Confrontation (2000) Board Game

Confrontation is a fantasy miniatures skirmish game that was first released in in 2000. It was designed by Paul Bonner, Édouard Guiton, John Howe, Florent Maudoux, and Paolo Parente, with artwork by Rackham. The game is set in the world of Aarklash, where various factions battle for control and dominance.

Game Components of Confrontation

9 characters for each player

9 cards for each player

Game board featuring Middle Earth territories

Tokens to mark character positions and status

Reference sheet for character abilities

How To Setup Confrontation

To set up the game, each player selects and places their characters in designated starting territories. The Fellowship player places characters in the Shire, while the Sauron player places characters in Mordor. Players can choose which characters to deploy and where, utilizing a variant set if desired, which allows characters to be swapped between sides.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Movement: Players take turns moving one character forward.

Character Abilities: Each character has a strength value and a special ability.

Card Play: Players use cards to influence battles, with the Sauron player playing their card first.

Battle Resolution: Characters engage in battles where special abilities and cards can alter outcomes.

Win Conditions: The Fellowship wins if Frodo reaches Mordor. Sauron wins if Frodo is defeated or if three Sauron characters enter the Shire.

Player Experience

Playing **Confrontation** is an intense, strategic experience that lasts about 30 minutes. Players must balance character strengths, special abilities, and card play to outmaneuver their opponent. The game demands a mix of bluffing and strategic thinking, as players need to anticipate and counter their opponent’s moves.

Pros

Balanced Gameplay: The game is highly balanced, with each side having distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple rules with deep strategic possibilities.

Quick Games: Games are typically short, lasting 15-30 minutes.

Iconic Characters: Features beloved characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Complexity in Card Play: Managing cards and special abilities can be intricate.

Personal Thoughts on Confrontation

**Confrontation** is ideal for fans of strategic board games and the Lord of the Rings series. It offers a compact, intense gaming experience that requires thoughtful planning and execution. This game is perfect for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are looking for a quick yet engaging game session. However, it may not be the best fit for larger groups or those seeking a more casual gaming experience.

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