Gorechosen (2016) Board Game

Gorechosen is a board game released in 2016 by Games Workshop Ltd. It is a fast-paced, brutal game of fantasy combat where players take on the roles of champions fighting in the arenas of Chaos. The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of 25-75 minutes.

Game Components of Gorechosen

4 Gorechosen Champion miniatures: Redarg Bloodfane (Exalted Deathbringer), Kore Hammerskull (Skullgrinder), Heldrax Goretouched (Slaughterpriest), and Vexnar the Reaper (Aspiring Deathbringer).

Double-sided arena board with a hex grid.

4 Fighter Reference cards with rules and health trackers.

52 Action, Initiative, and Critical Injury cards.

16-page rulebook, including rules for additional characters.

Assorted tokens and dice.

How To Setup Gorechosen

Setting up Gorechosen is straightforward. Each player selects a character and places their miniature on the arena board. Players are dealt a hand of five action cards, and each player adds initiative cards to a deck based on their current wrath level. The initiative deck is shuffled, and the game begins. The arena board, which is double-sided, provides a simple yet varied environment for the combat.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Play: Players use action cards to move, defend, or attack. Each card has three possible actions.

Initiative System: Players’ turns are determined by initiative cards, with more wrath increasing the number of initiative cards.

Wrath System: Wrath levels go up or down based on actions and damage taken or inflicted, affecting the number of initiative cards.

Objective

The objective is to be the last player standing in the arena, proving who is the most worthy of Khorne’s gifts.

Player Experience

Gorechosen offers a fast-paced and fun experience, especially with four players. The game is simple to learn but requires strategic decision-making, particularly in balancing between attacking and defending. The arena environment and the unique abilities of each character add to the excitement and variability of the game. However, with fewer players, the game can feel more like a slugfest, with luck playing a more significant role in determining the winner.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup make it accessible to new players.

Fun and Fast-Paced: The game is designed for quick, intense matches.

High Replayability: Additional characters and game modes enhance replay value.

Good Quality Components: The miniatures, arena board, and insert are of good quality.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game lacks deep strategy and may not be played frequently.

Price: Some find it overpriced, particularly for those outside the core Games Workshop customer base.

Luck Factor: With fewer players, luck can significantly influence the outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Gorechosen

Gorechosen is ideal for fans of the Age of Sigmar universe and those who enjoy light, filler games with a dark, humorous twist. It’s perfect for a fun, social gaming session, especially with a full complement of four players. While it may not offer the depth some gamers seek, its simplicity and fast-paced action make it a great addition to any gaming collection. For those looking to expand their game, additional characters and game modes are available, ensuring the game remains fresh and exciting over multiple plays.

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