The Battle of Five Armies (1984) Board Game

The Battle of Five Armies is a board game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel, The Hobbit. It was first released in 1984 by Iron Crown Enterprises and designed by Stephan Peregrine. The game allows players to recreate the epic battle depicted in the book, where five armies clash in the aftermath of Smaug’s defeat.

Game Components of The Battle of Five Armies

Game Board: 50 x 70 cm

Plastic Figures: 126 (19 different sculptures)

Action Dice: 13

Combat Dice: 10

Cards: 92 (Fate, Story, and Event)

Character and Special Units Reference Cards: 11

Counters and Tokens: 160

Player Aid: 2

Game Rules: 1

How To Setup The Battle of Five Armies

To set up the game, each player chooses a side: the Shadow player commands the armies of Bolg, while the Free Peoples player controls Men, Dwarves, and Elves led by Gandalf. The board is laid out with the respective starting positions for each army. The Shadow player’s reinforcements are placed according to the game rules, and each player receives their action dice and event cards. The Fate Track is set up to handle the arrival of allies and special events.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Dice: Used for movement, combat, and other actions.

Event Cards: Add variety and challenges to the game.

Fate Track: Manages the arrival of allies and special events.

Objective: The Shadow player aims to dominate key areas on the board, while the Free Peoples player must fend off the goblin army and protect their positions.

Player Experience

The game offers a strategic experience with each side having unique challenges. However, some players find the gameplay repetitive, particularly for the Shadow player. The Shadow player’s strategy often revolves around holding specific areas to gain additional dice, which can lead to a predictable game flow. The game’s design means that the Shadow player’s forces weaken over time, reducing the number of actions they can take, which can result in a less engaging endgame.

Pros

Epic Scope: Recreates the climactic battle from _The Hobbit_.

High-Quality Components: Includes 126 plastic figures and various cards and tokens.

Unique Mechanics: Combines action dice and event cards with the Fate Track.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: The Shadow player’s strategy can become predictable.

Diminishing Choices: The Shadow player’s actions decrease as the game progresses.

Less Engaging Endgame: Can result in a less dramatic conclusion.

Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Five Armies

This game is best suited for fans of _The Hobbit_ and Tolkien enthusiasts who enjoy strategic board games. However, due to its repetitive nature and the diminishing engagement for the Shadow player, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a highly dynamic and varied gameplay experience. If you’re looking for a more complex and engaging game within the same theme, _War of the Ring_ is often recommended.

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