Whilst I agree there is a lot to manage and setup time is long, I think the decisions the game generates are really interesting. From not knowing which types of workers you’ll have every round or where to send them to get a balance of supplies vs ready tech for the next round it can put you in a dramatically different game state each time you play. I think there is a lot to explore here. I found the rules got easier the more I played but it does require investment for sure. I enjoyed the hospital mechanic the most where patients get sicker the longer they spend there and the game pulls on your heart when you lose someone as a war game should. I love the artwork, it’s really gritty and evocative, and the survival/surrender win condition match the theme and history accurately. The excellent historical notes in the back are the cherry on top to immerse myself into the game :)
I really enjoy this, but it is very difficult and something I have to be in the right mood to play. I think it could benefit from a co-op 2 player mode. The Robinson Crusoe comparison is absolutely on point, given how the game flows and likes to knock you down a peg (or ten).
I play solo games too but this would’ve been better as multiplayer with each person assigned a particular role/skill. You’re not operating as a one man army int he game so it made no sense
I played it from the perspective of the Commander in the game (the black disc with a white star on it) and pictured myself strategizing, delegating tasks to the other defenders, rallying troops, trying to boost their morale etc.
My brother backed this on Kickstarter and pitched it to me as "Robinson Crusoe in World War 2." I had him add an extra copy in the backerkit for me. When it finally arrived, I spent about a week coming to grips with it, found it boring, and sold it off. One of the things I love about Robinson Crusoe is the sheer variety of scenarios and the little narrative rabbit holes you end up going down because of the cards you draw and how you choose to react to them. Halls of Hegra is missing that and it's all the worse for it.
I'm an avid solo gamer but had my doubts about this one, but went in on the KS anyway. Set it up, played some of it... and then stopped halfway through. i got the same "on rails / flowchart" feeling as you, and realized that it just wasn't for me. So I agree with your review, other than the visual aspect: I think it looked good.
Halls of Hegra is a game with quite a bit of things going on. First thing that makes or breaks it is if a player is okay with that massive decision space. The second factor will be the historical theme because there's not really a way to "win"...you just have to survive. It's pretty good at displaying the terrible ordeal the brave defenders went through under the German siege and conquest and helps to drive home some of the horror that is war.
@@BoardGameBollocks Kinda hard from Romania, good vids btw! I couldn't get it shipped tho. Watching your content makes me think that you would like this chess-nextlevel-like game. Sorry to bother you if you can't get it shipped either! Thought they would like the review and you would like the game.
I spent most of my time wishing there were someone else there to bounce ideas off of. I’ve no idea why the designer opted for a solo only game when each player could’ve handled a different role or something 🤷♂️
@@BoardGameBollocks hopefully someone does make a 2p co-op variant and posts on BGG. One in charge of officer/soldiers/meds and the other in charge of voluteers/workers with slight rule changes.
I disagree with the flowchart criticism, game is very intuitive, "got to do this then that" is the cornerstone of solo only games, I appreciate that's not what you're interested in, but for solo only gamers that's what keeps solo games from being boring as fuck. The flowchart on the back of the rulebook, I never looked at it, I think you've highlighted it more than needed, again maybe it's cause I'm a solo only gamer. I like you're videos but if you're not much of a solo gamer then maybe reviewing a solo only game might invalidate your opinion.
This took 2nd in voting for best solo game of the year on BGG. But I just don't see it. To me it felt like doing taxes not defending a fortress. The steps felt pre-ordained. Because of the way it was designed there wasn't a lot of replay value either after you successfully defended once. As you say; valiant attempt, but it missed more than it hit.
Whilst I agree there is a lot to manage and setup time is long, I think the decisions the game generates are really interesting. From not knowing which types of workers you’ll have every round or where to send them to get a balance of supplies vs ready tech for the next round it can put you in a dramatically different game state each time you play. I think there is a lot to explore here. I found the rules got easier the more I played but it does require investment for sure.
I enjoyed the hospital mechanic the most where patients get sicker the longer they spend there and the game pulls on your heart when you lose someone as a war game should. I love the artwork, it’s really gritty and evocative, and the survival/surrender win condition match the theme and history accurately. The excellent historical notes in the back are the cherry on top to immerse myself into the game :)
I'm sold! thank you! getting this soon!
I really enjoy this, but it is very difficult and something I have to be in the right mood to play. I think it could benefit from a co-op 2 player mode. The Robinson Crusoe comparison is absolutely on point, given how the game flows and likes to knock you down a peg (or ten).
I don't think it's bad having it solo only at all. I am a solo gamer so this is made for the likes of me, maybe not for you.
I play solo games too but this would’ve been better as multiplayer with each person assigned a particular role/skill. You’re not operating as a one man army int he game so it made no sense
I played it from the perspective of the Commander in the game (the black disc with a white star on it) and pictured myself strategizing, delegating tasks to the other defenders, rallying troops, trying to boost their morale etc.
@@BoardGameBollocksYou've just desribed Battle of Five Armies or Twilight Struggle.
My brother backed this on Kickstarter and pitched it to me as "Robinson Crusoe in World War 2." I had him add an extra copy in the backerkit for me. When it finally arrived, I spent about a week coming to grips with it, found it boring, and sold it off. One of the things I love about Robinson Crusoe is the sheer variety of scenarios and the little narrative rabbit holes you end up going down because of the cards you draw and how you choose to react to them. Halls of Hegra is missing that and it's all the worse for it.
I alluded to that in the review. Spot on mate.
I don't know how it's possible, but I agree with all your opinions.
Good fair comments made with a background to your feelings.
I'm an avid solo gamer but had my doubts about this one, but went in on the KS anyway. Set it up, played some of it... and then stopped halfway through. i got the same "on rails / flowchart" feeling as you, and realized that it just wasn't for me. So I agree with your review, other than the visual aspect: I think it looked good.
Halls of Hegra is a game with quite a bit of things going on. First thing that makes or breaks it is if a player is okay with that massive decision space.
The second factor will be the historical theme because there's not really a way to "win"...you just have to survive. It's pretty good at displaying the terrible ordeal the brave defenders went through under the German siege and conquest and helps to drive home some of the horror that is war.
I didn’t feel that horror…I just wanted the damn thing to end
Sorry, it only ends in 3 of the 15 flowchart states 😂
Please, WARLINE: Maneuver Strategy & Tactics review. Day 2
Send me a copy and I’ll do it
@@BoardGameBollocks Kinda hard from Romania, good vids btw!
I couldn't get it shipped tho. Watching your content makes me think that you would like this chess-nextlevel-like game. Sorry to bother you if you can't get it shipped either! Thought they would like the review and you would like the game.
White socks, sandals and budgie smugglers were the way to go.
I've always tried to write my name in the snow but the board kept getting wet.
Was excited to get this. Read the instructions and realized I was in wayyyy over my head 😂
I spent most of my time wishing there were someone else there to bounce ideas off of.
I’ve no idea why the designer opted for a solo only game when each player could’ve handled a different role or something 🤷♂️
Certainly would’ve made managing everything easier. More engaging for sure.
You could try Fields of Normandy by Mike Lambo. Fun to play and no 2 games are the same.
That is if you like strategy games.
@@BoardGameBollocks hopefully someone does make a 2p co-op variant and posts on BGG. One in charge of officer/soldiers/meds and the other in charge of voluteers/workers with slight rule changes.
@kylemoore7746 Banned from that site so won’t be able to see it.
Thanks for this, was on my consider list, doesnt sound right for me.
I snorted coffee at “Norwegian geezers” bahahahaha
I was interested in this one, key word is now was unless i see it used used
I disagree with the flowchart criticism, game is very intuitive, "got to do this then that" is the cornerstone of solo only games, I appreciate that's not what you're interested in, but for solo only gamers that's what keeps solo games from being boring as fuck.
The flowchart on the back of the rulebook, I never looked at it, I think you've highlighted it more than needed, again maybe it's cause I'm a solo only gamer. I like you're videos but if you're not much of a solo gamer then maybe reviewing a solo only game might invalidate your opinion.
I play solo games but this simply wasn’t great. Tbh I got bored. I’m glad you enjoyed it though.
This took 2nd in voting for best solo game of the year on BGG. But I just don't see it. To me it felt like doing taxes not defending a fortress. The steps felt pre-ordained. Because of the way it was designed there wasn't a lot of replay value either after you successfully defended once. As you say; valiant attempt, but it missed more than it hit.
BGG means nothing. Just useful for the files section.
Camera work worthy of Roger Deakins
Is he still alive?
@@BoardGameBollocks Sure, still working 😃
I suggest "Black Orchestra" (2016) instead.
Ah bollocks, I fancied this one as well. I quite like a solo game for when the missus is watching some absolute shite on the telly.
You could try Fields of Normandy by Mike Lambo. Quick to set up and games don't last that long either.
Good stuff
I thought this was ok but it was a bit too brutal for me as a solo game. Out of interest, what solo games would you recommend?
Mage Knight
Wot is yellow Snow ? 🐾🐧🐒
lemon ice (popsicles)
I’m out. Screw a war game based on dice hits.
Please, WARLINE: Maneuver Strategy & Tactics review. Day 1