Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift (2011) Board Game

The Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift board game is based on two important battles that took place during the Anglo-Zulu War in in 2011. The Battle of Isandlwana was a significant defeat for the British forces, while the Battle of Rorke’s Drift was a successful defense of a small British outpost. These battles are known for their strategic complexity and intense combat situations, making them ideal settings for a wargame.

Game Components of Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift

Game Board: A large, double-sided hard-mounted board featuring Isandlwana on one side and Rorke’s Drift on the other.

Counters: Deluxe large 1″ counters with rounded corners for British units, and 2″ long Zulu counters with rounded corners.

Rule Book: Two copies of the rule book.

Player Aids: Two copies of the player aid.

Solitaire Bot Aid: A special aid for maneuvering the Zulu in solitaire games.

Dice: Included for gameplay.

How To Setup Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift

Setting up the game involves placing the appropriate side of the board for the chosen battle, deploying the counters according to the specific battle’s setup rules, and distributing the player aids and rule books. Each battle has its unique setup to reflect the historical conditions of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Secret Unit Deployment.

Objective: Players take on the roles of either the British or Zulu armies, with the objective of winning the respective battles. In the solitaire version, the player controls the British forces while a bot engine manages the Zulu forces.

Play Time: Approximately 120 minutes.

Players: 1 to 2 players.

Age: Recommended for 12 years and above.

Player Experience

**Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift** offers an immersive and challenging experience, particularly for fans of historical wargames. The game is easy to learn but complex enough to engage experienced players. The inclusion of both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battles provides a rich historical context and varying gameplay experiences.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game faithfully recreates two significant battles from the Anglo-Zulu War.

Replayability: Two complete battles in one box, along with solitaire options, enhance replayability.

Components: Deluxe components, including large counters and a hard-mounted board, add to the game’s quality.

Educational Value: Players learn about historical events while enjoying the gameplay.

Cons

Complexity: While the rules are easy to learn, the gameplay can be complex, especially for new players.

Availability: The game, especially the deluxe edition, may be out of stock or hard to find.

Play Time: The 120-minute play time can be a commitment for casual gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift

**Victoria Cross II: Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift** is ideal for those who enjoy historical wargames and are interested in the Anglo-Zulu War. It is a great addition to any wargamer’s collection, offering a deep and engaging gaming experience. However, due to its complexity and play time, it may not be the best fit for casual or younger gamers.

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