Monday 5 April 2010

Conflict of Heroes - Awakening the Bear!

Introduction/Topic
Conflict of Heroes is a strategic wargame covering the years 1941-42 in World War II. The game comes with ten scenarios (called firefights), which are very different in terms of complexity and which are offering lots of exciting challenges.

Components
All of the components are of high quality. The boards for the firefights are made of thick heavy cardboard, as well as all the tiles. The artwork is appealing and clear, which helps to further deepen the gameplay and atmosphere.

Gameplay
One of the many great things about this game is the fact that the rules are relatively simply and consequential. They are introduced step-by-step, so for the first scenario you just have to read through the first three chapters, and this is done quite quickly. Despite the fact that the game covers all the well-known aspects of a wargame, like having different units (and abilities), varying terrain, line-of-sight rules, scenarios with objectives and many things more - the gameplay is pretty straighforward and offers a lot of strategic depth. Combat is resolved quickly and clear by a modified dice roll. Furthermore the turn sequence is amazing, as a lot of interaction is guaranteed as you can react on each action your opponent takes.

Conclusion
Conflict of Heros is one of the best boardgames I've played in a long time, and I plan to play through all of the scenarios included. The game is not only easy to learn (step-by-step approach), it also offers great depth and strategy without making the gameplay too complex or longbreathed. A tense and exciting experience - congrats to the designer Uwe Eickert, very well done. I'm already looking forward to the 2nd part of the series (Storms of Steel), which has been released a couple of weeks ago, and about which I will hopefully write here sometime soon.




From the publisher: The year is 1941. Germany has defeated Poland, Denmark, Norway, and France with ease. Now the Fuehrer attacks Russia on June 22, 1941 under the code name Operation Barbarossa. He thinks the Soviets will fold like a house of cards. Its officer cadre has been massacred by Stalin, training is poor, and morale is low. The blitzkrieg catches the Soviets by surprise and they lose over 1.75 million men in the first two months alone. The Germans are unstoppable, their panzers pushing to the very gates of Moscow. But the winter comes and the Soviets begin to counter attack. The bear awakens!

Conflict of Heroes is a scenario-based World War II game of platoon-sized engagements that pits players against each other in epic battles. Tactics used by the Germans and Soviets are introduced and must be employed to win. Many firefights last less than 60 minutes and can include anywhere from 2-4 players. Each firefight presents the players with different objectives. During the game, players use their army’s units to fight for those objectives. Whichever side meets the firefight’s victory conditions at the end of the game wins.






2 (up to 4) players, 120 min
author: uwe eickert
published by:
academy games, phalanx games (german version)

category: wargame (world war 2)

buy the game online @
coolstuffinc.com or phalanx games

conflict of heroes @
boardgamegeek.com
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1 comment:

Steven said...

If folks want to see what the game plays like I have an after action report on my gaming blog.

http://www.fungamesroom.com/conflict-of-heroes-awakening-the-bear-scenario-2/

check it out. It is an excellent game, I would highly recommend it.

Great looking maps and large pieces with great artwork on them.