Cave Troll 2nd Edition

by Corey Konieczka

When we decided to publish a new version of Tom Jolly’s classic game, Cave Troll, we had a challenge. We wanted to preserve the gameplay of the original, but also add enough new features that the second edition would be exciting for players familiar with the first edition. Keep reading to find out what exciting new features have been added to the second edition of Cave Troll!

Prettier Bits

The most obvious change from first edition is that each character is now represented by a highly detailed plastic figure instead of a cardboard token. With 68 figures total, this is a hefty addition to the game. The plastic figures certainly increase the aesthetic appeal of the game, but they also facilitate gameplay. The new figures are easy to move, and they have different-shaped bases depending upon their purpose. All heroes have a circular base, making them easy to count during scoring, whereas all monsters have square bases, allowing you to easily survey the board for threats.

In addition to the plastic figures, each character is beautifully illustrated on its corresponding game card. The cards not only specifies which character can be played, but also lists each character’s (or event card’s) abilities. Players will no longer have to reference the rulebook in order to find the abilities of each character.

Another addition to the game is the thick folding game board. Besides featuring gorgeous new artwork, it is about 30% bigger than the original. In addition, two more monster-spawning pits have been added to the board, allowing monsters to enter the game deeper into hero territory.

Game Design Changes

A major rule change to the game is that on each turn a player now has a choice to make about which card to play from his hand. Players can now save certain cards for later in the game (such as the mighty Cave Troll). This not only adds strategy, but also has a big impact on the new scoring mechanic.

In first edition, the board was scored whenever a player drew a “Score the Board” token. In second edition, the players’ cards show a varying number of scoring icons on them. Scoring occurs when cards showing a total of five scoring icons have been played. This not only gives players some control over when the board is going to be scored, but also makes scoring more predictable and allows players to prepare for it.

The second edition of Cave Troll also gave us a chance to add new and rebalanced artifacts. These range from the Chalice of Life (which lets you bring a character back from the dead) to a new version of the dreaded Idol of El’Darr. These artifacts have also received a facelift, with new graphics and their abilities printed directly on the card.

Alternate Hero and Monster Abilities

Finally, one of the most exciting new editions to the second edition of Cave Troll is the brand new set of character abilities. A full set of alternate hero and monster cards gives players the option of playing an entirely new game. For example, the alternate version of the Thief is the Assassin, who has an entirely different ability. Others include the Paladin instead of the Knight, and the Giant Slayer instead of the Dwarf. These optional cards offer a fresh experience in the second edition, while preserving the core of the original game.

So that’s my summary of the many additions, improvements, and options found in the new edition of Cave Troll. We are happy to bring Tom Jolly’s classic game to print for a new generation to enjoy, and we hope that new and old players alike will enjoy the improvements!