Vikings: Scourge of the North (2018) Board Game

Vikings: Scourge of the North is a board game that takes players back to the era of Viking raids and conquests. Released in 2018, the game is designed by Chris Dickson, Nadir Elfarra, Lise Patterson, and Joe Youst, with artwork by Decision Games. It falls under the categories of Ancient, Medieval, and Wargame, offering players a strategic and immersive experience set in a historical context.

Game Components of Vikings: Scourge of the North

Game board depicting lands from Russia to Vinland and from Scandinavia to the Byzantine Empire

Units representing Viking warriors, ships, and historical leaders

Saga cards for voyages of discovery and quest fulfillment

Voyage cards for special actions

Gold and Edda tokens

Rulebook (though noted for its ambiguities and errors)

How To Setup Vikings: Scourge of the North

Setting up the game involves placing your starting units on one of the Viking homelands on the map. However, the rulebook lacks clarity on some setup details, such as the starting Edda value and whether troops remain on the map or depart from a homeland at the start of each new Saga. Players have to make assumptions based on intuitive connections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Solitaire Play: Designed for a single player.

Unit Recruitment: Recruit elite huskarls and fanatic berserkers.

Ship Building: Build more longships.

Map Movement: Move across a map spanning from Russia to Vinland.

Quest Fulfillment: Complete quests based on Saga cards.

Combat Resolution: Engage in battles, with special actions from Voyage cards.

Objective: Pursue gold, glory, and new lands to settle.

Player Experience

The game offers a quick playtime, with the entire campaign playable in under 2 hours. The gameplay is simple and has a nice rhythm, with turns involving movement, drawing cards, and resolving actions. Battles are easy to resolve, especially with the Jarl unit providing initiative. However, the campaign’s design requires strategic thinking to preserve the Jarl, conserve gold, and gain Edda.

Pros

Quick playtime

Simple and engaging gameplay

Good campaign design for multi-play scenarios

Affordable and compact package

Fun experience despite flaws

Cons

Rulebook has errors and omissions

Lack of clarity in setup and campaign progression

No dice-independent sea movement

Limited replay value for some players

Personal Thoughts on Vikings: Scourge of the North

**Vikings: Scourge of the North** is ideal for fans of solitaire games and those interested in Viking history. Despite its rulebook issues, the game delivers a fun and engaging experience, making it a great choice for those seeking a quick, action-packed solo adventure. It’s perfect for players who enjoy historical themes and are looking for a game that can be played in a short amount of time. However, players seeking lengthy gameplay or strong replay value might find it lacking in these aspects.

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