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Horus Heresy (1993) (1993) Board Game

ByMichail

Horus Heresy was released in 1993 by Games Workshop Ltd. It is a two-player science fiction wargame set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game is based on the Horus Heresy, a pivotal event in the lore of Warhammer 40,000 where the Warmaster Horus betrays the Emperor of Mankind, leading to a galaxy-wide civil war.

Game Components of Horus Heresy

  • Cardboard counters** with attack, defense, and movement numbers
  • Game board** divided into areas
  • Special Cards** providing special abilities
  • Dice** for resolving combat
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Horus Heresy

    To set up the game, players divide the cardboard counters between the Chaos forces of Horus and the Imperial forces of the Emperor. The game board is laid out, and each player positions their units according to the starting conditions. The Horus player aims to secure spaceports to ensure continuous reinforcements, while the Imperial player sets up defensive positions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using attack/defense ratios cross-indexed with a d6 roll.
  • Turn Structure: The game is five turns long, with each turn involving movement, combat, and reinforcement phases.
  • Objective: The Horus player must breach the Imperial defenses and capture key positions, while the Imperial player must hold out against the Chaos invasion.
  • Special Abilities: Special Cards can be used to influence the game, such as the Imperial player using a Heroic Sacrifice card to save the Emperor.

    Player Experience

    Playing Horus Heresy is a nostalgic return to the days of cardboard counter wargaming. The game is rich in atmosphere, with players imagining massive Titan robots and hordes of Chaos troops attacking Imperial fortifications. The dice-heavy mechanics introduce a significant random element, making each game unique and thrilling. However, the rules can be unclear, and house rules, such as determining the order of Special Card draws, may be necessary to enhance playability.

    Pros

  • Atmospheric: The game captures the grimdark essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
  • Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking and planning.
  • Replayability: The random element ensures that each game is different.
  • Nostalgic: A fun throwback to older wargaming styles.

    Cons

  • Random Element: The high reliance on dice rolls can be frustrating.
  • Complex Rules: The rules are not always clear and may require house rules.
  • Limited Realism: The game is not suited for realistic wargamers.

    Personal Thoughts on Horus Heresy

    Horus Heresy is for those who enjoy the nostalgic feel of older wargames and the immersive atmosphere of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It’s perfect for players who appreciate strategic games with a significant element of chance and are willing to adapt the rules for a smoother gameplay experience. While it may not appeal to realistic wargamers, it offers a fun and engaging way to spend an evening, reliving the epic battles of the Horus Heresy.

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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

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