Going through a bit of Game of Thrones withdrawal, are you? Fantasy Flight Games knows this, and is preparing a full slate of new products and events to tide fans over until the next television season airs or the next book is published.
While many fans or the series just came on board during the TV show's run on HBO, the books have had a large fanbase for well over a decade. Members of this devoted group have already devoured A Dance with Dragons, watched the first TV season twice, and are now left asking "what's next?" I say it's time to pull up a chair, shuffle some cards, and roll some dice.
The Board Game:
Originally published way back in 2003, A Game of Thrones: The Board Game is an area control war game in which each player takes control of a prominent house of Westeros. At its core it is a war game akin to Risk or Axis & Allies, but there are a lot of mechanics layered on top that fit very well with the theme of the books. In addition to directing your army, there is the need to maneuver politically and manage your resources (especially with the approaching winter). If you like sitting down at a table for three hours and really getting engrossed in a game, this might be the choice for you.
Two expansions to this game, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords, add in elements from the second and third books, but Fantasy Flight revealed a comprehensive second edition at Gen Con that will condense everything into one box, while also adding the equivalent of a third expansion in new content. Among these additions will be updated components and art, player screens, and a new optional "Tides of Battle" deck that adds an unpredictable factor to each combat.
The Card Game:
While a collectible card game might require all of the gold in Casterly Rock to keep up with, the living card game format used here is a bit easier to manage. The A Game of Thrones: The Card Game core set comes with all of the cards necessary to build a quality deck, and the game handles anywhere from 2-4 people in about an hour of play. If card games are more your speed, then this is the natural choice for getting your Game of Thrones on.
While a group of friends might be more than content with just the core cards, additional sets add hundreds of cards to will expand your game. The living card game format means that these expansion sets are non-random and include three copies of every card in the set. The current cycle of 60-card chapter packs are themed around the maesters of Oldtown, but Fantasy Flight recently teased at Gen Con the late 2011 release of a deluxe Lannister-themed expansion.
The Miniatures Game:
The Battles of Westeros game gives you the chance to prove yourself as a general in the field of battle. A pure strategy game, Battles of Westeros is a 1-vs-1 clash of armies using hundreds of plastic miniatures. This is the game of choice for those who enjoy all of the hobby aspects of miniature battles. Collect an army, customize them, paint them, and bring them ready for battle on the table.
The core set comes with 138 models, which is all that you need to play, but there are plenty of reinforcement sets to choose from. Released so far are additional units of the Starks, Lannisters, Riverland houses, and tribes of the Vale. Announced for future release is the the Brotherhood Without Banners expansion which features such iconic characters as Beric Dondarion and Thoros of Myr.
The Convention:
Last year, we wrote about the success of the first-ever Days of Ice and Fire weekend, and Fantasy Flight has decided to continue holding the event. Set to occur from November 11-13th at the Fantasy Flight Games Event Center in Rosevill, MN, the Days of Ice and Fire focuses on tournaments and open play of all the Game of Thrones games, as well as meet-and-greets with the games' designers and special guests. Last year, Martin himself appeared for a Q&A.
So take a deep breath, Game of Thrones fans. The gaming license is in good hands. You really can't go wrong with choosing any of the three core systems that Fantasy Flight is producing, and the truly hardcore can make their way to Minnesota for a weekend among like-minded fans. Crack open a box, read those rules, and get to gaming. Before you know it, Martin will have published The Winds of Winter. No, I'm serious. Really!
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