Days of Wonder | Small World | Board Game | Ages 8+ | 2-5 Players | 40-80 Minute Playing Time

Fantastic Board Game! I am a lover of board games, but as I have gotten older and the children have grown up, I still like to play the odd board game with my wife after work or on a weekend, such a great way to relax, and friendly competition. I watched all of the you tube videos, and board game geeks reviews before purchasing this one. We are a big fan of Carcassonne Board Game, but found that ( because I had collected quite a few add-ons ) , Carcassonne could last a bit longer than we wanted on an evening, up to and over an hour. Whereas, we purchased this game Small World, because all of the reviews said it was as good as ( play-ability ) as the aforementioned game. We took the plunge, and in all fairness, we can manage two full games now in less than 1 Hour. the enjoyment we get playing this is as much, if not more that we did playing our previous favourite board Game, and with all of the add-ons incorporated into this game, it still lasts approx 30 minutes per round ( sometimes quicker when we do not need to look at the reference sheets as much as we used to ) My honest opinion before playing this was that it looked a little complicated, but that was not so, it only took ourselves one game, approx 45 minutes to grasp all of the rules, and yet, it is not such a simple game to master, and the variance each time we play makes it a game that we will enjoy for many years to come. Whenever we have time for a game, we poinder what we should grab from the games cupboard, and nine times out of ten we choose this. As for now, we have only played a 2 player variation of this fine game ( I also own the online version too) but will look forward to adding one or two more players when friends visit, it does not make for a lohnger game as such, as the turns themselves are decreased, and therefore it is a game that will not bore casual players, and yet the variety of special abilities combos interacting with the many races makes for a fun and differing game each time. Great Game for Youing or Old, Great quality pieces ( hard card ) and the multiple boards included will help to make an enjoyable game no m,atter how many people you have at the table. The box itself has ample space for the components, but if you do wish to add-on to it later with one of the available expansions, i must suggest that the first one you buy is " be Not Afraid " as this includes a special tray to store your new counters. the original game here, comes also with a standard counters tray which is more than ample to keep your game running smoothly and stoip things getting mixed up. the rules booklet is large and easy to read, and more importantly very easy to follow, it does take a little bit of thought as to how some of the special abilities works, but once you have got the grasp of the game mechanics it all fits in place easily. Thoroughly recommend this to anyone, Well deserved of the high accolades it has achieved in board gaming circles.

Smallworld is easy to learn and easy to play. We played straight from the box. The rules are straightforward and well presented, the pieces are good quality. The first game lasted about an hour as we refered to the rules every turn. There is a rule sheet for each player - which describes turn order and the effects of each of the races and powers. There is no fighting over one lone copy. You can play with two to five players. There are different boards/maps depending on the number of players - I like this, it means you always run out of space, that the world is always small. We have played it as a two player game, it is still fun, but it is better with more people. The game mechanics ensure that each game you have a wide variety of armies to choose from, and that these choices are different each time you play. This means you need different strategies from game to game, and sometimes from turn to turn, as you trade in one army for another. This keeps the game fresh. Part of the appeal is waiting to see what combinations of races and powers appear. Player scores are determined at the end of their own turn - there isn't the anxiety you find in Risk of only scoring what you hold onto. Turns are quick and combat is quick and uncomplicated. The board and pieces are really well made and are a pleasure to use. It feels like a quality product. I play with family and the game is suitable for all ages - from 9 to 70+.

This is easily one of the most simplistic but enjoyable strategy games you can play that won't blow people away with complexity. The basic premise is to use your race tokens to conquer and occupy territories on the game board by pushing other players out or taking empty regions. Each territory you own at the end of your turn scores you gold. Each race however only has a limited number of tokens and therefore limited conquering potential on the board. At different points in the game you then want to abandon your current expired race and bring a in a new race to allow you greater coverage. Where the game really shines is through the variety of different races available and the special powers they can have attached with them. With so many races and powers, the number of possible combinations is pretty high. This makes the game very replayable since each race and power interacts with the game in different ways and the game can suddenly shift depending on what race has suddenly joined the fray. This makes 2 player matches intense and competitive while larger games are more diverse. In terms of style and visuals, the game is really beautiful and each race has its own creative and amusing persona that just makes it a visual treat. Its very easy to pick up and learn and new players often pick up the game very fast. I've introduced the game to a lot of gamers and non-gamers a like and all have begged me for a replay if not bought it themselves. The one downside to this game is that the game board is set and unchanged meaning that it can get tiresome and predictable after a lot of games. Its worth getting the 'realms' expansion to make custom board if you really enjoy the mechanics. The other (minor) annoyance is the provision of storage in the box makes the game a hassle to set up and put away.

We are an 8 year old and two adults. All three of us have won. The game has 10 rounds per game, so you are not there for hours on end. The instructions are easy to follow, the board and pieces are good quality. The game will last for years and there are endless combinations of races and special powers to play with, each game will be different. It does represent value for money. Do NOT throw the boards away once you have popped all the playing pieces out, you need this to put in the bottom of the box to make everything fit. There is a token holder and spaces for all the coins, so you won't loose pieces.

A typical great quality game that I've come to expect from Days of Wonder! These are the hallmarks of any Days of Wonder game: * Good game play - suitable for family or the more serious game player * High quality components with great storage for the parts. I found this game easy to learn and pick up after one play through, but don't go thinking that makes the game a one shot wonder as there is sufficient variation in the game play to make it a new experience every time. The key to repeated playability is that the race cards and special abilities are randomly combined on every play so that no two games should be identical (within reasonable playing limits - obviously if you play this a thousands of times...). Playing time depends on the number of players and their decision making abilities! Roughly 4 players = 1 hour.

I originally encountered Smallworld on a youtube series and was instantly won over. Of course, I had a battle with myself over whether the £35 would be worth it and obviously decided to take the gamble. Having owned the game for around a month now and having played it over 30 times, I regret ever believing it was a risk. Smallworld is, at least in my eyes, the ultimate compendium of modern and classical board gaming. The beautiful artwork, simple but deep strategy, and pure fun make it a worthy choice for anyone from a new gamer to a veteran. What's more the race/special ability feature of the game gives it remarkable replay value. In fact, the only downside to me is the fact that you need other people to play with. And no I'm not a lonesome troll, I managed to coral my family, friends and even girlfriend (who's now a big fan too!) in to playing it. The problem is that I often found myself craving a game without anyone willing. But since I got my friends hooked, we've had multiple games nights (we so happen to be Yu-Gi-Oh fans also, despite the fact we're around 18 xD), so the Smallworld addiction is tamed. So yes, a brilliant game that I am so happy to have discovered. I haven't really spoken much about how the game mechanics play out, but just take my word for it that they are wonderfully designed. Phillipe Keayearts should be proud. I've just bought the 'be not afraid expansion' and am looking forward to buying more in the future. Plus with new expansion Realms on the horizon, Smallworld looks to be growing stronger and stronger.

I've played this game with 2 players and with 4 players and it works fantastically with both. It's sort of like a quicker, less anger-inducing version of Risk. But unlike Risk, no one gets knocked out so you're all involved throughout the whole game. The game is beautifully presented and the box is really well designed so you can put all the pieces away neatly and not find it in a mess next time you come to play. The basic rules are really easy to learn and everyone gets a sheet with the basics on so it's easy to get started. Some of the details are a bit tricky - the rules aren't completely explicit but the answers to all your questions are there if you read them carefully. Luckily it's a very popular game so any uncertainty can be easily solved by a quick google. Overall, this is an amazing game. It's got a good balance of luck and strategy and it changes every time you play.

I play quite a lot of board games and this one quickly went to the top of my list of favourites. If you have played any other games by this maker you will know that the instructions are well written, clear and the game is very easy to pick up. Because of the randomness of the race and bonus, each game will be different from the last and you will have to choose wisely to put yourself ahead of the other players. This gives the game such a depth and you will not play the same game twice. Its replay value is brilliant. The game is surprisingly quick too, if everyone is paying attention then you can finish a 5 player game in under an hour and the two different boards you get (First for 2-3 players, second for 4-5) will suit the game to any amount of players. You will finish the game wanting to start again instantly. A must buy for any casual or enthusiast board gamer.

Conquering a map is so satisfying. I don't know why, but it is. Small World is a great game, as long as you know what you are getting. It's a low-to-mid-weight Euro-style strategy game, easy enough for kids to learn, but with enough strategy in it to appease adult strategists. It is not, however, a deep strategy game that will excite people looking for another version of Twilight Struggle, Puerto Rico, Agricola, etc. PREMISE The idea of Small World is to take a group (elves, trolls, humans, etc.) and randomly pair them with a special ability (flying, seafaring, commando, etc.) to get a unique combination of special powers, and then dominate your way across the map. Naturally, you will suffer from the "spread too thin" phenomenon of Risk, and your opponents will eventually plow through your pieces like an NFL player on a Pop Warner team. BUT, better than Risk, you don't have to stick with that group. You can give them up, selecting a NEW combination from the table, and start re-plowing through the opponent that just plowed you. (Or, you can conquer a different part of the map.) This keeps the game feeling fresh. REPLAYABILITY As I mentioned in the premise, the various combinations of groups, combined with a blank group card and a blank special power card, give this game a high amount of replay factor. It's also a GREAT game for 2 players. You can even control two different groups each and play on the four-player board, as I've done, for a different, more challenging, and zanier experience. STRATEGY LEVEL This is a low-to-medium-weight game. It has strategy along the lines of games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. Those looking for a good family game with more strategy than average (almost no dice-rolling!) will love Small World. If you're looking for map conquering, this has got it. If you're looking for a long-term strategic, deeply contemplative game with lots of planning, seeing a visionary strategy through to completion, this is not your game. However, I am a lover of the Puerto Rico-type deep strategy game, and I absolutely love Small World to play as a "break" game in between long strategic sessions. It has enough strategy to appease my appetite for that kind of game, but is fun and lighthearted enough that I don't have to think too hard about what I'm doing. TIME COMMITMENT You can vary the amount of rounds that you play, using house rules, if you want. If you play the full game, it will take 45-60 minutes for a 2-player game. The first game takes a bit of getting used to, what with the rules and the specific special abilities of every type of group, but the mechanics are easy enough to pick up, and after one tutorial game, you should feel confident. Setup takes a few minutes, and there are many small pieces, so make sure you account for that. OVERALL I play it 2-player with my girlfriend all the time, and we love making up various house rules as well as playing it according to the rulebook. I've also played it multi-player, and it's even more zany and fun. A good addition to any game shelf.

Really like the game. Fun to play with friends. All the pieces arrived intact and neatly packed. Nothing to complain about

A caixa veio levemente danificada, mas nada que comprometa o produto em si. O jogo é muito bom para jogar entre amigos ou mesmo com a família.

Bastante divertido. La calidad y el arte de 10. Las reglas son muy simples pero la estrategia que puedes armar lo hace muy interesante, sin ser pesado. Lo empiezas a jugar en 5 minutos que abres la caja y lo guardas es otros 5,que para mí son los mayores defectos de muchos de los mejores juegos de mesa del Mercado, te tardas cerca de una hora en sacarlos y guardarlos.

great for 2 players,all the way to even 5 players. id like to see more of the board expanding further to handle more players of up to 8 if possible..but this one is very enjoyable.