6.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you're a fan of historical wargames and love diving into the tactical details of real battles, *Saints in Armor* is a treat! It puts you at the heart of the Thirty Years' War, with well-crafted scenarios and a system that makes you feel the pressure of every decision. It's a strategic challenge for two players that rewards careful planning and adaptability.
Highlights
- Deep historical simulation
- Challenging and varied scenarios
- Consistent rule system
- Intense strategic duels
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- Long play time
- Steep learning curve
- Two-player only
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to relive the bloody early years of the Thirty Years' War with *Saints in Armor*, a wargame that puts you in command of historical armies. This title, part of the acclaimed Musket & Pike Battle Series, dives headfirst into the Bohemian Revolt of 1618, a conflict that sparked one of Europe's most devastating wars, where the Catholic/Imperial cause dominated the battlefields with a string of impressive victories.
The game simulates six crucial battles from this early period, all set in the more compact formations of the era, allowing each scenario to unfold on half of a standard map. You'll face the challenge of White Mountain (1620), where Catholic forces crushed the Bohemians; the Battle of Wimpfen (1622), with its wagon barricades and strong cavalry; Höchst (1622), a chaotic Protestant retreat under Bavarian fire; Fleurus (1622), a brutal five-hour clash to break a Spanish siege; Stadtlohn (1623), a race against time to save Protestant baggage; and Lutter am Barenberge (1626), where King Christian IV of Denmark attempted a last stand.
Each scenario comes with special rules highlighting the unique events of each engagement, such as the presence of Croat/Transylvanian light cavalry. Despite historical military differences, victory conditions are balanced, ensuring both sides have an interesting and challenging experience. If you enjoy detailed military simulations and strategic duels for two players, *Saints in Armor* promises hours of historical and tactical immersion.
The game simulates six crucial battles from this early period, all set in the more compact formations of the era, allowing each scenario to unfold on half of a standard map. You'll face the challenge of White Mountain (1620), where Catholic forces crushed the Bohemians; the Battle of Wimpfen (1622), with its wagon barricades and strong cavalry; Höchst (1622), a chaotic Protestant retreat under Bavarian fire; Fleurus (1622), a brutal five-hour clash to break a Spanish siege; Stadtlohn (1623), a race against time to save Protestant baggage; and Lutter am Barenberge (1626), where King Christian IV of Denmark attempted a last stand.
Each scenario comes with special rules highlighting the unique events of each engagement, such as the presence of Croat/Transylvanian light cavalry. Despite historical military differences, victory conditions are balanced, ensuring both sides have an interesting and challenging experience. If you enjoy detailed military simulations and strategic duels for two players, *Saints in Armor* promises hours of historical and tactical immersion.
Gallery
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Brian Asklev, David Ekberg
Artist
Knut Grünitz, Rodger B. MacGowan, Sebastian Vrancx
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
950owners
160wishlist
36want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Saints in Armor?
Get ready for an epic session! A full game of *Saints in Armor* can take around 300 minutes, which is about 5 hours. It's a game for those who enjoy deep immersion and have time to dedicate to strategy.
How many players can play Saints in Armor?
This game is exclusively for two players. It's perfect for an intense strategic duel, where each player commands a historical side of the conflict.
Is Saints in Armor a complex game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 3.6571/5, *Saints in Armor* is considered a medium-high complexity game. It has a learning curve that requires dedication, but the reward is a rich and detailed historical simulation. Some wargame experience is recommended.
What are the main components of the game?
The game typically includes detailed hexagonal maps, hundreds of counters representing military units, combat tables, dice, and a comprehensive rulebook. It's the full package for a robust wargame.
Do I need to know about the Thirty Years' War to play?
While not strictly necessary to be a historian, having some knowledge of the period can greatly enhance your experience. The game itself is a great way to learn about the tactics and events of this fascinating war.
Are there expansions for Saints in Armor?
As part of the 'Musket & Pike Battle' series, *Saints in Armor* is a title that fits into a larger system. While there aren't direct expansions for this specific module, the series offers other games that explore different battles and periods, expanding the overall experience.
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