Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades (2006) Board Game

Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades is a historical wargame that simulates the military campaigns of the Crusades. Players take on the roles of different factions involved in these holy wars, such as the Knights Templar, Saladin’s forces, and the Byzantine Empire. The game is set during the medieval period when European Christians sought to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control.

Game Components of Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades

Game board depicting the map of the Crusades region

Various faction cards

Dice for combat resolution

Tokens for tracking resources and control of territories

Rulebook with detailed instructions

How To Setup Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the faction cards and deal them to each player.

Place the tokens and dice within easy reach of all players.

Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook to determine starting positions and resources for each faction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns moving their armies across the map, engaging in battles, and strategically controlling territories. The objective of the game is to either achieve specific victory conditions based on historical events or eliminate your opponents through military conquest.

Player Experience

Pros:

Detailed historical theme that immerses players in the Crusades era

Strategic gameplay that requires careful planning and resource management

Engaging combat system with dice rolling mechanics

Cons:

Lengthy playtime of up to 5 hours may not be suitable for all players

Complex rules and mechanics may be overwhelming for new players

Limited player interaction and negotiation opportunities

Personal Thoughts on Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades

Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades offers a deep and immersive experience for players interested in medieval history and military strategy. The game’s components are well-designed, and the artwork by GMT Games adds to the overall atmosphere. However, the long playtime and steep learning curve may deter casual gamers.

In terms of pricing and availability, Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades can be found in both new and used condition, with prices varying depending on the seller. As an alternative, players looking for similar games may enjoy titles like Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done or Sword & Sorcery. Overall, Onward Christian Soldiers: The Crusades is worth considering for enthusiasts of historical wargames and strategic gameplay, but may not be suitable for those seeking a quick and casual gaming experience.

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