Conan is a board game based on the iconic character created by Robert E. Howard. The game was released in 2016 and is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended player count of
It is set in the fantasy world of Hyboria, where players take on the roles of Conan and his companions as they embark on epic adventures and battles against evil forces.Game Components of Conan
2 to 5 players: Includes roles for Conan and his companions, as well as the Overlord.Miniatures: Over two hundred high-quality miniatures of characters and enemies.Double-sided boards: Featuring various maps such as the Pictish Village, Underground temple, Tavern, and Pirate ship.Tokens and gems: Used for tracking resources, fatigue, and wounds.The Book of Skelos: A plastic book-like device for the Overlord to manage the game.Scenario cards: Providing different winning conditions and setups for each game.
How To Setup Conan
Setting up Conan involves several steps:
Choose a scenario, which determines the starting conditions, number of rounds, and winning conditions.Prepare the map by placing it on the table and setting up the respective scenery and objects.Assign characters to players and equip them with their unique boards and abilities.The Overlord sets up enemy units and prepares their deck of cards.Allocate initial gems to each player’s Reserve Zone.This setup typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Gem management: Players use gems to perform actions like movement, attack, ranged attack, defend, manipulate, and reroll.Stance system: Players choose between aggressive or cautious stances to manage their gem recovery.Character abilities: Each character has unique skills listed on their boards.Overlord phase: The Overlord controls enemy units using a card system with activation costs.
Game Objective
Players: Work together to achieve scenario-specific objectives, such as rescuing a princess or retrieving an item.Overlord: Aim to thwart the players’ objectives by managing and activating enemy units and obstacles.
Player Experience
Playing Conan is a strategic and immersive experience. Players must coordinate their actions carefully, managing their gems and stances to achieve their goals. The Overlord acts like a Dungeon Master, controlling the game’s narrative and challenges. The game’s transparency, where both sides know the resources and movements of the other, adds a layer of strategy and foresight. Each game typically lasts 60-90 minutes, with the potential to link scenarios into a mini-campaign.
Pros
High-quality miniatures and components: Over two hundred miniatures and detailed boards.Strategic gameplay: Requires careful planning and coordination.Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the ability to link them into a campaign.Good value for money: High-quality components at an affordable price.
Cons
Complex rules: The rulebook is not well-explained, requiring additional research.Setup time: Can take 15-20 minutes to set up the game.Risk of power imbalance: Can be problematic if one player dominates the group.
Personal Thoughts on Conan
Conan is ideal for fans of strategic, scenario-based games and those who enjoy the Conan universe. It is best suited for groups of players who are familiar with each other, as it can be challenging for new players to coordinate effectively. The game’s complexity and need for cooperation make it a great choice for experienced gamers looking for a fun and challenging experience. However, the game may not be suitable for those seeking simple, easy-to-learn rules or a quick setup.
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