Visually – a masterpiece!
In a medium-sized box, stylized as an authentic chest, the authors – Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson – hid relatively few game pieces: 74 squad tokens, 4 crown tokens, 16 squad cards, 16 control markers, 1 double-sided initiative token, 4 pouches and 1 board . Each detachment card, importantly, contains several markers: the name of the squad, the symbol of a bar, the number of bars of a given type, graphic description, marking of the squad’s tactics, as well as information about attributes and restrictions.
Okay, we’re setting up the board … The number of pieces given to each player varies depending on whether it’s a two-player game or a four-player game. Importantly, during the first game, both players are recommended to use the squad cards presented in the manual, i.e. player A (with the initiative token) – swordsman, pikemen, crossbowman, light cavalry, player B – archer, cavalry, spearman, scout.
War Chest gameplay is divided into a series of rounds, each of which has two phases: drawing and playing chips. During the second phase, nine types of actions are available, divided into three categories: deployment actions (deployment, reinforcement), actions to discard a hidden chip (take initiative, recruit, pass), actions to discard a revealed chip – maneuvers (move, control, attack, tactic) ). At this point, it is worth noting that the Crown is not a squad, so it can only be discarded for a facedown action (or by using a guardsman tactic).
Another alternative game setup is also possible, recommended for more experienced players, i.e. the variant with selecting squad cards instead of drawing. It allows players to create an army based on the cooperation of individual units. At this point, it is worth noting that War Chest is aimed at players over the age of 14 due to the complexity of some issues.
Tactics and strategy are the key to success
Managing an army on the battlefield, as well as troops waiting to be brought into battle, is a real challenge. In each round, the player draws 3 squad tokens from his bag and then uses them to perform an action. Each piece has a military squad symbol on the obverse and can be used for various actions. The game can be won by the person (or this team, if the game is played with four players) who places all control markers on the board.
Contrary to appearances, War Chest is a fast and easy to learn strategy game. It combines the mechanics of building an army, drawing units from the bag and playing them in many possible ways. The bars are a bit like poker chips – aesthetically made, suitably heavy, with solid prints. Also a thick board and pouches complete the positive impression. However, the game has one drawback – the board is well-made, but unfortunately, during the game, the location markers are not sufficiently visible (when a unit token is on them). The number of these units is important and at first it may seem to players that this is not a problem, but over time it becomes extremely bothersome.
Deployments inspired by famous battles
The title is a bit abstract, but enjoyable, especially since the authors recommend three scenarios inspired by historical events.
The first is the battle of Alexander the Great’s campaign against the Persian Empire – Gaugamel, 331 BC Suggested Greek troops: knight, light cavalry, pikemen, marshal; Persian troops: cavalry, infantryman, mercenary, guardsman. The second – an unusual medieval battle that lasted only two days – Bannockburn, 1314. In the struggle for the independence of Scotland, English (archer, cavalry, spearman, footman) and Scottish (light cavalry, pikemen, priest-warrior, swordsman) troops met. The last scenario helps to map the Battle of Crécy, which took place on August 26, 1346, one of the three key English victories during the Hundred Years’ War. The proposed starting positions are: English units (archer, ensign, knight, guardsman) and French units (cavalry, crossbowman, spearman, scout).War Chest gives us the opportunity – a bit abstract – to change the course of history, and for that, the creators and Lucky Duck Games deserve a big thank you!
Through the eye of the reviewer
War Chest is an extremely interesting and aesthetically made tactical game. Although it took me some time to prepare for the first game (the manual has 19 pages!), The fun itself was just a pleasure. Each player can use standard techniques, but also develop their own way of trying to win. I liked the double mode the most, it allows you to explore the secrets of War Chest . Team mode is much less fun – it is added a little by force. The games don’t last long – about half an hour to forty-five minutes, so it’s easy to set aside a moment for a rematch. The offer of Lucky Duck Games (originally released by AEG – Alderac Entertainment Group) is so addictive that no one needs to be encouraged to continue playing.
When we play the role of a commander, we have specific goals. To achieve them, however, we must skillfully calculate the risk associated with randomness, and also optimize our movements. Each of our decisions is binding, which makes the game a bit like chess games – however, the randomness is controlled, because we “recruit” pieces of a given type and put them in the bag. In summary, the aspects mentioned in the review make War Chest undoubtedly one of the most attractive discoveries of 2022, an amazing proposition for all strategy fans!
PS There was a slight error in the game manual. You can find Errata here .
