Image of the "Kings & Things" board game cover featuring colorful illustrations of various fantasy characters such as wizards, centaurs, and ogres, with the title in large red text at the top and the description "A Fantasy Boardgame with Everything" at the bottom, including the names "By Tom Wham with Doug Kaufman" and the West End Games logo.
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Kings & Things (1986)

ByMichail

Kings & Things

“Kings & Things” is a 4-player fantasy board game designed by Tom Wham and co-published in 1986 by West End Games in North America and Games Workshop in the UK. The game is set in a fictional world of warring kingdoms and the legions of things that inhabit them. The board is made from hexagonal tiles, and the game involves players controlling their armies to capture territories and resources.

Why is Kings & Things Popular?

“Kings & Things” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It is a classic Tom Wham game, with Wham being a renowned designer in the board game industry.
– The game has received numerous awards, including the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1986” and the “Best Play-by-Mail Game of 1988”.
– The game has a strong following among board game enthusiasts, with numerous online communities and forums dedicated to discussing and playing the game.

Game Components of Kings & Things

  • 48 hex tiles** divided into eight types of terrain (tundra, jungle, forest, plains, swamp, mountain, desert, and sea).
  • 351 die-cut counters** representing various creatures, magic items, special income, treasure, and random events.
  • Gold counters** in various denominations.
  • 117 other counters** for buildings, heroes, cities, and villages.
  • 8 racks** to hold counters.
  • 4 dice**.
  • 16-page rulebook** with a 4-page pull-out reference section.

    How To Setup Kings & Things

    To set up the game, players create the playing surface by randomly assembling the hex tiles to form a map of the fictional continent of Kadab. Each player is given a starting position, and the game begins with a randomly chosen player. The hex tiles start hidden but are revealed as they are explored, populating the revealed hexes with roaming creatures that must be defeated or bribed to gain control.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Be the first player to build a citadel by spending money gained through controlling territory.
  • Terrain Control: Each unit is tied to a specific terrain type and won’t fight without controlling that terrain.
  • Bluff Creatures: Secret creatures that flee when revealed in combat.
  • Combat Mechanics: Each creature rolls a die to determine hits, with special rules for magic, charging, and durability.
  • Resource Management: Manage gold to recruit units and build structures.
  • Random Events: Encounter random events and special heroes that add variability to the game.

    Player Experience

    **Kings & Things** offers a unique blend of strategy and whimsy, with a wide array of creatures ranging from Dwarves and Dragons to Penguins and Raccoons. The game’s setup ensures a different board layout every time, adding replayability. Players must balance resource management with strategic combat and bluffing, making it a fun and unpredictable experience.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Different board layouts and random events ensure varied gameplay each time.
  • Unique Creatures: A wide variety of creatures adds flair and fun to the game.
  • Strategic Depth: Balances resource management, territory control, and combat strategy.
  • Awards: Won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1986”.

    Cons

  • Endgame Length: The final stages of the game can become time-consuming and laborious if multiple citadels are built.
  • Luck Factor: Random encounters can significantly impact the game, sometimes overshadowing strategic skill.

    Personal Thoughts on Kings & Things

    **Kings & Things** is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategy, area control, and a touch of humor. It’s perfect for groups of 2-4 players looking for a game that is both entertaining and challenging. While it may appeal to fans of complex board games, the random elements and quirky creatures make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players. However, those who prefer games with minimal luck and a faster-paced endgame might find some aspects of **Kings & Things** less appealing.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl