Mass Effect: The Board Game – Priority: Hagalaz Review

Few games stood out during the Xbox 360/PS3/Wii era like Bioware’s Mass Effect trilogy. The red, blue, or green ending choices left a lasting impact, and characters such as Commander Shepard, Wrex, and Garrus became iconic in the gaming world. So, when Mass Effect: The Board Game – Priority: Hagalaz was announced, anticipation was high. After getting an early copy for this review, I must say that this board game adaptation of Mass Effect offers an enjoyable experience.

Game Components and Design

Designed by Eric Lang and Calvin Wong Tze Loon, with art by David Benzal, Priority: Hagalaz is a campaign game reminiscent of Mass Effect, featuring branching quests and alternate endings. With over 10 unique missions presented in a campaign book, each mission includes maps, objectives (neutral, paragon, and renegade), and enemy lists. The use of campaign and narrative books instead of constructing maps with cardboard enhances the setup speed, making the game more appealing.

The game components mainly consist of cardboard tokens, except for the player characters’ miniatures. The sturdy cardboard tokens include enemies, elites, treasure boxes, and objectives. Although plastic miniatures can be purchased separately for a higher cost, the cardboard tokens are durable and provide a satisfactory gameplay experience.

Character Selection and Gameplay

Priority: Hagalaz presents a diverse roster of Mass Effect squadmates, each offering unique abilities grounded in the game’s lore. Characters like Shepard, Garrus, Liara, Wrex, and Tali bring their skills to the table, adding strategic depth to the missions. The game maintains balance, ensuring that optimal compositions are not mandatory, aligning with the spirit of the series.

Despite its depth, Priority: Hagalaz offers a fulfilling campaign experience that can be completed in a day or weekend. Players can explore different outcomes through multiple playthroughs without extensive time commitments. The game strikes a balance between replay value and accessibility, welcoming new players while providing a challenging experience for veterans.

Game Mechanics and Challenges

Game setup is straightforward, with swift preparation and minimal learning curve for new players. Players roll dice to determine their actions, with hazard cards influencing enemy encounters and gameplay progression. However, the mechanic involving character Shepard, where a mission fails if they are eliminated, may deter some players. The game’s reliance on chance and uncontrollable randomness adds an additional layer of challenge for those seeking a more strategic experience.

Despite its minor drawbacks, Priority: Hagalaz delivers an engaging Mass Effect-themed board game experience suitable for both fans of the series and board game enthusiasts looking for a sci-fi adventure. The game’s blend of strategy, narrative depth, and re-playability makes it a compelling choice for tabletop gaming.

Where to Buy

Mass Effect: The Board Game – Priority: Hagalaz is set to release this October, with pre-orders available on Amazon, Asmodee, and Modiphius’ website.