Battles of Westeros (2010) – Board Game Guys

Battles of Westeros

Battles of Westeros is a two-player miniature-based wargame created by Robert A. Kouba and released by Edge Entertainment and Fantasy Flight Games in 2010. It is part of the Commands and Colors series, which is based on a very simple system of playing cards to move units and roll dice to determine the outcome of battles. The game is inspired by the best-selling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.

Why is Battles of Westeros Popular?

Battles of Westeros is popular among fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series and the Game of Thrones TV show. It allows players to take part in battles from the series and control either House Stark or their allies to defend their lands against the Lannisters and other enemies. The game is significant because it offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of the series, allowing them to recreate battles from the books and TV show.

Game Components of Battles of Westeros

Over 130 plastic figures representing units of House Stark and House Lannister

Leadership card decks with basic and special cards for each commander

Morale track and round track

Banners for identifying and tracking unit activation

Eight-sided dice (d8s) for resolving combat

Order tokens and Engagement tokens

Hexagonal battlefield board

How To Setup Battles of Westeros

To set up the game, players first prepare their Leadership card decks, each consisting of ten basic cards and five special cards for each commander on the field. The battlefield is laid out with units from both houses, and each unit is identified by its banner. Commanders are placed on the field, and the Morale and round tracks are initialized. Players then draw a starting hand of cards and receive a random assortment of order tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Activation: Players activate units using order tokens or by playing Leadership cards, which must be within the commander’s Zone of Control (a radius of 2 hexes).

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved by rolling d8s, with hits determined by matching symbols on the dice to the enemy unit’s type (light, medium, or heavy).

Engagement and Flanking: Engagement tokens are used to mark engaged units, and flanking attacks allow for re-rolling dice, adding strategic depth.

Morale System: Activating units beyond their initial activation or rallying units can affect morale, potentially leading to instant victory or defeat.

Victory Conditions: Scenarios have specific victory conditions, often tied to controlling objectives on the battlefield rather than just destroying enemy units.

Player Experience

Battles of Westeros offers a complex and strategic gameplay experience that deviates significantly from other Command and Colors games. The game requires careful planning and management of commanders, units, and resources. The introduction of new mechanics like the morale system and flanking attacks adds depth and variety to each battle. However, the game’s complexity and numerous rules can make it challenging to teach and learn.

Pros

High Strategic Depth: The game provides a rich and complex strategy due to its unique activation mechanics and morale system.

Asymmetric Units: Units have special abilities and are unique to their respective factions, enhancing gameplay asymmetry.

Engaging Combat: The use of d8s and the flanking mechanics make combat engaging and tactically rewarding.

Varied Scenarios: Each scenario has distinct victory conditions, offering a high replayability factor.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has many rules and intricacies, making it difficult to teach and learn.

Long Game Sessions: Games can be lengthy, often decided by reaching a certain number of rounds rather than immediate objectives.

Niche Appeal: The game’s complexity and deviations from traditional Command and Colors games may limit its appeal to a broader audience.

Personal Thoughts on Battles of Westeros

Battles of Westeros is ideal for fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and those who enjoy deep, strategic wargames. It is not suited for casual gamers due to its complexity and the time required to learn and play. The game’s unique mechanics and high replayability make it a worthwhile investment for those interested in medieval warfare and tactical battles. However, its niche appeal means it may not be as widely played as other games in the Command and Colors series.

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