Dark Emperor (1985) Board Game

Dark Emperor is a fantasy wargame that was released in in 1985. Designed by James Talbot and featuring artwork by The Avalon Hill Game Co, this game is perfect for two players who enjoy strategic gameplay set in a fantasy realm. With a playing time of 120–240 minutes, Dark Emperor is recommended for players aged 12 and up.

Game Components of Dark Emperor

Mapboard: A four-color, two-piece folding mapboard featuring a meteorite-scarred island landscape.

Counters: 260 color counters.

Rule Book: A 16-page rule book with extensive historical background and designer’s notes.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

Box Art: Designed by Jim Talbot, resembling Elric on the cover.

How To Setup Dark Emperor

To set up the game, players need to unfold the mapboard, which depicts the world of Loslon, and distribute the counters according to the setup instructions in the rule book. The Necromancer player sets up their forces, including vampires and undead, while the human player sets up the divided human kingdoms. The rule book provides detailed setup instructions to ensure both players start with the correct positions and resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Warfare: Involves the movement and combat between the Necromancer’s forces and the human kingdoms.

Quest: Players must find and utilize magic items, such as the Great Sword He-Sups-On-Prana.

Diplomacy: Human player must rally the kingdoms to unite against the Necromancer.

Magic System: An intriguing system that adds depth to the game.

Game Objective:

Necromancer: Conquer two or three lesser kingdoms to feed the vampiric host, then march against the seat of empire to avenge against the descendants of Padrom III.

Human Player: Delay the Necromancer’s advance until the heroes and heroines can unite the land to defeat the Necromancer.

Player Experience

Playing **Dark Emperor** can be a complex and challenging experience. The game is rated a 6 out of 10 in terms of complexity and can take two to four hours to complete. Players must employ cunning strategy, subtle diplomacy, and heroic defense to achieve victory. The unique setting and imaginative concept of an invasion by sorcerers and vampires from another plane of existence add to the game’s appeal.

Pros

Unique Setting: The game features a distinct meteorite-scarred island landscape and an imaginative invasion scenario.

Intriguing Magic System: Adds depth and complexity to the gameplay.

Beautiful Components: The mapboard and counters are visually appealing.

Strategic Depth: Requires intelligent command and planning to win.

Cons

Complexity: Some aspects of the game were found to be almost unplayable, contributing to its poor reception.

Poor Sales and Reception: Received a 5.5/10 rating on BoardGameGeek and did not sell well.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take two to four hours to complete.

Personal Thoughts on Dark Emperor

**Dark Emperor** is for those who enjoy complex, strategic fantasy games with a strong emphasis on warfare and quest elements. If you’re an old-school gamer who appreciates detailed world-building and intricate gameplay mechanics, this might be the game for you. However, due to its complexity and historical issues with playability, it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers. The game’s unique setting and themes, such as playing as a powerful Necromancer or rallying human kingdoms, make it an interesting choice for fans of fantasy and strategy games.

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.