High Crusade (1994) – Board Game Guys

The High Crusade

The High Crusade is a science fiction novel by American writer Poul Anderson, about the consequences of an extraterrestrial scoutship landing in Medieval England. The novel was originally serialized in the July–August–September 1960 issues of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. The High Crusade was adapted as a motion picture in 1994. It was directed by Klaus Knoesel and Holger Neuhäuser and produced by Roland Emmerich, Ute Emmerich, and Thomas Wöbke. The High Crusade was also adapted into a war game in issue #16 of Ares Magazine.

Why is The High Crusade Popular?

The High Crusade is a popular game because of its unique and interesting premise. The game is set in 1345 AD, where aliens land a starship on earth, but the local knights defeat the aliens and steal the starship. Thus starts the crusade against the aliens. The game is significant because it combines science fiction and medieval themes, which is a unique combination that is not often seen in board games.

Game Components of High Crusade

Game board: Representing the Wersgorix empire and various planetary locations.

Player tokens: For the Crusaders and the Wersgorix forces.

Fortress markers: For Ganturath, Stularax, and Darova.

Event cards: To simulate battles, negotiations, and other challenges.

Rulebook: Outlining the game mechanics and setup.

Dice: For resolving battles and determining movement.

How To Setup High Crusade

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which depicts the Wersgorix empire’s key locations. The Crusader tokens are placed at the starting location on the board, representing the village of Ansby. The Wersgorix tokens are distributed across the various fortresses. Event cards are shuffled and dealt according to the rules. Players then read through the rulebook to understand the objectives and mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The Crusaders aim to capture key fortresses of the Wersgorix empire, while the Wersgorix seek to defend their territories.

Turn structure: Players take turns moving their tokens, engaging in battles, and resolving event cards.

Combat resolution: Battles are resolved using dice rolls, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of each side.

Negotiation: Players can engage in diplomatic efforts to gain alliances with other alien species.

Resource management: Managing resources such as troops, equipment, and morale is crucial for success.

Player Experience

The High Crusade offers a unique blend of strategy and historical fantasy, allowing players to experience the unlikely scenario of medieval knights battling aliens. The game requires a combination of tactical thinking and strategic planning, as players must navigate the challenges of advanced technology with primitive warfare.

Pros

Unique theme: Combines medieval history with science fiction elements.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Replayability: Event cards and variable setup ensure different experiences each game.

Historical twist: Provides a fresh take on the traditional wargame genre.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to its unique theme and mechanics.

Availability: Originally published in Ares magazine #16, it may be difficult to find a copy.

Outdated design: The game mechanics may seem dated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on High Crusade

The High Crusade is ideal for fans of science fiction and historical warfare who enjoy strategic games with a twist. It is particularly suited for experienced board game players looking for a challenging and unique gaming experience. While it may not be as polished as modern games, its nostalgic value and intriguing premise make it a worthwhile play for those interested in retro board games.

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