{"id":825,"date":"2023-01-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-21T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-tales-from-the-loop-the-board-game\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T18:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:18:34","slug":"review-tales-from-the-loop-the-board-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-tales-from-the-loop-the-board-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Tales From the Loop \u2013 The Board Game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the 1980s Sweden as envisioned by artist and author Simon St\u00e5lenhag<\/strong>. In Tales from the Loop: The Board Game<\/strong>, players assume the roles of early-teen classmates who find themselves embroiled in extraordinary adventures after school. The enigmatic Loop outside Stockholm<\/strong> is patrolled by robots, but these are not the only dangers lurking in the landscape. Each game session offers a unique narrative as players collaborate to complete diverse missions. St\u00e5lenhag’s signature strength lies in his ability to seamlessly blend the fantastical with the mundane, a characteristic that is also present in the game, where players may find themselves cleaning their room or entertaining a younger sibling alongside more pressing matters. Of course, the threat of being grounded for tardiness always looms!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Almost exactly a year ago, I reviewed Tales from the Loop: The Roleplaying Game<\/strong><\/a>, awarding it full marks due to its accessibility, suitability for beginners, and its setting within Simon St\u00e5lenhag’s captivating world. Consequently, when Tales from the Loop: The Board Game<\/em> became available, I was eager to experience it. Could it recapture the same magic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I gathered some friends for a Friday night gaming session. Our initial task involved punching out numerous cardboard components, whose purpose was initially unclear. However, we meticulously organized them and began to decipher the rulebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tales from the Loop: The Board Game<\/em> is currently available only in English, which may present a challenge even for proficient English speakers. We found that understanding the rules required a significant amount of time before gameplay could commence. While the box estimates a game session lasting one to two hours, our initial playthrough extended to nearly four<\/em> hours as we navigated the various rules and setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, once we familiarized ourselves with the rulebook, Tales from the Loop: The Board Game<\/em> proved to be genuinely enjoyable. The game provides a level of freedom uncommon in board games, reminiscent of digital sandbox games like Spider-man: Miles Morales<\/strong><\/a>. While a central mission exists, numerous side missions emerge, demanding resolution. Unresolved side missions gradually contribute to a looming sense of impending doom, while successful completion facilitates progress towards the primary objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All components of the game exhibit excellent quality. The cards are well-crafted from glossy cardboard, and the artwork is appealing. The included robot miniatures are particularly impressive, featuring detailed sculpting. Players may even opt to customize them with paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The game features several main missions, each solvable through various approaches facilitated by a well-designed card-based system. Players can also operate independently to address issues that may later benefit the entire group. Collaborative gameplay is essential for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In conclusion, Tales from the Loop: The Board Game<\/em> earns a rating of must-have<\/em>. Were a Swedish version available, and were the rules more readily understandable initially, it would undoubtedly receive full marks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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