Black Rose Wars (2019) Board Game

Black Rose Wars is a board game that was released in 2019 by Ludus Magnus Studio. Designed by Marco Montanaro, the game features stunning artwork by Fernando Armentano, Tommaso Incecchi, Henning Ludvigsen, Giovanni Pirrotta, and Paolo Scippo. Set in a Renaissance fantasy world, Black Rose Wars is a game of strategy and deception where players take on the roles of powerful mages battling for control of the Black Rose Order.

Game Components of Black Rose Wars

Miniatures: Highly detailed and beautifully crafted models, including unique characters like Tessa the Faun, Nero the mage from Rome, Jaf’ar Ibn Al-Shatir, and Rebecca from Salento.

Spell Cards: Each belonging to different magical schools such as Destruction, Necromancy, Divination, Transmutation, Conspiracy, and Illusion. Each spell card has two possible effects, allowing for flexible strategies.

Game Board: A 19-hex board featuring the Black Rose Room at the center, with high-quality, colorful hexes.

Event Cards: These cards can trigger chaos and various game events, contributing to the dynamic gameplay.

Tiles and Markers: Detailed room tiles and markers, including Black Rose damage markers and victory point trackers.

How To Setup Black Rose Wars

Setting up Black Rose Wars involves preparing the game board by arranging the 19 hexes, placing the Black Rose Room at the center, and distributing the room tiles and markers. Each player selects a mage and starts with spell cards from their chosen school of magic. The game also requires setting up the victory point track and the moon phase tracker, which escalates the game events as players progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Combination of programming, worker placement, and deck building.

Objective: Players aim to become the new Magister by collecting Power Points through killing other mages, destroying rooms, making rooms unstable, or completing personal missions. The game ends when a player reaches 30 Power Points.

Spell Casting: Players cast spells, each with two possible effects, to outmaneuver their opponents and gain advantages.

Room Instability: Rooms can take damage from spells and eventually be destroyed, awarding victory points to the involved players.

Player Experience

Black Rose Wars offers a chaotic and dynamic gameplay experience, described as a “battle royale” with spells, Servants like the undead Bone Knight or demons, and unpredictable events. The game is known for its high replayability and the constant need for strategic thinking and adaptation. Despite the complex mechanics, the gameplay is surprisingly accessible and engaging, making it a favorite for many gaming groups.

Pros

High Replayability: The game offers almost infinite replayability due to the variety of spells and strategies.

Detailed Components: The miniatures, game board, and cards are of high quality and visually appealing.

Dynamic Gameplay: The combination of spell casting, room destruction, and event cards creates a highly engaging and chaotic experience.

Accessible Mechanics: Despite its complexity, the game is relatively easy to learn and play.

Cons

Expensive: The game is pricey, especially with shipping costs, which can be a significant deterrent.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components and the need to arrange the board and distribute cards and markers.

Swingy Spells: Some spells, particularly those from the Black Rose Room, can be very powerful and unbalanced, leading to significant swings in gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Black Rose Wars

Black Rose Wars is ideal for fans of magic-themed games and those who enjoy strategic, high-energy gameplay. It is best suited for players who appreciate complex mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game. However, the high cost and shipping expenses may make it less appealing to some potential buyers. Despite this, for those who can afford it, Black Rose Wars offers a unique and highly engaging gaming experience that can become a staple in their gaming collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.