Asalto (1803) – Board Game Guys

Asalto

Asalto is a hunt game from 19th-century Europe that evolved from or alongside Fox & Geese. It uses a cross-shaped board of 33 points, with one of the arms of the cross marked out as a fortress. The game is a siege game, where a couple of officers face a rebellion by a large number of soldiers. The officers begin the game in a fortress and attempt to defend it and themselves against the rebellious onslaught.

Why is Asalto Popular?

Asalto is a popular game that has been played in Germany, France, and England. It is significant because it is an asymmetric game in which the players take on two very different roles: the rebels and the officers. The game is also significant because it is a variant on the Fox and Geese theme.

Game Components of Asalto

Board: Originally used the same board as Fox and Geese, later versions had a larger board with 67 points.

Pieces: 50 soldiers for the attackers, 7 officers for the defenders.

Additional Features: Some boards have horizontal lines in a different color to restrict attacker movements.

How To Setup Asalto

To set up Asalto, the attackers place their 50 soldiers on all spaces outside the fortress. The defenders place their 7 officers within the fortress. The attackers make the first move, following the lines on the board one space at a time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Attackers:

Movement: Move forward along the lines, cannot move backwards or sideways except for pieces next to the fortress.

Objective: Occupy all spaces in the fortress or trap the enemy officers.

Restrictions: Cannot leap over other pieces or capture them.

Defenders:

Movement: Move in any direction along the lines, can make short jumps to capture attackers.

Objective: Reduce the number of attackers to a point where they cannot win (less than 16 attackers left).

Rules: Jumping captures are mandatory, and multiple jumps can be made in a single turn if possible.

Player Experience

Asalto offers a challenging and strategic gameplay experience, particularly due to its asymmetric nature. The defenders, despite being outnumbered, have powerful abilities like capturing attackers, which can significantly turn the tide of the game. The game requires careful planning and execution from both sides, making it engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Pros

Historical Significance: A game with over 220 years of history.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy.

Asymmetric Play: Provides a unique and challenging experience for both players.

Variations: Available in different themes and versions, reflecting historical conflicts.

Cons

Complex Rules: Some versions have optional or house rules that can complicate gameplay.

Limited Availability: Original versions can be hard to find, though modern reproductions are available.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and strategies overwhelming initially.

Personal Thoughts on Asalto

Asalto is a game for those who enjoy strategic and historical games. It is ideal for players who appreciate asymmetric gameplay and are looking for a challenging, intellectually stimulating experience. While it may not be as widely known as other strategy games, its rich history and depth of strategy make it a valuable addition to any board game collection. If you’re a fan of games like Fox and Geese or other historical strategy games, Asalto is definitely worth exploring.

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