Something came up from a discussion with other talisman players in our group. The topic was "Strenght and weakness of the various editions of talisman and how to compare them as fairly as possible?

Things didn't go well as none of us own the 1st or 2nd edition anymore and we were going be memories more than we should. But it was mostly agreed that the only way to really compare editions was to go at it in 2 type of ways: 1. To play a game from each editions with only characters that appear in all editions like the "thief" and record some statistic. 2. To play a game from each editions including all of that edition's expansion (if any) with characters common to all editions and record some more statistic.

To simplify things, similar edition like the 1st and 2nd, 4th and 4th revised can be group together.

The idea was so seductive that we did look at ebay to purchase a copy of the 2nd edition but the cost asked is too prohibitive or those affordable were incomplete set. The 2nd edition is such a big step into the Talisman evolution of the game that disregarding it would void any serious comparaison between edition.

So I'm wondering if, in this forum, anybody who own at least the 2nd, 3rd and revised 4th edition of Talisman together have ever tried to play simultaneously or in a short time span with the same character for all 3 editions against similar opponent and kept a record and statistic of these games as well as feedbacks and opinions?

Really curious to read what anybody as to say on that and if it was tried before!

Cheers

That's really interesting notion! I too don't have my old 2E; gave it to my daughter many years ago. And only played 3E once that someone else own. So can't take up the challenge myself. But I would also be interested in hearing from anyone who could.

I would say Jon from Talisman Island is the most qualified person to answer those questions. I do believe he owns every single translation of every single edition of Talisman since the dawn of time

I myself have never actually seen the 3rd ed with my own eyes. I played 2nd and now 4th ed and those two are quite similar. The only diference I can think of right now is 4th ed supporting faster game and mitigating random effects a little but it's hardly based on any empirical data.

Hehe... maybe!

I nearly posted in this thread last night actually, saying why limit it to editions when you can run concurrent games of all editions in all languages!

Maybe for another day though when I have a bit more spare time and a lot more space!!!

talismanisland said:

Running simultaneous games of all editions in all languages is a great idea and I leave it in your hands to tell us how it went!

The limit of the 3 most representative and popular edition was quick to figure out as we are already facing 2 chalenges: 1 Get all 3 editions together in the same room and getting players who would agree to the fun of playing with the same character on 3 different incarnation of Talisman and share their experiences.

Jon if you are willing to try the "all editions, all languages" you will add a 3rd challenge by needing people who speak the language of those editions in question and may I suggest renting a reception hall with lot of tables.

Cheers

Oh well, it look like only Jon at Talismanisland have all editions of Talisman on this forum, let's hope he find the time, the people and the place to try this out

Cheers

I have 2nd edition with only the Dragon Expansion. It may be interesting to play the core 2e with my friends that have only played 4e and get some feed back.

I think fate is the biggest difference that will be noticed.

Another minor difference is the forced choices at all corner spaces of the Outer regions... if I remember correctly. Though I believe the Tavern was always a required roll.

One of the big differences is that mules and horse with cart are now followers. In second edition after winning a fight you could steal a cart along with everything in it. I never liked that.

This is a cool idea, but part of the comparison ought to involve the array of characters each edition has. Your expiriment ignores this difference. Also, I might suggest taking subjective notes rather than recording statistics. You need far too many games to make the statistics even remotely reliable. besides, I think it's more important to note how much you enjoyed each game and why.

crimhead said:

Yes, I'm ignoring the differences on purpose as some characters haven't made an appearance in some edition, so what would be nice is to compare apples with apples or let's say thief 2nd edition game compare to thief 3rd edition game to thief 4th er and so on with the barbarian or warrior...from each respective editions.

I find your idea good but I feel bad for the 1st and 4th edition who were not really support that much and have no expansion, so I hope that you understand that for the sake of simplicity and trying to include all editions, this is what my group came up.

As I stated before, your idea is good and it would be nice to see what come up from a game played with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th er with all their expansions available, played with the same characters from their respective editions and from the same player for comparaision of feeling and enjoyment (and statistics) but the dragon expansion for 2nd edition cost over 250$ on ebay which is way beyond what I can afford for this experiment.

My guess for now is our best hope rest with Jon at Talismanisland since he is the proud owner of all these editions

crimhead said:

Agreed, it could also be play by play if the people like it better

Cheers

Feldrik said:

Wow! Now I'm feeling jealous, you have the 2nd edition dragon expansion I've played with all the others expansions for 2nd but never with the dragon. If you can try to play a game with the 2nd and 4th edition (Black Industries) as Assassin, Druid, Dwarf, Elf, Ghoul, Minstrel, Monk, Priest, Prophetess, Sorceress, Thief, Troll, Warrior, Wizard are common to both editions it would be interesting to get your feedback.

Feldrik said:

This will indeed be mention with 4th er.

Cheers

Greetings.

I do happen to still own my copies of 2nd edition and 3rd edition Talisman, plus now own FFG 4th edition with Reaper and Dungeon expansions.

I think this is a wonderful idea, and if I can clear some time with my group, I just may give it a try.

Salute.

Shadw said:

Thanks, I've never seen you posted on this forum before so I think you're new around here and like to welcome you.

Let the community here know how the game did go and how the characters did manage if you can give it a try

Cheers