Richard III: The Wars of the Roses

Columbia Games · Board game · 2009
2 · best 2 60–180 min Weight 2.7/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're into dense historical wargames and intense strategic duels, *Richard III* is a perfect fit to relive the Wars of the Roses.

Highlights
  • Deep strategy
  • Immersive theme
  • Intense duel
  • Crucial decisions
  • Refined mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Two players only
  • Long playtime
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to dive headfirst into England's turbulent history with *Richard III: The Wars of the Roses*, an epic two-player game that recreates the bloody dynastic struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne. Forget boring history classes; here, you'll experience every military twist and political intrigue that shaped the destiny of kings and kingdoms. The plot unfolds from the troubled reign of King Henry VI, through the rise of the Yorkist usurper Edward IV, the controversial era of Richard III, and culminating in the early years of the Tudor King, Henry VII.

But it's not just monarchs who shine on this stage of war! You'll encounter iconic figures like Richard of York, the patriarch of the Plantagenets; the cunning Richard Neville, known as the 'Kingmaker'; the relentless Queen Margaret of Anjou, and the young Prince Edward of Wales, heir to the Lancasters. *Richard III*'s game system takes the foundation of the acclaimed *Hammer of the Scots* and enhances it with innovative rules, perfectly adapted to reflect the peculiarities of the Wars of the Roses. It's a dense, strategic experience full of crucial decisions, where every move on the board can change the course of history.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Block Wargames Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: England Country: Scotland Country: Wales Digital Implementations: Rally the Troops Digital Implementations: Steam History: Wars of the Roses Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher Columbia Games
Designer Jerry Taylor, Tom Dalgliesh
Artist Leona Preston, Mark Mahaffey, Tom Dalgliesh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Richard III: The Wars of the Roses?
A game can vary quite a bit, but expect something between 60 and 180 minutes. It's a game with considerable depth, so set aside a good amount of time for your strategy session!
How many players is Richard III: The Wars of the Roses for?
This is a classic wargame designed for two players. It's built for a direct, strategic duel, making it perfect for that head-to-head showdown with a friend.
Is it a complex game? What is its weight level?
Yes, it has a moderate to high complexity, with a BGG weight of 2.67/5. It's not for absolute beginners, but if you have some experience with wargames, you'll adapt well to its nuances.
Do I need to know the history of the Wars of the Roses to play?
It's not a prerequisite, but it certainly enhances the experience! The game is thematic and quite faithful to the period, so knowing a bit of history helps in understanding the motivations and strategies behind the actions.
What are the main mechanics of the game?
It blends Area Movement, Campaign/Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Secret Unit Deployment, and Simultaneous Action Selection. It's a robust combination that offers a lot of tactical depth!
Who would you recommend Richard III: The Wars of the Roses to?
I highly recommend it for fans of historical wargames, especially those who appreciate block games and card-driven systems to propel the narrative. If you're looking for a strategic challenge for two players with a rich theme, this is your game!