War of Kings (2014) Board Game

War of Kings is a board game released in 2014 in the category of fantasy, miniatures, and wargame. It is designed by Phillip Lewis, Ian Schofield, James Starr-King, and Simon Summers, with art by RAINN Studios. The game can be played by 2 to 6 players, with the best experience being for 4 to 6 players, and has a runtime of approximately 120 minutes. The game is recommended for players aged 13 and above and features gameplay mechanics such as area movement, dice rolling, and trading.

Game Components of War of Kings

Double-sided board for extended replayability

Cardboard tokens and coins

Miniatures representing villages, towns, cities, and fortifications

Resource tokens (timber, wheat, cattle, stone)

Army units

Event cards

Malador cards

Player reference cards

Exploration dice

How To Setup War of Kings

Setting up War of Kings involves preparing the board, distributing resources, and placing initial settlements and army units. Each player selects a starting settlement and places their army units accordingly. The board is divided into territories, each capable of producing up to two different resources once a town or city is established. The Maladorian force, a semi-controlled marauder element, is also set up to be triggered by event dice rolls.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage resources like timber, wheat, cattle, and stone.

Empire Building: Expand your kingdom by building settlements, towns, and cities.

Exploration: Explore new territories using exploration dice, which can result in various outcomes such as encountering marauders, plagues, or gaining immediate resources.

Combat: Engage in battles to protect and expand your territories.

Road Construction: Build roads to connect settlements, facilitating resource transport and army movement.

Event Phase: Roll event dice to trigger events, including the activation of Maladorian forces.

Objective: Accumulate the most victory points by expanding your kingdom and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

Playing War of Kings is a strategic and immersive experience. Players must balance resource collection, settlement expansion, and military defense. The game features a unique exploration mechanic where rolling dice determines the outcomes of venturing into new territories, adding a layer of unpredictability. The presence of Maladorian forces, controlled by event cards, keeps players on their toes as they navigate both external threats and internal resource management.

Pros

Engaging 4X strategy gameplay

High replayability due to the double-sided board and random exploration outcomes

Well-balanced economic system

Tactile and visually appealing components, including miniatures and cardboard tokens

Dynamic gameplay with multiple phases (Construction, Event, Exploration, Battle Resolution, Supply)

Cons

Complex rules may require frequent consultations of the rulebook, especially during the first game

Some rules, like army unit deployment and support, can be easy to overlook

Initial setup and rule learning can be time-consuming

Personal Thoughts on War of Kings

War of Kings is ideal for fans of 4X strategy games who enjoy a mix of resource management, empire building, and combat. The game’s complexity and depth make it suitable for experienced players looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its intricate rules, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay and medieval themes.

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