A Game of Thrones The Board Game (2nd Edition) - Epic Strategy in the World of Westeros, Tactical Wargame for Adults, Ages 14+, 3-8 Players, 2-4 Hour Playtime

Simply put, this is one of the best board games ever made. I've been a boardgame geek now for about ten years, and I've played well over a hundred different board and/or card games (mainly European) from every existing genre. I also own several games, and A Game of Thrones: The Board Game Second Edition (GoT) is one of the only games I would never even consider trading or selling. The Facts: The game plays three to six players. The rule set is actually considered simple for a war-strategy game (less complex than Axis and Allies yet slightly more complex than Risk), and anyone can learn the basics in under half an hour of instruction. Otherwise, the rules manual is very well organized and easy to follow if a newbie would rather just read it. A typical six-player game (recommended) can last anywhere between four and six hours, depending on the players' experience. The game does have a finite clock set to ten rounds, so even heavy "analysis paralysis" amongst players won't make the game last forever. Fans of the HBO series and/or books who have not completed the story need not fear of spoilers as the game does not deal with any actual events from the books (it does reveal the names and associated Houses of characters and places through book three, but nothing that's going to spoil anything for you). An optional card deck called "Tides of Battle" is also included, allowing for a more Risk-like element of luck to be utilized when playing (actually quite fun). The 2nd edition of the game includes the Southern Expansion as part of the main board, as well as those updated rules and corresponding House cards. This edition does NOT include the most recent expansion. The Pros: For the most part, GoT has a very taught rule set, minimizing loopholes and/or contradictory rules that plague many lesser war strategy games. After a couple play-throughs, I also found most of the rules to be quite intuitive and easy to remember. This is a HUGE plus for a game with so much going on, and because there is so much going on at any given time, GoT is incredibly engaging. Hours really do seem like minutes when playing. I've had six-hour sessions only to be frothing at the mouth to play again. one of the more fun scenarios of the game is when every player must bid against one another on the influence tracks. Sometimes the bidding wars are more fun than the actual combat! Another plus to this game is its beautiful design and artwork. No expense was spared on what you receive out of the box, making it intrinsically worth every penny. The Cons: After about ten play-throughs so far, I've really only found one potential gripe, and many may not even consider it to be a negative. Basically, the game can be so much fun at times that an easy trap for a player (especially a newcomer) to fall into is to lose sight of the object of the game, which is to acquire the most castles and/or strongholds by the end of round ten (acquiring seven makes for an immediate win). If that is not your ultimate goal, then you're not really playing the game. Often times players will spend most of the game either backing an alliance that they've struck or carrying out personal vendettas, forgetting that they themselves must have the most castles to win! Though that can be frustrating for competitive players, it also just points to the game's extreme fun factor. You really can lose yourself in it. So if you're a fan of the books/series and you appreciate an accessible war strategy game, then GoT is a must-have for your game closet. My friends and I now dedicate entire days (or nights) to convening for a session or two, and never have we walked away without grins on our faces. The board game that put Fantasy Flight on the map is still one of the best games of the last decade.

I recently had to buy this board game because I am a fan of the show and had to somehow fill the void left by the 2nd season finale! I came by the board game searching for the books on amazon and upon researching if it was too hard to play I decided to give it a shot. I am by no means a serious board game player and not into board games all that much. I have only played board games a handful of times these last few years with Monopoly being the most complex and I have played RISK maybe 5-10 times my whole life so don't be scared to try this game if you think is too hard. I have played this game 4 times now with only casual board game players like myself and the overwhelming majority of them have enjoyed it. It did help that most of them were fans of the show as well but once you get into the game you really enjoy it and lose track of time as you are constantly planning your next move, who to form an alliance with, whether to betray a current alliance etc. So even those not familiar with the show will enjoy it! What I really like about the game is it's mostly strategy that will determine whether you win or lose, though luck will always play some roll. It's important to mention the game comes with an optional add-on(Tides of Battle cards) that creates that extra bit of chance for those who prefer that. As for the complexity of the game it really is easy once you start playing it. What makes it feel complex is that there are a lot of rules and things to keep up with, but it's quite simple to follow them once you've played for a few rounds (though you will find yourself correcting things that were being played wrong in subsequent games). What I would suggest for casual board game players to do is read the rules once, watch a youtube video (there's quite a few out there but this one I found to be the most helpful [...] and just start a practice simulated game. The one good thing about the instructions is that they are set out in the order that the game will be played so you can play a simulated game as you read the rules. It really only takes a few game rounds to get the gist of it, off course some things will require re-reading as with any game. I'll mention again that setting up the game and playing a simulated game as you read the rules will REALLY help you understand the game! The one thing to take into consideration when buying this game is that it will take 3-5 hours to complete. The more experienced the players the less time it will take but I always tell new players to expect to play for 5 hours. Be sure the people you play with know this so everyone's into the game when you are crossing that 3hr mark.(which actually goes by fast when you're playing the game) In conclusion it's a really entertaining game and even casual gamers will like it. It's a game that will make you think and give you a "can't wait till my next turn" feeling. Like the show the game will bring out unusual alliances and backstabbing which just makes it more fun! For fans of the show it's great to use the character you like and playing the board game gives you a sense of the territory of Westeros and the advantages/disadvantages the families have. If you are unsure because you think it might be too complex don't be, the game is a lot of fun and after a few times playing it you will find yourself(as other reviewers have mentioned) interested in similar strategy based board games!

This is a very impressive board game! It's intended for adults (or, at the very least, older children) - as it's a rather sophisticated game, requiring a lengthy attention span. You'll ideally need 4 to 6 players in order to enjoy the game ... although you could make it work with 2 or 3. And, any more than 6 players, you'll need to operate in teams. The objective is to engage in various tactics - from open diplomacy to secret alliances and bloody warfare - so as to conquer the Iron Throne for your selected House of the Seven Kingdoms of Westros. It's based on George R. R. Martin fantasy novels - 'A Song of Ice and Fire' - and this second edition draws on the imagery as seen in the 'Game of Thrones' TV series. The game consists of a lot ... a large board, and hundreds of cards and tokens. I've attached some photos so you can see the contents. All of it is well made, and this board game is a deluxe item. It can take quite some time to play - between 2 and 3 hours - and each time you play involves a new set of circumstances, depending on the various strategies each player opts to take. I do enjoy board games, and this is one of the more detailed and complex that I've played. Nonetheless, it's a great deal of fun. And I recommend it to fans of 'A Game of Thrones'.

Great game! highly recommended. In summary it is similar to Settlers of Catan however, there is no luck involved (there is an option to add a little bit of luck factor to spice things up). Right amount of complexity, a little more complex than Catan but simple enough that you can get the basic strategy by the end of your first game.

Gameplay: The game is a rich blend of strategy, negotiation, and deception. Each player takes on the role of one of the great houses, vying for control of the Iron Throne. The mechanics are well-balanced, ensuring that no single strategy guarantees victory. The emphasis on diplomacy and alliances adds a layer of depth that keeps every session fresh and unpredictable. Components: The quality of the components is outstanding. The board is beautifully illustrated, and the house tokens and cards are durable and intricately designed. The attention to detail really helps bring the world of Westeros to life on the table. Replayability: With multiple house options and the ever-changing dynamics of player interactions, no two games are the same. The game scales well with different numbers of players, though it truly shines with a full complement of six. Complexity: This is not a game for casual players or those looking for a quick play. The rules are detailed and the strategies involved require thoughtful planning and a willingness to adapt. However, for those who enjoy a challenge, the learning curve is part of the fun and incredibly rewarding once mastered. Time Commitment: Be prepared for long game sessions. A full game can easily last 3-4 hours, but for me, the time flies by due to the engaging and tense gameplay. Conclusion: The Game of Thrones Board Game is a must-have for fans of the series and strategy enthusiasts alike. It brilliantly encapsulates the political intrigue, battles, and shifting alliances of the source material. Gather your friends, prepare for betrayal, and may the best house rule Westeros!

While the learning curve is steep. This game once understood is the best board game I have ever played. It has strategy, planning, alliances, betrayal and everything you would expect from the game of thrones franchise (except sex). Everyone will need to watch the tutorial video and read the game rule book to understand the game. A few trial rounds will need to be conducted with the provided reference sheets by your side and everyone will get it. Once you understand the game you will realize how simple it is, it just seems overwhelming at first. The game can be played with 3,4 and 5 players, but the it really comes alive with 6 players. As well players will only truly enjoy it if they are into the Game of Thrones show/books. If you love board games, have a bunch of people to play and have 3-4 hours each gaming session. Then go for it. This game will not let you down.

Wem die Bücher und Serie von "Game of Thrones" gefallen haben, der wird das Brettspiel lieben!! Dieses Strategie basierende Spiel ist für 3-6 Personen geeignet. Jeder Spieler beginnt mit einer Hauptstadt und wenigen Truppen in der Stadt und umliegenden Feldern. Durch 5 verschiedene Befehle werden Einheiten rundenbasierend auf dem Spielfeld kontrolliert. Zeil des Spiels ist es 7 Burgen/Schlösser zu erobern. Mein persönliches Spielerlebnis: Es wird einem gleich zu Beginn klar, dass man nicht gewinnen kann (7 Burgen/Schlösser einnehmen) ohne zumindest einen anderen Spieler zu bekämpfen. Dabei ist es wichtig seine eigenen Felder zu sichern, die Spannug liegt nun darin, dass es ein Einheitenlimit pro Feld gibt (welches sich im Spielverlauf vielleicht ändert) und man abwägen muss wie man am besten verteidigt und gleichzeitig erobert. Was dieses Spiel nun für mich persönlich extrem spannend macht ist: dass man ohne Verbündete nicht sehr weit kommt, da man keinen Fortschritt macht wenn man von allen Seiten angegriffen wird. Nun ist man "gezwungen" mit anderen Spielern Deals einzugehen gegen wen man zusammen kämpft oder welche Grenzen untereinander eingehalten werden (empfehlenswert ist es, dass niemand die Gespräche mithört). ABER, man kann NIEMANDEM ganz trauen, denn jeder will gewinnen und einer der dir diese Runde den Rücken deckt könnte dir schon mit dem nächsten Befehl ein Messer in geanu diesen rammen ( oder du stichst ihn zuerst ab :P ) ! Mich persönlich reizt eben diese Ungewissheit und dass man selbst fast in die Lage des Verräters gedrängt wird. Zu sechst machst das Spiel mehr spaß, da man mehr Päckte schließen bzw. Keile zwischen andere Spieler treiben kann. Jedoch muss ich sagen, dass ich mit Freunden schön öfter zu dritt gespielt habe und es fast genau so lustig und spannend ist. Zusammenfassung: Ich empfehle dieses Spiel jedem der Brettspielabende gern hat und auf spannende Strategie steht.