The Tale of Ord (2018) Board Game

The Tale of Ord is a board game released in 2018, designed by Rita Orlov and featuring artwork by PostCurious. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Deduction, Fantasy, Murder/Mystery, and Mythology, offering a unique blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving elements.

Game Components of The Tale of Ord

Four packages: Each package contains an assortment of notes, articles, drawings, and strange artifacts.

Physical objects: Includes items like lotto tickets, strange maps, papers with odd dials, business letters, and other mysterious items.

Journal and notebook: Provided for clue hunting and puzzle solving notes.

Internet access: Necessary for solving some puzzles and accessing hints.

Hint system: Includes a website for guidance and answer verification.

Unique components: Such as a remarkably clever puzzle box and handcrafted items.

How To Setup The Tale of Ord

The game arrives in a single shipping box containing four packages. Each package has a guide indicating the order in which they should be completed and instructions on how to proceed. Players start by opening the first package, which includes a journal and various clues to set them off on their investigation. As players progress through each package, they must solve the puzzles within before moving on to the next one.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Puzzle-solving: Players must solve various puzzles and codes to progress.

Narrative-driven: The game’s story unfolds through the puzzles and clues.

Internet integration: Players use the internet to solve certain puzzles and verify answers.

Email interaction: Players email an NPC to progress the game.

Exploration of Norse mythology: Players delve into supernatural forces of Norse mythology.

Objective: Find the missing professors and uncover the secrets of a mysterious relic, potentially changing the course of destiny.

Player Experience

Playing The Tale of Ord is an immersive experience that feels like receiving a top-secret mission. The game is designed to provide a perfect balance of challenge and the rush of victory when puzzles are solved. Players need to keep track of their work and solutions, as they will be referenced later. The game requires a computer for internet access and hint verification, making it a substantial commitment rather than a casual play.

Pros

Brilliant, challenging puzzles: Well-designed and precise puzzle mechanics.

Well-integrated narrative: The story seamlessly flows into the puzzles.

High-quality components: Top-notch, carefully designed props and artifacts.

Hint and answer verification system: Efficient and helpful for stuck players.

Immersive experience: Feels like an epic, mysterious adventure.

Cons

High difficulty: Some puzzles can be very tough to start and may feel tenuous.

Need for daytime play: Certain puzzles require daytime conditions.

Computer necessity: A smartphone is not sufficient; a computer is required.

Initial confusion: Players may struggle with expectations about package self-containment.

Personal Thoughts on The Tale of Ord

The Tale of Ord is ideal for **story seekers** and **puzzle lovers**, especially those with some puzzling experience. It is a significant commitment, requiring about 12-16 hours of gameplay spread across the four packages. The game’s complexity and depth make it a worthy challenge for those who enjoy substantial mysteries. While the cost might be prohibitive at $165 USD, the quality and breadth of the experience make it well worth the investment.

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