Wallenstein
- Designer Dirk Henn
- Publisher Queen Games
- Illustration Jörg Asselborn , Christof Tisch
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Wallenstein, players control multiple countries during the Thirty Years' War, managing actions like conquest, taxation, and building development. You must feed your population and supply your army while balancing unrest risks. The game uses a unique Cube Tower for conflict resolution and combines Area Movement with Area Majority mechanics. The strongest power at the end wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Wallenstein targets experienced gamers aged 12 and up who appreciate medium to heavy strategy games with longer playtimes around 150 minutes. It's suitable for players familiar with Euro- and wargames who are patient for in-depth rounds. It is less suited for families with younger children.
How It Works
Players use Action Points and an Action Queue to plan moves like area control, resource management, and troop movement. Area Majority determines control of regions, and the Cube Tower introduces randomness during conflicts. Simulation elements reflect historical aspects of the Thirty Years' War, requiring strategic planning over multiple turns.
What Makes It Special
Dirk Henn combines strategic depth with historical theme without making a pure battle simulation. Wallenstein was nominated for the 2002 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Advanced Game and received nominations for the Meeples Choice Award and International Gamers Awards. The Cube Tower mechanic is a distinctive feature carried over from the game Im Zeichen des Kreuzes.
Awards
2003
2002
- 2002 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combines Eurogame and wargame mechanics
- Innovative Cube Tower randomness element
- Historical theme with strategic depth
- Multiple international award nominations in 2002/2003
Contra
- Long playtime around 150 minutes requires patience
- Relatively high complexity for newcomers
- Less suitable for families with young children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set during the Thirty Years' War in Europe (1618–1648), the game portrays power struggles among countries like Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Historical events and figures influence the gameplay atmosphere.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding Action Points and area influence to grasp the flow of the game.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Wallenstein is designed for three to five players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Wallenstein lasts about 150 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at seasoned gamers familiar with complex Euro- and wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
Wallenstein uniquely blends Eurogame mechanics like Area Majority with wargame themes and uses a Cube Tower for conflict resolution.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, Wallenstein is better suited for older players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Cube Tower conflict resolution combined with Action Points and Area Majority makes it distinctive.
Fazit
Wallenstein is recommended for experienced players seeking a complex strategy game with historical context and extended playtime. It is less suitable for beginners or families due to complexity and duration.
