Review of Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Game Title: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Designer: Isaac Childres
Artist: Francesca Baerald, David Demaret, Alexandr Elichev
Publisher: Cephalofair Games
Player Count: 1-4 players
Recommended Age: 14+
Playing Time: 30-120 minutes per scenario
Overview
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a standalone, streamlined prequel to the critically acclaimed Gloomhaven. It is designed to be more accessible while maintaining the depth and tactical richness of the original game. Players take on the roles of members of “Jaws of the Lion,” a mercenary group working together to unravel a dark mystery in the city of Gloomhaven.
Components
Jaws of the Lion includes:
- 16 modular map tiles integrated into a scenario book for ease of setup
- 4 new mercenary miniatures and corresponding character cards
- Attack modifier decks
- Scenario book with 25 unique scenarios
- Various tokens and trackers for health, experience, and loot
The component quality is excellent, with detailed miniatures and evocative artwork that draws players into the gritty world of Gloomhaven. The use of a scenario book for the map tiles greatly simplifies setup and teardown.
Gameplay
The core mechanics of Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion are similar to those of Gloomhaven but are simplified for quicker learning and play. The game uses the same dual-card system where players choose the top action of one card and the bottom action of another each turn, emphasizing strategic planning and teamwork.
The campaign features 25 scenarios, each building on the story and complexity of the previous ones. The game includes an introductory tutorial that gradually introduces new rules and mechanics, making it more accessible for new players.
Strengths
- Accessibility: Jaws of the Lion is designed to be easier to learn and play, making it a great entry point for new players to the Gloomhaven universe.
- Streamlined Setup: The scenario book with integrated map tiles reduces setup time, allowing players to jump into the game more quickly.
- Rich Narrative: The campaign offers an engaging story with plenty of twists and turns, keeping players invested in the unfolding mystery.
- Tactical Depth: Despite being more accessible, the game retains the deep tactical gameplay that fans of Gloomhaven love.
Weaknesses
- Replayability: While there are 25 scenarios, the game might have less replay value compared to the original Gloomhaven due to the smaller number of scenarios and character classes.
- Complexity: Although streamlined, the game still retains a level of complexity that might be challenging for very casual gamers.
- Component Wear: The scenario book can wear out with repeated use, and the modular tiles might not offer as much variety as the original’s modular board setup.
Conclusion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is an excellent addition to the Gloomhaven franchise, offering a more accessible yet still deeply engaging dungeon-crawling experience. It’s perfect for those who are new to Gloomhaven or those who want a quicker, easier way to enjoy the tactical richness of the original game. The streamlined setup, engaging narrative, and preserved tactical depth make it a standout in the genre.
