Viktory II (2006) Board Game

Viktory II is a strategic board game released in 2006, designed by Peter Morrison and published by Morrison Games. It falls under the categories of Exploration, Miniatures, Post-Napoleonic, Territory Building, and Wargame. The game is designed for 2 to 8 players, with the ideal player count being

It has a runtime of about 60 minutes and is recommended for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Viktory II

Modular Map: 180 hexagonal terrain tiles.

Playing Pieces: 584 pieces, including infantry, artillery, cavalry, frigates, cities, and towns in eight colors.

Jigsaw Frame Pieces: For outlining the map.

Pillage Markers: 25 markers.

Dice: 8 dice.

Reference Cards: 8 cards.

Rulebook: 12-page rulebook with examples and optional rules.

How To Setup Viktory II

To set up Viktory II, start by assembling the jigsaw border pieces to outline the map, which varies in size based on the number of players. Fill the frame with face-down hexagonal terrain tiles. Each player places their capital marker on a land tile, revealing adjacent terrain tiles to determine the starting exploration area. Players then turn over three adjacent tiles to their capital to get an idea of their starting area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Build Phase: Build new towns or upgrade towns to cities, receiving units based on the terrain type of the town/city (e.g., plains produce infantry, grass produces cavalry, mountains produce artillery, wood produces frigates).

Movement & Combat: Units have specific movement ranges (infantry: 2 spaces, cavalry: 3 spaces, artillery: 2 spaces, frigates: 5 spaces). Combat is resolved by rolling dice, with different units providing different numbers of dice. Battles continue until one side retreats or is eliminated.

Reserve Placement: New and lost units are placed back on the map in valid recruiting cities.

Objective: Win by eliminating all other players, forcing them to concede, or subjugating them by capturing their capital. An alternate rule allows for subjugation instead of elimination.

Player Experience

Viktory II is praised for its fast-paced and aggressive gameplay, making it appealing to fans of wargames like Risk and Axis & Allies. The game’s simple rules and modular map ensure that no two games are the same, keeping the game fresh and exciting. The game typically lasts 1-4 hours, with games for four players usually finishing in a single session of 3-5 hours.

Pros

Modular Map: Ensures varied gameplay each time.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn but complex in strategy.

Fast-Paced: Encourages aggressive play.

Combined Arms Tactics: Rewards strategic unit composition.

No Resource Management: Units are supported by towns/cities, eliminating the need for resource collection.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires time to set up the modular board.

Luck in Combat: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck in battles.

Potential for Early Elimination: Unless using the alternate subjugation rule, players can be eliminated early in the game.

Personal Thoughts on Viktory II

Viktory II is ideal for fans of wargames and those who enjoy strategic, fast-paced gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the Napoleonic era theme and the combination of exploration, economics, and combined arms tactics. The game’s design appeals to both new and experienced gamers, offering a balance of simplicity and strategic depth. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with less luck involved or those who are averse to player elimination unless the alternate rules are used.

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