Dogs of War (2014) Board Game

Dogs of War is a strategic board game released in 2014, designed by Mathieu Harlaut and Christophe Madura. The game is set in a renaissance-inspired world where players take on the roles of powerful noble houses vying for control and influence. With its mix of area majority, hand management, and worker placement mechanics, Dogs of War offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Dogs of War

Player Boards: For tracking player progress and resources.

Soldier Cards: Representing various military units with different strengths.

Captain Miniatures: Used for deployment in battles.

Reward Tokens: Including victory points, additional soldiers, captains, special Tactics cards, and influence tokens with the noble houses.

House Victory Track: A track that indicates the standing and influence of each noble house.

Random Reward Spaces: For battles, which players can support to gain rewards.

Manual and Backstory: A 6-page rulebook and a 28-page backstory.

How To Setup Dogs of War

To set up the game, players first randomize the board by setting up three battles, each involving two noble houses. Each battle has random reward spaces available for mercenaries. Players receive a initial income and take turns shopping for soldier cards. The board is set up to reflect the current state of the war, with the House Victory Track initialized to reflect the starting positions of the noble houses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Income: Players receive a small income at the start of each round.

Soldier Card Shopping: Players buy soldier cards to deploy in battles.

Captain Deployment: Players deploy their captain miniatures and soldier cards to support a side in a battle.

Battle Resolution: Battles are resolved based on the strength of the soldier cards played, with the winning side earning victory points and other rewards.

Alliances and Negotiations: Players form temporary alliances and negotiate to achieve mutually beneficial objectives.

House Victory Track: Players aim to accumulate tokens tied to the noble houses, which gain value based on the house’s position on the victory track at the end of the game.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the most respected mercenary company by accumulating the most victory points through winning battles and having valuable house tokens.

Player Experience

Playing **Dogs of War** involves a intricate dance of strategy, negotiation, and a bit of luck. Each round, players must make vital decisions about which battles to support, how heavily to invest in each battle, and with whom to form alliances. The game is highly interactive, with players constantly negotiating and scheming to outmaneuver each other. The House Victory Track adds an extra layer of complexity, as players must balance short-term gains with long-term strategic investments.

Pros

Deep Strategic Depth: Every decision is critical and interconnected.

High Player Interaction: Encourages negotiation, alliances, and competitive play.

Rich Theme: Set in a steampunk-influenced renaissance universe with detailed backstory.

Well-Designed Components: Attractive miniatures and a well-organized box inlay.

Cons

Complex Decision-Making: Players face difficult choices that are hard to optimize.

Unpredictable Outcomes: Battle results can be unpredictable, adding stress to decision-making.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: The complexity of the game can lead to lengthy decision-making processes.

Personal Thoughts on Dogs of War

**Dogs of War** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy, negotiation, and the dynamics of shifting alliances. It is not a game for the faint of heart, as it demands careful planning and a willingness to engage in competitive and sometimes cutthroat gameplay. For those who relish the challenge of managing multiple strategic layers and enjoy the social interaction of negotiating with other players, **Dogs of War** offers a deeply rewarding and engaging experience.

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