Delving into treacherous dungeons for treasure and magical artifacts is as synonymous with board games as chocolate is with peanut butter. The Talisman: The Magical Quest Game series was among the pioneers in making this a captivating experience. Back in 1983, Games Workshop—now famous for Warhammer and Lord of the Rings tabletop games—launched the first edition of Talisman. It whisked players away to its fantastical regions in pursuit of the Crown of Command. Fast forward more than 40 years, Avalon Hill has unveiled the fifth edition, giving you another opportunity to brave the dragon’s wrath and see if you can lay claim to the elusive crown.
In Talisman, you and up to five companions choose from a roster of 12 colorful characters, like the agile thief, the mystical wizard, or the powerful warrior, all vying for the Crown of Command. This latest edition retains much of the charm of its predecessors: roll the dice, land on a space, and draw an adventure card. Your fate might involve battling a monster, acquiring a magical item, or ending up in a tavern where the dice decide your future. This loop continues until someone secures a Talisman relic, navigates through the Valley of Fire, defeats the Elder Dragon, and claims the crown and victory.
Despite being straightforward—some might even consider it outdated—this style is a strength of Talisman. Nowadays, board games with sprawling campaigns, like Elden Ring or Divinity: Original Sin, are in abundance, not to mention Avalon Hill’s other classic revival, HeroQuest. However, these modern games can be daunting and pricy for younger players or those new to the hobby. While I might not pick Talisman for a session with my veteran gamer friends, it’s perfect for an evening with my nephews or friends who are eager to try something accessible and engaging.
Though Talisman’s actions may seem simple compared to current adventure games, its allure lies in the strategic decision-making it demands. Do you focus on growing stronger or rush ahead? This constant dilemma—balancing the need to be powerful enough for the final showdown against staying competitive—is at the heart of Talisman’s intrigue. When should you risk not facing that next enemy for its rewards, to get a step ahead of others by moving to a new area?
Granted, Talisman heavily leans on luck, with every move and outcome subject to the roll of a die. It has been likened to “Adventure Monopoly,” but it’s quicker and undeniably more enjoyable. From determining movement—choosing between clockwise or counterclockwise—to combat, where dice also reign supreme, the game thrives on chance. This element may not appeal to everyone. The fifth edition introduces a Fate resource to let players re-roll dice or move differently, yet I wish it had offered more to balance luck with strategy.
The latest edition introduces tweaks to make the game faster and more forgiving. A notable change is in the Toad transformation, halving the time players spend in this weakened state. Likewise, character death has been restructured; where once a fallen hero’s entire inventory was lost, it’s now simply retained, allowing players to respawn at the Village and continue their quest with just a new character. This shift eases the experience, though it does lower the stakes and tension of confrontations. Fortunately, the rulebook provides a nod to nostalgia, listing previous rules as “Alternate Rules” so veteran players can still indulge in what they loved from before.
While Talisman’s new artwork is beautifully redone, some aspects of its design still echo a bygone era and could use modern updates for better accessibility. The tiny text on the board and cards poses a challenge, as it all faces outward, leaving everyone squinting from across the table. Including a player aid in the box would have greatly improved usability; it’s something I’ll likely create myself to keep handy. Even the stat-tracking cones, iconic as they are, feel like they could have benefited from a refresh.
From a practical standpoint, distinguishing between the slightly different-sized cones was tricky—especially across the table. While they’re part of the game’s identity, making each stat a distinct shape or texture might have been a wise enhancement. Perhaps future versions or fan-made components might tackle this with better designs or 3D printing solutions.
Speaking of enhancements, Talisman’s expansions are legendary, and the newest edition is no different. The first expansion introduces something novel—a co-op mode in the Talisman Alliances set, creating a campaign experience with five Trials for players to tackle together. With envelopes and boxes to uncover, this mode adds a strategic aspect, encouraging players to plan and collaborate while contending with the escalating Doom Track. Although swapping cards into and out of the main deck can be a hassle, the expansion’s rulebook offers clear instructions for restoring the game to its original setup.
Despite launching in 2024, the Talisman Fifth Edition carries the charm—and shortcomings—of its past. Some might find its mechanics dated, preferring more strategic depth, while others celebrate its longstanding appeal. Personally, I wish for more strategy, but I appreciate the new rules that make the game gentler and speedier. With its reasonable price and innovative expansions, like Alliances, Talisman remains an excellent gateway into the world of adventure board games.
