Feudal (1967) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Feudal is a board game that was originally released in in 1967. Designed by Fred Buestchler, this game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Medieval, and Miniatures. The game is set in a feudalistic society where players take on the roles of nobles vying for power and control over territories.

Game Components of Feudal

16in. x 16in. map board featuring various terrains

6 armies, each with 14 characters: King, Prince, Duke, Squire, Archer, 2 Knights, 2 Sergeants, and 4 Pikemen

A stationary castle piece for each army

A divider screen and 4 screen holders

Rulebook

How To Setup Feudal

To set up Feudal, players begin by placing a divider screen across the board. Each player secretly sets up their pieces on their side of the board. For a two-player game, one player chooses two adjoining quadrants to set up their forces after losing the coin toss. In team play, a captain is chosen for each side, and teammates receive armies without the castle and royalty. Once both sides are ready, the divider screen is removed, and play begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture the opponent’s castle or eliminate all of their royalty (King, Prince, and Duke).

Turn Structure: Players can move any number of their pieces during their turn, but must move at least one.

Piece Movement: Each piece has unique movement rules (e.g., King moves 1-2 spaces, Prince and mounted men move any number of spaces).

Terrain: Different terrains (empty, rough, mountainous) affect piece movement.

Capture: Pieces can capture opponent pieces by landing on their space.

Castle Capture: To capture the castle, a piece must first move onto the castle green and wait one turn before entering the castle.

Player Experience

Feudal offers a strategic and dynamic gameplay experience, particularly appealing to fans of chess and medieval-themed games. The concealed setup adds an element of surprise, making each game unique. The game supports both two-player and team play, allowing for flexible player configurations.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic planning and adaptation.

Replayability: Concealed setup ensures different strategic challenges each game.

Multiplayer Options: Supports 2-6 players with team play capabilities.

Thematic Appeal: Engaging medieval setting with distinct character pieces.

Cons

Complexity: Initial setup and rules can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Games can last up to 90 minutes.

Limited Gambit: Moving all pieces each turn reduces long-term planning aspects.

Personal Thoughts on Feudal

Feudal is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games with a touch of medieval flair. It’s particularly suited for players who appreciate the complexity and tactical depth of chess but are looking for something with a bit more variety and surprise. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a hidden gem for strategy enthusiasts and those looking for a challenging yet rewarding board game experience.

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