| | | | | | | |

Sherwood (2005) Board Game

ByMichail

Sherwood is a board game released in 2005, designed by Vlaada Chvátil and illustrated by David Cochard. It is published by Hofyland community and falls under the categories of bluffing, medieval, political, and territory building. The game revolves around the theme of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, as players compete to gain control of the Sherwood forest.

Game Components of Sherwood

  • Tactical Maps:** 4 full-color maps (11″ x 16″ or 28 x 40 cm) offering various terrains.
  • Counter Sheet:** 1 full-color counter sheet (8″ x 12″ or 21 x 29.7 cm).
  • Rule Booklet:** A 24-page booklet including rules, historical background, and 8 scenarios.
  • Play Sheet:** 1 handy reference play sheet.
  • Dice:** 1 10-sided die.
  • Counter Tray:** 1 counter tray.
  • Characters:** Over 60 different characters in various stances (healthy, stunned, wounded, or dead).

    How To Setup Sherwood

    Setting up Sherwood involves preparing the tactical maps, distributing the character counters, and choosing a scenario from the rule booklet. Players start by arranging the maps to create the desired terrain, such as Sherwood Forest or the nearby village inn. Each player then selects their characters and places them accordingly on the map. The rule booklet provides detailed setup instructions and scenarios to ensure a smooth start.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Man-to-Man Combat:** Rules simulate close combat between characters.
  • Missile Fire:** Mechanics include firing with bows, crossbows, or javelins.
  • Ambushes:** Players can ambush opponents by pouncing from trees.
  • Multiple Scenarios:** Eight different scenarios provide varied gameplay experiences.
  • Two Levels of Rules:** Simplified rules for young or new players, and additional rules for more realistic gameplay.
  • Game Objective:** Players aim to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents, either as Robin Hood’s outlaws or the Sheriff of Nottingham’s men.

    Player Experience

    Sherwood offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for fans of historical strategy games and the legend of Robin Hood. The game is designed to be accessible, with simplified rules for beginners and more complex rules for experienced players. The high-quality game materials and detailed scenarios enhance the immersive atmosphere, making it a great introduction to hex-and-counter wargaming.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Combines historical accuracy with exciting game mechanics.
  • Versatile Rules:** Suitable for both young and experienced players.
  • High-Quality Materials:** Detailed maps, colorful counters, and a well-designed rule booklet.
  • Immersive Scenarios:** Multiple scenarios provide a variety of gameplay experiences.
  • Family-Friendly:** Can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** While the simplified rules help, the full ruleset can be complex for new players.
  • Time Commitment:** Each game session can take around 45 minutes, which might be lengthy for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Sherwood

    Sherwood is an excellent choice for anyone interested in wargaming, historical strategy, or the legend of Robin Hood. It is particularly great for families or gaming groups with members of varying skill levels. The game’s ability to scale from simple to complex rules makes it an ideal introduction to the world of wargaming, while its detailed scenarios and high-quality materials ensure it remains engaging for experienced players. If you’re looking for a game that combines history, strategy, and fun, Sherwood is a top pick.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *