Review of the Magical Quest 5th Edition Board Game

Diving into dungeons in pursuit of treasure and magical artifacts is as inherent to board games as peanut butter is to jelly, and Talisman: The Magical Quest Game has been enchanting players with that blend since it first hit the shelves. Released in 1983 by Games Workshop—now renowned for their Warhammer and Lord of the Rings tabletop titles—Talisman whisked players away to its mystical realms, all leading to the coveted Crown of Command. Fast forward 40 years, and Avalon Hill brings us the fifth edition of Talisman, rekindling the thrill of facing dragons and vying for the crown once again.

This edition lets you and up to five companions choose from an array of 12 characters on your quest for the ultimate prize. Whether you opt for the sly thief, the skillful wizard, or the robust warrior, the gameplay remains comfortingly familiar. You’ll roll the dice to move your token, drawing adventure cards that might summon fearsome beasts, gift you magical items, or send you to a tavern where a dice roll decides your fortune. With each player taking their turn, the cycle continues until someone claims a Talisman relic and braves the Valley of Fire, seizing the Crown of Command by defeating the mighty Elder Dragon.

Even though its mechanics might seem dated compared to contemporary adventure games, Talisman’s simplicity is part of its charm. While the market is brimming with campaign-centric games boasting intricate narratives, like Elden Ring or Divinity: Original Sin, and Avalon Hill’s other reboot, HeroQuest, Talisman offers an accessible entry point for novices. It might not be my top pick for a night with seasoned players, but it’s a delightful option for a more casual gathering or introducing newer players to the joys of tabletop gaming.

Though the choices on your turn may feel modest beside today’s witty adventures, the essence of Talisman is its strategic dance—balancing strengthening your character against the willingness to push forward. It keeps you on your toes, constantly second-guessing your moves. Should you battle another foe for its treasures, or forge ahead, potentially gaining an edge over your peers?

Luck plays a significant role in Talisman, with nearly every outcome hinging on a roll of the dice. While some liken it to “Adventure Monopoly,” Talisman is undeniably more entertaining and faster-paced. The new edition introduces a Fate resource, granting players the ability to reroll dice or alter movement, but it still falls short of fully offsetting the game’s reliance on chance. A few more strategic elements would have been a welcome addition.

Some thoughtful changes in this edition help streamline the gameplay and minimize punitive elements. The infamous Toad transformation now lasts a single turn instead of three, and character death is less severe. Unlike previous editions where death meant losing all your belongings and starting anew, the fifth edition allows you to keep your possessions and restart at the Village for a price.

This softening of consequences makes the game more forgiving, but it also dilutes some tension during confrontations. Thankfully, the rulebook includes “Alternate Rules,” which mark the new adjustments for returning Talisman veterans who crave the original challenge.

While the artwork has been beautifully refreshed, several aspects of Talisman’s design could use modernization. The text on cards and the board is quite tiny, and since it’s oriented outward, players often struggle to read it from different positions. Including a player aid with descriptions of all spaces—a common feature in newer games—would have been helpful. I’ve personally resorted to making my own.

From a colorblind perspective, distinguishing between the slightly different cone sizes for stat tracking can be difficult. Though it’s a signature of Talisman, perhaps unique shapes or more pronounced size differences could have enhanced usability. Hopefully, future upgrades or 3D printing resources from the community can address these issues.

Talisman is known for its expansions, and the first for this edition dares to tread new ground by introducing a co-op mode. The Allies expansion transforms it into a cooperative journey where players tackle trials together, collecting rewards along the way. With packets and boxes to open, the cooperative twist adds depth, prompting strategic collaboration among players.

Although reorganizing cards for the expansion is a minor hassle, it’s easy to reset the game afterward. Despite launching in 2024, Talisman’s Fifth Edition feels like a relic from the past, warts and all. Whether that’s a blessing or a curse is up for debate. While its mechanics might seem antiquated, for some, they represent an enduring tradition. I find myself wishing the game emphasized skill over luck but appreciate the kindness and speed of the new rules. Coupled with the Allies expansion, Talisman remains a wonderful introduction to adventure board games, inviting curiosity with its inviting price.