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Fantasy Warriors (1990)

ByMichail

Fantasy Warriors

Fantasy Warriors is a fantasy miniatures board game for two players, published by Grenadier Models Inc. in 1990. The game was designed by Nick Lund in cooperation with Mark Copplestone and Doug Cowie. It was initially based in the United States, producing historical figures before moving into the fantasy genre with the rising popularity of the topic.

Why is Fantasy Warriors Popular?

Fantasy Warriors is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It was one of the first fantasy miniatures board games to gain popularity.
– The game has a simple but challenging rule system, allowing players to fight exciting fantasy battles with a variety of heroism, cunning, and sudden death.
– The game has a clear and amply illustrated rulebook, making it accessible for beginners.
– It has stood the test of time and is still played today, with a strong community of fans.

Game Components of Fantasy Warriors

  • 102 plastic miniatures: 51 orcs and 51 dwarves, each with three unique sculpts (spearman, swordsman, bowman for orcs; spearman, double-handed axe man, crossbowman for dwarves).
  • 56-page rulebook** with black and white illustrations.
  • 150 paper status counters**.
  • Quick reference sheet**.
  • Dice: Several 6-sided dice.
  • Ruler: Included as part of the counter sheet.

    How To Setup Fantasy Warriors

    Players start by deciding on a playing surface and allocating points to their armies. Each army consists of a warchief and various units. Players record the eleven different attributes and statistics for each leader and unit. The setup involves rolling dice to determine which side moves first, and each warchief makes a boast that affects the morale of their army.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Key Mechanics

  • Pre-battle scouting** and **boasting: Boasts by the warchief influence army morale.
  • Order issuing command system: Includes the use of messengers.
  • Intimidation phase: At the beginning of each turn.
  • Combat phases: Include melee combat, missile fire, and morale checks.
  • Magic system: Features priests, soothsayers, and wizards with various spell-casting abilities.
  • Time of day/night mechanics: Affects game conditions.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to defeat the opposing army through strategic movement, combat, and use of magical abilities.

    Player Experience

    Fantasy Warriors offers a rich and immersive experience with its detailed gameplay mechanics and narrative-driven rules. The game emphasizes friction and simulation over simplistic gameplay, making it engaging for players who enjoy strategic depth. The boasting system and magic mechanics add a unique layer of complexity and fun to the game.

    Pros

  • Innovative mechanics: Pre-battle scouting, boasting, and a detailed magic system.
  • Highly detailed miniatures: 102 miniatures with unique sculpts.
  • Comprehensive rulebook: Clearly written with good examples.
  • Strong beginner game: Excellent introduction to miniatures gaming.

    Cons

  • Complex combat rules: Can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Paper status counters: Clutter the playing surface and are not very durable.
  • Plastic stubs on miniatures: Require careful removal.

    Personal Thoughts on Fantasy Warriors

    Fantasy Warriors is ideal for those who are looking to dive into miniatures wargaming with a game that offers a balance of strategy and narrative elements. It is particularly suited for beginners due to its well-structured rulebook and comprehensive examples. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick, straightforward game, as it involves a fair amount of setup and complex rules. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone interested in a deep and engaging fantasy miniatures game.

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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