Review of The Fellowship of The Ring: A Trick-Taking Game

Ever since they first appeared, two things that have captured people’s hearts and never let go are The Lord of the Rings and cooperative card games. Fans of Tolkien’s epic world now have the chance to enjoy both together with The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game, a fresh way to explore the adventurous journey of the first book by working as a team.

Despite the traditional playing card rules used in trick-taking games, this little game ambitiously strives to carry the narrative weight of Tolkien’s storytelling on its sturdy foundations.

The game’s packaging is immediately captivating, with its stained-glass style artwork and a shiny, gilded ring adorning the box. Inside, there are three compartments, each marked with a chapter ribbon. Only one is initially open, containing the cards and counters you’ll need to dive into your first expedition.

The cards themselves are a visual treat, boasting rich artwork that echoes stained-glass imagery. Though it initially seems a bit out of sync with Tolkien’s universe, this style grew on me, offering a unique twist while effectively bringing beloved characters from the novels to life.

The game builds upon classic folk card games like Whist and Bridge, where players must follow the suit played by the first player, with the highest-value card winning. However, instead of traditional suits, these cards feature forests, hills, mountains, and shadows, as well as rings, which become special cards. The standout feature is the single trump card, which is appropriately the one of rings.

This twist on the classic formula has players working together towards shared objectives, tying in thematically with significant moments from Tolkien’s masterpiece. In each chapter, players embody characters from the story, with their own specific goals. Frodo, often a must-have character, seeks to collect ring cards, while others select their characters based on available options, recreating the famed fellowship with supporting characters like Farmer Maggot.

Character goals and abilities hover near the source material in terms of thematic relevance. Gildor the elf, for instance, shows his connection to the forest by having to play a forest card in the final trick. Pippin, humorously labeled the “fool,” must avoid winning too many tricks. However, for iconic figures like Gandalf and Bilbo, the objectives diverge more from their literary roles, focusing on winning certain numbers of tricks.

Initially, playing cooperatively to win specific tricks for certain players might feel unusual, especially if you’re used to competitive trick-taking. Furthermore, communication about the cards in hand is restricted, adding an extra layer of challenge. But with a few rounds, players can piece together strategies, balancing chance and tactics. The ability to choose characters and exchange cards enhances the strategic depth, offering more avenues to success, even when the draw isn’t favorable.

Just as you settle into the game’s rhythm, it introduces fresh rule twists and character aspirations to keep the experience engaging. Across its eighteen chapters, innovative and thematic tweaks enliven mechanics, with elements like the barrow downs’ fog—simulated by removing random cards to create confusion—standing out. Iconic foes like Old Man Willow, Ringwraiths, and the Balrog add further excitement.

Seasoned gamers might notice parallels between this and another cooperative trick-taking favorite, The Crew: Mission Deep Sea. Both offer a collective approach to achieving goals, yet The Fellowship of the Ring holds unique advantages. Its narrative richness and familiarity lend a more engaging progression compared to The Crew’s abstract difficulty scales. The enriched visuals and nuanced gameplay, such as the distinct single trump of the one of rings, offer a compelling alternative.

Surprisingly, the game incorporates a solo mode, which is both effective and entertaining. Managing four characters at once, players initially only receive half the deck, with new cards drawn randomly, mimicking the uncertainty of other players’ hands. Although you might know the cards in play, coordinating character goals across four hands is indeed a thrilling challenge.

In conclusion, fans of The Lord of the Rings and card game enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this innovative blend, which beautifully marries Tolkien’s captivating narrative with the collaborative spirit of trick-taking games.