Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Conan - Our first play! - Credit: kitanota
Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  3. Conan - Our first play! - Credit: kitanota
  4. Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 - Credit: W Eric Martin

Conan Review

Played Conan with my pals and, wow, it's a blast! Imagine mixing brains and brawn for epic showdowns. Though, beware, luck isn't much of a factor here. If you love strategy, this game's a gem. Solid 4/5!
  • Gameplay and Strategy
  • Quality of Components and Artwork
  • Balance and Fairness
  • Replay Value
4.3/5Overall Score

Conan game review: Strategy-driven, superb components, balanced gameplay, and great replay value. A thrilling adventure with friends. 4/5 stars.

Specs
  • Number of Players: 2-5
  • Playing Time: 90 minutes
  • Recommended Player Age: 14+
  • Game Type: Adventure / Strategy
  • Core Mechanic: Energy Management & Dice Rolling
  • Theme: Fantasy, based on Conan the Barbarian
  • Designer: Fred Henry
Pros
  • Strategy-driven gameplay
  • Superb components
  • Balanced gameplay
  • High replay value
Cons
  • Setup can be lengthy
  • Might overwhelm new players
  • Limited player scalability
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Overview

Grab your sword and step into the legendary world of Hyboria with ‘Conan‘, a board game that brings Robert E. Howard’s iconic universe to life. This review dives into the mechanics, components, and the unparalleled adventure that Conan offers. Whether you’re battling through dark dungeons or strategizing your next move, Conan promises an epic journey every time you play.

How It Plays

Setting Up

First things first, you gotta get everything out of the box and set it up on your table. You choose your hero – and yes, Conan is an option, but so are his buddies with their own cool skills. Then, you gotta set up the board which is like laying out the map of your epic adventure. Each player gets their character’s stuff – weapons, special items, the works. And don’t forget to get the bad guys on the board; they’re ready to crash your party from the get-go.

Gameplay

Now, onto the fun part. Each turn, you either move, fight, or pull off something sneaky. It’s all about using your brain and your brawn. You’ve got a chunk of energy that you manage to do stuff each turn, think of it as your stamina bar. Use it wisely to smash enemies, sprint across the board, or be a hero and save your pals. The Overlord controls the baddies, setting traps and sending waves of enemies after you. It’s like a chess match, but with swords and sorcery.

Winning the Game

To win, you gotta complete the mission. Each scenario has its own goals – rescue someone, find a treasure, beat the big bad boss. It’s not just about hacking and slashing; you gotta use your head. Work together with your team, plan your moves, and keep an eye on the prize. If the heroes accomplish their mission, they win. But if the Overlord stops them – game over. So, yeah, teamwork makes the dream work in this game.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Conan.

Unlocking the Thrills: Game Mechanics and Playability of Conan

Ever played Conan and felt like you’re right in the mix of an epic adventure? That’s because the mechanics of this game are a blend of strategy and brute force, just like our main man Conan himself. You choose a hero, gather your allies, and dive headfirst into quests. What sets this game apart is how it balances strategy with the unpredictable, thrilling combat sequences. It involves dice, sure, but it’s how you use your brain to outmaneuver your foes that really counts. The overlord system keeps things spicy, making each game a unique battle of wits and will.

Now, let’s wield our swords and march into the next territory: the quality of components and artwork.

Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Conan: A Visual and Tactile Feast

Right out of the gate, Conan hits you with its stunning artwork and top-notch components. From the detailed miniatures to the lavishly illustrated boards, it’s clear that a lot of love and attention went into the design. The character pieces are so vivid, you’ll swear they’re about to jump off the table and embark on an epic quest. And it’s not just the minis; the cards, dice, and even the rulebook are adorned with artwork that perfectly captures the spirit of the Hyborian Age. Handling these components, you feel the weight of the quality; nothing feels cheap or flimsy here. It’s a game that not only draws you into its world visually but also feels good to play, thanks to the quality of its materials.

But a pretty face is not all Conan offers. Curious about how this beauty plays when the swords start swinging? Stay tuned for the next section on Balance and fairness in gameplay.

Conan - Our first play! - Credit: kitanota

Striking a Balance in Conan’s Gameplay

When it comes to Conan, the scale of balance and fairness in gameplay often tips towards strategy over luck. This game stands out because it doesn’t just throw you into a pit of randomness. Each player’s decisions significantly impact the outcome, creating a level playing field that rewards thoughtful planning and tactical prowess. However, it’s not without its challenges. Certain scenarios can feel a bit more daunting for the Conan team, especially when new players are learning the ropes. But once you get the hang of it, the game unfolds as a finely balanced dance of minds. The designers did a solid job ensuring that no one strategy dominates, keeping each playthrough fresh and competitive.

Now, let’s sharpen our swords and explore the realms of replay value and scenarios, where the true spirit of Conan thrives.

Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 - Credit: W Eric Martin

Exploring Replay Value in Conan Board Game

What sets Conan apart from the ocean of board games is its remarkable replay value. Thanks to a diverse array of scenarios and the freedom for players to craft their strategies, no two games ever feel the same. Imagine diving into a rich, barbaric world where every decision you make could lead to a drastically different outcome. The scenarios are well-thought-out, offering a mix of straightforward brawls and complex missions requiring a bit more brainpower.

Never the Same Adventure Twice

The game’s design encourages players to revisit and explore new strategies, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Whether you’re defending a fort, hunting for treasure, or engaging in epic boss battles, Conan promises a new adventure every time you play. This level of replayability is a huge plus, making it a game worth returning to again and again.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Conan for its engaging gameplay and high replay value. It’s a game that keeps on giving.

Conclusion

In wrapping up this review, Conan stands out for its engaging blend of strategy, stellar components, and artwork that transport players right into the Hyborian Age. The game strikes a fine balance where tactical decisions often trump luck, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a bit of brain exercise with their brawn. Add to that the high replay value thanks to a variety of scenarios, and you’ve got a game that’s not just a one-hit wonder but a treasure trove of adventure waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Conan universe or just looking for a compelling board game to dive into with friends, Conan offers a deeply satisfying and immersive experience. It’s a game that we’ve thoroughly enjoyed and one that we believe merits a place on any gamer’s shelf.

4.3/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.