This is an image of a board game cover titled "Dragon Rage" by Lewis Pulsipher, featuring artwork by Miguel Coimbra. The illustration shows a large red dragon with expanded wings breathing fire towards a medieval town below, where armored soldiers appear to be defending against the attack.
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Dragon Rage (1982)

ByMichail

Dragon Rage

Dragon Rage is a board game that was first published in 1982 by Heritage/Dwarfstar. The game is set in a medieval city that is being attacked by mythical creatures such as dragons, giants, goblins, and orcs. The game board is a full-color aerial view of the city and its surrounding areas.

Why is Dragon Rage Popular?

Dragon Rage is a popular game due to its unique theme and Gameplay Mechanics of Dragon Rage. The game is significant because it was one of the first board games to feature a point-buy system and campaign rules.

Game Components of Dragon Rage

  • Double-sided mounted game board featuring the walled city of Esirien and the Orc oppidum of Nurkott.
  • 213 thick, die-cut, full-color counters and markers.
  • 16-page Game Manual for simplified rules and a 36-page Rules Reference Manual with extended rules, scenarios, tournament rules, and campaign rules.
  • Four monster charts to track damage to monsters like Dragons, Rocs, Wurms, and Giants.
  • One Player aid with summaries for spells and Dragon combat.
  • Two plastic six-sided dice (2d6) and four plastic bags for component storage.

    How To Setup Dragon Rage

    To set up Dragon Rage, players begin by placing the appropriate side of the double-sided game board, either the walled city of Esirien or the Orc oppidum of Nurkott. Each player then deploys their units according to the scenario rules. For the basic scenario, two Dragons attack Esirien, while the defender sets up a small militia within the city walls. The game also includes setup instructions for other scenarios and optional rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category: Wargame, Fantasy
  • Mechanics: Hex-and-counter, Dice Rolling, Combat Resolution Table (CRT).
  • Objective: The attackers aim to destroy as much of the city as possible, while the defenders must protect the city and its buildings.
  • Turn Structure: Each turn involves moving units, attacking enemies within range, and resolving combat using a dice roll and the CRT.
  • Special Units: The human side includes a local hero with special powers and a wizard who can cast spells. Dragons have different body parts with attack values and hit point pools, affecting their mobility and attack capabilities as they are damaged.

    Player Experience

    Dragon Rage offers a tactical and engaging experience with a mix of strategy and luck. The game’s design ensures that each turn feels significant, with the possibility of sudden death endings and thematic victory conditions like “dragon whelp” or “the death from above.” The game is relatively quick, lasting around 90 minutes, including teaching time. The visual aesthetics are enhanced with linen-finish tiles, large reference cards, and high-quality counters, although some players find the map overly busy.

    Pros

  • Introductory Wargame: Great for new players to the wargame genre.
  • Tactical Depth: Significant strategic decisions despite simple rules.
  • Visual Aesthetics: High-quality components, including counters with new and original art.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios, tournament rules, and campaign rules add to the game’s replay value.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: Heavy reliance on dice rolls can lead to streaks where neither player effects the other.
  • Map Design: Some players find the map too busy and distracting.
  • Stacking Limits: Strict stacking limits, which while helpful for spreading out defenders, can sometimes limit gameplay flexibility.

    Personal Thoughts on Dragon Rage

    Dragon Rage is an excellent choice for those looking to dive into the world of wargames, especially those with a fantasy theme. It’s designed to be accessible yet challenging, making it suitable for both new and experienced players. The game’s theme and mechanics, such as the detailed dragon body parts and the use of magic, add a layer of excitement and strategy that keeps players engaged. However, players who dislike significant luck factors in their games might find this less appealing.

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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