The genius of Jim Henson has inspired a new game, this time based on the dark fantasy epic The Dark Crystal.  English game publisher River Horse Games has announced Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal:  Board Game, scheduled to release in early 2018.

Following the events of the movie, The Dark Crystal board game gives players the opportunity to help the film’s main characters Jen and Kira as they seek the magical Shard and heal the Dark Crystal.  Using sculpted figurines, players move around the board, visiting iconic locations from the movie and exploring the Dark Crystal world.

The game includes four figurines depicting the main characters from the film:  the Gelflings Jen and Kira and the Skeksis skekSil the Chamberlain and skekUng the Garthim-Master.  It is played on a 2’ x 2’ game board featuring new illustrations of the Dark Crystal world, using the game’s 60 cards, 20 tokens, 6 polyhedral dice, 4 character sheets, and 7 cardboard stand-ups featuring Garthim, Podlings, and Skeksis.  A turn tracker based on the Dark Crystal Orrery completes the game.

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal:  Board Game is designed for 2 to 4 players.  MSRP is $51.68.

The Dark Crystal and its fantasy setting is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with a new hardcover book from Insight Editions, The Dark Crystal:  The Ultimate Visual History releasing on September 19.  Earlier this year, Netflix announced plans for a 10-episode series inspired by the film (see “Netflix Plans ‘Dark Crystal’ Series”), and BOOM!  Studios is now halfway through its 12-issue comic book series Jim Henson’s Power of the Dark Crystal (see “Boom!  Extends Deal with the Jim Henson Company”). 

River Horse Games’ relationship with the Jim Henson Company has already proven fruitful.  The company recently announced plans for a second expansion for its Jim Henson’s Labyrinth:  The Board Game (see “ ‘Labyrinth:  The Board Game’ Adds Oversize Deluxe Pieces”).