Embarking on quests through treacherous dungeons in pursuit of loot and magical artifacts is as integral to board games as peanut butter is to jelly. When Games Workshop first unveiled Talisman: The Magical Quest Game in 1983, it was a pioneer in making this blend so irresistible. Known today for their Warhammer and Lord of the Rings tabletop games, Games Workshop’s Talisman invited players into a world filled with diverse regions leading to the fabled Crown of Command. Fast forward over four decades, and Avalon Hill breathes new life into this classic with the release of Talisman’s fifth edition. Once again, players have the chance to face off against fearsome dragons and vie for the coveted crown.
In Talisman’s latest iteration, you and up to five other players can pick from a dozen characters, such as a cunning thief, an enigmatic wizard, or a fearsome warrior, each striving to secure the Crown of Command. The gameplay echoes earlier versions: roll the dice, advance to a specific space, and draw an adventure card that might unleash a monster, offer a magic item, or send you to a tavern to let luck decide your fate. This cycle continues until one character secures a Talisman relic, braves the Valley of Fire, and overcomes the mighty Elder Dragon to claim the crown and victory.
While Talisman’s straightforward, perhaps old-fashioned, approach may seem out of step with some adventure board games today, it remains one of its strengths. Modern board games like Elden Ring or Divinity: Original Sin, along with Avalon Hill’s retake on HeroQuest, may offer grand tales and complex mechanics. Yet, for rookie gamers or younger audiences, these can be dauntingly elaborate or pricy. Talisman, on the other hand, stands as a wonderful option for casual play, suitable for a laid-back session with family members or friends who are eager to experiment with board games.
Yes, the turns might feel simple compared to contemporary adventure games. However, Talisman’s true charm lies in the decision-making tug-of-war. Should you enhance your strength, or push ahead at a chance to outpace others? It’s this constant balancing act—gaining enough power to conquer the final dragon while not falling behind—that adds a layer of strategic indecision to each turn. Each choice carries the weight of risk: should you hunt for rewards from the next foe, or make a dash towards the next adventure space?
Talisman’s journey leans heavily on the roll of the dice, with nearly every turn dictated by luck. Some might liken it to an adventurous version of Monopoly, albeit much more fun and streamlined. Movement is decided by dice, with a choice of direction, and the outcomes of spaces rely on more rolls or card draws. Battles, too, depend on rolling the dice. Though the Fate resource in the fifth edition allows rerolls or movement flexibility, it doesn’t fully address the randomness, and adding more strategic elements would have elevated the gameplay.
The fifth edition does introduce some changes to ease gameplay and make it less punishing. Notably, the infamous Toad transformation, once a three-turn hindrance, now lasts just one turn, and character demise no longer means losing all possessions—players now retain their gear and can buy extra lives at the Village. While this makes Talisman friendlier and reduces tension in conflicts, the lingering feeling of peril seems diminished. A clever move was including “Alternate Rules” from past editions in the rulebook, marked for easy navigation for long-time fans.
While the vibrant new artwork is a visual treat, much of Talisman’s design still feels like it could use updates, especially for accessibility. Tiny text on the board and cards can be hard for players to read, no matter their seating position. Descriptions exist in the rulebook, but a more modern player aid would be a great asset—I’ll be making my own to keep handy. The classic stat tracking cones, while iconic, also seem ripe for an update. Differentiating them can be tricky, even up close, and a redesign with distinguishable features might make them more user-friendly. Perhaps a future premium upgrade, community-created 3D prints, or even creative fan solutions could remedy this.
Regarding expansions, Talisman is renowned for them, as seen in our buying guide, and its first addition for this edition brings something brand new—a cooperative mode. Talisman Alliances, available on Amazon, turns the standard game into a light campaign experience, challenging players to collaboratively overcome Trials and carry forward their rewards. This addition features engaging components, nudging the game toward a more strategic angle. We enjoyed strategizing, trading, and confronting the Doom Track’s challenges. Although swapping out cards before play seemed tedious, the Alliances rulebook offers clear reset instructions.
Despite the 2024 release, Talisman Fifth Edition has one foot planted firmly in its history. While some might criticize it as outdated, others will appreciate its nostalgia and the elements that have preserved its legacy. Personally, I wish it offered more strategic depth and relied less on luck but appreciate the new rules that enhance its approachability and tempo. The Alliances expansion serves as a perfect stepping stone into the board game hobby, offering great value at a reasonable price.
