Joan of Arc (1998) Board Game

Joan of Arc is a board game released in 1998 that is set in medieval France during the Hundred Years’ War. Players take on the roles of different factions vying for power and influence during this tumultuous period in history. The game incorporates elements of politics, warfare, and strategy as players maneuver their forces to achieve dominance on the battlefield.

Game Components of Joan of Arc

Board: The game includes a board representing the Kingdom of France.

Cards: A deck of 74 Battle Cards and 6 Hero Cards.

Castles: 20 castle pieces.

Fortifications: 10 fortification pieces.

Counter Sheets: 4 unpunched counter sheets.

Dice: 2 dice.

Instructions: Original instructions.

Box Liner: Plastic box liner.

Additional Items: Info/advertising sheets and a registration card.

How To Setup Joan of Arc

To set up the game, players first need to assemble the board, which represents the landscape of France during the Hundred Years’ War. Each player selects their faction and places their castles and fortifications accordingly. The deck of Battle and Hero Cards is shuffled and distributed. Players also receive the necessary counter sheets and dice. The instructions provide detailed steps for setting up each scenario, ensuring each game starts with a clear objective.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 3 to 6 players.

Age Range: Suitable for ages 10 to adult.

Gameplay:

Card Play: Players use Battle and Hero Cards to execute actions.

Resource Management: Managing resources such as troops, castles, and fortifications.

Strategy: Combining card play with strategic placement of units on the board.

Objectives: Scenarios vary, but common objectives include conquering territories, eliminating enemies, and completing specific missions. Each scenario has its own victory conditions.

Player Experience

Playing **Joan of Arc** immerses players in the tumultuous era of medieval France, where strategic decisions are crucial for success. The game offers a mix of historical accuracy and strategic depth, making it engaging for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike. Players must balance resource management with tactical movements on the board, ensuring a dynamic and challenging experience.

Pros

Historical Setting: Rich historical context set in the Hundred Years’ War.

Variety of Scenarios: Multiple scenarios with different objectives and challenges.

Strategic Depth: Combines card play, resource management, and board strategy.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variety of scenarios and player choices.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the number of components and rules.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the need to assemble the board and distribute components.

Component Quality: Some components, like the fortification pieces, may be prone to damage (as seen in the 1998 edition).

Personal Thoughts on Joan of Arc

**Joan of Arc** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games with a strong historical theme. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate complex gameplay mechanics and are willing to invest time in setting up and learning the game. History enthusiasts will find the game’s setting and themes engaging, while strategy fans will appreciate the depth and variety of gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for casual players or those seeking a quick, simple game.

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