Lygtemand Trickery and a Popcorn Tricycle in Skoventyr
Enter a beautiful realm inspired by Danish folktales to work out the puzzle of a brave badger’s triumph in Skoventyr.
Getting any solo games into a regular rotation is sometimes a challenge, as I tend to pick randomly all the time! Yet one title that seems to be visiting my solo table every few moths is Skoventyr. I wasn’t drawn to it initially, but love trying to work out the puzzle. Plus, the artwork is gorgeous! Whether I won or lost, I had a surprise in mind for Gamle Erik today…
Game Overview
Game Name: Skoventyr
Publication Year: 2023
Designer: Morten Monrad Pedersen
Artist: Vincent Dutrait
Publisher: inPatience
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
A circle of trees represents the forest and how far away Vogter’s foe, Gamle Erik, is. Minions must be defeated with allies, yet figuring out how to work with them can be tricky! With a couple of modules to add new layers and a simply beautiful world to explore, this is one story not to be missed!
First Play
November 24, 2023
Complexity
2
Latest Play
October 15, 2026
Expansions
0
Setup Time
Almost None
Lifetime Plays
18
Play Time
30 Minutes
High Score
N/A
Game Area
32" x 22"
Low Score
N/A
Against the Lygtemand
I realized that my photos often look the same whenever I play, although that’s a positive. The play area is familiar and nothing changes too much. It’s simply about winning!
After winning with the base game, I started to include the modules for the Lygtemand and rescue. So great!
These technically extend gameplay by adding on a few steps before defeating minions, yet it feels like a full experience. It takes a lot more careful thought, too, and is far from easy.
Vogter is resilient, but not invincible. Even at the normal difficulty level, winning is not merely a stroll in the woods.
Captured Allies
The rescue module starts each play with all of the ally types captured. They must be freed by damaging trees in the forest, and only then can they aid Vogter’s cause.
It’s another aspect that might seem like extra work at first, yet this module encourages careful planning.
For instance, I knew the Trold had the dreaded double hostage token… There went an entire tree with that rescue!
Rather than just managing the cards available in the future, I had a little more to think about. And you can’t tell me another illustration of Vogter isn’t the best thing!
to the Last Second
My first attempt was pretty rough, and I lost with a little over half of the minions defeated. They have powers of 2, 3, or 4, so waiting to go after the higher valued ones is unwise.
This time, I saved one of the easiest minions for last. I could do this! Unfortunately, all of the Formskifters were in the discard pile, so this Lygtemand would not budge to help.
I had a single Nisse in the deck who was my last resort, but alas… Just too many Gamle Erik cards to deal with!
With just a couple of different decisions, this likely would have been a victory. Vogter will be triumphant one day!
Vogter’s Rescue-Wrath
And maybe that triumph would be immediately… In a general game-breaking move for entertainment purposes, Vogter decided to use a pair of cards for a Rescue-Wrath.
Well, that looks about right! A Calico Critter on a popcorn tricycle came speeding through the forest with Vogter directing from the basket. Gamle Erik was surprised!
I also would like to note that this is the actual popcorn tricycle driver. Her vehicle has been stolen so many times!
Another form of a Rescue-Wrath, apparently. Ha ha! I just wasn’t sure if this was enough to defeat Vogter’s nemesis…
A Known Story and an Unknown Outcome
It’s always interesting to me when I write a post about this game, as my photos are usually pretty similar. Hence, the visit from the Calico Critters this time. Ha ha! I still don’t label this one as being too low in variety, though, since the card order makes a big difference. The Lygtemand and rescue modules also add some uncertainty and different decisions.
Knowing how everything generally plays out isn’t a bad thing, though. I like having familiar sorts of games like this so I don’t have too many surprises. Gamle Erik’s card isn’t exactly a delight to draw at the last moment, but at least I know what the odds will be! This is close to returning to a well-known book, where the ending might just change once in awhile.
I mean, the ending for me usually results in a loss, but there’s still hope. Ha! This isn’t a game I’ll play regularly every day, but always draws me back in at least a few times each year. That’s a good place to be, and I always enjoy revisiting it.
Double Trouble
Never underestimate the power of the magical creatures! For when the Lygtemand is amused, trickery abounds.
With a snap, the popcorn tricycle doubled! This pair chased Gamle Erik away, straight back to his designated space in the box. Vogter had another excellent view of the action!
So, maybe this wasn’t an actual victory. I haven’t yet won with these modules, although I was so very close.
Perhaps this is my new strategy to make Gamle Erik a little nervous. You don’t mess with a pair of popcorn tricycles, nor their drivers who haven’t had a chance to ride in years!
Popcorn for All
And to end everything on a happy note, presents of freshly popped popcorn were handed out throughout the forest. None for Gamle Erik, though… He needs to be nice. Ha ha!
This puzzle might seems repetitive in many ways, yet I love how it challenges me to think about various steps. I need to get better at managing the deck, although I was close!
A bit of luck might be all I need to look out for, and maybe tiny buckets of popcorn will be the solution to that.
Another great time, and a Calico Critter sort of ending where I can safely announce: “And they lived happily ever after.”
Session Overview
Play Number: 17 & 18
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Lygtemand & Rescue Modules
Outcome: 2 Losses
Such beautiful artwork to enjoy in this rather haunting setting. I loved reading the pronunciation guide again… Pretty sure I have most of the names correct, or at least closer than my original attempts! The puzzle eludes me in many ways, but losses don’t feel too frustrating… More like invitations to reset and try to make everything work. It will happen! Or the popcorn tricycles shall ride again… Ha ha!
%
10 Plays
Affordability
Price & Value
9
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
9
Originality
Design & Theme
7
Quality
Components & Rules
10
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
9
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
6
+ Pros (Positives)
- Most decisions feel clever in the way it takes some planning and specific steps to defeat each minion.
- The modules add strategic layers that make gameplay more thoughtful with additional thematic moments.
- Adjusting the difficulty level is easy to do during setup, allowing the game to be as much of a challenge as desired.
- All of the artwork is beautiful and feels like it brings a fairy tale or folktale to life in a bright, storybook approach.
- Understanding an ally’s strengths and how to use Vogter’s abilities is a neat experience that unveils subtle strategies.
- Play time moves fairly quickly without much downtime and keeps the focus on the action coming up in the next turn.
– Cons (Negatives)
- Some degree of luck with the card order has to be accepted, which can be slightly frustrating when it goes wrong.
- The iconography is pretty clear, yet using the last page of the rulebook as a reference is often necessary.
- Gameplay can feel repetitive without a lot of variety in the strategies, although playing once or twice is usually fine.
- It takes a little time to get used to the difference between when to discard or place a card on the bottom of the deck.
Victory Conditions
Defeat All of the Minions
- Overall Goal Progress 75%
Goals and Milestones
Win at least 1 game at the very easy difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game at the easy difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game at the normal difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game with the Lygtemand and rescue modules.
Continue the Conversation
Do you have a favorite way to play Skoventyr? I realized it’s been a little bit longer since I last played, although that was still within the same calendar year… That’s a good sign for me! Are there any other solo games you find yourself playing regularly these days? I’m determined to win this someday soon, and continue to have a great time with the gameplay!
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