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Review. The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game / Der Ringträger The Quest Continues
“The Lord of the Rings” is one of the best-known fantasy story of all time. Not only has this story of hairy-footed Hobbits been made into an epic film by Peter Jackson, it has also inspired numerous authors to write an abundance of stories. And now, two more games have been added to the catalog of the
many LOTR-inspired games: Der Ringträger (The Ringbearer), and The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game.
By STEPHAN ZERLIK
journey and introduces all kinds of spe- cial rules. Players get to experience this cooperative Lord of the Rings game in eight scenarios.
Our heroes progress through pages of an actual book, using cards to move. They have to complete several tasks and chal- lenges, which usually involve gathering a number of characters. For example, in the opening chapter Frodo and Sam must first meet Gandalf on a specified space, then meet the ranger, Aragorn, along with Merry and Pippin, at The Pranc- ing Pony inn. The game mechanics involve some card swapping and card playing.
The rewards you obtain for completing challenges carry over into the next chap- ter. But Sauron’s power also increases from one chapter to the next. His power grows thanks to the players’ decisions or failures, and occasionally causes unpleas- ant events.
***
In Der Ringträger, you only play one part of the LOTR story: Frodo’s journey to Mount Doom, where he finally destroys the One Ring. Unfortunately, once you are past the brief introduction, there is nomoreatmosphere-buildingnarration, leaving players alone with a soulless game mechanic. Those familiar with “The Lord of the Rings” will notice that not much effort has been made to include material from the LOTR books. Klaus-Jür- gen Wrede’s new game uses cards to move the standee of the Ringbearer and his Hobbit friends as they endeavor to stay ahead of the evil Nazgul. The jour- ney takes you along an uninspired path that unfolds as the game progresses.
Some of the cards in our hand are turned to face the other players. On your turn, you can play any card whose face you can see, regardless of whose hand it’s in. If a Sauron card is visible, you take it and place it in front of the player des- ignated as the Ringbearer. Beware, the Nazgul aren’t far. Only Gandalf’s special effect “You cannot pass” can stop them.
“I
no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
t’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s
Seeing how both Der Ringträger and the Adventure Book Game have your characters travel across the board, they’ve obviously taken this quote from Bilbo, Frodo Baggins’ foster father to heart.
***
In the Adventure Book Game, where each chapter is independent, you journey through a series of themed adventures. At the heart of this game is the adventure book, itself. It takes you on an exciting
As soon as the
current ring-
bearer has five
or more Sauron cards in front
of him, he succumbs to the power of the ring and immediately starts playing against his fellow players.
***
The Adventure Book Game, however, gets points for its atmosphere. And the plot is presented in such a way that you don’t need to be familiar with Middle Earth, which is where the story is set. Even though the eight scenarios provide variety, don’t expect any great innovation in terms of gameplay. It remains a series of quests, tailored to follow the original story. Nevertheless, the thought and work that the designers have put into the Ad­ venture Book Game have produced a game that you want to see through to the end.
Title: Designers: Illustration:
Publisher: Players: Age: Duration:
Price:
The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game Jason Little, Ryan Miller, Marcus Ross
Vlad Rodriguez, Wigwam Studios Ravensburger 1– 4
about 10+ years about 20 minutes per chapter
about 50 euros
Reviewer
Stephan Zerlik
Udo Bartsch
Playing appeal
6
6
Successful translation of the story into simple game sequences.
Stefan Ducksch 6
Cooperative logic game with an attractive design.
Photos: Becker, Ravensburger, Schmidt Spiele, Zerlik