Battles of Westeros (2010) Board Game

Battles of Westeros is a board game based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. It was released in 2010 by Fantasy Flight Games and designed by Robert A. Kouba. The game transports players to the world of Westeros, where they can command armies and engage in epic battles.

Game Components of Battles of Westeros

Over 130 plastic figures belonging to the Stark and Lannister house factions

A double-sided mounted map board

Several decks of cards (factional decks)

Dice (d8s)

Tokens and chits for unit activation and morale tracking

Commanders and unit cards with special abilities

How To Setup Battles of Westeros

To set up the game, players first choose their faction (Stark or Lannister) and select the commanders and units they will use. The map board is set up according to the scenario being played, and each player receives a set of cards and tokens. Units are placed on the board within their designated starting locations. Players also initialize the morale track, which can significantly impact gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Play: Players activate units by playing cards on their commanders, with each commander having a command range.

Unit Activation: Units can be activated using cards or tokens, with limitations on how many times a unit can be activated per round.

Rally Mechanic: Players can use flag tokens to reduce morale and rally previously activated units.

Combat Resolution: Units are categorized into light, medium, or heavy types, and combat is resolved by rolling dice; symbols on the dice must match the enemy unit’s type to deliver hits.

Engagement and Flanking: Additional rules for engagement and flanking attacks add complexity and strategy.

Game Objective

The objective is to secure power in the Seven Kingdoms by defeating the opposing faction’s units and commanders, while managing morale and unit activations efficiently.

Player Experience

**Battles of Westeros** offers a rich and complex gameplay experience, blending elements from classic hex and counter games with the Command and Colors system. Players must strategize about which units to activate, when to use their cards and tokens, and how to manage their morale. The game’s asymmetry, with unique units and abilities for each faction, adds a layer of depth and replayability.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Asymmetric Factions: Unique units and abilities for each house make each playthrough different.

Complex Combat Mechanics: Engaging combat rules, including flanking and engagement, enhance the tactical experience.

Preferred Dice: The use of d8s for combat resolution can be more satisfying for some players.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its numerous mechanics and rules.

Component Management: Tracking various tokens, cards, and morale can be overwhelming.

Time Commitment: Games can be lengthy, requiring significant time to set up and play.

Personal Thoughts on Battles of Westeros

**Battles of Westeros** is ideal for fans of complex wargames and those who enjoy strategic depth in their board games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the Command and Colors series but are looking for something with a bit more complexity and asymmetry. However, due to its intricate rules and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames.

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