A Gest of Robin Hood’ is a board game that was released in 2024, designed by Robert Altbauer, Terry Leeds, and Chechu Nieto. The game is set in a medieval setting and incorporates elements of wargame strategy. Players take on the roles of different characters from the Robin Hood legend, competing to gain influence and control over key areas in the game.
Game Components of A Gest of Robin Hood
One 17” x 22” Mounted Game Board44 Cards (Event Deck & Travellers Deck)42 Wooden PiecesOne Half-size, Full-color CountersheetTwo Player MatsRules of Play Booklet and Learn to Play Booklet
How To Setup A Gest of Robin Hood
Setting up the game involves placing the game board, which resembles a parchment map of Nottinghamshire, in the center of the playing area. Each player receives a player mat and the corresponding wooden pieces. The Event Deck and Travellers Deck are shuffled and placed within reach. The countersheet is used to track various game states such as parish revolts and wealth collection.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Hidden Movement Mechanic: Robin Hood can hide among his Merry Men, while the Sheriff chases him across Nottinghamshire.Carriage Mechanic: Carriages transfer wealth back to Nottingham, but some may contain concealed Henchmen, providing a target for robbery.Random Encounters: Robin Hood draws from the Travellers Deck to decide on encounters with rich travelers.Streamlined Sequence of Play: A simplified sequence of play that presents tactical decisions.
Objectives
Robin Hood and the Merry Men: Aim to incite peasant revolts, rob carriages and travelers, and build a network of camps across Nottinghamshire to undermine the Sheriff’s authority.The Sheriff of Nottingham and his Henchmen: Focus on suppressing peasant revolts, securing roads, and collecting taxes for Prince John.
Player Experience
Players engage in a tense asymmetric duel, with each side having distinct actions and goals. The game is known for its thematic and logical gameplay, making it accessible to newcomers while challenging experienced wargamers. The hidden information mechanics, such as the location of Robin Hood among his Merry Men and the contents of the carriages, add a layer of strategy and excitement.
Pros
Thematic and Logical Gameplay: The game stays true to the Robin Hood lore while offering strategic depth.Approachable COIN System: Simplified version of the COIN system, perfect for newcomers to wargaming.Beautiful Production: The game board and components are highly praised for their aesthetic and functional design.Quick Playtime: Games typically last under an hour.Family-Friendly Theme: A less violent theme compared to typical wargames.
Cons
Limited Dynamic Movement: Changing strategies or focus can feel somewhat rigid.Minor Design Oversights: Some players noted minor issues with card design, such as confusing color choices for event options.
Personal Thoughts on A Gest of Robin Hood
**A Gest of Robin Hood** is ideal for those interested in a thematic and strategic game with a historical twist. It is particularly suited for:
Newcomers to wargaming looking for an entry point into the COIN system.Experienced wargamers seeking a tight, asymmetric challenge.Fans of the Robin Hood legend who appreciate a game set in a realistic yet romanticized context.Players who enjoy two-player games with meaningful decisions and hidden information mechanics.
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