Warhammer: Invasion (2009) Board Game

Warhammer: Invasion is a card game set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, originally released in 2009 by Fantasy Flight Games. The game is designed for 2 players, with each player taking on the role of a faction leader battling for control of the Old World.

Game Components of Warhammer: Invasion

Capital Boards: Each player has a board divided into three zones: Kingdom, Battlefield, and Quest.

Card Types: Units (fighters, wizards), Support cards, Tactics cards, and Quest cards.

Factions: Six initial factions – Dwarves, Empire, Orcs, Chaos, High Elves, and Dark Elves.

Expansions: Numerous expansion packs and cycles, including The Skavenblight Threat, Path of the Zealot, and Hidden Kingdoms.

How To Setup Warhammer: Invasion

To set up the game, each player starts with a Capital board and a starter deck. The Capital board is divided into the Kingdom, Battlefield, and Quest zones. Each zone has a specific function: the Kingdom zone generates resources, the Battlefield zone is for attacking, and the Quest zone determines card draw. Players shuffle their decks and draw a starting hand. Resources and card draws are determined by the axes in the respective zones on the Capital board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Generation: Resources are gathered based on the number of axes in the Kingdom zone.

Card Draw: Cards are drawn based on the number of axes in the Quest zone.

Attacking: Units in the Battlefield zone attack the opponent’s zones to deal damage.

Zone Defense: Each zone has a base defense of 8, which can be modified by cards.

Game Objective: Destroy at least two of the opponent’s zones by dealing enough damage to reduce their defense to zero.

Card Costs: Cards have two costs – the printed cost and the Loyalty cost, which must be met using loyalty symbols from the Capital board and other cards.

Player Experience

Players must strategically manage their resources, card draws, and unit placements to balance defense and offense. The game requires careful planning, as units placed in different zones serve different purposes. For example, units in the Kingdom or Quest zones help in the long run but primarily serve as defenders, while units in the Battlefield zone are dedicated attackers.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a deep strategy with various card effects and zone management.

Different Playstyles: Each faction plays uniquely, such as the defensive Dwarves and the aggressive Orcs.

Quest System: Quest cards provide long-term strategic benefits and bonuses.

Balanced Mechanics: The Loyalty system prevents easy combining of different factions’ cards, adding balance.

Cons

Complexity in Cards: The numerous card interactions can be overwhelming for new players.

Requires Regular Play: The game’s full potential is realized when played frequently against various opponents.

Dependence on Community: Enjoyment is heavily dependent on having a local community of players.

Personal Thoughts on Warhammer: Invasion

Warhammer: Invasion is ideal for fans of strategic card games and the Warhammer Fantasy universe. It is designed for those who enjoy deck-building, resource management, and competitive play. The game’s depth and complexity make it appealing to experienced players, but it may be challenging for newcomers due to the intricate card interactions and strategic decisions required. Overall, it is a game that rewards careful strategy and planning, making it a great choice for those looking to dive deep into a card game.

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