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A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) Board Game

ByMichail

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) is based on George R.R. Martin’s popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” The game was first released in 2011 by Fantasy Flight Games and has since become a favorite among board game enthusiasts. Designed by Christian T. Petersen, the game combines elements of bluffing, negotiation, and political strategy within the context of a fantasy wargame.

Game Components of A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

  • Game Board: A detailed map of Westeros resembling paint on distressed parchment.
  • 138 Colored Plastic Units: Including 60 footmen, 30 knights, 36 ships, and 12 siege engines.
  • 81 Large Cards: Comprising 42 House cards, 30 Westeros cards, and 9 Wildling cards.
  • 24 Small Tides of Battle Cards**.
  • 6 House-specific Player Screens**.
  • 266 Cardboard Tokens: Including order tokens, power tokens, influence tokens, supply tokens, neutral force tokens, victory point tokens, garrison tokens, and other specific tokens.
  • Rulebook** and **Reference Sheets**.

    How To Setup A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

    To set up the game, each player selects one of the six Great Houses of Westeros and receives the corresponding army units, order tokens, and House cards. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the Westeros decks, Wildling cards, and Tides of Battle cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Each player sets up their units in their starting areas as indicated on the board. Players also receive their player screens and tokens. The game round marker is set to the first round, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Westeros Phase: Special events and global actions are resolved using Westeros cards, which can affect all players.
  • Planning Phase: Players assign facedown Order tokens to areas containing their units.
  • Action Phase: Order tokens are resolved, determining the actions players can take.
  • Objective: The goal is to control the most areas containing Castles or Strongholds by the end of the 10th game round or immediately if a player controls seven such areas.

    Player Experience

    A Game of Thrones: The Board Game is known for its complex and engaging gameplay, requiring a blend of military might, diplomacy, and strategic planning. Players must form alliances, negotiate with opponents, and occasionally cooperate to face common threats like the Wildlings. The game is highly interactive and can be quite lengthy, often taking several hours to complete. It rewards players who can balance short-term gains with long-term strategies and navigate the intricate web of alliances and betrayals.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Depth: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Immersive Theme: Faithfully represents the world of Westeros with detailed artwork and components.
  • Asymmetrical Play: Each Great House has unique abilities and playstyles.
  • High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player interactions ensure each game is different.
  • Diplomacy and Politics: Encourages negotiation and cooperation among players.

    Cons

  • Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take 4-6 hours to complete.
  • Complex Rules: The rulebook can be daunting for new players.
  • High Player Requirement: Best played with 5 or 6 players; game mechanics can be less balanced with fewer players.
  • Time Commitment: Requires a significant time investment for setup and gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

    A Game of Thrones: The Board Game is ideal for fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and those who enjoy complex, strategic board games. It is particularly suited for groups that appreciate diplomacy, negotiation, and the intricate dynamics of alliances and betrayals. While it can be challenging to get on the table due to its length and player requirements, the game offers a highly rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time. For new players, the digital version available on Steam can be a great way to learn the game smoothly through built-in tutorials.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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