Eternal Kings (2019) Board Game

Eternal Kings is a strategic board game that was released in in 2019. It is designed for 2 players and falls under the category of fantasy fighting games. The game features grid movement and hand management mechanics, providing players with a unique and challenging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Eternal Kings

Game Board: An 8×8 grid, reminiscent of a chessboard.

Cards: 129 cards, including 64 army cards and 64 ability cards, split into four factions: Intelligence, Agility, Wisdom, and Strength.

Rule Book: Detailed instructions on how to play and setup the game.

Game Dimensions: 220 x 286 x 45mm.

How To Setup Eternal Kings

To set up the game, each player starts with a 16-card army deck and a 16-card ability deck. Players customize their armies by laying out their army cards on the provided mat. The army cards represent chess pieces but with additional attributes like hit points, attack values, and special “discipline” abilities. The ability decks are used to draw secret, one-time use powers during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Chess-like Movement: Players maneuver their cards around the 8×8 grid in a manner similar to chess.

Army and Ability Cards: Each card has unique attributes and abilities, such as hit points, attack values, and special discipline abilities.

Combat: The objective is to kill the opponent’s king, rather than achieving checkmate.

Whitecast and Redcast Abilities: Whitecast abilities must be played on the player’s turn, while Redcast abilities can be played instantly at any time.

Faction Strategies: Each faction (Intelligence, Agility, Wisdom, and Strength) channels a different strategy, such as Wisdom focusing on safety and coordination, and Intelligence on versatility and development.

Player Experience

Playing Eternal Kings feels like a fusion of old and new, blending the classic strategy of chess with the exciting combinations of a card game. Players can customize their decks and armies, creating unique strategies and combos. The game retains the turn-based strategy of chess but adds an exciting layer of complexity with the card mechanics. Standard chess tactics still apply, but the addition of special abilities and card interactions makes the game feel fresh and engaging.

Pros

Customizable Armies: Players can mix and match cards from different factions to create unique strategies.

Deep Strategy: Combines the strategic depth of chess with the dynamic interactions of a card game.

High Replayability: With customizable decks and multiple factions, each game can be different.

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of chess and card game mechanics makes for an exciting and complex game experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with either chess or collectible card games.

Art Style: The dark, gritty fantasy art may not appeal to all players, making the game less approachable for some.

Chess Necessity: The game won’t convert anyone who doesn’t already enjoy chess, as the heart of the game remains a turn-based strategy game.

Personal Thoughts on Eternal Kings

Eternal Kings is perfect for players who enjoy both chess and collectible card games. It offers a new twist on a classic game, appealing to those who appreciate strategy and customization. However, it may not be the best fit for players who are looking for a light, casual game or those who are not fond of chess. For enthusiasts of both genres, Eternal Kings provides a rich and engaging gaming experience that combines the best elements of each.

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