Risk: Europe

Risk: Europe is a welcome departure from the classic Risk experience, offering a more nuanced and engaging gameplay. It's a strategic wargame set in medieval Europe where you control kingdoms and fight for control of the continent. The goal is to be the first to collect seven crowns, which you gain by capturing cities or acquiring them through a card-based system. While the core mechanics are familiar to Risk fans, the game feels fresh thanks to a variety of new elements.

One of the key features is the order card system. Each player has a deck of orders, and they secretly choose two for their turn. This adds a layer of strategy and suspense, as you must anticipate your opponents' moves and make decisions based on limited information. You can use these cards to tax territories, purchase units, expand your territory, or move your troops. The card system also allows for a variety of interesting bonuses and tactical options.

Another interesting change is the unit system. Instead of having a single type of army, Risk: Europe has four different types: siege weapons, archers, cavalry, and infantry. Each unit has unique abilities and costs, making for a more diverse and engaging combat system. Battles are fought with dice, with different units rolling in a specific order. This makes combined arms important for victory, adding an extra layer of depth to the game.

The board itself is beautifully designed, with a large and detailed map of medieval Europe. Each kingdom has its own unique bonus, making for a balanced and engaging game. The game components are of high quality, with plastic pieces that look great and are well-made. The game box is also well designed, with compartments for all the pieces and tokens, making it easy to store and organize. The board is big and robust, but I've had some issues with the quality of the board itself with a bit of tearing after just a few plays. This may be a minor issue, but it is worth noting.

Risk: Europe is a much more complex and strategic game than the original Risk. However, it is not overly complicated and is still accessible to new players. The game's length is also a plus, as it is typically shorter than the original Risk, though not as short as some reviewers make it out to be. I found that the game is most enjoyable with four players, but it can be played with fewer players using an AI player to fill in the gaps. A few reviewers mentioned the game being better with the AI for 2-3 players. I agree with this sentiment.

Overall, I highly recommend Risk: Europe. It is a fun and strategic game that offers a welcome twist on the classic Risk formula. It is a great option for anyone who enjoys war games or strategy games. Just be sure to check the board before playing it to ensure it is durable. This is a must buy for anyone who loves risk and wants a fun, engaging, and strategic gameplay experience.