Dune: War for Arrakis Board Game Review

And again, a week later, I have another review for you on a title that caught my attention. Although seven days ago the presentation of the board adaptation took place Heroes of Might and Magic 3This time the space will be given to a title that introduces another famous series. Dune: War for Arrakis — is a grand strategy in which a pair of births are opposed to each other. The following points of this review will tell you whether it is worth paying attention to.

Number of players: 1 – 3

Play time: 90 – 120 minutes

Price: 3899 CZK (Alsa)

Age: 14+

The story of Dune: War for Arrakis takes place after the fall of House Atreides.

Games based on the legendary book Dune Players are taken to different stages that represent the famous creation. Dune: War for Arrakis They belong to the category of those who adhere to the idea that House Atreides stands on the fringes of society, while their rivals try to obtain the rare spices that the Outcasts want to prevent them from obtaining and achieve specific goals in the name of Paul Atreides. Both factions go to battle for a desert world with armies led by iconic heroes. In this regard, the set reminds me very much of War of the Ringwhere, along with ordinary men, one could also find legendary specialists.

Here it is for the Harkonnen Beast Rabban, Captain Aramsham or Thuffir Hawat. The Atreids have two versions of Paul: Alia, Chani and Stilgar. Some heroes are on hand almost from the start. However, some characters are the same as in Wars of the Ring is only available after certain conditions have been met. For example, when Feyd-Rautha is available in the game, it more or less automatically means that there is no room for Rabban. In many ways, the creators are trying to follow the books as closely as possible, and that’s a good thing. However, no one is stopping you from doing things your way, regardless of what was written.

Since this game takes place after the fall of House Atreides, their forces are completely hidden in the Sierras, waiting for an opportunity, while the Harkonnens have all their “cards” in terms of manpower on display from the start. In practice, this means that the enemy sees their people scattered across the map. Instead, the Atreids are just a handful of pawns with parachute tokens that hide their real value from the enemy, so no one ever knows how big a force is waiting for them in the desert. Just like in the game War of the Ring Most of your actions depend on the dice you roll during the action phase. After that, each side gradually evaluates the results, trying to get the most out of the symbols on offer.

Some events have very similar factions, but they also have clan events available. They allow the Atreides to roll a die with this symbol as any alternative, while the Harkonnens can strengthen their armies or place a couple of transports on the map. With the Atreides, in addition to the ability to recruit, move armies and get cards with different effects, you will also find an element of “free” unit placement and work with the desert, where they can place worm threat tokens, move two of them around the map or attack with one at once, which enemies it will damage. When it comes out, you roll four dice in the case of normal worms and six in the case of a wild creator attack. Overall, the fights are pretty wild, but they can also use heroes and their abilities.

Additionally, dice can be gained by discarding planning cards, which as mentioned earlier have a big impact on how the game plays out of combat, as you move units, loot vehicles around the map, and generally try to implement your own plans for the future. each side. I really like the Atreides Clairvoyance element and the cards associated with it. Because when you manage to fulfill their conditions, it can lead to various moments, and without them, the chances of implementing some steps are zero. Some characters do not transform into their best versions without a sufficient level. The game ends when the Atreids have gained enough Clairvoyance, which is required on the first map, and the Harkonnens must have gained 10 Dominion points. You can play the game solo, with two, three, or four players.

Dune: War for Arrakis Expansion – The Spacing Guild allows you to recruit reinforcements from other worlds into the battle.

You will receive the content of the base game. Dune: War for Arrakis not enough or just want more mechanics? Then the extension is for you Space Guild An interesting choice, as it allows this organization to operate infantry-carrying maxi-trailers, as well as space frigates, which are just as dangerous as a properly armed group of soldiers. Both factions can interact with the guild in other ways. The maxi-trailers are slowly moving towards Arrakis.

Once they reach the surface, you can place any troops you’ve transported on the surface of the world in places that aren’t too stuffy. Space frigates will then head into the airspace, where you can carpet bomb or upgrade troop transports. The Harkonnens have access to the Guild Navigator, who is a special commander for that faction. You don’t engage him in combat, though, because you only ever place him in airspace.

Dune: War for Arrakis – The Spacing Guild – This is a relatively important expansion that gives you long-term access to new unit stocks from the stars. You can also count on other planning cards that can help you out as well. I actually really like this expansion and it can definitely make a big difference in the Battle of Arrakis.

Dune Strategy: War for Arrakis is among the contenders for Game of the Year

There is no shortage of strategy games this year. However, they are mostly variations of well-known brands with some variations. In the case of the game Dune: War for Arrakis You are offered a well-known concept in a well-chosen environment, enriched with a number of innovations. Overall, I really like the treatment. The cards, figures and overall gameplay are worth it. There are not many reasons for criticism, and if there were any, then any minor difficulties are solved by the expansion. Dune: War for Arrakis – The Spacing Guildwhich also succeeded.

So, let’s sum it up. Dune: War for Arrakis along with the currently available expansion, is one of the most notable strategy games of the year. If you like this genre and like it, for example War of the RingWhile you’re craving something similar from the Dune universe, this is a pretty obvious choice.

We would like to thank Czech distributor Blackfire for providing us with a copy of Dune: War of Arrakis and the Space Guild expansion.