Cry Havoc - Game Concepts

The Game

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The Theme

 

CRY HAVOC encompasses a series of games that simulate man-to-man, tactical combats in various historical times:
> 9th & 10th Century (VIKING RAIDERS)
> 12th Century (OUTREMER)
> Western 13th Century (CRY HAVOC, SIEGE)
> Japanese 13th Century (SAMURAI)
> or in heroic-fantasy times (DARK BLADES, DRAGON NOIR)
 
 

The Maps

These large maps (40 x 60 cm) use the principle of Squad Leader and can be combined to create multiple terrains. Colors are always warm, even though a few players got bored over time with this yellowish land that spread everywhere. All maps are hand drawn, with a luxury of details. The grid is made of large hexes (2 cm wide) and hand drawn as well, which leads to a few irregularities when assembling several maps. You can argue that this is the very reason why we love this game!

The Counters

   
They are the key success factor of the series: they look gorgeous, colorful (due to excellent designers like Gary Chalk or Peter Dennis) and are all different. The system of decreasing values was a true innovation back in 1982. It was then imitated but never surpassed in my honest opinion. The texts below are a translation of the excellent review from Patrick Giacomini that was published in Casus Belli N°23 back in 1984.
First Counter        

> Face:
Sir Conrad, a brave knight (or a baron) looks superb and is ready to fight.
 

> Reverse:
Flip the counter that occupies 2 hexes. This side shows the horse alone. Sir Conrad had to leave for a bio break.
   

Second Counter

       
> Face:
He is a victim of his own passion and gets wounded (note the broken lance and the teared garments).
> Reverse:
Lucky (crossbow) strike: his horse is killed. Reverse the counter and use the other dismounted knight counter next to fallen animal.
   

Third Counter

       
> Face:
Sir Conrad has left his horse and rushes against the enemy.
> Reverse
Unfortunately, a violent strike leave him stunned. His armor prevented him from being more badly injured.
   

Fourth Counter

       
> Face:
Bad luck this time: He is wounded.
> Reverse:
End of the story: His heirs will inherit a superb castle.