Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army (2005) Board Game

Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army is a tabletop wargame that was released in in 2005. It is designed by Richard Kitner, Jr. and published by Your Move Games. The game falls under the categories of card game, dice game, fantasy game, and wargame. The Undead Army is one of the factions in the Battleground Fantasy Warfare series, which allows players to control armies from different fantasy races and factions.

Game Components of Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army

Card Decks: Each Starter deck contains enough cards to create two 1500-point armies of the same faction, along with a command card deck, basic rules, and reference cards. Reinforcement decks add more unit cards and advanced rules.

Dice: Six-sided dice are necessary for resolving combat and other actions.

Dry-Erase Markers: Used for marking damage on the cards.

Clear Sleeves: Recommended for protecting the cards and ensuring important information on the back is accessible.

How To Setup Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army

To set up the game, players start by constructing their armies using the cards from the Starter and Reinforcement decks. Each player needs to build an army within a specified point limit, typically 1500 points. The cards are then placed on the table, and each player receives a set of command cards based on their army’s point value. The game area is measured using the lengths of the cards, simplifying distance calculations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Army Construction: Players build armies within a point limit.

Movement & Command: Players take turns moving units and using command actions, with one command action available for every 500 points in the army.

Combat: Units engage in combat when they come within range, resolved through quick dice rolls and calculating bonuses and penalties.

Damage Tracking: Damage is marked on the cards, and units are destroyed when their damage bar is full.

Rout Checks: Units may run away or be destroyed if they fail rout checks.

Game Objective: The game is won by destroying all of the opponent’s units.

Player Experience

Playing Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army involves strategic planning and tactical execution. The game requires players to balance direct control over units through command actions and reliance on standing orders. This system forces players to make critical decisions about which units to control directly and which to leave to their standing orders, adding a layer of complexity and realism to the game. The game also emphasizes hand-to-hand tactical combat, making each turn engaging and challenging.

Pros

Cost-Effective: Much cheaper than traditional miniatures wargames.

Balanced Armies: The initial three armies (Orcs, Undead, and Men of Hawkshold) are well-balanced.

Tactical Depth: Offers complex and involving gameplay similar to full miniatures-based games.

Quick Games: Games typically last around 1.5 hours, adaptable to player needs.

Easy Setup: Simple to set up and start playing.

Cons

Rule Clarity: The rulebook is small and sometimes difficult to navigate.

Rule Complexity: Some rules are unclear or poorly explained.

Measurement: While card lengths simplify measurements, some players may find it less intuitive than traditional miniatures.

Personal Thoughts on Battleground Fantasy Warfare: Undead Army

This game is ideal for players who enjoy tactical wargames but are deterred by the high cost and preparation time of traditional miniatures games. It offers a rich and complex gaming experience with a unique card-based system, making it perfect for those who appreciate strategic planning and execution. The Undead Army, in particular, is favored by some for its powerful units and special abilities like the ‘reanimate’ action. Overall, Battleground Fantasy Warfare is a great option for anyone looking for a deep and engaging wargaming experience without the hassle of miniatures.

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