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The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460 (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

The Battle of Wakefield took place during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought in England during the late 15th century between the rival houses of Lancaster and York. The battle occurred on December 30, 1460, near the town of Wakefield in Yorkshire, England. It was a significant conflict in the overall struggle for the English throne.

Game Components of The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

  • Board depicting the battlefield
  • Hexagon grid for movement
  • Various tokens representing troops and units
  • Dice for combat resolution
  • Rulebook with historical background

How To Setup The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

  • Place the board on a flat surface.
  • Each player chooses a side to represent.
  • Arrange troops according to setup rules.
  • Read through the rulebook for specific setup instructions.
  • Begin gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The Battle of Wakefield board game simulates the historical conflict between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists. Players must strategically maneuver their troops, utilize line of sight mechanics, and engage in combat using dice rolling. The objective is to defeat the opposing army and emerge victorious in the battle.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Historical accuracy in depicting the Battle of Wakefield
  • Engaging gameplay with strategic depth
  • Hexagon grid adds tactical elements
  • Suitable for 2 players

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Game length may be lengthy for some
  • Limited replay value

Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

Overall, The Battle of Wakefield board game offers a detailed and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and wargame fans. The attention to historical accuracy and strategic gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any collection. However, the learning curve and game length may deter more casual players. The pricing and availability of the game, both new and used, should be considered before purchase. For those interested in medieval warfare and tactical simulations, The Battle of Wakefield is definitely worth your time. However, those looking for a more casual gaming experience may want to skip this one.

Game Components of The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

  • Game board depicting the battlefield near Wakefield
  • Counters representing Yorkist and Lancastrian forces
  • Leader counters, including Richard, Duke of York, and other key figures
  • Standard counters serving as rally points for units
  • Dice for activation and combat resolution
  • Rulebook outlining the game mechanics and setup

    How To Setup The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

    The game setup involves drawing up the Yorkist army in three wards, one behind the other, while the Lancastrian forces are set up in two wards side by side. The battlefield includes symbols in the woods indicating entry points for Lancastrian reinforcements. Yorkist and Lancastrian leaders are placed within their respective wards, with standards serving as crucial rally points.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Activation system: Units activate on a die roll basis, with failed activations allowing the opposing side to take a free activation.
  • No strict turns or timescales: The game features an ongoing cycle of activations.
  • Combat resolution: Involves shock attacks, charges, and archery fire, with outcomes determined by dice rolls.
  • Flight points: Casualties and retreats accumulate flight points; if these exceed 18, the army flees.

    Game Objective:

  • The objective is to put the opposing army to flight by accumulating enough flight points or capturing key standards and leaders.

    Player Experience

    The Battle of Wakefield offers a dynamic and tense gaming experience, simulating the historical desperation and strategic complexity of the actual battle. Players must balance risk and caution, managing activations and combat to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s mechanics create a fluid and unpredictable battlefield, where the arrival of reinforcements and the capture of standards can dramatically shift the tide of battle.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows the historical events of the Battle of Wakefield.
  • Dynamic Gameplay: The activation system and lack of strict turns create a highly interactive and unpredictable experience.
  • Strategic Depth: Players must carefully manage their units and activations to succeed.
  • Replayability: The random elements and variable reinforcements offer high replay value.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The game mechanics can be complex and may require multiple plays to master.
  • Luck of the Dice: Dice rolls can significantly impact the outcome, which may frustrate some players.
  • Learning Curve: New players may find the unique activation and combat systems challenging to learn.

    Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Wakefield: Yorkshire, England 30 December 1460

    This game is ideal for fans of historical warfare and those who enjoy strategic, dynamic gameplay. It is particularly suited for enthusiasts of the Wars of the Roses and those interested in wargaming. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best introduction for new wargamers. For experienced players, it offers a rich and engaging experience that captures the essence of medieval warfare.

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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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