1872: The Lost Crows (2019) Board Game

1872: The Lost Crows is a board game that takes players back to the American Indian Wars in the American West. Designed by Mike Heiman, the game offers a unique blend of exploration, worker placement, and storytelling set in the historical context of the late 19th century.

Game Components of 1872: The Lost Crows

Print-and-play materials: Players need to print out the game sheets and maps.

Dice: Used for resolving actions and events.

Markers or pens: For marking the map and tracking resources.

Resource tokens or trackers: To manage food, water, and other essential supplies.

Event charts and tables: Provide story bits and choices based on dice rolls.

Journal or notes: Recommended for enhancing the narrative experience.

How To Setup 1872: The Lost Crows

To set up the game, players start by printing the necessary sheets, including the map, resource trackers, and event charts. Each player takes on the role of the Chief of a Native American tribe. The game begins with full resources (food, water, etc.) and the tribe’s goal is to survive long enough to cross the Canadian border. Players draw terrain hexes, map their journey, and allocate resources carefully.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Map-making: Players draw terrain on a hexed grid.

Resource management: Manage food, water, and other supplies.

Roll-and-write: Use dice rolls to determine actions and events.

Event resolution: Consult event charts for story bits and make choices.

Objective: Survive and reach the Canadian border while avoiding the US Cavalry.

Player Experience

Playing **1872: The Lost Crows** is an immersive experience that combines strategic resource management with the thematic elements of survival in the untamed American West. Players must navigate through various terrains, manage resources, and make decisions based on dice rolls and event outcomes. The game is highly thematic, with elements like the Shaman having visions and reading bad omens, which adds to the atmosphere of hardship and survival.

Pros

Highly thematic: The game strongly immerses players in the narrative of Native American tribes during the Frontier West era.

Engaging mechanics: The combination of map-making, resource management, and roll-and-write mechanics keeps the game engaging and challenging.

Replayability: Random events and dice rolls ensure each playthrough is unique.

Calming and immersive: The mapping activity can be calming and engaging.

Cons

Complex resource management: Managing resources can be challenging and may lead to frustration if not handled properly.

Dependence on dice rolls: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by dice rolls, which can sometimes lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Steep learning curve: The game has several mechanics and rules to learn, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on 1872: The Lost Crows

**1872: The Lost Crows** is ideal for players who enjoy solo, narrative-driven games with a strong thematic focus. It is particularly suited for those interested in historical settings and survival mechanics. The game’s combination of mapping, resource management, and roll-and-write elements makes it a unique and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick or light game, as it requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

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.