Willow (1988) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The Willow board game was released in 1988 by Parker Brothers, based on the popular fantasy film of the same name directed by Ron Howard. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of about 20 minutes and is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Willow

Full color game board: Depicts the land of Willow.

144 full color cards: Include various actions, spells, and events.

Six large full color player cards: Represent the main characters from the film.

2 plastic pawns: For player movement.

Cardstock display: For organizing game elements.

Rules booklet: Explains game setup and rules.

2 dice: Used for resolving contests and battles.

How To Setup Willow

To set up the game, each player selects a character from the story, such as Willow, Madmartigan, Sorsha, Kael, Airk Thaughbaer, and Franjean & Rool. The game is divided into Good and Evil sides. The Good side must protect the baby, Elora Danan, while the Evil side must capture her. The player controlling Willow distributes encounter cards, including the Elora Danan card, secretly among the Good players. Each character starts at a specific location on the board, following the setup instructions on their character card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Character Movement: Players move their characters around the board.

Card Play: Use various cards for actions, spells, and events.

Dice Rolls: Resolve contests and battles using six-sided dice with card bonuses.

Stealth and Prowess: Engage in stealth contests and battles based on character abilities.

Game Objective

Good Side: Protect Elora Danan and take her to Tir Asleen, or slay Bavmorda in Nockmaar Castle.

Evil Side: Find and capture Elora Danan, then take her to Nockmaar Castle.

Player Experience

The game offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must work together or against each other, depending on their allegiance. The Good players engage in a game of hide and seek, swapping cards to keep the location of Elora Danan secret, while the Evil players search and try to capture her. The game encourages cooperation among Good players, as they specialize in different skills to overcome challenges. For example, Willow can cast spells to aid in battles, while Madmartigan can engage in combat with his swordsmanship.

Pros

Engaging Storyline: Faithfully follows the plot of the film.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork among Good players.

Variety of Actions: Numerous cards allow for diverse strategies.

Simple yet Deep Mechanics: Easy to learn but offers complexity in gameplay.

Cons

Board Size: Some reviewers find the board a bit small.

Complex Rules: While the base mechanics are simple, the game has many nuances that can be overwhelming for new players.

Balancing Issues: The Evil side has different limitations and advantages, which can sometimes feel unbalanced compared to the Good side.

Personal Thoughts on Willow

This game is perfect for fans of the film and those who enjoy fantasy adventure board games. It is suitable for players who like strategic gameplay with a mix of luck and skill. The game’s cooperative elements make it a great choice for groups of friends or family, while the competitive aspect between Good and Evil sides adds a layer of excitement. However, it may not be ideal for very young players due to the complexity and duration of the game, which typically lasts around two hours.

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