Barbarian Kings (1980) – Board Game Guys

Barbarian Kings

“Barbarian Kings” is a fantasy board game published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1980, designed by Greg Costikyan. The game is set in the fictional continent of Allaven and allows 2-5 players to vie for control over the land. The game has experienced several reprints and has been acquired by Jolly Games, which republished it in 2001.

Why is Barbarian Kings Popular?

“Barbarian Kings” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It was one of the first fantasy board games to combine political and military strategy with a fantasy setting.
– The game has a rich and detailed world, with various factions and races, such as human barbarians, wild elves, lizardfolk, and reinterpreted orcs.
– It allows players to build armies based on the territories they own, with simultaneous movement and optional combat.
– The game has a strong focus on diplomacy, as players can create alliances and collect taxes for maintenance of their settlements.

Game Components of Barbarian Kings

Map: 11″ x 17″ map sheet

Counters: 100 die-cut cardboard counters

Other: Rules, various playing aids

How To Setup Barbarian Kings

Setting up **Barbarian Kings** involves placing the 11″ x 17″ map sheet, which represents the island continent of Castafon, on a flat surface. Each player selects their provincial king and gathers the corresponding counters, including armies, heroes, wizards, and special units like airships and warfrogs. Players also receive the rules and any additional playing aids. The game is ready to start once all players have their components and understand the basic rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Players assume the roles of provincial kings aiming to conquer and consolidate control over the continent of Castafon.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Raise human and magical armies.
– Lead armies with wizards and heroes.
– Form alliances (which can be broken).
– Collect taxes to maintain armies.
– Use spellcasters to attack rival heroes, magicians, and armies.
– Deploy special combat units like airships, warfrogs, and fleets.
– Use diplomacy to navigate neutral units and complex combat scenarios.

Player Experience

Playing **Barbarian Kings** is an immersive experience that drops players into a fantasy world of magic, war, and diplomacy. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must balance army maintenance, spellcasting, and diplomatic maneuvers to achieve victory. The inclusion of airships and warfrogs adds unique and imaginative elements to the gameplay.

Pros

Immersive Fantasy Setting: The game offers a rich fantasy world inspired by authors like Robert E. Howard and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Strategic Depth: Combines army management, diplomacy, and magical combat for a complex and engaging experience.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and the ability to form and break alliances add to the game’s replay value.

Unique Units: Special units like airships and warfrogs provide original touches to the gameplay.

Cons

Complexity: The game involves multiple mechanics and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Out of Print: The game has been out of print for periods, making it challenging to find, especially in its original form.

Mixed Reception: User ratings are mixed, with some players finding the game too complex or less engaging compared to other fantasy games.

Personal Thoughts on Barbarian Kings

**Barbarian Kings** is for fans of fantasy and wargaming who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the works of Robert E. Howard and J.R.R. Tolkien, as the game’s setting and mechanics are heavily influenced by these authors. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it remains a unique and engaging experience for those willing to dive into its intricate world of magic and conquest.

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