Barbarian Prince (1981)
History and Background:
Barbarian Prince was originally published by Heritage Models, a company known primarily for historical miniatures. It was designed by Arnold Hendrick, who was inspired by a type of solo dungeon adventure books popular at the time.The game was reprinted in 1987 after the company Avalon Hill obtained the rights. It went out of print again until 2019 when it was reprinted via Kickstarter by Avalon Hill’s successor, Wizards of the Coast.Barbarian Prince draws inspiration from the Robert E. Howard and Michael Moorcock’s sword and sorcery fiction. The theme is that of a barbarian prince on a quest to reclaim his lost homeland.
Game Components of Barbarian Prince
How To Setup Barbarian Prince
Setup is relatively straightforward, with no extensive rules reading required. The player starts by placing the prince on the map, then proceeds to follow the programmed event sequence from the event booklet. Each turn represents one day, and the player can move the prince one hex on foot or two hexes if mounted. The game components, including the map, dice, and event booklet, are all set up to facilitate this sequential gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Game Objective
Player Experience
Playing **Barbarian Prince** is an immersive solo adventure that challenges the player with frequent combat encounters and resource management. The game is known for its difficulty, with the odds often against the player. Despite this, it offers a unique and engaging experience for fans of solo games and sword-and-sorcery settings. The game’s structure and mechanics ensure that each playthrough is different, thanks to the random event system.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Barbarian Prince
**Barbarian Prince** is ideal for fans of solo board games and those who enjoy Sword-and-Sorcery settings. It is a game that appeals to players looking for a challenging and immersive experience without the need for multiple players. While it may not be perfect, with some players finding it too difficult or the mechanics too repetitive, it remains a highly regarded game from its era. For those interested in retro gaming or looking to explore the solo game genre, **Barbarian Prince** is definitely worth checking out. Additionally, the upcoming “Ultimate Edition” by Simon Cogan promises to address some of the original’s shortcomings and add new content, making it an exciting prospect for both old and new fans of the game.
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