Wizard’s Quest (1979) Board Game

Wizard’s Quest is a classic board game that was released in 1979 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of wizards seeking to control various regions through magical battles and strategic maneuvering.

Game Components of Wizard’s Quest

Foldout map of the island kingdom of Marnon, divided into 36 numbered territories and eight castles

Rulebook

2 six-sided dice (one white, one red)

35 Petition cards

92 Counters (1 Wizard, 1 Dragon, 90 Orcs)

Six armies of 52 plastic tokens in six colors, each including:
– Hero
– Mage
– Three treasures (Crown, Chest, Ring) plus a “fake” treasure
– 40 square-based soldiers (one unit each) and 6 round-based soldiers (five units each)

How To Setup Wizard’s Quest

To set up the game, each player chooses an empty castle. Orcs are placed on empty castles and in some territories. Players then place a soldier on an empty territory, continuing until all spaces are filled. Each player randomly receives three treasures and a fake treasure from other players, which they hide on the board, ensuring they are not in castles or spaces occupied by the owning player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The first player to reclaim all three of their treasures wins the game.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns attacking occupied spaces to search for their treasures.
– A wizard and a dragon randomly appear in different areas each turn, adding variables to the game.
– Players can draw from a deck of incident cards, which can have beneficial or negative effects.
– Bands of orcs roam the board, causing problems for players.

Player Experience

Wizard’s Quest is described as a fun and interactive game, particularly enjoyable with multi-player interaction. The game’s simplicity in rules and the large number of variables ensure that each game is different. Players appreciate the cutthroat or calm nature of the game, which is heavily influenced by the group’s approach. The game has been praised for its components and the excitement it brings, with many reviewers noting it as a “murderous treasure hunt.”

Pros

Simple and easy-to-understand rules

High replayability due to numerous variables

Fun and interactive multi-player experience

Excellent quality components

Cons

Some reviewers found the artwork on the counters to be nondescript

Personal Thoughts on Wizard’s Quest

Wizard’s Quest is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and treasure hunting in a fantasy setting. It is particularly suited for groups of 2 to 6 players and is recommended for those looking for a game that can be both cutthroat and calm, depending on the players’ approach. This game is a great fit for fans of games like *Risk* or *Cosmic Encounter*, offering a unique blend of area control and competitive strategy.

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