Blood & Roses

Get ready to dive into the bloody Wars of the Roses with Blood & Roses, a wargame that transports you to England between 1455 and 1487. Here, combatants were true 'men of iron,' clad in heavy armor that limited mobility, but also witnessed the rise of gunpowder and field artillery. Although many knights were mounted, most fighting occurred on foot, in brutal clashes that justify the game's title – 'Blood & Roses' refers to the high casualty rates and the grim nicknames given to battlefields, such as 'Bloody Meadow.'

This GMT Games title, part of the 'Men of Iron' series, was designed to be easy to learn and play. The rules are straightforward, and the game flows continuously, without fixed turns, offering plenty of opportunities to 'steal' the initiative from your opponent. Combat resolution is super simple, with a single dice roll, which significantly speeds up the action. Each battle scenario takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, except for the epic Battle of Towton, which can extend longer due to its massive scale, featuring over 200 units and a blinding snowstorm setting.

Blood & Roses comes packed with seven historical battles, including both St. Albans engagements, Blore Heath, Barnet, Tewkesbury, and the famous Battle of Bosworth, where King Richard III met his tragic end. Each scenario offers unique tactical challenges, from the use of longbows and defensive positions at Blore Heath, to the complex terrain with hedges and thick underbrush at Tewkesbury, and the fog of war at Barnet. Components include two high-quality double-sided game maps, 2.5 sheets of counters, a rule booklet, a battle book, charts and play aids, and two ten-sided dice. It's an immersive experience for two players who want to relive one of the most turbulent periods in English history.