Sherwood (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sherwood is a board game released in 2022, designed by Buxeria and Peter Dennis. The game is set in medieval times and is based on the legendary story of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Players take on the roles of either the outlaws or the Sheriff of Nottingham as they compete in a wargame-style strategy game.

Game Components of Sherwood

4 tactical maps (e.g., The Inn, various forest terrains)

1 counter sheet printed in full color

1 24-page booklet including rules, historical background, and 8 scenarios

1 play sheet for handy reference

1 10-sided die

Counter tray

Wooden tokens, discs, and figures

Adventure book and supplemental book

Interlocking game board pieces[4″.

How To Setup Sherwood

To set up Sherwood, players choose their characters, with a minimum of Robin and one other character. The interlocking pieces of the game board are assembled, and character tokens, board tokens, and wooden pieces are placed according to the instructions provided in the story. Initial placement is guided by the story’s setup, which includes specific positions for character tokens and other game elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Goal: Play through adventures and achieve goals to successfully complete them.

Turns: Characters can move, store strength, examine tokens, or attempt to defeat guard tokens. Actions are influenced by colored wooden discs and the story’s progression.

Setup: Follow the story’s instructions for initial placement and setup.

Player Actions: Move, store strength, examine tokens, defeat guard tokens, and other story-based actions.

Player Experience

Sherwood offers an immersive experience, especially for fans of Robin Hood and adventure games. The game is designed to be accessible, with simple rules suitable for players aged 10 and above. Players make decisions that impact the future of the game, adding a layer of agency and strategy. The game’s artistic direction is thematic and beautiful, enhancing the overall experience.

Pros

Accessible Rules: Simple starting rules make it a great introduction to wargaming and hex-based games.

Immersive Experience: The game is quick to set up and immersive, with a strong focus on storytelling.

High-Quality Components: The game includes high-quality equipment and well-designed materials.

Historical Accuracy: Blends historical accuracy with exciting game mechanics.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults, making it a great family game.

Cons

Component Quality Issues: Warped boards and difficult token removal can be problematic.

Limited Agency in Some Parts: Some sections of the game offer limited player agency.

Fragile Components: Some wooden components can be easily broken.

Personal Thoughts on Sherwood

Sherwood is ideal for fans of Robin Hood, historical strategy games, and adventure campaigns. It serves as a great introduction to wargaming and hex-based games, especially for younger players. The game’s mix of historical accuracy and engaging mechanics makes it enjoyable for both new and experienced players. However, it is important to be mindful of the component quality issues to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Overall, Sherwood is a fun and immersive game that brings the legend of Robin Hood to life in a compelling way.

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