Burning Banners (2024) Board Game

Burning Banners’ is a fantasy wargame released in 2024, designed by Christopher Moeller. It is a strategic game that involves critical hits and failures, deck-building, dice rolling, and hexagon grid movement. The game is set in a fantasy world where players control armies battling for dominance and control.

Game Components of Burning Banners

240 1” Hand-Drawn Rounded Counters

162 ⅝” Rounded Counters

65 Coin Counters

4 17”x22” Hand-Drawn Mounted Maps with huge 1 ½” hexes

192 Playing Cards

1 Rule Book

1 Campaign Book

1 Lore Booklet

6 Dual-Layered Kingdom Playmats

3 Cardstock Player Aids

2 Mounted Displays

12 Light Six-Sided Dice

8 Dark Eight-Sided Dice

Upgrades include Dual-Layered Kingdom Boards, upgraded punchboards, special card and map finishes, and additional lore and art materials.

How To Setup Burning Banners

Setting up Burning Banners involves connecting the four hand-drawn mounted boards to form the kingdom of Kalar, depending on the scenario. Each scenario is unique and may require one, two, or all four maps. Players choose their factions and set up their units according to the scenario’s specific rules and objectives. The game includes detailed setup instructions in the Rule Book and Campaign Book to guide players through the process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Turn Structure: Players take turns activating all of their units, moving them around the board, and performing a single action such as attacking or working a mine.

Combat System: Units engage in combat by rolling dice; white dice for six-sided rolls and black dice for eight-sided rolls. Hits occur on rolls of five or greater, with additional dice rolls for critical hits.

Magic and Blessings: Advanced mode introduces a common magic deck and faction-specific blessings that enhance combat and movement.

Heroes: Advanced mode includes heroes with unique abilities that can stack with units and cast magic.

Dungeon Sites: Players can explore neutral locations to fight monsters and gain rewards.

Game Objective

The objective varies by scenario but generally involves one side (the Invaders) attempting to achieve specific goals against the other side (the Resistance). Players must navigate battles, capture territories, and manage resources to succeed.

Player Experience

Playing Burning Banners is a fast-paced and immersive experience, with a focus on strategic unit management and combat. The game offers a high degree of freedom in unit deployment and actions, making each turn feel dynamic. However, the complexity of the rules, especially in the Advanced mode, can lead to some downtime and rule lookup. The game’s beautiful artwork and detailed world-building enhance the experience, making it feel rich and engaging.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: Hand-drawn maps and characters create a stunning visual experience.

Variety of Scenarios: 29 scenarios offer a wide range of play options, from short battles to epic campaigns.

Unique Factions: Six factions with unique units and abilities provide diverse gameplay experiences.

Rich World-Building: Detailed lore and setting add depth to the game.

Cons

Complex Rulebook: The rulebook can be bloated and overwhelming for new players.

Downtime: Larger games can experience significant downtime as players manage distant parts of the board.

Unbalanced Scenarios: Some scenarios may feel unbalanced, requiring house rules to adjust.

Personal Thoughts on Burning Banners

Burning Banners is ideal for fans of fantasy wargames who appreciate detailed world-building and strategic gameplay. It’s perfect for groups looking for a campaign-driven experience with a lot of replayability. However, the game’s complexity and potential downtime make it less suitable for casual or new players. For those willing to invest the time to learn the rules, Burning Banners offers a deeply engaging and visually stunning experience.

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