Feudal (1967) – Board Game Guys

Feudal is a chess-like board wargame for 2-6 players on two or four opposing sides, originally published by 3M Company in 1967 as part of its bookshelf game series. It was later republished by Avalon Hill after they purchased 3M’s game division. The game was designed to be a more accessible and faster-paced alternative to traditional chess, with a focus on medieval warfare and strategy.

Why is Feudal Popular?

Feudal has gained popularity for several reasons:
– Chess-like gameplay: The game combines the strategic thinking required in chess with the added complexity of medieval warfare, making it an engaging and challenging experience for players.
– Simultaneous and secret setup: The initial setup is done simultaneously and secretly, adding an element of surprise and strategic planning to each game.
– Plastic medieval warriors and terrain: The game comes with six sets of plastic pieces in three shades each of blue and brown, as well as terrain pieces that enhance the thematic experience.
– Positive reception: Feudal has received positive reviews and ratings on Board Game Geek, with an average rating of 5.92 out of 10.

Game Components of Feudal

Six sets of plastic pieces in three shades each of blue and brown.

Each set includes thirteen mobile figures: one King, one Prince, one Duke, one Squire, one Archer, two Knights, two Sergeants, and four Pikemen.

A stationary castle piece for each set.

Four plastic peg boards depicting empty, rough, and mountainous terrain.

How To Setup Feudal

To set up Feudal, players secretly and simultaneously arrange their pieces on the board. Each player has a castle and a set of royalty and military units. The initial setup is crucial as it determines the strategic landscape of the game. The game boards are arranged to create a diverse terrain, which affects the movement and effectiveness of the pieces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Chess-like movement and capture rules.

Terrain effects on piece movement.

Secret initial setup.

Game Objective

Capture the opponent’s castle.

Slay all of the opponent’s royalty (King, Prince, and Duke).

Player Experience

Feudal offers a strategy-rich experience with a high level of replayability due to the secret initial setup. Players must balance defensive and offensive strategies, utilizing the different types of pieces and the terrain to their advantage. The game requires a mix of short-term tactics and long-term planning.

Pros

High replayability due to secret setup.

Engaging combination of strategy and luck.

Included in “Top 100 Games of 1980” and “Top 100 Games of 1981” by *Games* magazine.

Cons

Complex gameplay can lead to lengthy analysis periods.

Some players find the game not entirely successful due to reduced gambit and planning aspects compared to chess.

Personal Thoughts on Feudal

Feudal is perfect for those who enjoy strategic board games with a mix of chess-like mechanics and the unpredictability of wargames. It’s ideal for players who appreciate the challenge of adapting to different setups and terrains each game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers who prefer quick, straightforward games, as Feudal can be quite complex and time-consuming.

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