Battle of the Five Armies (1975) Board Game

Battle of the Five Armies is a board game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel “The Hobbit.” It was first released in 1975 and has since gained a cult following among fans of the fantasy genre. Designed by Larry Smith and featuring artwork by Kathy Horn, the game allows players to recreate the epic battle that takes place at the end of the novel.

Game Components of Battle of the Five Armies

Hexmap board

Unit counters for goblins, wargs, elves, dwarves, men, and eagles

Hero units for characters like Gandalf, Thorin, Dain, Beorn, Bard, and the Elvenking

Dice

Rulebook

Color artwork (in later editions)

How To Setup Battle of the Five Armies

To set up the game, players divide the forces into two camps: the Axis (goblins and wargs led by Bolg) and the Allies (elves, dwarves, men, and eagles, along with hero units). The board features a hex map where the armies contend. Each side has specific setup instructions to reflect the initial deployment of forces in the Battle of Five Armies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Hex-based movement and combat
– Use of dice for resolving battles
– Reinforcement mechanics (e.g., Beorn and eagles arrive at specific turns)
– Area control (holding specific areas on the board for advantages)

Game Objective:
– The Allies aim to defend their positions and ultimately defeat the goblin army.
– The Axis seeks to overwhelm the Allies and capture key areas.

Player Experience

Players experience a simulated version of the Battle of Five Armies, with the game capturing the atmosphere of the book. However, reviews and player feedback highlight some issues:

The game can feel repetitive, with the Axis player’s strategy often boiling down to holding specific areas for reinforcements.

The Allies’ abilities can make certain strategies too costly for the Axis player.

The game’s balance can lead to less exciting endgames, as the Axis forces weaken over time.

Pros

Atmosphere: The game captures the essence of the battle from *The Hobbit*.

Theme: It is rich in theme, immersing players in the world of Middle-earth.

Historical Significance: It was one of the early fantasy wargames and has a nostalgic appeal.

Cons

Repetitiveness: Games can play out similarly each time.

Limited Choices: The Axis player has limited strategic options.

Endgame:
– The game can end with less excitement as the Axis forces dwindle.

Personal Thoughts on Battle of the Five Armies

This game is for fans of Tolkien and those interested in early fantasy wargames. While it has its flaws, such as repetitive gameplay and limited strategic choices, it still offers a unique and thematic experience. It might not be the best introduction to modern board games, but for those who appreciate historical games and the nostalgia of early wargaming, it can be a worthwhile addition to their collection.

For newer players, games like *War of the Ring* or more modern adaptations of Tolkien’s works might offer more varied and engaging experiences. However, for collectors and enthusiasts of early wargaming, *Battle of the Five Armies* remains a fascinating piece of gaming history.

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