Unhappy King Charles!
- Designer Charles Vasey
- Publisher GMT Games
- Illustration Lee Brimmicombe-Wood , Garry Haggerty , Rodger B. MacGowan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Unhappy King Charles!, two players compete as Commons or Cavaliers to control England and Wales during the civil war. Played over eleven turns representing about four months each, players use brigades to form armies or fortress garrisons. The game features three decks for early, middle, and late war phases with events involving treachery, bravery, and mistakes. Movement occurs via a point-to-point map system requiring strategic area control.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players who enjoy complex historical simulations and deep strategy. With a duration of around 240 minutes, it suits longer gaming sessions. Due to its complexity and strict two-player design, prior experience with wargames or tactical games is recommended.
How It Works
Unhappy King Charles! uses Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, and Point to Point Movement mechanics. Players activate armies through operations cards, with the size affecting movement speed. Control of areas can change dynamically during movement, demanding tactical troop deployment and general placement. The three card decks correspond to early, middle, and late war events influencing gameplay.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Charles Vasey, the game won the 2009 International Gamers Award for Historical Simulation and the Walter Luc Haas Best Simulation Award. It is a focused two-player wargame based on Mark Herman's We the People system, set during the Age of Kings period.
Awards
2009
2009
- 2024 Charles S. Roberts Best New Edition of a Previously Published Game — Nominated
- 2009 Walter Luc Haas Best Simulation — Winner
- 2008 Charles S. Roberts Best Graphic Design — Nominated
- 2008 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-WW2 era Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- Historically accurate simulation of the English Civil War
- Deep tactical mechanics with Campaign Card Driven and Point to Point Movement
- Winner of the 2009 International Gamers Award
- Focused two-player game with intense interaction
Contra
- Long playtime around 240 minutes requires patience
- Only for two players, not suited for larger groups
- Complexity demands prior wargame experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set during the English Civil War (1642–1645), focusing on military and political control of England and Wales. It represents the Age of Kings era and the chaotic warfare of that time.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the campaign cards and movement system, focusing first on controlling key areas.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Unhappy King Charles! is designed exclusively for two players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The game lasts about 240 minutes, making it an extended session.
What prior experience do I need?
It is complex and aimed at players experienced with historical wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
It is based on Mark Herman's We the People but specifically focuses on the English Civil War with a three-phase card system.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is generally not suitable for families with children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Campaign / Battle Card Driven system combined with Point to Point Movement and Dice Rolling defines the game.
Fazit
Unhappy King Charles! is recommended for players seeking detailed, historical two-player wargames with extended playtime. It is less suitable for casual players or those new to the genre.
