Talisman - which expansion should I get?

[barker_s]

I just ordered a combo of Talisman base game + The Reaper expansion. I got a few more bucks to spare and I really like this game (although I only played the digital edition so far), so I thought to myself, why not buy another expansion or two?

So here's the deal - I only have funds to buy two smaller expansions or one big (corner-piece) expansion. I was thinking of getting The City as it gives the players something to do with their money, but those smaller expansions also appeal to me as they add a lot of new adventure cards and spells you can mix with your base game and spice it up (perhaps Blood Moon and Sacred Pool?).

Please Codex, help me make up my mind.

PS: The Dungeon is unfortunately out of the question as it's no longer available in Potato.

 

[Xathrodox86]

The City and The Dragon are cool expansions. Shame about the Dungeon. Did you try Allegro?

 

[barker_s]

@Xa I did. There was only one offer some time ago and it was priced at ~350 PLN. I don't think I want it that much .

In the end I think I'll choose The City, but I'm still thinking about those smaller expansions. Maybe I'll squeeze my wallet some more and buy one of thos alongside TC. Do you have any experience with those?

Edit: I did some searching and it seems that PL version of The Dungeon will be reprinted by the end of April! Now I'm torn between that one and The City.

 

[Xathrodox86]

I only played the core set of Talisman and liked it immensly. I did read tons of reviews of expansions and watched a few vids from gameplays on YT. The Dragon intrigues me the most, as it seems to be extremly cool.

 

[MicoSelva]

@barker_s

I only recommend big expansions (with additional boards) if you regularly play with three or more people. Even then you probably will not be playing with more than one additional board at a time, because that makes the game rather pointless (unless it is a 6+ player all-night marathon). Talisman is heavily focused on PVP in design and allowing players to disperse into separate corners of the world and never actually meet is going against the spirit of the game. (Although I admit to spending dozens of fun hours playing the game like this.)

Dungeon is pretty cool, with the cards a good balance of difficult and rewarding. It should get reprinted by Galakta at some point, so do not overspend on allegro for it.

Highlands is good too, makes the game a bit easier overall.

City, I do not like, because it features some game-breaking cards that are not hard to obtain (for gold), especially if you play with Highlands too (Highlands is a great source for gold).

Woodland is really nice, and expands the Fate mechanic in a good way. It has a good theme and is not game-breaking, I like it a lot.

The Dragon changes the main game quite a lot, for better or worse. Get it only if the standard variant becomes stale for you, but you still are not bored of the game overall.

As for the small expansions:

Reaper is the best, essential I would say. To the point, I would call it 'DLC cut from the main game'.

Frostmarch is ok, but nothing special, makes the game a bit easier, with some weak enemies and such.

Sacred Pool is good, has a good set of additional cards, including Quest Rewards.

I cannot comment on Blood Moon and Firelands. I own these, but have not played with them enough to make an opinon.

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My main advice for Talisman palyers is to start using alternate endings as fast as possible. The standard endgame of rolling 4+ on your turn is very dull and gets old fast. Other endings keep the game fresh with altering goals and actual excitement of discovery (using hidden endings).

 

[luj1]

By far I most enjoyed the Timescape expansion (2nd edition). City and Dungeon were cool too.