Hordes of the Things (1991) Board Game

Hordes of the Things is a fantasy miniature wargame that was first released in 1991 by the Wargames Research Group. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with a best player count of

It has a runtime of about 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and up. The game allows players to control armies of various fantasy creatures and battle against each other on a tabletop battlefield.

Game Components of Hordes of the Things

Miniature figures: Representing various fantasy units such as Knights, Blades, Heroes, Magicians, and more.

Army lists: Detailing different troop types and their costs in Army Points (AP).

Rulebook: Outlining game mechanics, setup, and objectives.

Dice: For determining Player Initiative Points (PIPs) and resolving combat.

Terrain: Optional, for creating battlefields.

How To Setup Hordes of the Things

To set up a game of Hordes of the Things, players first decide on the size of their armies, typically 24 Army Points (AP) each. They then select their units from a variety of troop types, ensuring no more than half the points are spent on elements costing 3 or more AP. The battlefield is set up with terrain if desired, and each player deploys their army. The game starts with a roll for Player Initiative Points (PIPs), which determine the actions a player can take in their turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Alternate turns, with each turn involving PIP rolls, spell casting, shooting, and close combat resolution.

Player Initiative Points (PIPs): Used to move elements, cast spells, and perform other actions.

Combat Resolution: Shooting, spell casting, and close combat are resolved using similar mechanisms, with outcomes causing elements to recoil, flee, or be destroyed.

Game Objective: Win by eliminating the opponent’s general, destroying half of their army points, or capturing the defender’s stronghold.

Player Experience

Playing **Hordes of the Things** is a fast-paced and action-packed experience. The game is designed to be simple and quick, with most games lasting less than an hour. Players enjoy the flexibility of creating armies from a wide range of fantasy units and the strategic depth of managing PIPs to execute their battle plans. The absence of detailed spell lists and the focus on combat outcomes rather than specific spell effects add to the game’s speed and simplicity.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Most games last less than an hour.

Simple rules: Easy to learn and remember, despite some nuanced combat modifiers.

Flexibility: Can represent armies from various fantasy settings and time periods.

Generic: Not tied to any specific fantasy genre or figure range.

Cons

Complex combat modifiers: Some players find the numerous combat modifiers and unit-specific interactions challenging to remember.

Rule complexity: While the core rules are simple, there are specific rules for movement and combat entry that can be tricky to recall.

Personal Thoughts on Hordes of the Things

**Hordes of the Things** is ideal for players who enjoy quick and dynamic fantasy battles without the burden of complex rules or extensive setup times. It is particularly suited for those who like to mix and match different fantasy units and scenarios, offering a high degree of customizability. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply intricate or realistic combat simulations. For those who value simplicity, flexibility, and fast-paced action, **Hordes of the Things** is an excellent choice.

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