The Chronicles of Avel, the board game of the year 2022

Another good find by Avel consists precisely in the fact that i monsters they will never annoy the players first: they will just to react to attacks. This solves the age-old problem of the “artificial intelligence” of the opponents (which in the genre of dungeon crawlers is almost always too simple or too complex) and allows players to choose the pace to face the fights, with the only risk of taking it too easy and not having enough resources to defeat the Beast. Also an ko of heroes after a fight he has the only drawback of having to lose precious rounds recovering energy at the starting castle: he certainly doesn’t risk elimination, everyone in the team wins or loses.

The game manual is quite detailed, which can be intimidating for players used to simpler experiences; the best way to learn is to start a game and explain the various actions associated with territories as they are discovered. A few rounds are enough (and a few adults driving) and even i more junior players (ages 8 and up) they will learn the basics. An additional booklet with the history of the setting and even a small bestiary show the love lavished by game designer Wojtkowiak to give a personality to the world of his creation.

Between weaknesses of Avel there is certainly replayability. Already from the first game in 4 players all the lands of Avel will be explored, and the increasing difficulty levels add challenge but not variety. Some elements that would have made their way into the base game, such as boots and additional terro-shooters, are “hidden” in a mini-expansion sold separately. And there’s already a bigger expansion soon to be released, adding new enemies, new equipment, a new final boss and three scenarios that combine to form a campaign. But the decidedly low price of the basic box, compared to the excellent quality of the materials offered, justifies the choice to separate part of the contents.

In conclusion, The Chronicles of Avel is a great adventure board game for the whole familywhose main advantage is that it was made with the enjoyment of the players in mind first of all, even and above all when it comes to components.

Score: 8

Editions Asmodee1-4 players, ages 8+, 60 mins.