Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a board game that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This game is a spin-off of the popular game Betrayal at House on the Hill, but with a Dungeons and Dragons theme. The game is set in the city of Baldur’s Gate, where players must explore the city and uncover the secrets hidden within.
The game is designed for three to six players and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Players take on the role of adventurers who are exploring the city of Baldur’s Gate. As they explore, they will encounter various creatures and events that will shape the course of the game. Eventually, one player will become the traitor, and the game will turn into a battle between the traitor and the remaining players. The game is full of twists and turns, making it a thrilling experience for all involved.
Game Overview
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a board game published by Avalon Hill and based on the classic Dungeons and Dragons theme of Baldur’s Gate. The game is a reimagining of the original Betrayal at House on the Hill game, with new mechanics and a fresh setting.
The game is designed for 3-6 players and takes around 60 minutes to play. Players take on the role of adventurers exploring the city of Baldur’s Gate, uncovering secrets and battling monsters along the way. The game is split into two phases: the exploration phase and the haunt phase.
During the exploration phase, players move their characters around the board, exploring new rooms and encountering various events and items. Each player has their own unique set of stats and abilities, which can be upgraded as the game progresses.
Once a certain condition is met, the haunt phase begins. This is where the game really shines, as one player is revealed to be a traitor who has been working against the rest of the group all along. The traitor is given a secret objective to complete, while the rest of the players must work together to stop them.
The game features a wide variety of scenarios, each with its own unique haunt and objectives. This means that no two games are ever the same, and players will always be kept on their toes.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a fantastic game that combines the D&D theme with a unique and engaging game play experience. Fans of the original game will love the new setting and mechanics, while newcomers will find it easy to pick up and play.
Game Components
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate comes with a variety of game components that make the game play experience more immersive and engaging. The components include the board and tiles, character cards, omen cards, and miniatures.
Board and Tiles
The game board is made up of 9 tiles that are placed together to form the city of Baldur’s Gate. Each tile represents a different location within the city, such as the sewers or the temple. The tiles are double-sided, with one side representing the daytime and the other side representing the nighttime. The board also includes a track for keeping track of the game’s progress.
Character Cards
The game comes with 12 character cards, each representing a different adventurer. The cards include information about the adventurer’s abilities, stats, and starting items. Players choose a character card at the beginning of the game and use it to navigate the city and complete quests.
Omen Cards
Omen cards are a key component of the game, as they trigger the game’s second phase, the Haunt. The game comes with 45 omen cards, each representing a different event or item that could trigger the Haunt. When an omen card is drawn, the player must roll dice to see if the Haunt is triggered.
Miniatures
The game comes with 42 miniatures, each representing a different monster or adventurer. The miniatures are highly detailed and add a lot of visual interest to the game. The miniatures are used to represent the adventurers and monsters as they move around the city and engage in combat.
Overall, the game components in Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate are well-designed and add a lot to the gameplay experience. The board and tiles are highly detailed and provide a great backdrop for the game. The character cards and omen cards are well-designed and add a lot of variety to the game. Finally, the miniatures are highly detailed and add a lot of visual interest to the game.
Gameplay
In Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, players take on the roles of adventurers exploring the city of Baldur’s Gate. The game is divided into three phases: the Exploration Phase, the Haunt Phase, and the Traitor Phase. Each phase has its own unique mechanics and objectives.
Exploration Phase
During the Exploration Phase, players move their characters through the city, exploring new rooms and encountering various events and items. Players roll dice to determine how far they can move and which actions they can take. Some actions include collecting items, making skill checks, and interacting with other players.
Haunt Phase
Once a certain condition is met, the game enters the Haunt Phase. This is when the traitor is revealed and the game’s objective changes. The traitor is determined randomly, and their identity is kept secret until this point. The traitor receives a special set of rules and objectives, while the other players work together to stop them.
Traitor Phase
During the Traitor Phase, the traitor and the other players take turns making moves and taking actions. The traitor’s objective is to complete their specific goal, while the other players attempt to stop them. This phase can be tense and exciting, as players try to outmaneuver each other and gain the upper hand.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate has a unique and engaging gameplay system that keeps players on their toes. The game’s rules are easy to understand, and the dice rolls add an element of chance that keeps the game unpredictable. Whether you’re a fan of tabletop RPGs or just looking for a fun and challenging game to play with friends, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is definitely worth checking out.
Characters and Abilities
Adventurer Powers
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate features six unique characters, each with their own set of abilities and strengths. Players can choose to play as a Cleric, Paladin, Rogue, Ranger, Warlock, or Wizard, each with their own set of Adventurer Powers. These powers can be used once per game and can provide a significant advantage in certain situations.
The Adventurer Powers are as follows:
- Cleric: The Cleric can heal themselves and their allies with their Adventurer Power, which can be a lifesaver in dire situations.
- Paladin: The Paladin’s Adventurer Power allows them to deal extra damage to undead enemies, making them a valuable asset in battles against the undead.
- Rogue: The Rogue’s Adventurer Power allows them to move quickly through the game board, allowing them to reach their objectives faster.
- Ranger: The Ranger’s Adventurer Power allows them to deal extra damage to monsters, making them a valuable asset in battles against monsters.
- Warlock: The Warlock’s Adventurer Power allows them to summon a powerful demon to fight alongside them, which can be a game-changer in battles.
- Wizard: The Wizard’s Adventurer Power allows them to cast a powerful spell that can damage multiple enemies at once, making them a valuable asset in battles against large groups of enemies.
Companion Abilities
In addition to the Adventurer Powers, players can also acquire Companion Abilities throughout the game. These abilities are granted by the companions that players can encounter throughout the game.
Companion Abilities are as follows:
- Strength: This ability increases the player’s strength, allowing them to deal more damage in combat.
- Constitution: This ability increases the player’s constitution, making them more resistant to damage.
- Intelligence: This ability increases the player’s intelligence, allowing them to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles more easily.
Players can only have one Companion Ability at a time, so they must choose wisely. These abilities can be a significant advantage in the game, so players should try to acquire them whenever possible.
Scenarios and Events
Haunt Scenarios
The haunt scenarios in Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate provide a unique and thrilling experience for players. Each game is different and unpredictable, with a total of 50 different haunt scenarios to choose from. These scenarios are triggered when certain conditions are met, such as when a player reaches a certain room or picks up a specific item. The traitor’s tome, which contains the details of each scenario, is kept secret from the players until the haunt is revealed.
The haunts are well-written and balanced, providing a fair challenge for both the heroes and the traitor. The secrets of survival, which are unique to each scenario, provide valuable information for the players on how to win. The traitor’s tome also contains information on how to play as the traitor, making it easy for new players to learn the rules. Overall, the haunt scenarios add a lot of replayability and excitement to the game.
Event Cards
Event cards are a major component of Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, providing players with a variety of different effects and challenges. There are a total of 100 event cards in the game, each with its own unique artwork and flavor text. These cards can be used to help or hinder the players, depending on the situation.
The event cards are divided into three categories: Omens, Items, and Events. Omens are cards that trigger the haunt scenarios, while items provide the players with useful tools and equipment. Events are cards that can have a variety of different effects, such as forcing players to lose a turn or giving them a temporary boost in stats.
The event cards are well-balanced and add a lot of variety to the game. They can be used strategically to gain an advantage over the other players, or simply played for fun. The artwork and flavor text on each card add to the overall immersion of the game, making it feel like a true adventure in the city of Baldur’s Gate.
Comparison with Original Game
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a standalone game that shares many similarities with its predecessor, Betrayal at House on the Hill. Both games feature a cooperative exploration phase followed by a traitor reveal and a one-versus-many endgame. However, there are several key differences between the two games.
One major difference is the setting. While Betrayal at House on the Hill takes place in a haunted mansion, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is set in the city of Baldur’s Gate, a location familiar to fans of Dungeons & Dragons. The city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique set of tiles, events, and monsters.
Another difference is the way in which the traitor is chosen. In Betrayal at House on the Hill, the traitor is selected randomly when a certain event occurs. In Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, the traitor is chosen based on the player with the highest evil score. This score is determined by the player’s actions throughout the game, such as killing monsters or stealing items.
The expansion for Betrayal at House on the Hill, Widow’s Walk, adds 50 new haunts to the game. Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, on the other hand, does not have an official expansion yet. However, there are many possibilities for future expansions, such as new districts or new monsters.
Overall, while Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate shares many similarities with Betrayal at House on the Hill, it also introduces several new mechanics and features that make it a unique and enjoyable game in its own right.
Replayability and Value
One of the key factors that determine the value of a board game is its replayability. Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate has a high replayability factor due to its unique mechanics and variable scenarios. The game’s replayability is enhanced by the fact that the game board is different each time you play, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
The game also has a lot of replay value due to the fact that the Betrayal haunts and scenarios are randomized. This means that even if you play the game multiple times, you will never experience the same scenario twice. The game also has a lot of variability in terms of the characters and the items that are available to them. This means that each game will be different, making it a great value for the price.
Speaking of the price, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is reasonably priced for the amount of content it provides. The game is available for purchase at a moderate price, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The game’s value is further enhanced by the fact that it comes with a lot of high-quality components, including miniatures, cards, and tiles.
In conclusion, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a great value for the price due to its high replayability and the amount of content it provides. The game’s unique mechanics and variable scenarios make it a great addition to any board game collection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a solid addition to the Betrayal series of games. It retains the same level of excitement and suspense as its predecessors, while adding a new layer of depth with the Dungeons & Dragons theme. The game mechanics are easy to learn, but still provide enough challenge to keep players engaged.
The quality of the components is impressive, with detailed miniatures and sturdy game pieces. The artwork is also well done, capturing the dark and eerie atmosphere of the Baldur’s Gate setting. The game’s replay value is high, with a multitude of different scenarios to play through and a randomized layout each time.
One potential drawback is that the game may not appeal to those who are not fans of the Betrayal series or Dungeons & Dragons. While the game is accessible to newcomers, it does assume a certain level of familiarity with the genre. Additionally, the game can be quite lengthy, with some scenarios taking upwards of two hours to complete.
Overall, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a great choice for fans of the Betrayal series or Dungeons & Dragons. It offers a unique and immersive gaming experience, with plenty of replay value. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy the genre will find a lot to love in this game.