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rating
Ludopedia
6.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you're into classic fantasy wargames for two, with a dash of plunder and subtle strategy, Goblin is an interesting and nostalgic choice!
Highlights
- Classic fantasy wargame
- Deeper strategy than it seems
- Fun and light-hearted
- Available as Print & Play
- Direct two-player confrontation
Keep in mind
- Long game duration
- Rules can be dense
- PnP components require assembly
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Hey board game enthusiasts! How about embarking on a classic fantasy and plunder adventure? Goblin is a two-player wargame that puts you in command of a Goblin King, leading a horde to raid peaceful valleys. The other player, of course, takes on the role of the defenders – farmers and the Baron's troops – desperately trying to contain the invasion. The Goblin King's objective is to amass as much treasure as possible before death in battle or an internal rebellion ends his reign. The defending player, on the other hand, needs to be cunning to protect the villagers and their goods, thwarting the goblins' plans.
Released in 1982, this game from Dwarfstar Games, despite its age, offers surprisingly subtle strategy hidden beneath the guise of a light-hearted, free-wheeling game. Mechanics include dice rolling to determine combat outcomes, hexagon grid movement for tactical positioning, and movement points that add a layer of strategic planning. The Ratio / Combat Results Table adds a special touch, making battles more calculated. Furthermore, variable setup and scenario missions ensure that each game is a fresh challenge. And the best part? There's an authorized and free Print & Play version available, perfect for those who enjoy assembling their own games and diving headfirst into this nostalgia!
Released in 1982, this game from Dwarfstar Games, despite its age, offers surprisingly subtle strategy hidden beneath the guise of a light-hearted, free-wheeling game. Mechanics include dice rolling to determine combat outcomes, hexagon grid movement for tactical positioning, and movement points that add a layer of strategic planning. The Ratio / Combat Results Table adds a special touch, making battles more calculated. Furthermore, variable setup and scenario missions ensure that each game is a fresh challenge. And the best part? There's an authorized and free Print & Play version available, perfect for those who enjoy assembling their own games and diving headfirst into this nostalgia!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
(Web published), Dwarfstar Games, Heritage USA
Designer
Howard Barasch
Artist
David Helber, Tom Maxwell
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
225owners
63wishlist
17want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Goblin?
Goblin is exclusively a two-player game, perfect for tactical duels and direct confrontations.
What is the average game duration?
Prepare for a longer session! A game of Goblin can take about 180 minutes, so around 3 hours. Make sure to set aside enough time.
Is the game very complex?
It has a complexity weight of 2.8/5 on BGG, which indicates it's not a super light game, but also not overly complex. There's a subtle strategy that rewards careful planning.
Do I need to buy the game or can I print it?
The best part is that there's an official 'Print & Play' version available for free! You can download, print, and assemble your own components to play.
What are the main components of the game?
As a 'Print & Play' and classic wargame, you'll need a map (hexagon grid), markers for units (goblins, farmers, troops), dice for combat rolls, and the combat results tables.
Who is Goblin recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of classic wargames, especially those who enjoy the fantasy theme and two-player games. If you like tactical strategy and don't mind the duration, you'll enjoy it!
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