Trolls in the Pantry (1989) Board Game

Trolls in the Pantry is a board game released in 1989 by Games Workshop Ltd. It is a fantasy game designed for 2 to 4 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. The game falls under the categories of fantasy and memory, with gameplay mechanics that involve memory and roll/spin and move actions.

Game Components of Trolls in the Pantry

Game board

Goblin (Gobbo) tiles

Troll tiles

Squiggly Beast tiles

Heroic Gobbo tiles

Terrible Troll tile

Optional: Silly songs cassette (not essential for gameplay).

How To Setup Trolls in the Pantry

To set up the game, players need to shuffle and deal the tile deck. Each player starts with a set of tiles, and the remaining tiles are placed in a draw pile. The game board is laid out, and players position their tiles according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Matching: Players match the colors on the sides of the tiles to the last card played.

Troll Interactions: Trolls squish Squiggly Beasts, turning them over, until they encounter a Gobbo.

Heroic Gobbo: Players must grab a Heroic Gobbo tile when a Terrible Troll appears to protect their Squiggly Beasts.

Game Objective: The game ends when the deck runs out, and the player with the most un-squelched Squiggly Beasts wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Trolls in the Pantry** involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players need to strategically place their Gobbos to protect their Squiggly Beasts from Trolls. The sudden appearance of a Terrible Troll adds an element of chaos, making the game exciting but also potentially frustrating.

Pros

Colorful and Engaging: The game features colorful tiles and whimsical characters.

Simple to Learn: The mechanics are easy to understand, making it accessible to children.

Interactive: The game involves active participation, especially when dealing with the Terrible Troll.

Cons

Unbalanced Mechanics: The Terrible Troll mechanic can be overly punitive, leading to unfair losses.

Repetitive: The game involves going through the entire deck every time, which can lead to repetitive gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Trolls in the Pantry

**Trolls in the Pantry** is a game best suited for young children due to its simple rules and colorful presentation. However, the unbalanced mechanics, particularly the Terrible Troll, can make the game less enjoyable for older players or those seeking more strategic depth. It is advisable to modify the game by removing the Terrible Troll to enhance the overall player experience.

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