of The Hobbit or Tolkien’s works.

Personal Thoughts on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party

This game is ideal for fans of The Hobbit and families looking for a fun, easy-to-learn tabletop experience. It captures the whimsical and humorous side of Tolkien’s world, making it a delightful addition to any game collection. The game’s design and mechanics ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience, teaching players the importance of respecting limits and having fun within those boundaries. If you’re looking for a game that combines light-hearted fun with strategic elements, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party is a great choice.

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