Plantagenet: Cousins’ War for England, 1459
1485 is a board game that takes players back to the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses in England. This game captures the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York as they fought for control of the English throne. Players will strategically maneuver their forces, engage in battles, and navigate the political landscape of medieval England in order to emerge victorious.Game Components of Plantagenet: Cousins’ War for England, 1459 – 1485
Game Board: Represents the map of England during the Wars of the Roses.Command Cards: Used to preset the order of actions such as marching, foraging, and sieging.Lord Mats: For arraying lords in battle scenarios.Capabilities: Include crossbowmen, trebuchets, and stonecutters.Carts and Transport: For equipping and moving armies.Provender and Coin Tokens: For supplying and paying armies.Influence Track: To track local and overall political influence.
How To Setup Plantagenet: Cousins’ War for England, 1459 – 1485
Setting up the game involves preparing the game board, distributing Command Cards, and forming stacks of these cards to determine the order of actions. Players must also levy armies by recruiting great Lords and lesser Vassals, equip them with necessary capabilities, and gather provender and coin to sustain their troops. Detailed setup instructions can be found in the game’s living rules and online resources.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Levy & Campaign Mechanics: Players recruit and equip armies, managing logistics such as provender and coin.Command Card System: Players form stacks of Command Cards to determine the order of actions like marching, foraging, and sieging.Political Influence: Managing local and overall political influence to sway cities and lords to one’s side.Battle Mechanics: Engaging in battles to kill or capture enemy lords, including strategic placement and use of capabilities.Game Objective: To lead one of the two factions (York or Lancaster) to victory by controlling the English throne through various scenarios or the entire Wars of the Roses.
Player Experience
**Plantagenet: Cousins’ War for England, 1459 – 1485** offers a deep and immersive experience, particularly for fans of historical strategy games. Players must balance military actions with political maneuvering, managing resources and alliances to achieve victory. The game is highly adaptable, allowing for both short, decisive scenarios and long, multi-year campaigns. It is also noted for its solo-friendly design, making it enjoyable for both single players and those playing with a partner.
Pros
Historical Depth: Richly detailed historical context and accurate portrayal of the Wars of the Roses.Versatile Scenarios: Offers a range of scenarios from brief engagements to long campaigns.Solo-Friendly: Well-suited for solo play due to its straightforward levy and campaign mechanics.Strategic Complexity: Combines military and political strategies, requiring careful planning and resource management.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complex mechanics and historical context may be overwhelming for new players.Resource Intensive: Managing provender, coin, and influence can be cumbersome.Lengthy Playtime: Some scenarios can span multiple hours or even days.
Personal Thoughts on Plantagenet: Cousins’ War for England, 1459 – 1485
This game is ideal for fans of historical strategy and those who enjoy deep, complex gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the nuances of medieval politics and warfare. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a highly rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master its mechanics.
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