For decades fans of various 80s and 90s cartoons have hoped for their favorite kid properties to return in some modern incarnation. Transformers, Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Dark Crystal and more achieved a second life. Others like He-Man and She-Ra saw limited returns with the promise of more (possibly). Thundercats remain in purgatory, but one franchise in particular sits in the quiet oblivion waiting for modern creators to realize its worth. Its day may be coming as Gargoyles the board game heads to stores soon!
Back in the mid-90s Disney created a cartoon with a slightly more mature story line. Gargoyles was born and lasted for 3 years. A group of gargoyles fought in 994 Scotland, but they were caught up in a curse after being betrayed. A thousand years later they woke in modern day New York. With the help of NYPD officer Elisa Masa, they take on the scheming billionaire, Xanatos.
The show lived on in the hearts of fans for decades. When other properties began to receive a reboot, the fans cried out for this show to be reincarnated in some form. Their cries remain unheard, but the show did receive a revival of sorts when Disney+ popped up and began restreaming the 90s cartoon. It gave at least some hope to fans.
Gargoyles the Board Game – A Small Step Forward
Now thanks to Ravensberger, the Gargoyles franchise is now a game. It will reportedly be a 2-5 game that re-enacts four of the key episodes from the cartoon. Choose from Goliath, Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway, Hudson, or Detective Elisa Maza and take on Xanatos and the traitor Demona.
Choose from one of four scenarios: Reawakening: players face off against Xanatos and Demona to save Coldstone’s mind. Temptation and Magic: Demona has stolen the Grimorum Arcanorum and uses the book’s magic to enslave innocents. Information Warfare: Players must collect three stolen data disks. Battle with the Steel Clan: one player takes the role of Xanatos and the Steel Clan and tries to either defeat a hero or destroy the police tower while the other players (as the Gargoyles) try to defeat Xanatos.
It may not be the relaunch fans want, but it can be a step forward if interest continues to grow. Look for the game at your local Target, August 1. It should retail for $34.99.
