GloomhavenCephalofair Games: Jaws of The Lion Strategy Boxed Board Game for Ages 14 and up, 2+ players

I got the original Gloomhaven a few years ago, despite being an awesome game, it is hard to learn how to play hard, even the first levels. This is like a leaner version of the game, it has only a few characters but the gameplay is really the same. The first levels are designed so you can learn as you play and also they are designed so you don't fail. After a few scenarios, you get more challenges, but at that point, you already learned the basic strategies of the game. I am playing with my coworkers during lunch and we are having a blast. After we finish this I think we will continue with the original one. For ~40 UDS, I think this is an excellent board game that delivers a lot of gaming hours, a lot of scenarios, and a good selection of enemies and challenges. Just great. 5/5

This is a complete adventure that will keep you busy for a while.Gameplay: It's basically playing an RPG video game but somehow this one manages to immerse you into this fantasy world that you will not even noticed that 3 hours have just passed. You can also buy from Forteller games the fully narrated scenarios which adds an additional level of immersion, I really recommned it. The first scenario took me 3 hours to complete (including setup) since the rules will guide you step by step on what you need to do and there is a lot to read but they introduce a few mechanics at a time so that you get a good grip of the game first. There is a map that you can use to keep track of the game scenario that you are playing and also you can "save" your game by keeping the cards corresponding to the character in a separate bag. There are items in the box that are sealed and can't be opened until you reach certain event in the story which I consider really exciting.Components: All components are of high quality. The miniatures are extremely high detail. The scenarios are beautifully designed.Pros:+ Great Story+ Rules are extremely well done, the rule book will guide you step by step without feeling overwhelmed+ Companion app "Forteller games" which narrates the scenarios with great detail (sold separatedly but completely worth it)+ Attention to detail on every corner, on the miniatures, drawings, character and enemy designs, scenarios, etc.+ Mystery items that are sealed and can't be revealed until reaching an event in the story.Cons:- Takes around 20 mins to set up- Each playthrough will take easily from 1 - 2 hours for 2 players.- (Not fully a 1 player game) For a solo game, you manage 2 characters which adds to difficulty of managing things.- The stickers can't be removed from the map (removable stickers sold separatedly)

Love this game! A fully contained game (also can be used as an expansion) at a price point that is more digestible that the bigger box versions that I imagine stops newcomers from buying. Great game thus far, bravo! My wife and I did watch a play through but the games is set up as a "learn as you play" format which is nice. If only I could get everything back in the box a little easier... it's like a jigsaw puzzle after hours of game time.

This is one of the highest ranked games on BoardGameGeek.com.The game is a slightly simplified version of the full Gloomhaven game.It does a great job simplifying the game in multiple ways.1. You play on the actual book, instead of putting together cardboard map pieces. Also the book includes objects identified on certain spaces. This saves an incredible amount of setup time. It takes so long in the original game to set up all the map pieces, the doors, the rocks, the water hexes, etc. This eliminates all that!2. It actually teaches you how to play the game while you are playing it. You start off with simplified versions of the cards. As you play through the scenarios, you replace the simplified cards in your hand with the actual cards that you will continue with throughout the rest of the game. It is so easy to play through AND learn the game as you are doing it. There are quite a few learning scenarios included. By the time you are through those scenarios, you are ready to play the actual game.This is a MUST for any person interested in D&D or other rpgs. You get to create and level a character, gaining experience and new abilities, acquiring new items and developing strategies to get you and your party through the scenarios. There is normally no permanent death (unless you choose to play that way) - your character just gets "knocked out".An incredible amount of fun! Easily worth the price!