Valley of the Vikings (2019) Board Game

Valley of the Vikings is a board game designed by Wilfried Fort and Marie Fort and published by HABA in in 2019. It is categorized as an action/dexterity game suitable for children, with a playtime of 15-20 minutes and recommended for ages 6 and up. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Valley of the Vikings

Immersive game board

Four 3D Viking ships

24 gold coins

Barrels

Flags

Bat and ball

Player tokens

How To Setup Valley of the Vikings

Setup is straightforward: assemble the board, randomly place the barrels in the four marked locations, and shuffle the flags into their respective holes. Place the player tokens to the left of the dock, and set the bat and ball nearby. Each Viking ship, whether in use or not, receives one coin, with the remainder forming a supply.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Dexterity, knocking over barrels with a bat and ball.

Game Objective: Hit the ball to knock over barrels, forcing players to move towards the end of the pier. If a player falls off, others score coins based on the flags above the space they occupied.

Turn Structure: Hit the ball to knock over at least one barrel. Choose the order of player movement if multiple barrels are knocked over.

Scoring: Coins are awarded based on the flags: coin spaces give coins, another Viking’s flag allows stealing, and your Viking’s flag lets you steal from all other Vikings.

Game End: The game ends when the last coin is taken from the supply, with the player having the most coins winning.

Player Experience

**Valley of the Vikings** offers a thrilling and unpredictable experience, perfect for families and casual gamers. Each turn is filled with tension as players aim to knock over barrels without sending their Viking off the edge. The game encourages strategic thinking, especially in choosing the order of player movements and managing the flags to maximize coin gain.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range (6 to 99).

Quick Games: Typically lasts about 15 minutes.

Interactive: Encourages dexterity and physical interaction.

Strategic Depth: Allows for strategic thinking in player movement and flag management.

Awards: Winner of Kritikerpreis Best Game of 2019.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck due to the dexterity component.

Potential for No Winner: If players are too successful in blocking each other, the game can end with no player having enough coins to win.

Ghost Players: In games with fewer than four players, ghost players (NPCs) can affect the game dynamics.

Personal Thoughts on Valley of the Vikings

**Valley of the Vikings** is ideal for those looking for a light-hearted, fun game that combines physical skill with strategic elements. It’s perfect for family game nights or casual gatherings. While it may not appeal to hardcore strategists due to its luck factor, it offers an entertaining experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players. The game’s short duration and easy setup make it an excellent addition to any game collection.

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