Battlelands (2019) Board Game

Battlelands is a board game released in 2019, designed by Jerry Hawthorne and Andrea Mezzotero, and published by Plaid Hat Games. The game is set in a world where animals battle for supremacy, using auction/bidding, hand management, and variable player powers mechanics.

Game Components of Battlelands

Game board

Creature cards

Scrap tokens

Terrain tiles

Player boards

Dice

How To Setup Battlelands

To set up Battlelands, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a faction and takes the corresponding player board and creature cards. The terrain tiles are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Each player receives a starting amount of scrap tokens. The game is ready to begin once all players have their components and the board is fully set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control territory on the board.

Resource Management: Players must manage scrap tokens to recruit and upgrade creatures.

Combat Resolution: Battles are resolved using dice rolls and creature abilities.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most scrap by winning battles and controlling key territories.

Player Experience

Battlelands offers a fun and strategic experience where players engage in cute yet fierce battles. The game balances resource management with territorial expansion, making each turn a tactical decision. The post-apocalyptic theme adds a unique twist, where players are not fighting for humanity but for the dominance of small, furry creatures.

Pros

Engaging Theme: A unique blend of post-apocalyptic and cute creatures.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful resource management and territorial planning.

Replayability: Different factions and randomized terrain tiles ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming.

Player Count: Limited to 3-5 players, which may not be ideal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Battlelands

Battlelands is perfect for players who enjoy strategic games with a twist. It’s ideal for those who like area control and resource management but also appreciate a lighter, more whimsical theme. The game’s complexity makes it more suited for experienced board game enthusiasts, but the unique setting and cute creatures can appeal to a wide range of players looking for something different.

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