Barbarians: The Invasion (2018) Board Game

Barbarians: The Invasion is a board game released in 2018, designed by Fernando Armentano and Ivan Cavini. It is a civilization and economic strategy game set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of barbarian tribes vying for control and dominance.

Game Components of Barbarians: The Invasion

Core game

Mystics Set (included in certain pledges like the “Meeples Invasion Pledge”)

Various worker meeples

Resource tokens

Map board representing the world of Thunmar

Cards for divine magic and other abilities

Player boards

How To Setup Barbarians: The Invasion

To set up the game, players first need to assemble the map board of Thunmar. Each player selects a tribe and receives the corresponding player board, worker meeples, and starting resources. The Mystics Set, if included, adds additional mystical abilities and gameplay elements. Players then place their starting units on the board according to the rules, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their meeples on various locations to gather resources, construct buildings, or invoke divine magic.

Resource Management: Managing resources is crucial for expanding the tribe, constructing buildings, and performing other actions.

Area Control: Players compete to control different regions on the map, which provide various benefits.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to accumulate the most victory points by expanding your tribe, controlling key areas, and utilizing divine magic effectively.

Player Experience

Playing **Barbarians: The Invasion** immerses players in the world of Thunmar, where they guide their tribe through the rise and fall of civilizations. The game requires strategic planning and resource management, as well as tactical decisions about where to place workers and how to use divine magic. The interaction between players is significant, especially in the area control aspects, making each game unique and engaging.

Pros

Depth of Strategy: The game offers a rich blend of worker placement, resource management, and area control, providing a challenging and rewarding experience.

Thematic Immersion: The setting of Thunmar, complete with ancient gods and divine magic, adds a compelling thematic layer.

Replayability: With multiple strategies and the inclusion of stretch goals like the Mystics Set, the game offers high replayability.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game mechanics can be complex, making it challenging for new players to learn.

Playtime: Games can take up to 90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Component Quality: Some players may find the quality of components, such as the meeples and boards, to be variable.

Personal Thoughts on Barbarians: The Invasion

**Barbarians: The Invasion** is ideal for fans of complex strategy games who enjoy a mix of worker placement, resource management, and area control. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate thematic depth and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, lightweight game.

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