Why You Should Buy HeroQuest | Unboxing and Review

With the full revival of HeroQuest in 2021, the game is now widely available again. Because of ‪@hasbroOfficial‬'s generosity, I've been presented with an opportunity to unbox and review the retail version of the HeroQuest base game. I'll be examining what was improved upon since the 1990s, and what could have been done better with the new version of HeroQuest.
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Repainting Old Heroquest Minis Playlist:
• Repainting Old Miniatures
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Zargon's letter
3:02 What's in the box?
4:22 Tiles & game board
7:09 Dice & plastic trays
10:47 Miniatures & comparison
18:25 Furniture & comparison
28:59 Warped plastic & solution
30:27 Deck of game cards
34:50 App & expansions
35:37 Final thoughts
#FreeProduct #HeroQuest
Background Music:
1) Heroes of Hammerwatch Soundtrack
Found from: • Heroes of Hammerwatch ...
2) Fable Theme by Danny Elfman
3) Valheim Soundtrack
-Black Forest
-Mountains
-Menu Theme
-Plains
-Sailing
4) Age of Empires 2 soundtrack - Track # 5 (T Station)
5) Age of Mythology Soundtrack - Chocolate Outline

[@Sirdeathvids]

*Base Game Purchase Links:* Hasbro Pulse: hasbropulse.com/products/heroquest-game-system-1 Amazon (US): www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-F2847-HEROQUEST/dp/B08Q4J1XHZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8FK5VCWECCBE GameStop (US): www.gamestop.com/toys-games/board-games/products/hasbro-heroquest-board-game/298283.html

[@AlexAmbroziak]

The reedition is so much fun, and even more fun than I remember it, 30+ years ago. I've been playing it with my easily-bored 7 and 9-year-old sons, and they LOVE it. Highly recommend.

[@Sirdeathvids]

That's great to hear! I wonder if the re-release of the game will lead more people to discovering similar tabletop experiences later in their lives, such as D&D

[@Sam-Gray]

Nice video man, I got the mythic tier and I've just started painting so I've got alot of plastic straightening ahead of me thanks for the demonstration

[@Sirdeathvids]

Thank you! Yeah there's quite a few miniatures in the Mythic Tier, so it was definitely worth the price. I've only painted a couple so far, but I've been satisfied with the sculpts overall (at least for my painting skill level). You're welcome for the plastic straightening demonstration! If I'm being honest, straightening miniatures wasn't something that I knew exactly how to do until I heard from other people that it's a solution to the bent plastic. I then tried it, and luckily it worked! Some of the thicker things like the doors and torture rack are a little harder to get straight, but that could be from not having them submerged in the water long enough.

[@salvation7362]

I played this game back in the early 90's with friends from highschool but never owned it. I watched the videos when the crowdfunding had already ended as I recall but at my age you don't see friends much except a few times a year for a dinner to catch up so buying a massive 2-5 player board game didn't make much sense. Well, it's 2023 and with a retail release I now own the base game plus all 4 expansions and the rogue character. Once I saw that there was a free App that let you play solo against an A.I Zargon controlling the enemies which now includes ALL 4 expansions... it made the purchase a lot easier. I'm having so much fun at 50 playing this and best of all... no arguments over rules, who plays what class, turn order or combining all the found treasure and buying 1 hero a weapon or armor upgrade! If I had any critiques of this version it would be that the board should have been made bigger because some of the minis can be difficult to have next to each other because of their size along with doorway spaces being a pain with the frame sizing and secondly, I wish I could buy the crowdfunded exclusive characters. I'm really liking the rogue class over the elf and having more options would have been nice.

[@christopherjakel1049]

The skulls and rats were separate in the original as well. They got rid of the pegs so you could actually glue and place them where you want to.

[@Venomonia]

Overall i go back to my old game, less work painting all more vintage fun play.

[@melissarenladyoflight1599]

So in love with this game.. Back in the 90's too.. But the new one is awesome and amazing. Hope they make more cool hero quest board game like story and more new ideas. Models etc..

[@Sirdeathvids]

It's your lucky day then, because it does seem like more will be coming in the future! So far they have done a small amount of new content. I'm not sure how closely you've been following the re-release, but people who backed at the highest tier got an additional 3 quest books, the dragon miniature, and a few unique heroes. Hasbro has stated that they didn't have plans for those stretch goals after the campaign was over, but I could foresee them creating new quest packs with those miniatures and tiles since the production equipment to make those things already exists. There was also the guardian knight hero that was available at retailers, but it sold out now and apparently there was only 1 batch made of it. I also know that they're working on remaking the old expansions, starting with Frozen Horror.

[@melissarenladyoflight1599]

@@Sirdeathvids cool mate I guess they can do what they want.. No games workshop.. The only thing I miss.. But its still a good game to play today and hope they end up with new story and add on to the hero quest board game..

[@GlennGriffin]

Great review. I didn't know it had an app. That's what has sold me on it now. I'll be able to play it with my wife co-op. Thanks!

[@Sirdeathvids]

Thank you! I just used the app solo controlling all 4 heroes, and one thing that I found myself doing sometimes was moving the miniatures in the app but forgetting to do so on the physical board. However, with two people it shouldn't be difficult to remember to move the miniatures as well.

[@braedan51]

Thank you for mentioning the app! I hadn't heard about that before and now I can play as a hero!

[@Sirdeathvids]

You're very welcome! It's certainly a useful technology that wasn't available when the original game came out in the late 80s/early 90s

[@bjrnchrstn]

Still have the original with both expansions. This video made me get it out again.

[@dougcarey2233]

Adding cool points for the Fable theme song cameo.

[@handznet]

Great music from a really good game

[@Sirdeathvids]

Thank you! It's been a good few years since I've played the game, but I should continue playing my new character on Fable: Anniversary. Long story short I was working on a let's play series but abandoned those videos in favor of others.

[@Ryecrash617]

This looks great. Thanks for such an informative video.

[@Sirdeathvids]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

Love this game! I had it when I was a kid. We ordered to play with our kids and it came in today!! :-)

[@Sirdeathvids]

That's awesome! How many quests have you completed with them?

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

@@Sirdeathvids I had this game when I was a kid but I lost parts etc. After the new release came out my wife bought it for me and we have just started playing it with the kids. We are on level 3 now. My kids love it. We play every chance we get. We haven't had it very long and my kids are involved in several sports. We will finish 3 tomorrow and will probably start on 4! :-)

[@patricom05]

Great review! Keep it up

[@Sirdeathvids]

Thank you! I'm not sure when I'll get the Mythic Tier one up, but I think it will also be another long video like this one

[@JB-js4xi]

Played this in college in the early 90s and never owned a copy. Was dumb enough to pass up lots of incomplete games for a few dollars in the late 90s. I am always late to the game on this stuff. I didn't want to pay insane price....so I did get it today free shipping after tax...95 bucks which of course 65 or 70 would've made me happier but I do think that's sort of reasonable. Oh wow I'm excited. I really like your comparison video to remind me exactly how it used to be versus what I'm getting. Yay!!!!

[@RiffLair]

8:22 "acceptable, acceptable.."

[@vo1non]

I just opened my copy. Nice. Not a fan of the softer plastic used for the figures, but that furniture is chunky and worthy! It will take time to get used to the new kind of monsters, but that will pass. And I can’t wait to try out the app! All in all, I’m happy I have this new copy.

[@Sirdeathvids]

What do you think about the softer plastic now that you've owned the game for a few months? In terms of it being a board game, pieces might last longer just because it's less likely to snap (though we have to wait 30 years for the real test). I like that they're still updating the app, and have added the online quests and the new heroes, including the Guardian Knight

[@vo1non]

@@Sirdeathvids I'm now ok with the softer plastic. But I really don't like that smaller slim female Orc. It looks out of place with the stout looking other ones.

[@samson23]

So amazing... I'm getting this new one! I had the old one but my dad broke it because I played it too much... :( One of my saddest childhood memories :(

[@212caboose]

MB/Hasbro needs to do another repub of Space Hulk

[@Sirdeathvids]

I can see how that could be beneficial for both fans and the company, but I'm afraid that the ball is in Games Workshop's court rather than Hasbro's. Unlike HeroQuest which was able to be moved into a generic fantasy setting (away from the Warhammer Fantasy world), Space Hulk is based in the 40k universe through-and-through. Even the game's name refers to what the Imperium calls the wreckage that the terminators have to explore. I did see that GW has done reprints/updated versions in 2009 and 2014, but I'm not exactly sure what became of both of those things and if they're still available today.

[@myunihausen]

I thought it was more expensive than it should be, and also many people have had to resort to home rules to balance out the simple and easily cheated gameplay. The phone app that will DM for you is so cool!!! I hope more games do that in the future.

[@matthewelzenbeck4025]

The page at the back of the book would be best if photocopied.

[@Sirdeathvids]

Yes, that is correct (for both the quest notes part of the rulebook and the blank map in the quest book). I forgot to show it in this video, but there is a thing on the blank map page that allows you to photocopy it for personal use

[@user-vi2hq5rv2j]

minis look crazy good

[@crrc77]

i would love to paint them myself, but I am very new to that area. Any advice on how to start and how to avoid stupid beginner mistakes?

[@Sirdeathvids]

Yes I can definitely provide some advice! If you're wanting to approach mini painting the "proper" way, I'd recommend checking out this video by Goobertown Hobbies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF6lnYmPe92ZiKM Squidmar is another creator to look in to if you want to do things the right way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWiQcqdqprt2bpY With that being said, you can do things "improperly" and still get decent enough results. I don't thin my paints (and use straight from the paint pots), but still end up with tabletop quality results. My secret is using shades, which is a sort of watery paint that pools in recesses and adds a surprising amount of details. I have a series on my channel called "Repainting Old Minis" where I show how I painted up my old HeroQuest miniatures to tabletop quality: kzbin.info/aero/PLoFbpTiX4KCfgHGwj_SOS2AtDLHLkUgx2 Those colour schemes should work on the new miniatures as well, and if you take a look at my community tab you can see how it translates to the new miniatures (with a few colours added where needed). Something else that may be worth looking in to is Games Workshop's Contrast paints (or Army Painter's Speed Paints). It's another tool similar to shades that can save time and still generate good results. However, for contrast paint you need to ensure that you have good coverage when priming (since the paints are quite thin and can show the primer underneath). In general, I think the biggest piece of advice that I can give is that it takes practice. You might paint a miniature to the best of your ability today, and notice in a year that your skills have increased significantly through continued practice.

[@crrc77]

@@Sirdeathvids thank you so much, i didnt expect such detailed answer :) i love your painted minis and hope i can do something at first that doesnt look bad at least ^^

[@knghtbrd]

Seems Hasbro went all in on the Zargon cheese. On the whole I like the new game. I definitely recommend buying it for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that you can get it for a lot less than the original at this point. We'd be here all night if I start ranting about how a bunch of designers right out of 5E don't get the lore of the classic game, but how they simultaneously set out to disrupt/destroy it on one hand and lazily retain it with search and replace of words on the other. Overall in the retail release they didn't really hurt anything, and you can just ignore the attempts to 5E-ify the game as basically irrelevant if you want to. They did manage to rub a lot of fans the wrong way with crap like the Orc Bard. If you know the lore of orcs in Oldhammer-they're fungi mutated by Chaos god magic, manufactured beings created by the thousands to be big, strong, brutish fodder that obeys their gods out of fear-not that they were made with enough intelligence to contemplate free will anyway. No need to enthrall them with promises of wealth, power, or feeding baser appetites. That said, a heroic orc might be a GREAT character to play in OSR or WFRP given that lore! Orcs are bred to obey. Occasionally one doesn't, but they're quickly killed. Here's one who defied his gods … and somehow did not die for it. What happens after that? Who wouldn't hate him on sight? What effect does his presence have on other greenskins? Plot hooks much?

[@Sirdeathvids]

There was once that Zargon dropped the act to say that more expansions would be announced soon, but we still haven't heard back yet despite people already ordering Frozen Horror from Amazon. With the 3.7 million raised from the crowdfunding campaign and the Guardian Knight selling out completely, I'd say that overall the fandom holds the same opinion about the new release being worth buying. As for if the game is too much like D&D or not, I've heard a couple arguments on both sides and was eventually planning on making a video about it if I have the time. Some people were happy about the inclusion of new heroes to try out, while others saw the druid, bard, and warlock as an invasion of D&D into the HeroQuest world. You're exactly right with ignoring the 5E-ish heroes, because major changes like that were kept as optional and the core mechanics (and party composition) remain intact. I can't speak on how the orc bard plays within the game. but I do know just how controversial of a hero he is. It's probably explained in the Spirit Queen's Torment, but if HeroQuest orcs are still bloodthirsty violent monsters (even the New Beginnings quest says this) then what is so special about the bard to be able to break away from his instincts? I didn't know the part about Chaos gods and their connection to Warhammer orcs, but from basic knowledge of 40k lore I knew the part about being fungus. What they lack in intelligence, they make up for with beliefs that seemingly come true (in the 41st millennium at least). One thing I've noticed with the game moving away from the Warhammer world (besides chaos becoming dread and fimirs becoming abominations), is that there could be lore differences hiding in the background that only makes sense in a setting that's closer to D&D. While Hasbro has a backlog of old expansions to re-release, I wouldn't be surprised if a few more elements from D&D crept into the game through more optional quests and heroes.

[@WolforNuva]

I'm fine with the change in direction away from the warhammer lore, partly since I never knew it was WH back when I was a kid so I never had that investment, and partly because they straight up had to make some departures anyway in order to publish it without getting sued. But I also will say I'd have preferred if they went for more of a low fantasy setting, or tried to build their own thing rather than leaning in the D&D direction. It's not too noticeable for the much part, but the Bard, Druid and Warlock especially feel like they were designed with D&D on the brain, especially given how the Dwarf and Elf are their own characters, but the Orc and Halfling are just coats of paint for the Bard and Warlock.

[@Colin1486]

Such a great game. Played this 2 nights ago with my wife. I'm tossing the plastic trays and getting foam inserts instead. Only gripe about the game.

[@Sirdeathvids]

I haven't had too many opportunities to play it yet, but in a couple months I'll be able to play it with my D&D group due to living in the same area. Now that it's been two weeks, have you decided whether you're going to get Battlefoam or Feldherr? I should begin to consider foam as an option once I have a substantial amount of the miniatures painted.

[@Colin1486]

@@Sirdeathvids I'm going with Feldherr. I have a long positive history using their products for lots of my games. I'm sure battlefoam is good too, but I have more than 30 foam sets from feldherr and one of their backpacks. If you have painted your models, definitely get foam

[@christopherjakel1049]

19:00 It's not your name or your character's name. Name: is what you are calling the character. Character: is the character class (Barbarian, Elf, Dwarf, Wizard, etc.

[@niklasschimmel4155]

When i am new to this game should i bis the old Hero Quest or the new Version ?

[@Sirdeathvids]

It comes down to personal preference about the art style mainly. If you prefer having hard-plastic miniatures made by Games Workshop, then go on eBay and look for a used copy. However, an advantage of purchasing the new version of the game is that you know all the pieces will be complete/intact. Another advantage of the new version is that it works with all expansions that they’ll put out in the future, such as Frozen Horror which I’ve made a few videos on. For the two reasons I mentioned, you might be better off ordering the new version of the game as a new player.

[@GuruChaz]

What about the rules? Did they improve the rules? They need a better set of rules for adult players as an option.

[@Sirdeathvids]

The rules are the same as the original 1990 North American ones, with a few tweaks here and there. I understand the need for a more complex ruleset as people have grown since playing the game many years ago, but the re-release was meant to be the exact same game (no matter how simple it may be). Is your idea of a better set of rules for adult players similar to HeroScape's 2-sided cards, where one side is for the optional and more advanced ruleset? If you want more complex rules the only thing I can offer is to see if there's any homebrew like that for HeroQuest (possibly on Ye Olde Inn), or to play an entirely different game system. When the campaign first began in 2020, I can remember two separate sets of voices: one wanting things to be exactly the same, and another wanting the rules to be more robust and complex.

[@GuruChaz]

@@Sirdeathvids I was just curious if options were available. Thank you so much for the information. I appreciate it.

[@ericthered2881]

My first reaction is I don't like the new images. The old elemental spell covers were ICONIC, especially the air one. The new air elemental looks a mess. I wish they'd kept the old aesthetic throughout but with the new features

[@Nytrusdeathcyde]

kinda annoied that the alternet sculpts exclusive to mythic tier. but what you gona do

[@Sirdeathvids]

Yeah, especially for those who didn't hear about the campaign until after the 45 day purchase window had closed. On the one hand it was something special for those who backed the game at the highest level, but on the other hand it's resulted in some overly-expensive miniatures on the second-hand market. One good thing with HeroQuest (especially the new version that has 1 inch bases) is that proxying miniatures is fairly easy. So you could buy up a Warhammer box of skeletons, put them in interesting poses, and create your own unique undead legion that works with the rest of the game components.

[@RobsMemoryLane]

This is an awesome video

[@Sirdeathvids]

Thank you!

[@christopherjakel1049]

Zargon: "Tremble before me human." Elf/Dwarf: "WTF dude! Are we dead to you?" Also..... why didn't I get the shoebox style box?.... WTF Hasbro?

[@QCreyton]

Kinda weird that extra models and cards can't be purchased separately. Would be nice to be able to get ahold of extra bits without having to just buy an entire box for just a couple of models.

[@Duncan275]

I was much more of a fan of what the cardboard furniture brought to the game.

[@Sirdeathvids]

That's interesting! What do you like more about the cardboard furniture: the color or the more vintage style of it? And do you hold that opinion for the entire game or just the furniture? I'm wondering because I've seen both sides (some hate the new version, and others are impartial/accepting of the new version)

[@Duncan275]

Sirdeathvids while I realize the solid plastic is better quality in general. The color that the card offered with almost zero effort is amazing. I appreciate the overall scene much more than the solid gray of the unpainted plastic pieces. The card was a super efficient, cost effective way of building a vibrant colorful setting

[@Duncan275]

Sirdeathvids to your second question. I believe the original HQ found that perfect balance, for me. While I believe painted minis wouldve pushed it over the top. I understand the cost wouldve been extremely prohibitive. Where as using the card on furniture was cost effective and added to the overall art display that HQ becomes as you reveal the map. Gray plastic just doesnt add that same level of wonder. But dont get me wrong, I dont hate the plastic furniture. I appreciate it for the positives it brings. I just know Ill never paint it, so the game will lose a lot of what made it look and feel so amazing.

[@user-ih5jr8rt5q]

yeah, painting miniatures never interested me or even crossed my mind - definitely agree, like the color of the cardboard and the older looks@@Duncan275

[@danielwilliamson6180]

HeroQuest is a great game.

[@Sirdeathvids]

Indeed it is!

[@danielwilliamson6180]

@@Sirdeathvids Cool in the new game you've got more characters to play including female characters.

[@robertedgemon8096]

I'd say it's better because the furniture is plastic and more durable. And paintable. I still call the dread warriors chaos warriors tho.

[@Sirdeathvids]

The furniture is definitely one of the main selling points of the new version, and I could see some people purchasing it for the dungeon terrain and miniatures. And yeah calling them "dread" takes some getting used to; I think I had to edit out a small part where I called the face on the dread spell the chaos sorcerer instead of the dread sorcerer. With the game leaving the Warhammer universe there were other small changes, such as Karak Varn from the Kellar's Keep expansion now being called Kaba Karn.

[@finnishfatman]

Dunno really... I still have the original Heroquest and all the furniture are still in "one piece" and it's been played countless times and seen all kinds of events... 🤔 I'm just joking, of course those new plastics seem to be well build. But original card board ones can last a long time too.

[@markpalmer9844]

Inestimable benevolence? That’s easy for you to say!

[@Sirdeathvids]

Those were Zargon's words, not mine! In all seriousness, that word was actually hard to say because that was the first time I had come across "inestimable" anywhere.

[@logicalparadox2897]

Great video, except for the persistent mispronunciations. It’s “Fire of Roth” and “Brode-Sode”, thankyakindly ;)

[@HQDungeons]

it's no better it doesn't have the charm of the old heroquest.

[@Sirdeathvids]

That's a fair perspective to have; some people have preferences for one art style/miniature quality over the other. While I know what you mean, the game is still functionally the same (just with updated art + minis), so allowing a new generation to experience the game may make up for what you feel is a lack of charm.

[@HQDungeons]

I think for the price, the quality of the miniatures is unfortunately very bad. the idea for a new edition is great, but i think the implementation is lacking.

[@HQDungeons]

for the price at games workshop you get board games with miniatures that have a completely different level.

[@allenyates3469]

I prefer the original artwork as well. The heroquest aesthetic built my love of heroic roleplay. That being said I'm an adult now and realize that having a heroquest board that built to standard model scale means that I can use any minis I want and craft the whole look of the game to my preferences. Personally I think the 28mm scale upgrade is an improvement I can't overlook. But then I've always looked at heroquest as something to modify rather than take at face value.

[@TwistedMind86Chern]

Good for the new fans and nostalgia for the old fans , but the original game from 80s has much better aesthetics.

[@MahkyVmedia1]

Sucks that I'm punished for not knowing about this. I'd love to buy the dragon but it's not for sale. Lame

[@Sirdeathvids]

That is for sure one of the downsides of the game having a timed crowdfunding campaign: A lot of the community was unaware of it or didn't have the financial resources at that time. It seems to me like the dragon might eventually come to retail, just judging by the fact that Avalon Hill showed us a teaser of Prophecy of Telor (one of the exclusive Mythic Tier quests) that will be coming to retail in 2024.

[@needfoolthings]

Where's the review?

[@Sirdeathvids]

While I didn't review the gameplay of the new version of HeroQuest, the review is all throughout the video. Providing my thoughts about the components, analyzing faults, and determining if the old version did something better is all part of reviewing HeroQuest. If you're instead asking where my Mythic Tier review is, I finally got the energy to finish editing, and it is now uploaded as well.

[@thepardoner2059]

Thanks for the comparison. I much prefer the look of the original to the new.

[@Sirdeathvids]

You're welcome! The old miniatures do have the same type of charm that other really old GW minis have, and is something completely absent from the new version

[@huntersutton5489]

The original gargoyle looks way better!

[@Sirdeathvids]

That may just be because the old one was painted for the comparison, but you may be on to something as well. While the new gargoyle has that awesome cracked stone texture, the original gargoyle does have a certain charm that isn't quite replicated by the new one. I also like the additional armor and the skull symbol on the belt of the original gargoyle.

[@SkitzoFPV]

So the new miniatures are total garbage is what you're saying lol..

[@Aenarion28]

Looks to me more that the newer edition is Dungeon Adventures in DnD 5th edition (aka Snowflakes and Safespaces) as opposed to the original which was Dungeon Adventures in Warhammer

[@josephaulisio9281]

Nope. Doesn’t have the same feel. Artwork 1989>current. No Fimir!!. Im glad i kept my original in great shape.

[@Sirdeathvids]

That is a fair assessment to have! Some people prefer the new version, and others (like yourself) appreciate the old art style and Warhammer elements. I do agree that some of the art has a more high fantasy feel, rather than classic sword and sorcery. At least the mechanics are the same, which is definitely important when Avalon Hill's original customer base for the campaign was the people who owned the original version in the 1990s.