Valley Of The Four Winds (1980)

Valley of the Four Winds

Valley of the Four Winds is a two-player fantasy wargame that was originally published in 1980 by Games Workshop. The game is set in a mythical land where the forces of good (humans, elves, and dwarves) are pitted against an evil legion of undead. The game is based on a serialized story that appeared in White Dwarf, a British gaming magazine, and was written by Rowland Flynn. The game’s designer is Lewis Pulsipher.

Why is Valley of the Four Winds Popular?

Valley of the Four Winds is considered a classic game and is significant for its historical importance in the world of board games. It is also notable for being one of the first games to be based on a serialized story.

Game Components of Valley Of The Four Winds

Map: Mounted hex grid map in two sections.

Counters: 100 die-cut counters.

Rule Booklet: Contains the game rules.

Story Booklet: Includes a reprint of the novella “Valley of the Four Winds” by Rowland Flynn.

How To Setup Valley Of The Four Winds

To set up the game, players need to assemble the two-section hex grid map, distribute the die-cut counters according to the rules, and each player should familiarize themselves with the rule booklet. The setup is relatively straightforward, allowing players to quickly begin their adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fantasy wargame.

Number of Players: 2.

Age Range: 12 years to adult.

Objective:
– The good player must defend the city of Farrondil and send a hero to find the Magical Swan Bones to destroy the giant bell controlling the evil forces.
– The evil player aims to occupy the city of Farrondil with an army of skeletons and monsters.

Mechanics: Players manage resources, move units, and engage in combat to achieve their objectives.

Player Experience

**Valley of the Four Winds** offers a balanced mix of simplicity and complexity, making it accessible to new players while challenging enough for experienced gamers. The game is praised for its clear rules and the variety of paths the game can take, which adds to its replayability.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple enough for novices to understand.

Challenging: Sufficiently demanding to offer a challenge to experienced players.

Clear Rules: Well-written and proofread rule booklet.

High Replayability: Multiple courses the game can take.

Cons

Price: Historically higher price in the U.S. due to being a British import.

Components: While praised, the game is from 1980, so the components may show signs of age.

Personal Thoughts on Valley Of The Four Winds

**Valley of the Four Winds** is ideal for fans of fantasy and strategy games, particularly those who appreciate a clear and well-designed ruleset. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a classic, two-player game that offers both simplicity and depth. Despite being released in 1980, the game still holds up well today, making it a valuable addition to any board game collection.

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