Reign (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Reign is a wargame released in 2020 by PlayMonster. It is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a runtime of 30 to 45 minutes. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and up and features mechanics such as area movement, dice rolling, player elimination, and zone of control.

Game Components of Reign

Jigsaw-style board

4 factions: Samurais, Droids, Barbarians, and Super Soldiers

12 figures per faction

Color corresponding dice for each faction

Power Stones

Disaster deck

Countdown timer and tracking token

Power Gems (also referred to as Power Stones)

How To Setup Reign

To set up Reign, players start by assembling the jigsaw-style board, a process that is part of the strategy and gameplay. Each player selects their faction and places their 12 figures and corresponding dice in front of them. The Power Stones are divided equally among the players. The youngest player goes first, adding Power Stones to the inner zone of the board. Then, each player adds their troops to the outer rim of the board one at a time. The countdown timer is placed next to the board with the tracking token starting on the 11 space. Finally, the disaster deck is shuffled and placed face down near the countdown timer, with the top card flipped over to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Players take turns moving one of their troops up to three spaces.

Combat: Players can attack adjacent enemy troops, resolving combat with dice rolls and adding the attack level of the figures involved.

Power Stones: Players can use Power Stones to boost their attack or move extra spaces.

Disaster Mechanic: The countdown timer tracks the impending disasters; when it reaches the end, a section of the board is removed, and all troops and Power Stones in that section are lost.

Objective: The goal is to be the last player with troops remaining in the safe center zone of the board.

Player Experience

Reign: The Final Battle Royale offers a competitive and strategic gaming experience. It is designed for players who enjoy melee-style games and are looking for a no-holds-barred, last-man-standing type of gameplay. The game involves significant strategy, including managing troop movement, battling opponents, and navigating the shrinking board. Players must make meaningful decisions about which troops to move, when to fight, and how to utilize Power Stones effectively.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Competitive Fun: Ideal for players who enjoy competitive gameplay and battle royale mechanics.

Simple yet Deep: Despite simple rules, the game offers depth in its strategic decisions.

Math and Literacy Skills: Helps children practice mathematical skills through dice rolls and literacy through reading game rules and disaster cards.

Cons

Imbalanced Setup: The initial placement of troops can be unbalanced, leading to early disadvantages for some players.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, particularly in combat resolutions.

Short Game Time: The game lasts only 30-45 minutes, which may be too short for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Reign

Reign: The Final Battle Royale is perfect for families and gamers who enjoy competitive, fast-paced games. It is recommended for children aged 8 and up due to its strategic and mathematical elements. While it may not appeal to fans of complex, modern game designs, it offers a unique blend of simplicity and depth that can lead to memorable and fun gaming sessions. This game is ideal for those who can appreciate a bit of chaos and unpredictability in their gameplay experience.

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