Pyramid Review

Clan War

Published by Alderac Entertainment Group

Lead Designer: Ken Carpenter

Design Team: Marcelo Figueroa, Jim Pinto, Steve Hough, Erik Yaple

$74.95

Much like the Legend of the Five Rings collectible card and roleplaying games, Alderac Entertainment Group's Clan War, a miniatures combat game in the same setting, is almost Zen-like in its elegance and simplicity.

The background is still a rich hodgepodge of feudal Japanese and other Asian cultures. This is the mythical Emerald Empire of Rokugan, a land divided from the demise of its Emperor. Seven clans are locked in heated battle to determine who will ascend to the throne. Each player assumes the role of general for one of the clans, building an army of samurai, archers, cavalry, shugenja, and even monstrous denizens from the Shadowlands, an area to the south transformed by foul magic. It is a war for honor, glory, and power.

This epic game comes in a big, sturdy box that includes everything needed to play except for a ruler. There are two-80 page books, one dealing with rules and the other describing the Rokugani world, clans, and various creatures. Also included are Tactical Cards, ten-sided dice, and 58 well-crafted metal miniatures.

The two books are easy to read and comprehend. Good use is made of detailed examples, sidebar information, and wonderful illustrations. Information is presented in a logical, easy-to-follow format of broad topics narrowing into specifics.

The game plays as . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: February 26, 1999

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