Fantasy Flight Games has a very extensive library. From Twilight Imperium, Android, Battlestar Galactica, and Cosmic Encounter to Talisman, Runebound, Arkham Horror and Descent, there are games in almost every niche. Flip through the catalogue and you see a whole host of exciting games and products, from the epic sized Tide of Iron to the pocket size UFS starter decks. Among our staff, everyone has an opinion. Over the next few weeks we will highlighting some of our staff's favorite games.

Our first entry is the fantasy based strategy game, Cave Troll, chosen by Steve Horvath VP of Marketing Communications. "Definitely one of my favorites, Cave Troll is a great game to play with my family. I can get home from work and play it with my entire family, including my 7 year old son, my wife, and in laws, in fact my mother in law won the last time we played. We all love how easy it is to pick up and play."

Within the lair of the Cave Troll lies a magnificent treasure, for those brave or foolhardy enough to risk taking it. Many adventurers are drawn by this prize, and must now contend with the monstrous denizens contained within as well as each other! Each party must choose their moves carefully, as a mistake could mean less treasure, or worse, less heroes. Ever present is the terror of meeting the magnificent Cave Troll, and each party must work together to get out alive.

Cave Troll puts you in charge of an intrepid team seeking to return wealthy beyond their dreams. Standing assembled before you are the mightiest heroes of your region, and each wants a slice of the golden hoard deep within the Cave Troll's lair. In addition you will influence the movements of the monstrous denizens contained in the depths of the dungeon

The goal of the game is to score the most treasure. Each room in the lair has a printed gold value, and when a room or the board is "scored," each player will tally up the amount of gold they control. To control a room, you must have the most heroes in it. ie. In this room are 3 blue heroes and 2 red heroes. When this room is scored the blue player will collect the gold. In the case of a tie, no one may score the room. Note that heroes are only certain members of your party (Barbarian, Thief, Knight, Dwarf, and Adventurer), the remainder are monsters (Cave Troll, Orc, and Wraith).

Each member of your party has a unique ability, and the player who balances these abilities the best will return with the lion's share of the loot. To add to your strength, you could use the barbarians ability to count as two heroes when scoring a room, or use the dwarf to double the gold value of a room when scored. To weaken your opponent use the knight to block his moves and slay his orcs, or use your own orc to kill the other members of his team.

Plan, plot, and scheme how you will fill your backpacks with gold, as each turn your strategy may change drastically. Powerful artifacts fuel new abilities, new monsters and heroes enter the lair, and your opponents will be doing their best to trump your movement and positioning. Adjust your team, and do your best to drop the mighty Cave Troll on top of the most heavily defended areas to prevent your opponent scoring them.

The biggest draw for the game is how quick and easy it is to play. The rules are very simple, but allow for high levels of strategy. The game is quick, generally taking less than 30 minutes to play. Included in the rules are a small number of variants, for those who want even more challenge. Overall this game is a great way to get new players into the hobby, a quick game to wrap up a long gaming night, and even a fantastic family game that parents can teach and play with their kids.