Navajo Wars (2013) Board Game

Navajo Wars is a historical board game that focuses on the conflict between the Navajo people and the Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers in the American Southwest during the 19th century. Designed by Edward S. Curtis, Donal Hegarty, and Rodger B. MacGowan, the game provides a deep dive into the complexities of this period in history.

Game Components of Navajo Wars

Map: A mounted board depicting the southwestern United States in a unique Native American style, using an area/point-to-point scale.

Counters: Die-cut wargame counters representing Diné families and other units.

Cards: Decent quality cards that drive the game, including action cards, special event cards, and historical event cards.

Instruction Counters: A set of counters with specific enemy actions that are recycled throughout the game.

Rulebook: Approximately 16 pages of densely written rules, considered complex for eurogamers but medium complexity for wargamers.

How To Setup Navajo Wars

Setting up *Navajo Wars* involves preparing the board, shuffling and placing the card deck, and initializing the enemy instruction counter column. The enemy actions are randomized at the beginning of the game, and historical events are shuffled into the card deck at certain intervals. Players need to place their Diné family counters on the board according to the starting scenario, and ensure all necessary components are within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Scale: 1-10 years per turn.

Map Scale: Area/point-to-point.

Unit Scale: Several hundred people per counter.

Number of Players: 1-2, with a semi-cooperative 2-player variant where both players can lose, but only one can win.

Objective: The player controls Diné families, aiming to maintain their freedom and way of life against Spanish, Mexican, and American enemies. This involves resource management, planning, and executing actions such as moving, planting and harvesting corn, raiding enemy outposts, and growing the population.

Player Experience

*Navajo Wars* offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience. Players feel like they are facing a real opponent due to the inventive enemy mechanism, which uses instruction counters to simulate enemy actions. The game is driven by a set of randomized cards, including historical events, which ensures each playthrough is different. Players must make meaningful decisions to manage resources and anticipate enemy actions, making the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a detailed historical context, allowing players to understand the struggles of the Navajo people.

Inventive Enemy Mechanism: The use of instruction counters and randomized enemy actions makes the game highly engaging and dynamic.

High Replayability: Randomized cards and enemy actions ensure each game is different.

Strategic Gameplay: Players must make significant decisions to manage resources and plan ahead.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has densely written rules that may be challenging for some players, especially those new to wargames.

Randomness: While not oppressive, the game includes random elements that can sometimes disrupt careful planning.

Personal Thoughts on Navajo Wars

*Navajo Wars* is ideal for historical wargame enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Native American tribes. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy solitaire games with deep strategic elements and a high level of replayability. The game’s unique mechanics and historical focus make it a standout in the wargame genre, offering a compelling and educational experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for simple, straightforward rules or those who prefer multiplayer games with direct interaction.

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