The game box contains 90 finely modeled figures, numerous markers and platelets, two manuals and a lot of playing cards. Unfortunately you have to assemble the larger miniatures, which sometimes proves difficult because the connectors are not cast very clean. In my Roc-Warrior arms of the rider are the same times broken when I wanted to put him on his own beast. A scalpel, a small file and a little patience are advisable. The fact that only four cubes are contained, encounters upset because for the 8er Dice Pack (sold separately) you have to shell out a whopping 10 euros.
But bitched enough we come to play: Each army is divided into different types of troops, each unit type has a counterpart on the enemy side. The infantry consists of soldiers and archers, furthermore, there is one cavalry and elite type. Last has any army nor a legend unit, a single, particularly powerful creature. Before the start of a battle, each commander is his army together on a point system. This allows many different tactics, as each troop type has specific characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. The scenarios are determined by chance or by choice, and allow a total of 49 combinations. Depending on the scenario, a player has to meet certain bonus objectives.
The battlefield consists of hexes, and is divided into three areas: the center, left and right edge. Depending on the scenario even more terrain features such as forests, hills, rivers and villages are situated on the battlefield, which exert influence on the struggle by modifying sightlines, provide protection or create obstacles. The tripartite division of the board is fundamental, because only through command cards is determined later that troops can be activated and attack in his train. For this example, enter before "activate three troops on the left flank" or "a troop type in any field." Each player always has four command cards in hand, and allowed one of them to use in his train.
Since the establishment of their own army of asterisks, and you can bluff your opponent additionally with dummies, already this stage of the game offers neat strategic depth. The game itself is pleasant tactically, which also lucky with dice and playing cards drawn plays a role. Anyone who uses his units sent, but is not solely dependent on the luck factor, especially since you can actively influence the fighting with clever use of command and power cards. The power cards provide quasi represents the magic that makes it possible to counter attacks of the enemy, or to use special attacks. Their use must be financed through power points that you will automatically receive per round, but which can also come by dice rolls.
The battles take place very dynamic because morale effects, locknuts and flank attacks, withdrawal, support and repositioning play a role. So it's not a static cube festival, on the contrary!
Conclusion:
Unlike Warhammer & Co. Battlelore is far less complex and lengthy. A game session takes including explanation of the rules and structure of the court about 2 hours. However, despite its liquid gameplay a very strategic game high replayability. Due to the many possible variations of the playing field and the army as well as the compilation, although noticeable, but not overpowering luck factor like no game the other. In addition, two recent expansion for Battlelore were announced that will provide four new types of units per page and new scenarios. For long-term fun is thus first made.
I give the game a perfect score, because for 50 euros you get a bulging box that provides many entertaining games evenings for two. The rules are rapidly internalized and described very waterproof, so there's no confusion about the game play. I'd want one or two additional groups as in Runewars even heroes were a great asset to the game. Maybe something is still replenished by expansion.
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Addendum: After a week and a half-dozen games already covered numerous markers (VPs, power points) apart! I've experienced in any game, apparently the board is glued miserable. Together with the dirty cast miniatures results that unfortunately a real downer.
In my disappointment I shall express by an asterisk deduction!