Hordes: High Command (2013) Board Game

Hordes: High Command is a card game set in the Iron Kingdoms universe, created by Privateer Press. It was released in 2013 as a standalone game that is also compatible with the Warmachine: High Command deck building game.

Game Components of Hordes: High Command

Faction Cards: Each player chooses a faction with unique war casters and associated color designations (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).

Resource Deck: Comprises cards of the chosen colors, used to generate command and war points.

Location Cards: Represent battlefronts and provide victory points upon capture.

Winds of War Cards: Determine the game’s progression and end condition.

Starting Hand: Each player begins with a starting hand of six cards and three war casters.

How To Setup Hordes: High Command

To set up the game, players select their faction and choose three war casters, each with specific color specializations. The resource deck is created by combining the designated color cards. Each player starts with a starting hand of six cards and the first four purchasable cards are laid out. The initial two location cards are revealed, and the winds of war deck is shuffled and prepared for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players use command and war points to buy cards and deploy units.

Deck Building: Players expand their deck by purchasing cards from the resource line.

Location Control: Capturing locations by having more units at a location than other players, which adds the location to the player’s deck and earns victory points.

Combat Resolution: Combat involves comparing the attack and defense numbers of units at a location, with potential modifications from special abilities.

Game End: The game ends after drawing the game-ending card from the winds of war deck, and the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

**Hordes: High Command** is generally easy to learn and quick to play. Players appreciate the different play styles offered by each faction, although the game is often cited as working best with two players. The lack of complex combat mechanics and the simplicity of the game can be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on player preferences.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Quick setup and simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Faction Variety: Each faction has unique war casters and playstyles, adding replay value.

Affordable: The game is often available at a low cost, making it a good addition to any game collection.

Cons

Limited Combat Mechanics: Combat is straightforward and lacks interactive elements, which can be dull for some players.

Resource Management Issues: Players can encounter resource imbalances that hinder gameplay, particularly if the necessary resources are not available.

Multiplayer Issues: The game is less enjoyable with more than two players due to strategic inefficiencies and prolonged gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Hordes: High Command

**Hordes: High Command** is ideal for players who enjoy light, quick deck-building games with a strategic twist. It’s a great introduction to the Iron Kingdoms universe and the deck-building genre. However, players seeking complex combat mechanics or a more dynamic multiplayer experience might find the game lacking. For its price and ease of play, it remains a worthy addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of the Iron Kingdoms setting.

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