A childhood treasure returns! Journey back into the magical world of Talisman as I unbox my old 1980s boardgame — rediscovering the art, expansions, and adventure.
Played this game to DEATH as a kid. Gary Chalk's artwork is sublime! I remember gazing into board while waiting for my turn. The way Chalk drew everything as though you're looking into horizon rather than top-down made it feel like you were part of that world. Wonderful.
I'm with you, Alec! I hadn't put that gameboard art non-top-down perspective into words before, but you're absolutely correct. Beyond that, there is just so much going on that it feels like there is always more to discover on that board.
Have you played any of the newer versions? If so, what do you think compared to the originals?
I'll be honest, despite loving it as a kid, I don't think it's a great game. The players don't have much agency and everything is down to the luck of the die. (I think we ended up making a house-rule that the players' movement roll was a maximum number of spaces they could move, rather than what they HAD to move.) I've played the second-to-latest version and - whether this is nostalgia speaking, though I don't think it is - I realised how much the Gary Chalk artwork added SOOOOO much.
Talisman always looked fun, with this edition's artwork looking incredible, but was I never had a chance to play. Definitely will need to check out the sale on the new edition.
Let me know if you wind up picking up a newer edition and what you think of it, Eric. I'm on the fence about trying it out, but I just don't have space for more stuff!
Right on, Heavy Cavalry. I didn't delve too deeply (wouldn't want to wake any Balrogs), but I think I saw that the 1st edition was the same artwork, but only black and white. They had another artist color those illos for the 2e. I usually love b/w, but have to say the colorist did a fantastic job and I probably wouldn't like 1e as much.
Thanks GMaia! I was tempted to purchase the 5e edition the other day (big sales), but put it off for now. It still may tempt me over the next few weeks though.
I dearly loved the original Talisman, and I'm very sad to hear that you never experienced Timescape and the City, two of my favorite expansions! I have Talisman 4th edition now (in fact I helped playtest 'The Cataclysm' expansion), so I really have no use for my copies anymore. If you want, I would be willing to send you Timescape and The City for you to enjoy?
Wow, Adam, that is so kind of you! I would love to get a hold of those 2 modules if you're still willing to part with them. Hit me up in email and we'll figure it out and I'll pay for the shipping.
BTW - that is so cool you got to playtest The Cataclysm expansion! Do you think you're going to get the 5th edition Talisman, too, or is that version pretty similar to 4e?
I love this! I got really into 3rd edition, I had every expansion. I bought the timescape expansion and realized it was 1st edition to my (then) dismay. Now I wish I still had it.
I playtested several of the 4th edition expansions. My name’s in the Rulebook! And I have fun copies that have a “BETA” watermark on everything.
I’ve loved the digital edition, as well. I’m only 3 achievements away from 100%.
Played this game to DEATH as a kid. Gary Chalk's artwork is sublime! I remember gazing into board while waiting for my turn. The way Chalk drew everything as though you're looking into horizon rather than top-down made it feel like you were part of that world. Wonderful.
I'm with you, Alec! I hadn't put that gameboard art non-top-down perspective into words before, but you're absolutely correct. Beyond that, there is just so much going on that it feels like there is always more to discover on that board.
Have you played any of the newer versions? If so, what do you think compared to the originals?
I'll be honest, despite loving it as a kid, I don't think it's a great game. The players don't have much agency and everything is down to the luck of the die. (I think we ended up making a house-rule that the players' movement roll was a maximum number of spaces they could move, rather than what they HAD to move.) I've played the second-to-latest version and - whether this is nostalgia speaking, though I don't think it is - I realised how much the Gary Chalk artwork added SOOOOO much.
Fair enough - thanks for sharing, Alec!
Talisman always looked fun, with this edition's artwork looking incredible, but was I never had a chance to play. Definitely will need to check out the sale on the new edition.
Let me know if you wind up picking up a newer edition and what you think of it, Eric. I'm on the fence about trying it out, but I just don't have space for more stuff!
Will do!
Talisman was after my time , but the artwork looks fabulous
Right on, Heavy Cavalry. I didn't delve too deeply (wouldn't want to wake any Balrogs), but I think I saw that the 1st edition was the same artwork, but only black and white. They had another artist color those illos for the 2e. I usually love b/w, but have to say the colorist did a fantastic job and I probably wouldn't like 1e as much.
I played at the 5th edition, it is nice and faster... however my heart belongs to the first two editions!
May the fun be always at your table!
Thanks GMaia! I was tempted to purchase the 5e edition the other day (big sales), but put it off for now. It still may tempt me over the next few weeks though.
I dearly loved the original Talisman, and I'm very sad to hear that you never experienced Timescape and the City, two of my favorite expansions! I have Talisman 4th edition now (in fact I helped playtest 'The Cataclysm' expansion), so I really have no use for my copies anymore. If you want, I would be willing to send you Timescape and The City for you to enjoy?
Wow, Adam, that is so kind of you! I would love to get a hold of those 2 modules if you're still willing to part with them. Hit me up in email and we'll figure it out and I'll pay for the shipping.
BTW - that is so cool you got to playtest The Cataclysm expansion! Do you think you're going to get the 5th edition Talisman, too, or is that version pretty similar to 4e?
I emailed you and you never emailed me back.
Oh, so sorry, Adam! I'm off from work over the next week and will find your email to get back with you. Thank you so much!!!
I love this! I got really into 3rd edition, I had every expansion. I bought the timescape expansion and realized it was 1st edition to my (then) dismay. Now I wish I still had it.
I playtested several of the 4th edition expansions. My name’s in the Rulebook! And I have fun copies that have a “BETA” watermark on everything.
I’ve loved the digital edition, as well. I’m only 3 achievements away from 100%.
Nice, Ian! Your name in the 4e rulebook and having pre-production pieces is pretty darn cool.
I didn't realize there was a digital edition. I'll have to check that out. (The world won't end if you achieve 100% will it? 😁)