From the creators of Pandemic, this new game brings a unique twist to a classic system. Ghouls replace the disease cubes, and Abominations appear on the map, doing damage to any hero that comes into contact with them.

Combat is resolved by rolling the dice, with fist symbols removing enemies and shields blocking one point of damage. Hero cards can also be played as free actions, adding more strength or attack to a hero's efforts.

Gameplay

Z-Man Games World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King board game features a lot of different mechanisms in a surprisingly compact box. Players battle ghouls and abominations to hold back the plague while completing quests to progress toward Icecrown Citadel. Combat and questing both utilize custom dice to determine the success of an action, and a heros health must be kept in mind so that they dont get overrun by the Scourge.

The hero units - Tirion Fordring, Thrall, Jaina Proudmoore, Varian Wrynn, and Sylvanas Windrunner - all have unique abilities that allow them to better wipe out threats and advance along the quests. The miniatures are also quite nice and evocative of their counterparts in the MMO, and the looming Icecrown Citadel adds to the sense that this is no ordinary board game.

Rules

Players take on the role of legendary heroes as they work together to battle ghouls and abominations, complete quests, and ultimately face off against the Lich King at Icecrown Citadel. The game uses the Pandemic System board game mechanics but includes special hero figures of Varian Wrynn, Highlord Tirion Fordring, Warchief Thrall, Sylvanas Windrunner, and Muradin Bronzebeard, each in their own era-appropriate gear.

Each player has a set of custom dice, used to roll for combat actions (removing enemies) and to progress on the quest tracker. Each time an Epidemic occurs, the Scourge marker moves up the track and spawns more Ghouls or Abominations.

The Quest Sheets contain a number of dungeon spaces which the players will use to progress along the tracker. When a hero makes it to the top of the tracker, they are able to fight the mighty Lich King at Icecrown Citadel.

Mechanics

The game is fast-paced and exciting. Players must keep working on their quests while keeping a weather eye on the ghouls and Abominations. They must also constantly be ready to face the Lich King at Icecrown Citadel.

While on the surface, this game appears to be Pandemic with a World of Warcraft theme, it is much more than that. While the core mechanics of removing invading organisms remain the same, the setting is Northrend, and instead of diseases, its ghouls that invade.

The other major change is that player cards no longer provide actions, but rather empower actions the heroes are already capable of doing. Additionally, each time a Ghoul or Abomination is placed or a Hero Card dealt, the Despair Tracker moves one space forward.

Artwork

From a design perspective, Wrath of the Lich King is an interesting game that does well to integrate elements from the franchise with the Pandemic system. This includes the use of hero cards and new actions that allow players to complete quests, spawn ghouls, activate strongholds, or infect abominations.By visiting the site, an individual can get some knowledge wotlk classic gold.

The game also utilizes a wide range of iconic characters from the World of Warcraft universe and features several beautifully sculpted miniatures that stand out in the collection. Additionally, the game includes a number of special components, such as the ghoul and abomination cubes, and a unique scourge track. Overall, it is a fun and fast-paced game that captures a celebrated part of the World of Warcraft story. It is also one of the few games that incorporates the full experience of the frozen continent of Northrend, a fan-favorite locale that saw the alliance and Horde set aside their enmity to defeat the Lich King.

Design

World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King - A Pandemic System Board Game features familiar mechanics from the acclaimed series. However, it also takes on subtle tweaks to make sure that this latest release doesnt feel like a rehash.

One of the key changes is that players work to contain the spread of the Scourge while completing quests. During their turn, heroes take four actions that include moving, questing, fighting or resting.

As a result, the ebb and flow of the progressing game state is still present, although players must also constantly keep an eye on their health as many of their actions will provoke Ghouls or Abominations into chasing them around the map inflicting damage as they go. The game also includes Hero cards that allow players to add power to attacks, heal wounds or block incoming assaults.