Armada (1986) – Board Game Guys

Armada

“Armada” is a board game published by Jeux Descartes in 1986. The game has since been republished by Eurogames in 2001. Armada is a naval combat game set in the Kings of War world, which is a fantasy universe created by Mantic Games.

Why is Armada Popular?

Armada is popular for several reasons:
– Naval Combat Theme: The game focuses on naval warfare, which is an exciting and unique topic for many board game enthusiasts.
– Strong Gameplay: The ruleset for Armada is well-designed and provides a satisfying gameplay experience.
– Hobby Aspect: The game has a strong hobby aspect, with some players enjoying the process of building and painting the miniatures.
– Relation to Black Seas: Armada is based on the ruleset of Black Seas, a highly regarded wargame from Warlord Games.

Game Components of Armada

300 plastic markers

150 tokens

Eight 2-masted metal ships

Three special six-sided dice (for combat, indigenous people, and gold)

Rules booklet

In the third edition: a deck of 55 Action cards

How To Setup Armada

Players choose one of four island nations (or pirate captains in the third edition) and receive 18 colonist/pirate markers, two ships, and in the third edition, two Action cards. These markers and ships are placed on the player’s home island. The central island on the board is the main area of contention.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Each turn, players have 10 Action Points to move colonist/pirate counters, ships, or engage in combat.

Movement: Colonist/pirate counters and ships can be moved one space for one Action Point.

Combat: Players can attack adjacent spaces or ships, using combat dice to determine outcomes.

Resource Management: Players can convert gold into new colonists/pirates or use Action cards to gain advantages.

Victory Conditions: Win by owning three trading posts plus the original home island, or by conquering four cities owned by other players.

Player Experience

**Armada** offers a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance resource management, exploration, and conquest. The game encourages aggressive strategies, as noted by reviewers, where attacking early can significantly advantage a player.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game involves complex decision-making and resource management.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player interactions ensure different experiences each game.

Variety in Editions: The game has been released with different themes, from colonization to pirate-themed treasure hunting.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous rules and components.

Combat Imbalance: Some reviewers noted that the combat mechanics favor aggressive strategies, potentially leading to an early advantage for attackers.

Length: Games can be lengthy, especially with additional editions and expansions.

Personal Thoughts on Armada

**Armada** is for players who enjoy complex strategy and historical or pirate-themed games. It suits those who appreciate games with multiple layers of decision-making and are willing to invest time in understanding the rules. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those who enjoy deeper strategic gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.