Ars Victor (2013) Board Game

Ars Victor is a strategic board game that was released in in 2013. It is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. The game is set in a science fiction world and incorporates elements of wargaming. The designers of the game are Stephen DeBaun, Jason D. Kingsley, and Matthew Lieberman, with artwork by Trip West Games.

Game Components of Ars Victor

Command Cards

Units with Special Abilities

Modular board featuring a hexagon grid

Capture Points

Headquarters

Multiple colored dice

Terrain elements

How To Setup Ars Victor

To set up Ars Victor, players start by recruiting their armies and scouting out a unique map. Each player draws a hand of Command Cards and deploys their Vanguard units. The board is configured with three Capture Points in the middle and each player’s Headquarters. The setup is relatively straightforward, preparing the stage for a intense battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2

Playing Time: 60 minutes

Age: 13+

Game Category: Science Fiction, Wargame

Mechanics: Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Area Majority / Influence, Modular Board

Objective: Reduce the enemy’s Glory to zero before they do the same to you. Successes on the battlefield chip away at the enemy’s Glory, which never increases, creating a tense, back-and-forth race.

Player Experience

Ars Victor offers a dynamic and engaging experience with simple yet deep gameplay mechanics. Players activate units using Command Cards, move them across the battlefield, and resolve combat with a single roll of multiple colored dice. The game demands strategic thinking, as the outcome of battles is influenced by terrain and unit Special Abilities. The constant struggle to control Capture Points and protect the Headquarters adds an extra layer of strategy and tension.

Pros

Fast-Paced Action: The game is quick to learn and plays out within an hour.

Deep Strategy: Despite simple rules, the game offers a lot of depth in terms of strategy.

Tactical Combat: The use of Command Cards and dice rolling creates a satisfying and unpredictable combat experience.

Modular Board: Each game can have a unique setup, increasing replayability.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only two players.

Complexity: While the rules are simple, mastering the game’s strategies can take time.

Dice Dependency: Some players may find the reliance on dice rolls too random.

Personal Thoughts on Ars Victor

Ars Victor is perfect for fans of tactical combat and science fiction. It is ideal for those who enjoy competitive games with a short playtime but deep strategic layers. The game’s design makes it accessible for new players while offering enough complexity for veteran gamers to strategize and improve. If you’re looking for a game that combines simplicity with depth and offers a unique experience each time you play, Ars Victor is a great choice.

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