A worn tabletop game book titled "Barbarian Prince," with artwork of a helmeted warrior holding a sword and shield on the cover. The subtitle reads "A GAME OF HEROIC COMBAT IN A FORGOTTEN AGE OF BARBARISM AND SORCERY." "Game Design by Arnold Hendrick" is noted at the bottom.
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Barbarian Prince (1981)

ByMichail

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

  • Map: A map of the region, originally designed to be folded into three tall segments.
  • Figurine: A 25 mm unpainted miniature of the prince.
  • Dice: Two 6-sided dice.
  • Rule Book: A 24-page rule book.
  • Event Booklet: A 48-page event booklet that guides the player through encounters.
  • Charts and Tables: Two pages of charts and tables.
  • Tracking Cubes and Player Token: Additional components for tracking progress.

    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

  • Random Events: Each hex entered triggers a random event from the event booklet, which can be beneficial, neutral, or involve combat.
  • Movement: The prince can move one hex on foot, two hexes if mounted, or three hexes if using a river raft or pegasus.
  • Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using dice rolls.
  • Resource Management: The player must accumulate gold pieces through various actions like seeking news, hiring followers, searching ruins, or gaining an audience with local rulers.

    Game Objective

  • The player must accumulate 500 gold pieces within 70 days to finance a counter-coup to regain the prince’s throne.

    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

  • High Replayability: The game offers a unique experience each time it is played due to the random event system.
  • Engaging Solo Play: Designed specifically for solo players, it fills a niche for those who enjoy solo adventures.
  • Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward and easy to understand.
  • Challenging: Provides a challenging experience that requires strategic thinking and luck.

    Cons

  • Combat Fatigue: The frequent dice rolling and event lookups can become tedious over the game’s 70-turn duration.
  • Unbalanced Difficulty: Some players find the game too difficult, with too many fights before the prince can recruit followers.
  • Limited Theme Immersion: The generic fantasy setting and Celtic-themed illustrations might feel derivative to some players.

    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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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl