Fantasy Flight Games is bringing the latest J. R. R. Tolkien based design from the gaming machine known as Reiner Knizia. Just in time for Christmas, The Hobbit will hit store shelves this coming December. An interesting aspect of this brand new game – having nothing to do with a previous FFG release of the same name – is that no one player represents Bilbo Baggins; each player is one of Bilbo’s dwarven companions. The object of the game is to be the player that accumulates the most treasure by the end of the adventure. Treasure is won through Adventure Cards, which are drawn when Bilbo enters an Adventure Space. Adventure Cards present players with a challenge that can be overcome by using the game’s custom dice.
From the FFG website:
On his quest to the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo Baggins will need assistance and guidance from his stoic dwarf companions. As one of these dwarves, it is your responsibility to aide Bilbo on his journey and ensure that you recover the treasure that is destined for you.
A brand new design by the prolific Reiner Knizia, The Hobbit features elegant gameplay, combining strategic card play with the unpredictability of dice rolling. The objective of the game is to be the player who accumulates the most treasure by the end of the adventure. Treasure is won through Adventure Cards, which are drawn when Bilbo enters an Adventure Space. Adventure Cards present players with a challenge that can be overcome by using the game’s custom dice.
The Hobbit uses custom six-sided dice to resolve adventure challenges. Once Bilbo reaches an Adventure Space, players begin drawing Adventure Cards and testing their stats using these dice. While your stats can help you achieve the results you want, in the end you will have to trust that fate plays in your favor.
Founder/Editor-in-chief of The Gaming Gang website and host of The Gaming Gang Dispatch and other TGG media, Jeff tackles any and all sorts of games but has a special fondness for strategy, conflict sims, and roleplaying games. Plus, he's certainly never at a loss for an opinion...
