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Kings & Things (1986) Board Game

ByMichail

Kings & Things is a classic board game that was first released in 1986 by Games Workshop Ltd. It was designed by Doug Kaufman, Robert J. Kuntz, and Tom Wham, with artwork by talented artists such as Ray-Mel Cornelius and Martin Hoffmann. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, exploration, fantasy, humor, territory building, and wargame, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Kings & Things

  • 48 hex tiles** divided into eight types of terrain
  • 351 die-cut counters** representing creatures, magic items, special income, treasure, and random events
  • Gold counters** in various denominations
  • 117 other counters** for buildings, heroes, cities, and villages
  • 8 racks** to hold counters
  • 4 dice**
  • 16-page rulebook** with a 4-page pull-out reference section

    How To Setup Kings & Things

    To set up the game, players start by randomly assembling the hex tiles to form a map of the fictional continent of Kadab. This creates a unique terrain for each game. Players then choose their starting positions, and a random player is selected to begin the game. Each turn follows eight phases, with a new player randomly chosen to start the next turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: The first player to build a citadel, achieved by spending money gained through controlling terrain and resources.
  • Terrain Generation: Random assembly of hex tiles to create the map.
  • Turn Structure: Eight phases per turn, with random player selection for each turn.
  • Resource Management: Managing gold and counters to build armies, acquire magic items, and construct buildings.
  • Random Events: Drawing counters to encounter various creatures, events, and treasures.

    Player Experience

    **Kings & Things** offers a dynamic and unpredictable gaming experience. Players must balance strategic planning with the unpredictability of random events. The game is praised for its high production values, straightforward yet entertaining rules, and the excitement of exploring the world of Kadab. However, the endgame can become laborious if multiple players have built citadels, leading to lengthy conflicts.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Unique terrain and random events ensure each game is different.
  • Engaging Mechanics: A mix of strategy and luck keeps the game exciting.
  • Thematic Depth: Rich fantasy world with various creatures and magic items.
  • Awards: Won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1986” and the Origins Award for “Best Play-by-Mail Game of 1988”.

    Cons

  • Endgame Length: Conflicts in the final stages can be time-consuming.
  • Dependency on Luck: Random encounters can significantly influence the outcome, sometimes overshadowing player skill.

    Personal Thoughts on Kings & Things

    **Kings & Things** is ideal for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and luck, set in a rich fantasy world. It’s perfect for groups of four who have the time to immerse themselves in a game that can be both wildly entertaining and occasionally unpredictable. While it may not suit players seeking pure strategic depth, it offers a unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy the unpredictability and thematic depth of a classic fantasy board game.

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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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