Chaos in the Old World (2009) Board Game

Chaos in the Old World is a board game released in 2009 by Fantasy Flight Games. Designed by Eric M. Lang, this game is set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe and focuses on the battle for dominance between four powerful gods of chaos.

Game Components of Chaos in the Old World

Game Board: A map of the Old World on a sheet of human skin.

Player Figures: Unique followers and greater daemons for each Chaos god (Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, Slaanesh).

Chaos Cards: Each god has a unique deck of gifts and abilities.

Power Dials: Track the Threat level of each Chaos god.

Old World Cards: Representing events and resistance from the inhabitants of the Old World.

Tokens: For corruption, conquest, and various effects (e.g., Peasant, Hero tokens).

How To Setup Chaos in the Old World

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a Chaos god and takes the corresponding figures, power dial, and Chaos cards. The Old World deck is shuffled, and a single card is drawn to determine the initial state of each region. Players then draw a hand of three Chaos cards and place their figures according to the starting rules. The game begins with the Old World phase, where tokens are placed in each region to set the stage for the corruption and conquest to come.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Each player aims to corrupt and dominate regions of the Old World, either by accumulating 50 victory points or by advancing their Threat dial to a certain point.

Player Turn: Consists of several phases, including the Old World phase, where events and resistance are resolved, and the Action phase, where players use their Power points to summon figures and play Chaos cards.

Power Economy: Players manage limited Power points to summon figures, play cards, and advance their Threat dials.

Conflict Resolution: Figures and Chaos cards interact to corrupt regions, destroy opponents’ figures, and establish dominance.

Multiple Victory Paths: Three ways to win, including dial advancement, victory points, and the exhaustion of the Old World deck leading to the Old World’s victory.

Player Experience

Chaos in the Old World offers a dynamic and competitive experience where players must balance their own goals with countering their opponents’ moves. The tight Power economy and limited game time create a high-stakes environment where every decision has significant ripple effects. Players must navigate the resistance from the Old World’s inhabitants, manage their Chaos cards effectively, and strategically use their followers and greater daemons to achieve victory.

Pros

Deep Strategic Gameplay: Each decision is crucial, and the game rewards strategic thinking.

Unique Player Powers: Each Chaos god has distinct abilities and playstyles, offering high replayability.

Thematic Integration: The game’s theme is well-integrated into the mechanics, enhancing the immersive experience.

Cons

Component Quality: The figures, especially the Cultists, have been criticized for their poor casting design.

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics and multiple paths to victory.

Personal Thoughts on Chaos in the Old World

Chaos in the Old World is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy and thematic depth. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with multiple victory paths and high replayability. However, new players may find the rules and mechanics challenging to grasp initially. The game’s blend of Euro and Ameritrash elements makes it a unique addition to any board game collection.

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