Heroes of Land, Air & Sea
“Heroes of Land, Air & Sea” is a 4X-style board game published by Gamelyn Games and designed by Scott Almes in 2018. The game is set in a world of epic battles between orcs and humans, dwarves and elves, and battling kingdoms.
Game Components of Heroes of Land, Air & Sea
Player Boards: Each player has a unique faction board with distinct abilities and buildings.Units and Heroes: Various miniatures, including serfs, warriors, and heroes, each with different weapons and battle positions.Buildings and Towers: 64 constructible buildings and ships that players must assemble.Tactic Cards: A set of 7 cards used in combat, providing different strategies and bonuses.Exploration Tokens: Used to reveal new regions on the map.Resources: Food, ore, mana, and units, which are crucial for actions and combat.Map: A large, interconnected board with ferry routes and sea territories.Capital City Tech-Tree: A system for unlocking new abilities and buildings as the game progresses.
How To Setup Heroes of Land, Air & Sea
To set up the game, players first place the large game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects a faction and sets up their player board, placing their starting units and resources. The Exploration Tokens are shuffled and placed face down on their designated spaces on the board. Players also receive their starting Tactic Cards and any faction-specific items. The First Player Token is assigned, and the game is ready to begin.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn Structure: Each player takes two lead actions per turn, with the option for follow actions triggered by other players’ Capital Actions.Resource Collection: Resources are collected after all players have taken their two lead actions.Exploration: Players reveal new regions by moving units or building towers.Combat: Mandatory battles occur when units enter a region occupied by another player’s units. Combat is resolved using Tactic Cards and resource management.Building and Upgrading: Players construct buildings, upgrade their city, and recruit units to gain victory points.Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most victory points through various actions such as building, exploring, and winning battles.
Player Experience
Playing **Heroes of Land, Air & Sea** is an immersive experience that requires strategic planning and resource management. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the ability to follow another player’s Capital Action using a serf, keep all players engaged and active throughout. The combat system, with its Rock-Paper-Scissors-like Tactic Cards, adds a layer of strategy and tension. The game’s visual appeal, with its colorful map and distinct miniatures, enhances the overall experience.
Pros
Engaging Combat Mechanics: The Tactic Card system makes combat strategic and engaging.High Player Interaction: The follow action mechanic ensures all players are involved in every turn.Well-Balanced Factions: Each faction has unique abilities and strengths, but these are balanced by situational drawbacks.Capital City Tech-Tree: A cool system for unlocking new abilities and buildings as the game progresses.Visual Appeal: The game looks striking on the table, with easy-to-identify player pieces.
Cons
Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve, especially with the combat rules and special abilities. Restricted Air and Sea Elements: The air and sea components feel underutilized due to their limitations in movement and combat.Static Map: The map does not change between games, which can make it feel repetitive after multiple plays.
Personal Thoughts on Heroes of Land, Air & Sea
**Heroes of Land, Air & Sea** is ideal for fans of 4X games and strategy enthusiasts who enjoy games with deep mechanics and high player interaction. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its systems. The game is particularly suited for players who enjoy planning and executing long-term strategies and managing resources effectively.
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