The Legend of Robin Hood (1979)

The Legend of Robin Hood

The Legend of Robin Hood is a board game published by Operational Studies Group (OSG) in 1979, and later republished by Avalon Hill. The game is based on the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham. The game is a 2-player microgame set in Sherwood Forest and the surrounding area. One player controls Robin Hood, who attempts to recruit a band of loyal men to help him rob from the rich and give to the poor. The other player controls the Sheriff of Nottingham, who uses soldiers to attempt to guard travelers and capture Robin’s men.

Why is The Legend of Robin Hood Popular?

The Legend of Robin Hood is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by many players over the years. It is significant because it is based on a well-known tale in the history of literature. The game is also popular because it is a strategy game that requires players to think strategically and make tactical decisions.

Game Components of The Legend of Robin Hood

Game board depicting Sherwood Forest and surrounding areas

Hex-and-counter system for unit movement and tracking

Counters for Robin Hood, his Merry Men, the Sheriff of Nottingham, nobles, bishops, and other characters

Rules book and play reference sheets

Random event and recruitment mechanics

How To Setup The Legend of Robin Hood

To set up the game, players need to place the game board, which features various locations including castles, keeps, and roads. The Robin Hood player must recruit and place their units, such as Little John and Friar Tuck, while the Sheriff player sets up their forces, including pikemen and knights. Nobles and bishops are placed on the board to represent potential targets for Robin Hood’s thefts. The game includes a brief ruleset that can be understood and set up within about 30 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Movement System: Units move across the hex-grid board.

Simple Combat: Archery and melee combat mechanics.

Command/Recruitment System: Robin Hood must recruit Merry Men.

Random Events: Nobles and bishops move randomly, adding variability to the game.

Terrain Effects: Movement is affected by terrain, such as forests and rivers.

Game Objective

Robin Hood:
– Steal from the Sheriff of Nottingham’s treasury.
– Marry Maid Marian before Sir Guy can.
– Reach King Richard before the Sheriff does.

Sheriff of Nottingham:
– Prevent Robin Hood from achieving his objectives.
– Capture and hang outlaws.
– Collect tax revenue from local villages.

Player Experience

The game offers a captivating cat-and-mouse experience where the Robin Hood player must dodge the law while looting castles and committing highway robbery. The Sheriff player must strategically use their forces to prevent Robin Hood’s successes. The game is highly asymmetrical, meaning each player plays differently, which adds to the game’s thematic appeal and complexity. Games typically last around 90 minutes, though they can be shorter if Robin Hood is caught early.

Pros

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Unique play styles for each player.

Thematic Immersion: Well-realized Robin Hood theme with specific mechanics.

Variable Setup: Random events and unit placements ensure different games each time.

Engaging Combat: Simple yet effective combat mechanics.

Cons

Combat Clarity: Some combat rules can be vague.

Limited Replayability: While the game has variability, it may not offer as many replay options as more complex games.

Component Availability: The game is old and may be hard to find or require homemade components.

Personal Thoughts on The Legend of Robin Hood

This game is ideal for those who enjoy light wargames with a strong narrative focus. It’s perfect for fans of the Robin Hood legend and for players looking for an asymmetrical game experience. The game’s mechanics, though simple, provide a fun and challenging experience that highlights the strategic differences between the two sides. For gamers interested in exploring older, lesser-known titles, The Legend of Robin Hood is a hidden gem worth uncovering.

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