Magic Realms

Overview

In Magic Realms, each player controls one of 16 different characters. Each character has different abilities. Some are mighty fighters while others are expert wielders of magic.

Characters move around the Realms, fighting monsters, find treasures, trading with natives, and generally doing what fantasy heroes(ines) do. They may work alone, or they may cooperate with each other. Characters may even hire non-player natives as companions and helpers.

Needless to say, there is safety in numbers, and characters may augment each others strengths. Spell casters may be weak when alone in combat, but when shielded by fighters, their spells may be deadly.

Victory

Everyone has a different goal in life. Before game start, each player secretly determines what his victory requirements are. It can be the acquisition of a prerequisite number of Fame points, Notoriety points, gold, Great Treasures or Spells.

After a set number of turns (28), players tally their achievements, and a winner is determined.

Features

One great feature of the game is the random generation of the playing board. Before the game starts, players take turns placing hex-tiles to create the playing board. Chits representing the presence of special objects like monsters and treasure locations are then placed randomly on the tiles. This random mechanism ensures that each game is played on a different map, and adds considerably to replay value.

Other Comments

This game requires considerable effort to start playing. The rules are very long, and may take several readings to understand. In particular, the combat rules are considerably more complicated than many fantasy players are used to.

However, much of the game mechanics are rather logical, and after a few games, players should be able to get by without constant references to the rulebook.

This is one of those games that takes considerable effort to learn. But it is also one of those that is immensely rewarding for those who makes that effort.

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