A Song of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game – Free Folk Starter Set (2018) Board Game

A Song of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game – Free Folk Starter Set is a tabletop wargame based on George R.R. Martin’s popular series of novels, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Designed by Eric M. Lang and Michael Shinall, this game allows players to command armies in the fantasy world of Westeros. The Free Folk Starter Set was released in 2018 as part of the larger A Song of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game.

Game Components

Miniatures: Highly-detailed, pre-assembled plastic miniatures of Free Folk Raiders, Savage Giants, and Free Folk Trappers.

Units and Attachments: Includes full units, Unit Attachments, Commanders, and Non-Combat Units (NCUs).

Rulebook: A comprehensive rulebook for the game.

Dice and Tokens: Custom Free Folk dice and tokens for gameplay.

Terrain and Tools: Measuring sticks, terrain templates, and movement trays.

How To Setup

Setting up the game involves assembling the miniatures, which is not necessary since they are pre-assembled, and organizing the units and attachments according to the rulebook. Players need to read through the rulebook to understand the setup and deployment of their forces. The game includes everything needed to start playing, making the initial setup straightforward.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Deployment: Players deploy their units on the battlefield, leveraging the unique abilities of each unit.

Tactical Cards: Use of Tactics Cards to utilize the Free Folk’s superior numbers and speed.

Maneuver Zone: Focus on controlling the Maneuver Zone to execute swift and decisive maneuvers.

Objective: The objective is to outmaneuver and defeat the opponent’s forces through strategic use of units and tactics.

Player Experience

Players experience a unique and dynamic gameplay with the Free Folk, differing significantly from the armies of Westeros. The Free Folk rely on overwhelming numbers and speed rather than disciplined training, making the game fast-paced and tactical. Players can add characters from the books, such as Mance Rayder and Tormund, to enhance their forces and strategy.

Pros

Highly-Detailed Miniatures: Pre-assembled and detailed miniatures add to the aesthetic appeal of the game.

Strategic Depth: The game offers deep tactical gameplay, especially with the use of Tactics Cards and maneuver zones.

Immersion: Brings the world of A Song of Ice and Fire to life with characters and units from the series.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook can be extensive, requiring some time to fully understand the game mechanics.

Initial Investment: The starter set is priced at $109.99, which might be a significant initial investment for some players.

Personal Thoughts

**A Song of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game – Free Folk Starter Set** is ideal for fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and those who enjoy tactical miniatures games. It offers a unique play experience that diverges from traditional army structures, making it appealing to players looking for a fast-paced and strategically rich game. However, it may not be the best fit for beginners due to the complexity of the rules and the initial cost.

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