Review: Tales From the Loop – The Board Game

Welcome to the 1980s Sweden as envisioned by artist and author Simon Stålenhag. In Tales from the Loop: The Board Game, players assume the roles of early-teen classmates who find themselves embroiled in extraordinary adventures after school. The enigmatic Loop outside Stockholm 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. Stålenhag’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!

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

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.

Tales from the Loop: The Board Game 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 hours as we navigated the various rules and setups.

However, once we familiarized ourselves with the rulebook, Tales from the Loop: The Board Game 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. 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.

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.

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.

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

The publisher Fria Ligan provided review copies of this game. Provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews reflect our impartial impressions for you, the consumer.