Armies of Arcana (1997) Board Game

Armies of Arcana is a fantasy miniatures wargame that was released in 1997 by Battlezone and Thane’s Games. It is designed for 2-8 players and has a runtime of around 120 minutes. The game is set in a fantasy world where players control armies of various mythical creatures and battle against each other to achieve victory.

Game Components of Armies of Arcana

Miniatures: The game uses 15mm or 28mm scale miniatures, representing various fantasy races and creatures.

Rulebook: A single rulebook containing all the necessary rules and guidelines.

Army Lists: Includes around 16 core armies and additional lists available on the Thane’s Games website.

Creature Creation Formula: A mathematical formula to stat up any desired unit or creature.

Monsters and Artillery: Options to include historical armies and fantasy monsters, as well as artillery and vehicles.

How To Setup Armies of Arcana

Setting up a game of Armies of Arcana involves selecting your army list, deploying your miniatures on the battlefield, and determining the initial turn order through initiative rolls. Players can choose from a variety of pre-made army lists or create their own using the Creature Creation Formula. The game does not require a specialized board, allowing players to use any surface to simulate the battlefield.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: The game is turn-based, split into phases including movement, shooting, magic, combat, and morale.

Simultaneous Combat: Players take turns within each phase, ensuring constant involvement.

Magic System: Magic is used for support spells that can enhance troops, create terrain, or control enemy units. More powerful spells require more mana.

Combat Resolution: Melee combat is resolved quickly, often resulting in significant casualties. Morale tests determine if units break and flee.

Game Objective: The objective is to break the enemy army’s morale and destroy their units.

Player Experience

Armies of Arcana offers a highly tactical and strategic gameplay experience. Players must constantly think about unit placement, formations, and spell usage. The game’s simultaneous turn structure keeps both players engaged throughout the game. A typical game can be completed in under 2 hours, even with large armies.

Pros

Balanced Armies: All units are created using a standard formula, ensuring balanced gameplay.

High Tactical Depth: Players must strategize extensively about unit movements and spell casts.

Flexibility in Miniatures: Players can use any existing historical or fantasy miniatures.

Low Cost: The game requires only a single rulebook, making it very affordable.

Fast-Paced Action: Games can be completed quickly, even with large armies.

Cons

Lack of Cohesive World-Lore: The game lacks a unified narrative background, which may deter players looking for a strong story aspect.

Limited Expansions: There are few official expansions or campaign settings available.

Repetitive Army Lists: After several months, the army lists might start to feel samey.

Personal Thoughts on Armies of Arcana

Armies of Arcana is ideal for players who enjoy strategic and tactical gameplay without the burden of overly complex rules. It is perfect for those who have existing miniature collections and want to engage in fantasy battles with a high level of customization. The game’s flexibility and affordability make it a great option for both new and experienced wargamers. However, it may not appeal to players seeking a game with a rich narrative or extensive official expansions.

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