76

Small World is a fantasy conquest game where players vie for control of a world that is simply too small to accommodate them all. Players control whimsical fantasy races paired with special powers, and must strategically manage declining civilizations while expanding with new ones.

76

The Verdict

based on 20 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Negative 0%
High replayability due to diverse race and power combinations, ensuring each game feels fresh.
Accessible and easy to learn rules, making it suitable for families and new players to the hobby.
Engaging and humorous fantasy theme complemented by high-quality, colorful artwork and durable components.
Innovative "decline" mechanic that prevents player elimination and offers unique strategic choices about when to abandon a race for a new one.
Offers a satisfying blend of light strategy and tactical decision-making without being overly complex or brain-burning.
Some players report that long-term replayability can diminish once all race/power combinations become overly familiar.
Game length can occasionally run a bit too long, especially with higher player counts, for its strategic weight.
The multitude of small tokens and pieces can make the game feel somewhat "fiddly" to set up and manage.
Certain race and ability combinations may feel unbalanced, potentially impacting the perceived fairness of the game.
100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Weirdlings, Trevor (The Weirdlings)Video

This video from The Weirdlings offers a gameplay review of the Small World board game, analyzing its mechanics and the overall player experience.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
The Board Game Family, TrevorArticle

Small World is a highly engaging and confrontational area-control game that earns a perfect score from the reviewer, though its aggressive gameplay and duration may not suit everyone.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Cardboard Clash, Cardboard ClashArticle

The reviewer highly praises Small World as a visually appealing and brilliantly designed gateway game, particularly for two players. They laud its simple combat, strategic decline mechanic, excellent scaling, and immense replayability from unique race/power combinations, deeming it a "superior" and perfectly paced game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews, Ryan and BethanyVideo

This video from Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews re-evaluates 'Small World,' concluding it is no longer worth playing. The reviewers state that while it was once a vibrant area control game, it now feels bogged down by overanalysis.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game BrawlVideo

The game 'Small World' is highly regarded for its excellent replayability and engaging blend of strategic area control with accessible rules, making it a compelling choice for both new and experienced players.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Starlit Citadel, Kaja Sadowski and Joanna GaskellVideo

This video from Starlit Citadel reviews the physical board game Small World, likely discussing its accessible area-control gameplay, high replayability from varied race and power combinations, and the engaging 'in decline' mechanic. It aims to provide a clear opinion on the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Co-op Board Games, Ronny AlexanderArticle

This review praises Small World as an accessible area control game with high replayability due to varied race-power combinations and an engaging decline mechanic. It recommends the game for those enjoying light strategy with direct conflict, despite noting potential issues with unbalanced combinations and limited strategic depth compared to heavier titles.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Games BlogArticle

Small World is a classic, easy-to-teach area control game featuring randomized race and power combinations that offer high replayability. Despite heavy player interaction and constant conflict, it remains fun, accessible, and balanced with light strategy.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Frontline Gaming, SamArticle

Small World is a fast-paced, accessible area control game featuring clever race combinations and a unique decline mechanic that keeps gameplay dynamic. While it lacks deep strategy or diplomacy, its high replayability and great production make it a fantastic choice for both casual and experienced players.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dice Tower, Tom VaselVideo

Tom Vasel from The Dice Tower reviews the fantasy-themed board game Small World, providing an overview of its gameplay and his final thoughts on the experience. He rates the game 8.0 out of 10.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
There Will Be Games, Oliver KinneArticle

Small World is a classic, fast-paced area control game featuring randomly combined factions and special abilities that ensure high replayability. Despite its tight map and unavoidable player conflict, it remains fun, accessible, and strategically satisfying.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Reviews by Josh, JoshArticle

Smallworld is a game definitely worth playing, offering good scalability, strategic depth, and ease of learning, though its replayability is somewhat limited by the number of races and powers, and the battle mechanic could be more robust.

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