Barbarossa
- Designer Atsuo Yoshizawa
- Publisher Arclight Games , Kamikaze Games , Play & Win
- Illustration Yu Amano , Yuki Hayabusa , Rasenjin Hayami , Takashi Hujisawa , Jiji , Juusensyakoubou
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Barbarossa, players control cute German military girls fighting to conquer Moscow in a fictional WWII setting. You build your deck by buying cards from an open pool and use Operation Points to attack cities and strategic positions for victory points. Attacks trigger event cards that affect gameplay. The game combines deck, bag, and pool building with hand management and open drafting mechanics in a unique anime war theme.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced players aged 18 and up, Barbarossa suits those who enjoy medium-complexity deck-building games with a war theme. With a 60-minute playtime, it appeals to players ready for tactical decision-making and familiar with card game mechanics.
How It Works
Each player starts with a small deck and expands it by purchasing cards from an open card pool using Victory Points. Cards include supply, unit, operation, deploy, target, and event types. Players spend Operation Points each turn to use unit cards to attack targets, aiming to conquer cities. Hand management is key to timing card plays effectively. Victory is determined by control of strategic positions and cities.
What Makes It Special
Atsuo Yoshizawa’s design blends Japanese anime aesthetics from notable fanzine artists with deck-building gameplay. Barbarossa was nominated for the 2010 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters' Selection. It’s part of an alternate history theme and connects with Arclight’s game El Alamein.
Awards
2010
Pro
- Innovative deck-building with open drafting
- Unique anime style in a war game context
- About 60 minutes playtime for enthusiasts
- 2010 Japan Boardgame Prize nominee
Contra
- Age limit of 18+ restricts audience
- Requires experience with complex mechanics
- No solo mode available
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in an alternate WWII Eastern Front featuring anime-styled German and Soviet military girls battling for control of Moscow.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on efficiently building your deck and managing Operation Points to maximize your attacks.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Barbarossa requires at least 2 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a focused gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with deck-building and tactical card games is recommended due to its complexity.
How does this compare to similar games?
Barbarossa uniquely combines deck-building with anime visuals and an alternate WWII theme.
Is this suitable for families?
With an age limit of 18 and complex rules, it is not intended for family play with children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of deck, bag, and pool building combined with hand management and open drafting defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Barbarossa is recommended for fans of deck-building and alternate history who seek a tactical, anime-themed war game. Its age restriction and complexity limit it as a casual or family game.
