Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Orc Army (2005) Board Game

Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Orc Army is a standalone expansion to the popular Battleground system, which was first released in in 2005. The game is designed for 2 players and falls into the category of card games, dice games, and wargames. Players take on the role of commanding an orc army in a fantasy setting, using strategic thinking and tactical maneuvering to outwit their opponent.

Game Components of Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Orc Army

Card Decks: Each faction, including the Orc Army, has a Starter deck and a Reinforcement deck. The Starter deck contains enough units to create two 1500-point armies, along with a command card deck, basic rules, and reference cards.

Unit Cards: Representing different types of troops, these cards include information on unit stats, orders, and special abilities.

Command Cards: Used for issuing commands and special actions during the game.

Dice: Six-sided dice are required for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

Dry-Erase Markers: For marking damage and other status effects on the cards.

How To Setup Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Orc Army

To set up the game, players first construct their armies using the unit cards from the Starter and Reinforcement decks. Each unit card is assigned one of three orders: Hold (H), Close (C), or Range Attack (R), which determine its behavior during the game. Players also need to prepare their command card decks and ensure they have the necessary dice and dry-erase markers. The game area is set up with the cards representing the units and objectives, and measurements are made using the card lengths.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Orders System: Units follow standing orders unless altered by command actions. Orders include Hold, Close, and Range Attack.

Command Actions: Players have one command action for every 500 points in their army, allowing them to change orders or directly control units.

Movement & Command Phase: Units move according to their orders, with players using command actions to adjust strategies.

Combat Phase: Combat is resolved through dice rolls, taking into account bonuses and penalties. Units track damage on their cards, and routing checks can occur if units take significant damage.

Game Objective: The objective is to destroy all of the opponent’s units to win the game.

Player Experience

Battleground Fantasy Warfare offers a deep and complex gaming experience, akin to traditional miniatures wargames but with the convenience of card-based units. Players must strategically manage their units, issue effective commands, and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. The game is satisfying for those who enjoy building armies and executing tactical plans, but it also presents challenges in managing limited command actions and making critical decisions each turn.

Pros

Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional miniatures games, Battleground Fantasy Warfare is highly cost-effective, offering a full gaming experience at a lower price point.

Quick Setup: The game is relatively quick to set up and play, especially for those familiar with wargames.

Tactical Depth: Offers a complex and involving gameplay experience with significant tactical depth.

Balanced Factions: The initial factions (Orcs, Undead, and Men of Hawkshold) are well-balanced, each with unique abilities and strengths.

Cons

Rule Clarity: The rulebook is small and sometimes unclear, making it difficult to find specific rules during gameplay.

Learning Curve: While the basics are easy to learn, the game has a steep learning curve due to its complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Orc Army

Battleground Fantasy Warfare is ideal for players who enjoy strategic and tactical gameplay but may not have the time or resources to invest in traditional miniatures wargaming. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the complexity of wargames but need a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative. The game’s unique card-based system and balanced factions make it an engaging and rewarding experience for fans of fantasy warfare and strategy games.

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