Assault of the Giants (2017) Board Game

Assault of the Giants is a fantasy board game released in 2017 by WizKids. It is based on the Dungeons & Dragons universe and puts players in the midst of a battle between different giant races. The game is designed for 3-6 players and has a runtime of 60-150 minutes, making it a good option for those looking for a medium-length gaming experience.

Game Components of Assault of the Giants

Game Board: Features organic-looking terrains of the Savage Frontier.

Miniatures: 12 giant miniatures, ranging from 60mm to 90mm in height, and three Giant Slayers. Available in both standard (injection molded in color) and premium (fully painted) editions.

Command Cards: Used to issue orders such as recruit, move, attack, pillage, and special actions unique to each giant race.

Resource Cards: For improving spells, giving advantages in battles, and other benefits.

Event Cards: Personal and global events that players can claim to earn points.

Dice: Special dice for combat, including faction-specific dice.

Tokens: For tracking resources, damage, and other game states.

How To Setup Assault of the Giants

Each player selects a giant race and sets up their home territory with a leader, giant champion, and initial troops. Players receive resource cards and event cards. Neutral giants are placed on the board if there are fewer than six players. Global events are also set out for anyone to accomplish. The game board is populated with giants and resources, ready for players to begin their conquest.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Command Card Management: Players play one command card per turn to manage their actions.

Combat: resolved using special dice, with outcomes modified by cards and spells.

Event Claiming: Players can claim personal or global events by meeting specific conditions.

Resource Management: Managing resources to improve spells, attacks, and other actions.

Game Objective

The objective is to gain the most Ordning points by defeating other giants, claiming events, and achieving race-specific goals. The game ends after most Ordning points are claimed, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Assault of the Giants offers a dynamic and strategic experience where players must balance their giant army’s movements, resource management, and event claiming. Each giant race has unique strengths and goals, adding variety to each playthrough. The game combines elements of wargaming with eurogame mechanics, making it engaging but not overly complex. However, the game can slow down as players collide and territories become contested.

Pros

Unique Giant Races: Each race has distinct abilities and goals.

Strategic Depth: Command card management and resource use offer strategic challenges.

High-Quality Components: Sturdy cardboard, attractive cards, and impressive miniatures.

Fast Combat: Quick and exciting combat mechanics.

Good Replayability: Different giant races and random events ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Small Map: The board can feel crowded, especially with six players.

Limited Miniature Size: Miniatures are smaller than expected, even in the premium edition.

Simple Combat: Some players find the combat mechanics too simplistic.

No Choice in Giant Race: Players are assigned a giant race based on their seating.

Short Gameplay: The game can end quickly, sometimes before players feel fully engaged.

Personal Thoughts on Assault of the Giants

Assault of the Giants is ideal for fans of strategy games and the Dungeons & Dragons universe. It offers a unique blend of strategic planning and rapid combat, making it appealing to those who enjoy managing resources and executing complex plans. However, players seeking more complex combat mechanics or larger miniatures might find this game somewhat lacking. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and thematic gameplay.

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