Dark Emperor (1985) – Board Game Guys

Dark Emperor

“Dark Emperor” is a two-player board game of warfare and quest in a fantasy universe, published by Avalon Hill in 1985. The game was designed by Greg Costikyan and features artwork by James Talbot. The game has gained popularity and significance due to its engaging gameplay and lasting interest.

Game Components of Dark Emperor

16-page rulebook: Includes extensive historical background and designer’s notes.

Die-cut cardboard counters: 260 color counters representing various units and items.

Game board map of Loslon: A unique, meteorite-scarred island landscape.

Two six-sided dice: Used for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

How To Setup Dark Emperor

To set up the game, players first lay out the two-piece folding mapboard of Loslon. Each player chooses their role: one as the Necromancer Padrech dar Choim with his vampire host, and the other as the human king rallying the kingdoms against the invasion. The counters and dice are then distributed according to the initial setup rules outlined in the rulebook. The game begins with all countries on the map as neutral, awaiting recruitment by either player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Action Point Allowance System: Players manage action points to perform various actions.

Hex-and-Counter: Movement and combat are resolved using a hex grid and counter pieces.

Diplomacy and Recruitment: Players can recruit neutral countries and hire mercenaries.

Magic and Combat: Use of magical items and military force to conquer or defend territories.

Objective

Necromancer’s Victory: Conquer the Empire of Ahautsieron or have the highest production from kingdoms by the end of 14 turns.

Kingdom’s Victory: Permanently slay the Necromancer using one of two magical weapons or have the highest production by the end of 14 turns.

Player Experience

Playing **Dark Emperor** involves a mix of strategic planning, diplomacy, and tactical combat. The game is known for its unique map and the challenge of managing resources and recruitment. Players must balance short-term defensive needs with long-term strategies to unite the kingdoms or spread the dark lord’s influence. The game typically lasts two to four hours, requiring players to make real decisions of strategy while dealing with the unpredictability of dice rolls.

Pros

Unique Map: The meteorite-scarred landscape of Loslon offers a fresh geographical challenge.

Strategic Depth: The game demands cunning strategy, diplomacy, and heroic defense.

High-Quality Components: Typical of Avalon Hill, the game components, including the map and counters, are of high quality.

Engaging Theme: Players can enjoy the fantasy setting of battling against an invading dark lord.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a complexity rating of six out of ten, which can be overwhelming for some players.

Fiddly Mechanics: The taxation and reinforcement rules can be time-consuming and fiddly.

Mixed Reception: Despite its intriguing concept, the game received mixed reviews and was not very well received commercially.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take two to four hours to complete.

Personal Thoughts on Dark Emperor

**Dark Emperor** is ideal for fans of fantasy warfare and strategy games, particularly those who enjoy the works of Tolkien or similar epic battles between good and evil. While it may not be as polished as some modern games, its unique setting and challenging gameplay make it a valuable addition to the collection of any serious board game enthusiast. However, due to its complexity and some cumbersome mechanics, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience.

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