Cry Havoc (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cry Havoc is a science fiction wargame that was released in 2016, designed by Fyodor Ananiev, Mateusz Bielski, Grzegorz Bobrowski, and Thibault Girard. The game is set in a distant future where different factions battle for control of a valuable resource on an alien planet. With its unique gameplay mechanics and stunning miniatures, Cry Havoc has gained a dedicated following among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Cry Havoc

54 custom plastic miniatures

A large format board with a dual-sided design for different player counts

Over 100 unique cards

Event tiles

Battle Board

Faction-specific decks and buildings

Crystals and control markers

How To Setup Cry Havoc

To setup Cry Havoc, each player selects one of the four unique factions: Humans, Trogs, Machines, or Pilgrims. In a 2-3 player game, the Trog faction cannot be selected. The board is set up based on the player count, with a smaller side for two players and the larger side for 3-4 players. Each player starts with a unique deck of cards and specific buildings. The game board is populated with event tiles and crystals.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card-driven: Players use cards from their deck to decide their actions.

Asymmetric: Each faction has special abilities and tactics.

Area Control: Players battle for control of regions on the board.

Combat Resolution: Uses a Battle Board with three objectives: Region Control, Capture Prisoners, and Attrition.

Game Objective

Players aim to earn victory points by controlling territories, winning battles, capturing prisoners, and other faction-specific methods.

The game is played over five rounds, with each round consisting of six phases: Events, Draw Cards, Actions, Combat, Prisoners, and Scoring.

The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Cry Havoc offers a highly strategic and dynamic gameplay experience. Players must maximize their faction’s strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. The battle system is particularly noteworthy, as it involves placing units on the Battle Board and using tactics cards to influence the outcome. This system creates a meta game where players must anticipate their opponents’ moves. The game scales well across different player counts, ensuring frequent combat and quick turns.

Pros

Innovative Battle System: The combat mechanic is unique and engaging, requiring strategic planning.

Asymmetric Factions: Each faction offers a distinct playstyle, adding replayability and depth.

Balanced Gameplay: Despite the asymmetry, the game is well-balanced, making it challenging and fun for all players.

High Replayability: The combination of unique factions, event tiles, and card draws ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics and asymmetric factions.

Initial Investment: New players may find it challenging to understand and master their faction’s strengths and weaknesses.

Personal Thoughts on Cry Havoc

Cry Havoc is perfect for fans of strategic, card-driven games and those who enjoy area control and asymmetric gameplay. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who appreciate deep strategic gameplay and the challenge of mastering different factions. However, new players should be prepared to invest time in learning the game’s mechanics and faction-specific strategies. With its innovative battle system and high replayability, Cry Havoc is a standout in the board game world, offering a thrilling experience for those who enjoy competitive and strategic gameplay.

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