Second Look - Boardgame reviews in depth. Check out that cat.This is a review that’s been a while in the making, and I’m glad that it’s finally here for you to read. Let me start off by saying Shadows of Malice is a pretty epic game. It took about 6 hours of play over the course of almost 2 weeks to get through the game while learning it with my oldest son. The game takes a bit of time to setup, the rules a bit more to fully understand, and a more time on top of all that to put it all together in action.

Was it worth it?

Yes.

Shadows of MaliceShadows of Malice is a fantastic work of high fantasy, and a cooperative delight to play. Never did it feel like the game was dredging on too long, or that all the effort put into playing it was wasted. I’m normally not a fan of such long games, and don’t normally have the time to play games such as this, but both my son and I were glad that we did. I’d highly recommend checking out sample play and videos from Devious Weasel’s site. It’ll make things move along at a much smoother pace.

Some of my favorite things about the game were the creature generator, the modular nature of the game, and the physical components, themselves. Everything added up to a wondering gaming experience that provided enough difference that no two encounters felt the same.

In the end I can say that, now knowing how the game flows and plays, my son and I could probably get through a game in about 3 hours. Possibly even less the more we play. The only problem here is that the time isn’t always available to us for such a large endeavor.

Shadows of Malice will run you $60 direct from Devious Weasel. That’s really not bad considering how much game you really get in the box. I’ve seen much less game for a lot more money recently. If you’re a fan of in-depth fantasy and cooperative games, this is one that really needs to be in your collection.

A copy of Shadows of Malice was provided free for review by Devious Weasel.