The Heroscape game, released by Milton Bradley in 2004, is an exciting fantasy war game system in which you build your own army and create your own strategies to battle the enemy. Beginners can play using the Basic Game Rules while older or more experienced players can play the Master Game which gives players special powers to use in battle. This game requires at least 2 players and is intended for ages 8 and up. Additional master sets and expansion sets available for individual purchase allow players to create large, 3-D playing surfaces with an almost limitless supply of scenarios.
Getting Started
Playing Heroscape can be quite simple for the beginner and only requires a few simple steps to get started. First, you must build your battlefield. Each battlefield contains at least 2 scenarios and can be built either by following a pictorial guide included with the game or by creating your own battlefields and scenarios. Next, you gather your armies, a simple task in the Basic Game as armies are pre-set, leaving each player to simply choose their army and place the corresponding figures using the setup guide included with the Basic Game. The Master Game provides more choices, allowing players to choose individual figures or unites for their armies. After the battlefield has been created and the armies have been chosen, it is time to begin battling.
Game Play
Heroscape is played with 2 rounds, each consisting of 3 turns per player. A turn usually involves choosing and army, moving figures on the army card and attacking with one or more figures. Combat and defense dice are rolled to determine the outcome of battles and games are won according to a pre-determined victory condition such as defeating the enemy, reaching a specific point on the board, or rescuing a specific figure.
The Heroscape World
Heroscape takes place on the imaginary world of Valhalla and involves a host of varied and interesting fantasy characters. There are 6 Generals, with Utgar, who is attempting to take over the world, being the only evil general in the game. Heroscape Figures include dragons, elves, wizards and giants along with historical figures such as Vikings, secret agents, and Samurai. Characters are divided into the 2 classifications of Hero Figures and Squad Figures. Army cards for each figure detail how they move, the general they fight for, special powers and point value of each, along with other information specific to each figure.
Summary
Heroscape is a fun and challenging war game for beginning and advanced players alike. It creates a unique battle by combining typical fantasy characters from many genres with historical figures from various periods, resulting in a one-of-a-kind gaming experience for players. While providing an easy way for beginners to get started, Heroscape also provides additional game options for advanced players, making it a versatile game for use with groups of differing ages and abilities.