An image of a board game called "Cry Havoc," featuring artwork of an armored futuristic soldier with a helmet and chest device emitting blue light. The cover states it is a deadly intense strategy game for 2-4 players, created by Grant Rodiek, Michal Oracz & Michal Walczak. A price tag is on the top left corner.
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Cry Havoc (2016)

ByMichail

Cry Havoc (1981 board game)

Cry Havoc is a board wargame published by Standard Games and Publications in 1981 that uses a complex set of rules to simulate medieval one-on-one combat. The game system was designed by Gary Chalk and published by the British game company Standard Games in 1981. Standard used the same combat system in several game expansions, including Siege (1983), Samurai Blades (1984), Outremer (1985), and Viking Raiders (1987). The game is a simulation of medieval tactics and hand-to-hand combat set in the 13th century. The name itself was a medieval command meaning that no quarter should be given to the enemy.

Why is Cry Havoc (1981 board game) Popular?

Cry Havoc is significant because it was one of the first board wargames to simulate medieval combat in a man-to-man format. It was also one of the first games to use a complex set of rules to simulate combat. The game is popular among wargamers who enjoy historical simulations and medieval combat.

Game Components of Cry Havoc

  • 54 custom plastic miniatures** beautifully sculpted.
  • Large format board** with dual sides for different player counts.
  • Over one hundred unique cards** with battle abilities and actions.
  • Battle Board** with three objective areas: Region Control, Capture Prisoners, and Attrition.
  • Event tiles** and **initiative tokens**.

    How To Setup Cry Havoc

    Setting up Cry Havoc involves placing various components on the board, including miniatures, cards, and event tiles. Each player selects one of the four factions, and in a 2-3 player game, the Trog faction cannot be selected. The board has a smaller side for two-player games and a larger side for 3-4 players. Players draw initial cards, set up their faction-specific buildings and units, and prepare the event tiles.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card-driven mechanics: Players use cards to perform actions such as moving units, recruiting, building, and fighting.
  • Asymmetric factions: Each faction has unique abilities and tactics.
  • Area control: Players battle for control of regions on the planet, with each region valued by its crystals.
  • Combat resolution: Battles are resolved using the Battle Board, where players place units in three objective areas and use cards to manipulate the battle outcome.
  • Victory points: Players earn points for controlling territories, capturing prisoners, and other faction-specific objectives. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

    Player Experience

    Cry Havoc offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, with a unique combat system that adds a layer of unpredictability to each battle. Players must carefully plan their card usage, balancing immediate actions with the need to save cards for battles. The game scales well from 2 to 4 players, ensuring frequent combat and quick turns even with multiple players.

    Pros

  • Asymmetrical factions** all feel and approach the game differently.
  • Innovative battle system** that makes battles tense and unpredictable.
  • Scales well** from 2 to 4 players.
  • Quick gameplay** that is easy to learn but deep in strategy.

    Cons

  • Cannot play the Trog faction with less than 4 players**.
  • Rulebook could be better** organized and clearer.

    Personal Thoughts on Cry Havoc

    Cry Havoc is ideal for fans of strategic war games and those who enjoy asymmetric gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate deep strategy, unique faction abilities, and a high level of replayability. The game’s innovative combat system and card-driven mechanics make it a standout in the area control genre, offering a thrilling experience for both new and experienced players. If you’re looking for a game that combines clever strategy with a sci-fi setting, Cry Havoc is definitely worth your time.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl