Age of War (2014) Board Game

Age of War is a dice rolling game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Fantasy Flight Games in in 2014. The game is set in a medieval theme where players take on the roles of rival daimyos competing to conquer castles and territories.

Game Components of Age of War

14 castle cards, each showing one castle and the symbols required to conquer it

7 custom dice with symbols for infantry, archery, cavalry, and daimyo

No board, as the game is played with cards and dice[4%.

How To Setup Age of War

To set up Age of War, lay out all 14 castle cards face-up in the center of the table. Prepare the 7 custom dice and randomly select the first player. Each castle card belongs to a particular clan, indicated by color and icon, and shows the symbols needed to conquer it.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll the 7 custom dice to muster troops.

Troop Types: Dice symbols represent infantry, archery, cavalry, and daimyo.

Conquering Castles: Players fill battle lines on castle cards by matching the symbols on the dice to the requirements on the card.

Battle Lines: Each castle card has multiple battle lines that must be filled to conquer the castle.

Special Battle Lines: Some battle lines require specific symbols, such as the daimyo symbol to conquer a castle in front of an opponent.

Game End: The game ends when a player conquers the last castle from the center of the table.

Scoring: Players score points from the castle cards they have conquered. Conquering all castles of a clan provides additional points from the top card of the clan pile.

Player Experience

In Age of War, players take on the roles of daimyos, Japanese feudal lords, aiming to conquer castles and unite the warring clans of feudal Japan. The game involves strategic dice rolling and resource management, as players must decide when to re-roll dice and when to commit to conquering a castle. The game’s simplicity and quick gameplay make it accessible and engaging for a variety of players.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last only 15-30 minutes.

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and start playing.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and resource management.

Good for Groups: Supports 2-6 players, making it a versatile option for different group sizes.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolling introduces a significant element of luck.

Limited Components: Some players might find the game too minimalist with only dice and cards.

Repetitive: The gameplay can feel repetitive as players repeat the process of rolling dice and filling battle lines.

Personal Thoughts on Age of War

Age of War is a great game for those who enjoy quick, strategic games that don’t require a lot of setup or complex rules. It’s ideal for groups looking for a fun, competitive experience without the need for a long commitment. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex gameplay or those who dislike luck-based mechanics, it offers a solid blend of strategy and luck that can appeal to a wide range of gamers.

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