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The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe (1981) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information

The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe is a board game released in 1981, designed by Chris White and published by Yaquinto. It is set against the backdrop of the fall of the Roman Empire and the Mongol invasion of Europe. The game allows players to experience the challenges faced by both the barbarian invaders and the defending Roman and European forces during these tumultuous periods in history.

Game Components of The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe

  • Game board depicting the map of Europe
  • Various player pieces representing different factions
  • Dice for combat and movement
  • Rulebook with scenarios and gameplay instructions

How To Setup The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe

  • Place the game board in the center of the playing area.
  • Each player selects a faction and places their corresponding pieces on the designated starting locations.
  • Shuffle the event cards and place them face down on the board.
  • Determine the first player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The Barbarians is a strategic wargame that involves area movement, dice rolling, and scenario-based gameplay. Players must use their forces strategically to achieve their objectives, whether it be conquering territories or defending against invasions. The game objective varies depending on the scenario being played, but typically involves achieving certain victory conditions before your opponents.

Player Experience

Pros

  • Offers historical insight into the fall of Rome and the Mongol invasion
  • Strategic depth and decision-making opportunities
  • Engaging gameplay for fans of wargames and historical simulations

Cons

  • Long playtime may not appeal to all players
  • Rulebook can be complex and may require multiple playthroughs to fully grasp
  • Limited player count of 2-3 may restrict gameplay options

Personal Thoughts on The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe

The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe is a niche wargame that caters to history enthusiasts and fans of strategic gameplay. The game offers a unique perspective on two significant historical events and provides an immersive experience for players interested in exploring these themes. While the game may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it is a worthwhile addition to any wargame enthusiast’s collection. However, the limited player count may hinder its replay value for some groups. Overall, The Barbarians is a solid choice for those looking for a deep, historical wargame experience.

Game Components

  • Maps: Two maps, one for each game.
  • Counters: 200 counters (80 for “Sack of Rome”, 120 for “Mongol”).
  • Storage: Ziplock bags for counter storage.
  • Rulebook: An 8-page rulebook for both games.

    How To Setup

    To set up the game, players need to unfold the respective maps and distribute the counters according to the game being played. For “Sack of Rome,” the map depicts the Western Roman Empire with Rome in the southwest corner. In “Mongol,” the map shows Europe with the Mongol invasion routes. Players then place their counters on the designated starting positions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Sack of Rome

  • Objective: The Barbarian player aims to capture Rome, while the Roman player must defend it.
  • Turn Structure: Each turn represents ten years, starting from 330 A.D. and lasting 14 turns.
  • Player Actions: Barbarian movement and combat followed by Roman movement and combat.
  • Win Condition: The game ends when a Barbarian unit holds Rome. Players switch roles and play again; the winner is the player who defended Rome longer.
  • Optional Rule: Allows for two Barbarian players and introduces diplomacy, enabling the Roman player to ally with one of the Barbarian players.

    Mongol

  • Objective: The Mongol player must control 23 provinces by the end of the ninth turn.
  • Turn Structure: Each turn represents six months.
  • Player Actions: Mongol movement and combat, with some European armies limited to fighting on their own territory or requiring a specific die roll to mobilize.
  • Win Condition: The Mongol player wins by controlling the required number of provinces.

    Player Experience

    This game is praised for its simplicity and short playtime, making it an excellent introduction for new players or a quick session for experienced gamers. Reviewers have noted that while the games lack historical accuracy, they provide a fun and engaging experience. “Sack of Rome” is appreciated for its balanced gameplay, allowing both players a chance to win, while “Mongol” is criticized for being heavily unbalanced in favor of the Mongol player.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.
  • Short Sessions: Ideal for beginners or as a filler game.
  • Historical Theme: Engaging historical context, even if not entirely accurate.
  • Balanced Gameplay (Sack of Rome): Both players have a chance to win.

    Cons

  • Lack of Historical Accuracy: The games do not strictly adhere to historical events.
  • Unbalanced (Mongol): The Mongol player has a significant advantage.
  • Counter Storage Issues: Initially, the game had issues with counter storage, though later editions included Ziplock bags.

    Personal Thoughts

    **The Barbarians: Games of the Fall of Rome and the Mongol Invasion of Europe** is perfect for those new to board wargames, offering an accessible and entertaining introduction to the genre. It is also a great choice for experienced players looking for a quick, light-hearted game session. Despite some balance issues and historical inaccuracies, the game remains a fun and educational way to explore these pivotal historical periods.

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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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