A board game that has been designed for two players only speaks volumes! Usually, we'll find board games that will have up to four players, including 2 player gameplay. But often, when the two of you are journeying through each board game adventure, the two-player experience tends to be a toned-down version of the game, or with added mechanics to account for the missing players.

Violet and the Grumpy Nisse // Agie Games

Violet and the Grumpy Nisse was up on Kickstarter last year from Agie Games, as two players follow the journey of a young villager, Violet, hoping to meet up with her dear friend and Troll, Ordep. The title will be heading to retail in quarter three of the year, bringing a new 2-player struggle in the upcoming trick-taking title.

Game Board Preview // Violet And The Grumpy Nisse

To get to Ordep, Violet will need to travel through across an intimidating woodland passage, gleaming with whimsy across a mountainous pass to meet her chonky friend safe on the other side.

Just because there is whimsy, does not mean that there are troubles amongst the broad trees and dirt-trodden path. A bitter Nisse, Torech lurks in these woods in frustration-fed solitude. Grumpy due to his inability to keep the peace amongst villagers - no matter where he has stayed! Thus, he has taken home and refuge in the woods - hating on humanity.

Card Artwork Preview // Violet And The Grumpy Nisse

He vows to make Violet's journey as miserable as possible, how dare a human stroll through these woods and make nice with a troll! With one player taking the role of Violet keeping her lantern alight amongst the shrouded cover of the woods, and the other Torech who will be setting traps and hoping she gets too scared to continue her journey!

Card Mechanics // Violet And The Grumpy Nisse

The game will vary depending on who is playing what character. If players will be taking the role of Violet, they will ultimately set the pace of the game. However will need to be cautious of tricks incoming, with her fear levels going through the roof and keeping an eye on the flicker of her lantern. If players take the role of Torech, they will be causing chaos from the get-go, throwing tricks and enforcing fear with every card drafted. With Violet winning if she escapes to the other side, and Torech winning if Violet had lost control over her fear, or her lantern has stopped burning.

Turn Resolution Flow Chart // Violet And The Grumpy Nisse

Players will be comparing cards with numerical values that follow a flowchart of resolutions. They will include locations that match the board, and include special abilities to continue on the path. Playing tricks and keeping that lantern alive, I love the tension that is built between both players, always knowing the location or Torech as Violet traverses deep into darkness is incredibly daunting!

I would love to give this title a go, I would rather be suited to Violet and can imagine the games would get incredibly competitive on my table! The card drafting mechanic seems simple enough to use in a fast-paced journey, that is destined to last roughly 20-30 minutes.

Keep your eyes out for Violet and the Grumpy Nisse at your FLGS store this Autumn! If you are looking for a board game with challenges for two players, this title seems like a lot of fun for a competitive duo!

Maybe there could be a backwards version about a troll who beats up a grumpy Nisse as he gets in his way of Violet!