Lord of The Rings (board Game) - Game Play

Game Play

Game play is centered on advancement through series of scenarios corresponding to the adventures of the books. Players turn tiles and play cards in order to move forward, and collect and spend tokens to avoid advancement toward the Dark Lord Sauron. In dire situations, tokens may be spent to call for the assistance of Gandalf, or the One Ring may be used to speed advancement at the cost of moving closer toward Sauron. On the master board there are three locations Bag End, Rivendell, and Lothlórien. The game starts at Bag End and each player becomes a Hobbit; which is done by drawing cards. Each Hobbit has a special ability. Each player is dealt cards that allow them to complete 4 different activities: traveling, hiding, friendship or fighting. One hobbit is initially assigned to be the "ring bearer," but a new hobbit may become the ring bearer after each scenario is completed. The journey through the game calls for jumping back and forth between the main board and the four other boards. Players advance through locations such as Rivendell, Lothlórien, Moria, Helm's Deep, Shelob’s Lair, and Mordor; all while trying to stay away from the dark lord Sauron. Players are eliminated if they are on the same space as Sauron, or are behind him. The gave concludes when the fellowship reaches Mount Doom and destroys the Ring, the ring bearer is eliminated, or if the Fellowship reaches Mount Doom yet all players are eliminated before the ring is destroyed. Players need to cooperate and work together in order to beat this game. Players must have strategy and a little luck. Knowledge of The Lord of the Rings plot isn’t needed to play the game, yet might help in some situations.