Age of Fantasy (2017) Board Game

Age of Fantasy is a tabletop wargame that was released in 2017 by Brandon Gillam. The game is set in a fantastical world where players take on the roles of various factions battling for dominance. With a focus on strategy and tactical combat, Age of Fantasy has garnered a strong following among fans of miniature wargames.

Game Components of Age of Fantasy

Rulebook: Compact, less than two pages for core rules.

Miniatures: Available as pre-printed resin models or printable STL files.

Army Lists: Extensive lists approximating major fantasy races and factions.

Terrain: Standard fantasy wargaming terrain.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

Unit Cards: For tracking unit stats and special rules.

Army Builder: An online tool for creating and managing armies.

How To Setup Age of Fantasy

Setting up Age of Fantasy involves preparing the battlefield with terrain, deploying miniatures according to the chosen scenario, and distributing unit cards and dice. Players typically set up objectives on the table, such as control points or specific locations to capture. The game can be set up for various scenarios, including skirmishes or larger battles, with players arranging their forces in predetermined starting positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation System: Uses alternating activations or the optional “Ebb and Flow” rules with colored poker chits to determine unit activation order.

Movement: Units move 6 inches, with additional movement for running or charging (up to 12 inches).

Combat: Involves hit and defense rolls, with most units having a single attack and wound.

Objectives: The primary objective is often to hold more objectives than the opponent by the end of a set number of turns (e.g., four turns).

Special Rules: Includes universal special rules and army-specific rules accessible via the online army builder.

Player Experience

Age of Fantasy is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for both new and experienced players. The game captures the spirit of classic fantasy wargaming without the complexity of larger rule sets. Players appreciate the predictability of movement and combat, which rewards effective positioning and strategy. The game’s mini-agnostic nature allows players to use any miniatures they prefer, making it highly flexible.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple, compact ruleset.

Flexible: Supports a wide range of armies and miniatures.

Predictable Mechanics: Promotes strategic play with clear movement and combat rules.

Fast-paced: Games can be completed relatively quickly.

Extensive Army Lists: Includes many fantasy factions and races.

Cons

Lack of Depth: Some players find the game lacking in complexity and depth compared to other wargames.

Similarity to Other Games: Army descriptions and mechanics are somewhat plagiaristic from other popular fantasy wargames.

Personal Thoughts on Age of Fantasy

Age of Fantasy is ideal for players looking for a streamlined and accessible fantasy wargaming experience. It is particularly suited for new players or those who want to avoid the complexity of larger rule sets like Warhammer. The game’s ease of use and flexibility make it a great choice for convention settings or casual gaming sessions. However, experienced players seeking deeper gameplay mechanics might find it less engaging. Nonetheless, Age of Fantasy provides a fun and fast-paced wargaming experience that can appeal to a wide range of players.

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