Age of Conan: The Strategy Board Game - A Barbaric Review
Introduction
Greetings, fellow adventurers! Are you ready to step into the brutal, savage world of Age of Conan: The Strategy Board Game? If the answer is “By Crom, yes!”, then grab your sword, polish your armor, and let’s dive into this barbaric review. We’ll explore every facet of this strategy game, from setup to epic battles, and provide a few laughs along the way.
The Basics
What is Age of Conan?
Age of Conan: The Strategy Board Game is a game where players assume the role of a leader in the Hyborian Age. Your goal? Conquer territories, complete quests, and ultimately prove that you are the most powerful force in the land. Designed for 2-4 players, this game is a mix of tactical combat, resource management, and a bit of diplomacy (because even barbarians have to talk sometimes).
Components
The game includes a detailed game board depicting the Hyborian world, beautifully crafted miniatures, various tokens, dice, and decks of cards. The artwork is visually stunning, capturing the essence of Robert E. Howard’s legendary world.
Fun Fact: The game features a miniature of Conan himself, ready to bring chaos and muscle-bound justice wherever he’s placed.
Gameplay
Setting Up
Setting up Age of Conan is like preparing for war. You’ll need to lay out the board, distribute miniatures, shuffle decks, and ensure everyone understands the rules. It’s quite an involved process, so make sure you have plenty of snacks and maybe a bard to sing songs of your future victories.
Turn Phases
Each turn is divided into several phases:
- Strategy Phase: Players plan their actions, including building armies, moving troops, and engaging in diplomacy (or trickery).
- Adventure Phase: Draw adventure cards that represent various quests and challenges.
- Conan Phase: Conan moves across the board, often causing havoc and disrupting best-laid plans.
- Action Phase: Players execute their planned actions, including combat.
Combat
Combat in Age of Conan is a mix of dice rolling and strategic positioning. Each player rolls combat dice, and the results determine the outcome of battles. Special abilities and cards can influence the results, adding layers of strategy.
Winning and Losing
The game ends when a player completes their objectives or when a set number of turns have passed. The player with the most points, earned through conquering territories, completing quests, and achieving other goals, is declared the winner. If you lose, well, you can always say you fought bravely… or not.
Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on Conan’s position. His unpredictability can either be your doom or your salvation.
The Humor Factor
Despite the game’s serious theme, there are plenty of humorous moments. From unexpected betrayals to ridiculous combat outcomes, Age of Conan is filled with laugh-out-loud scenarios.
Funny Moment: In one game, a player tried to negotiate peace with Conan using a “Peace Treaty” card. The result was Conan promptly ignoring the treaty and rampaging through their kingdom. The laughter was legendary.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Immersive Gameplay: The combination of strategy, combat, and questing keeps players engaged.
- High-Quality Components: The artwork and miniatures are beautifully crafted and durable.
- Replayability: With various quests and strategies, no two games are ever the same.
- Humorous Moments: The unpredictable nature of the game provides countless laugh-out-loud moments.
- Strategic Depth: Balancing combat, resource management, and diplomacy offers a rich gaming experience.
Cons
- Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and requires patience.
- Punishing Difficulty: The game’s difficulty can be brutal, making some sessions feel overwhelming.
- Long Playtime: Be prepared for a long game session, as Age of Conan can take several hours to complete.
Final Thoughts
Age of Conan: The Strategy Board Game is a fantastic experience that offers a perfect blend of strategy, humor, and thrilling gameplay. Whether you’re a hardcore board gamer or just looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends, Age of Conan is sure to deliver. With its beautiful components, engaging mechanics, and endless replayability, it’s a must-have for any game night.
Criticism Alert: While the game is incredibly fun, it’s not without its flaws. The complex setup and punishing difficulty might deter some players, but for those willing to embrace the chaos, Age of Conan is an absolute blast.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to Geeknite’s Board Games Section and get your copy of Age of Conan: The Strategy Board Game today. It’s time to conquer, quest, and maybe even laugh along the way!
Other Board Games to Check Out
If you love Age of Conan, be sure to check out our comparisons between Adventure Tactics and CoraQuest or why adults should also board game.
Ready to embark on your Hyborian adventure? Click here to get your copy now and receive an exclusive discount! Happy gaming!