WARIGIN (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

WARIGIN is a board game released in 2018 designed by Anna Kersten. The game is a bluffing, card game that involves deduction, fantasy elements, memory, and various mechanics such as action points, auction/bidding, campaign/battle card driven, commodity speculation, and dice rolling. The artwork for the game is done by 3-headed dog.

Game Components of WARIGIN

Action Cards: Each player starts with a hand of nine action cards, and nine additional cards are laid out on the table.

Event Cards: Randomly revealed at the start of each round, affecting all players.

Battle Cards: Optional for resolving combat, allowing for bluffing and tactical play.

Dice: Eight-sided dice for a faster combat resolution.

Units: Wooden figures representing regular soldiers and more powerful heroes, identified by symbols on their undersides.

Hexagonal Board: Where players place their pawns to surround their faction’s fortress.

Fortresses: Each faction has a fortress that must be protected or captured.

How To Setup WARIGIN

To set up WARIGIN, players first lay out the hexagonal board and place their units around their respective fortresses. Each player receives a hand of nine action cards, and nine additional cards are placed face-up on the table. The game begins with a bidding phase to determine which player will be the challenger, taking on the other two players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Phase: Players bid to determine who will be the challenger, considering the strength of their hand and the additional cards needed from the table.

Player Actions: The challenger takes three actions per round (moving, battling, playing action cards), while the allies take two actions each.

Combat Resolution: Combat can be resolved using eight-sided dice or battle cards.

Event Cards: Random events affect all players at the start of each round.

Objective: The challenger must capture one of the allies’ fortresses, while the allies must capture the challenger’s fortress or eliminate all the challenger’s units.

Player Experience

WARIGIN offers a fast-paced and highly competitive experience with a blend of strategy and luck. The game features an engaging theme of Heaven, Hell, and the Void, with artwork by Anna Kersten. Players must tactically evaluate their hand strength, decide when to take on the challenge, and manage their units effectively. The game also includes a two-player variant where one player controls both allied factions.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple ways to resolve combat and variable event cards ensure different experiences each game.

Strategic Depth: Players must strategically bid, manage units, and use action cards to gain an advantage.

Fast Matches: Games typically last between 15-30 minutes.

Thematic Engagement: The Gothic theme and artwork add to the game’s appeal.

Cons

Luck Factor: Combat outcomes can be heavily influenced by dice rolls or card draws.

Overpowered Units: Heroes can sometimes feel too powerful, leading to unbalanced combat.

Simple Mechanics: Some players might find the gameplay mechanics too straightforward or lacking in complexity.

Personal Thoughts on WARIGIN

WARIGIN is ideal for players who enjoy tactical, competitive games with a touch of luck and bluffing. It fills a niche for 2-3 player games and is particularly suited for those who appreciate abstract war games with an asymmetric twist. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those preferring more complex game mechanics, WARIGIN is a solid choice for those looking for a quick, engaging, and strategically rich gaming experience.

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