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Trials of Tempus Board Game Review: Unique Miniatures, Dynamic Gameplay, and Perfect for D&D Fans

An Encounter with ‘Trials of Tempus’

At D&D in a Castle, I had the pleasure of meeting Thor Knai, the designer of the “Trials of Tempus” board game. It was a delight to experience a playthrough, and I must say, it was a lot of fun.

H3: Game Editions and Miniatures

This engaging board game is available in two versions. You can choose the regular edition with unpainted miniatures or opt for the limited edition boasting fully painted figures. Regardless of the choice, these miniatures are impressively designed. From what I could tell, they are unique sculpts crafted specifically for the game. As a miniature collector, I believe the game is worth acquiring just for these exclusive pieces.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The game allows for a moderator-led play, and we had the honor of Thor guiding us, taking on the role of our personal dungeon master. The essence of the game is competition between two teams of adventurers, each undertaking various quests or tasks for victory points. Depending on the number of players, a session can last 2-3 hours. The minimum setup is a 2 vs. 2, with each player controlling two characters. In our session, all eight characters were in play. Players can determine characters through drafting, random rolls, or any chosen method. In our game, Thor presented several options, and players then chose based on their preferences. Monsters are pre-positioned on the map, but they only become active when players approach them. Our team accumulated points through various means: battling monsters, decoding arcane runes, and targeting the opposing team’s totem. A standout feature is the game’s adaptability; objectives can vary with each playthrough, ensuring a fresh experience every time.

Player Dynamics and Strategy

This dynamic nature, combined with the ever-changing player roster, means it’s highly unlikely to have two identical games. For instance, I doubt I’ll ever replicate the game I played at the castle. As teams accomplish objectives, they earn victory points. Upon reaching seven points, one final round is played, and the team with the most points at its conclusion emerges as the victor. Player versus player combat is an option, but there’s a twist: even if a character perishes, they respawn on their next turn. Thus, every player remains engaged throughout the game. In our session, we experienced some PvP, but no characters were lost.

Balance and Fair Play

The balance within the game is commendable. Each character possesses the same number of hit points, so there’s no tactical advantage in choosing a fighter over a mage. In each game at the Castle, the victory point tally was so close that a single decision or dice roll could have swung the outcome.

Final Thoughts

For those days when not all members of your gaming group can make it or when you’re simply looking for something different, “Trials of Tempus” is an excellent pick. The game’s duration aligns well with standard gaming sessions, allowing for one or two rounds as a worthy substitute for regular games. If you’re interested, check it out on the Wizkids site or find it at your local FLGS.

Thank you for reading. Until next time, stay nerdy!

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