Excalibur (1989) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Excalibur is a board game that was released in 1989 by Lancelot Games. It is a fighting and medieval wargame that can be played by 2 to 6 players. The game designers included Chris Courtiour, Richard Milner, Julian Musgrave, Dieter Schmidt, and Jamie Walker. The artwork for the game was done by Aubrey Beardsley, Hubert de Lartigue, Ed Dovey, Frank Gerwin, and Jürgen Pirner.

Game Components of Excalibur

Game board

Miniature figures representing knights

Dice

Action cards

Player reference cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Excalibur

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding miniature knight figures, dice, and action cards.

Shuffle the action cards and place them face down on the designated area of the board.

Place the player reference cards within reach of all players.

Roll to determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns moving their knights around the board, engaging in combat with other knights, and completing objectives. The game utilizes action queue, dice rolling, paper-and-pencil, point-to-point movement, and simultaneous action selection mechanics. The objective of the game is to be the last knight standing or to complete specific in-game goals.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging and strategic gameplay

Beautiful artwork

Variety of mechanics keeps the game interesting

Cons

Steep learning curve for new players

Lengthy gameplay can be tiring

Some components may feel outdated compared to modern board games

Personal Thoughts on Excalibur

Excalibur is a unique and immersive board game that offers a deep and strategic gaming experience. The game’s build quality is good, with detailed miniatures and sturdy components. However, the game may not appeal to everyone due to its complex rules and lengthy gameplay. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies may vary, so it’s worth checking multiple sources before purchasing. For fans of medieval-themed wargames, Excalibur is definitely worth your time. However, casual gamers or those looking for a more streamlined experience may want to skip this one. If you enjoy games like Warhammer or Axis & Allies, Excalibur might be a good fit for your collection.

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