Tales of the Northlands: The Sagas of Noggin the Nog

A-Muse-Ment · Board game · 2018
8.8 Ludopedia 7.4 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 120–150 min Weight 3.7/5
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8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a good story and love cooperative games with a touch of strategy and management, Tales of the Northlands is a treat! It transports you to a medieval fantasy world with enchanting art, where your decisions truly matter for the fate of Prince Noggin. It's an immersive experience that blends the nostalgia of the original series with modern board game mechanics.

Highlights
  • Engaging cooperative experience
  • Original and nostalgic art
  • Rich and immersive narrative
  • Multiple difficulty levels
  • Well-integrated mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Playtime can be long
  • Initial learning curve
  • Text dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In the chilly Northlands, where the Black Rocks stand guard against the sea, men gather around their fires to tell the Sagas of Noggin the Nog. In this cooperative game, you take on the role of the noble Lords of the North, whose goal is to help Prince Noggin protect his crown from the wicked schemes of his uncle, Nogbad the Bad. The adventure unfolds on a beautifully illustrated map by Peter Firmin, where your actions are crucial. Using action points and worker placement, you'll need to manage resources and make strategic decisions to complete the adventures revealed by the saga cards each season.

An innovative rondel acts as the game clock, determining turn order and the passage of seasons, adding an interesting layer of variable phase order. Every choice impacts Noggin's popularity: success and wisdom increase his prestige, while poor decisions or slowness can sway public opinion towards Nogbad. The game ends when Noggin secures the crown or, sadly, if Nogbad manages to seize the throne first.

With three difficulty levels – solo, family (with simplified rules), and for experienced gamers (with deeper strategic options) – the game is accessible to different audiences. It features all the beloved characters from the TV series, such as Queen Nooka, Thor Nogson, Graculus, and Olaf the inventor, all based on the original works of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. Additionally, it boasts over fifty new illustrations by Peter Firmin, ensuring an incredible visual immersion in this medieval fantasy world.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (City Scale) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter
Publisher A-Muse-Ment
Designer Nick Case
Artist Peter Firmin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

565owners
313wishlist
100want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
Who is Tales of the Northlands: The Sagas of Noggin the Nog for?
This game is perfect for fans of fantasy and adventure stories, especially those who enjoy cooperative games. With its multiple difficulty levels, it appeals to both families looking for a lighter experience and experienced gamers who want a deeper strategic challenge.
What is the average playtime?
A game of Tales of the Northlands typically lasts between 120 and 150 minutes. Be prepared for a longer, more immersive gaming session!
How many players can participate?
The game can be played by 1 to 4 players, making it versatile for different groups, including an excellent option for those who enjoy solo play.
What is the game's complexity level?
With a BGG weight of 3.7143/5, it's considered a medium to high complexity game. However, it features a family version with simplified rules, making it more accessible to beginners, and a 'gamer' version for the more hardcore.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes! The game is fully licensed and features original artwork by Peter Firmin, plus over fifty new illustrations commissioned specifically for the game, ensuring a rich visual experience and high-quality components.
Is it necessary to know the TV series or books to play?
It's not strictly necessary, but knowing the series or books will certainly enrich the experience, as the game is deeply based on its narrative and characters. It serves as a beautiful homage and expansion of that universe.
What are the main game mechanics?
Core mechanics include Action Points, Cooperative Game, Set Collection, Tile Placement, Variable Phase Order, and Worker Placement, which combine to create a strategic and narrative experience.

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