Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pull the strings of power from the shadows? Welcome to our A War of Whispers review, where the game of thrones is played behind the scenes. As a long-time fan of strategy board games, I’ve had the pleasure of maneuvering armies, brokering alliances, and experiencing the thrill of victory. But A War of Whispers is different. Here, you’re not commanding armies, but influencing them from the shadows, a silent whisper in the council chambers.
The game has been on my shelf for quite some time, but with the recent release of its new expansion, Dark Alliances, it felt like the perfect time to delve into a thorough analysis. From the mechanics to the artwork, the balance of luck and strategy, and the innovative use of indirect control, our review will peel back the layers of this unique game. Will it whisper its way into your favorites or be lost in the clamor? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Just The Facts
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Title | A War of Whispers |
| Designer | Jeremy Stoltzfus |
| Publisher | Starling Games |
| Theme | Fantasy, Espionage, War |
| Genre | Area Control, Secret Unit Deployment |
| Target Audience | Strategy game enthusiasts, experienced gamers |
| Age Range | 14+ |
| Number of Players | 2-4 |
| Game Duration | 45-60 minutes |
| Complexity Level | Medium |
| Game Objective | To gather the most points by influencing the actions of various empires |
| Replayability | High |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Similar Games | Game of Thrones: The Board Game, Diplomacy, Twilight Imperium |
| Awards | None |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Game Overview
In the heart of intrigue and deception, A War of Whispers is a board game of secret alliances, influence, and covert operations. The players find themselves in the roles of shadowy figures whispering in the ears of empires, subtly bending them to their will, and directing the course of a grand war that engulfs the realm. The objective of the game isn’t to conquer lands or defeat opponents in battle, rather it’s a strategic dance of influencing five mighty empires, shaping their actions to suit your secret objectives, and ensuring they dominate the map by the end of the game.
The game mechanics are a beautiful blend of area control and secret unit deployment. As players, you don’t command your own army, but manipulate those of others, placing your agents in the councils of different empires and executing actions like marching armies, constructing siege towers, and gathering supplies. Yet, the crux of A War of Whispers lies in the personal allegiance board, where players secretly determine their loyalty to each empire at the start of the game. As the gears of war turn, it’s this loyalty that ultimately guides your strategies, actions, and potentially your victory.
Components and Artwork
The game components of A War of Whispers are impressive. Each piece, from the player tokens to the empire cards, is of high-quality material and expertly crafted to withstand repeated plays. The game board is sturdy and presents the map in clear, distinct regions, making gameplay smooth and intuitive. The player mats and loyalty cards, while simple in design, serve their purpose effectively.
As for the artwork, the game delivers a visually pleasing aesthetic that invokes a sense of ancient empires embroiled in conflict. The board, marked with detailed maps, hints at the sprawling world the game encompasses. Meanwhile, the empire cards showcase powerful figures, each representing the empires you seek to control. The graphic design contributes well to the gameplay, with clear symbology and easy-to-interpret visuals. It indeed enhances the overall experience, making the game more than just a battle of wits, but also a feast for the eyes.
Gameplay Experience
Setting up A War of Whispers is a breeze, yet beneath the straightforward setup lies an ocean of depth. The game is divided into rounds, with each round having two main phases: the council phase and the empire phase. During the council phase, players, shrouded by the veil of secrecy, place their agents on the council boards of the empires, subtly guiding their actions and sowing seeds of influence. Here, the whispering begins, as you determine which empire marches, builds siege towers, or fortifies defenses.
Once the councils are filled, the empire phase takes over. Actions are executed in the order they were placed, and the board transforms into a living war map, with armies marching, cities changing hands, and a continuous struggle for dominance. The clandestine maneuvering of the council phase is replaced by the visible display of military might. But beneath the clashes of armies, the true game of whispers continues to churn, your loyalties hidden, your true intentions obscured.
While the mechanics are fairly straightforward, the strategic depth of A War of Whispers is immense. It’s not a simple matter of controlling territories, but about keeping your loyalties hidden while subtly influencing the actions of the empires. The balance between the overt military actions and the covert influencing provides a challenging dynamic that is both rewarding and exhilarating.
An interesting twist is the end-of-round scoring, where each player, based on their hidden loyalty cards, scores points according to the performance of their chosen empires. This creates an environment of constant suspense, as players are never quite sure where their opponents’ true loyalties lie. This mystery keeps players engaged, encouraging careful planning, bluffing, and a careful examination of every move.
Theme and Immersion
The theme of A War of Whispers is closely intertwined with its mechanics. The idea of shadowy figures influencing the course of a war, instead of fighting it, provides a fresh perspective on the area control genre. Every move on the board becomes a clandestine operation, adding to the intrigue and tension.
The game does an excellent job of creating a captivating experience. As you maneuver the pawns of your plan, the narrative evolves, the world immerses you, and you’re left wondering about the loyalty of your opponents. However, the game lacks an elaborate backstory or any extensive lore, which might disappoint some players looking for a deeper narrative experience.
Replayability
A War of Whispers is high on replayability. The secret loyalties provide a level of variability, ensuring no two games are alike. As players’ allegiances shift, the dynamics of the game change, creating fresh challenges with each playthrough.
Moreover, the modular board design introduces an element of unpredictability, changing the strategic landscape of each game. The game provides ample room for different strategies, allowing for a myriad of approaches to gain points. If you enjoy games that offer new experiences each time you play, A War of Whispers delivers.
Player Interaction and Engagement
In A War of Whispers, interaction is a subtle art, more focused on reading the intentions of your opponents than direct negotiations. Each placement of an agent, each march of an army can be a clue, hinting at the secret loyalties of your opponents. This creates a tense atmosphere, where every action matters, every decision is scrutinized, and everyone is constantly on their toes.
Engagement is high throughout the game. From the moment you draw your loyalty cards, you are thrown into a world of intrigue, your decisions swathed in ambiguity. The game demands your attention at every turn, as you strive to influence the empires, anticipate the moves of your opponents, and guard your own secrets.
However, it should be noted that A War of Whispers is more a game of cerebral interaction than social dynamics. There are minimal opportunities for cooperation or negotiation, and most interaction is driven by the game mechanics. Some players may find this a bit isolating, yet for those who enjoy mind games, this subtlety and intrigue provide a deeply engaging experience.
Learning Curve and Accessibility
With a moderate complexity level, A War of Whispers offers a reasonable learning curve. The game’s mechanics, while unique, are not overly complex and can be grasped in a couple of plays. However, the subtleties of strategy might take a few more games to fully understand. New players, especially those new to area control or secret unit deployment games, may find the initial learning a bit steep.
The game is accessible for different age groups, but perhaps less so for inexperienced gamers due to its strategic depth. The rulebook does a commendable job of guiding players through the game, with clear explanations and ample illustrations. A player aid is also included, which provides a useful reference during gameplay.
Strategies, Tactics and Tips
- Always be observant. Keep track of your opponents’ moves and actions, they might reveal their hidden loyalties.
- Diversify your influence. While it may be tempting to control a single powerful empire, it might make your loyalty obvious to others. Maintaining a balanced influence across multiple empires can keep your opponents guessing.
- Protect your secrets. The true power in A War of Whispers lies in keeping your loyalty cards hidden. Avoid making moves that would reveal your loyalties prematurely.
- Timing is crucial. The placement of your agents on the council boards can affect the outcome of the game. Think ahead and strategize your moves to gain the maximum benefit.
Expansions
At the time of writing, there are currently 2 expansions available for A War of Whispers:
- A War of Whispers: Dark Alliances – This expansion adds an extra layer of intrigue by allowing players to form alliances with their opponents. These alliances, however, are not binding and can be broken at any moment, adding to the unpredictability and strategic depth of the game. It also includes new empire and loyalty cards, expanding the variability and replayability.
- A War of Whispers: Lost Empires – This expansion introduces two new empires: the insidious Snake Clan and the stalwart Stone People. Each of these empires has unique abilities, influencing the course of the game and offering fresh strategic opportunities. New scenarios are also included, providing additional challenges for players to overcome.
Comparison to Similar Games
A War of Whispers is in the same genre as other well-regarded titles like Game of Thrones: The Board Game, Diplomacy, and Twilight Imperium. Each of these games brings a unique take on the area control genre, appealing to different preferences and play styles.
Game of Thrones: The Board Game draws players into the rich and intricate world of Westeros, its gameplay heavily tied to its immersive theme. It offers direct control over units, with negotiations, betrayals, and alliances forming a core part of the experience. If you prefer a game where the narrative and thematic elements are just as critical as strategic depth, Game of Thrones: The Board Game would be a better fit.
Diplomacy is a game of negotiation and backstabbing, where trust is a currency, and treachery is a weapon. It demands a high level of player interaction, with alliances, deals, and betrayals forming the crux of the gameplay. If you are looking for a game that thrives on social interaction and negotiation, Diplomacy is a worthy contender.
Twilight Imperium is a grand strategy game of epic proportions, with a complex blend of warfare, politics, and economic mechanics. It offers a broader scope and a higher complexity level than A War of Whispers. If you’re into space operas and day-long gaming sessions, then Twilight Imperium would be your game of choice.
However, if you’re seeking a unique blend of hidden loyalties and indirect control, A War of Whispers has you covered. Its innovative mechanics offer a fresh perspective on the area control genre, providing a deep and engaging gameplay experience that is as much about outwitting your opponents as it is about controlling territories.
Hits and Misses
Hits
- Unique gameplay mechanic of secret influence and indirect control.
- High replayability due to shifting loyalties and modular board.
- High-quality components and appealing artwork.
- A balanced mix of strategy and luck.
Misses
- Lack of narrative elements and extensive lore.
- Minimal negotiation or cooperation, limiting player interaction.
- The learning curve may be steep for inexperienced gamers.
- Limited room for emergent gameplay or social dynamics.
A War of Whispers Review: Final Thoughts and Verdict
After a thorough examination, A War of Whispers earns a score of 7.5 out of 10. It offers a fresh take on the area control genre, with its unique mechanic of indirect influence and secret loyalties. The game is packed with strategic depth and high replayability, offering a new experience with each playthrough.
On the downside, it lacks extensive narrative elements and doesn’t offer much room for emergent gameplay or social dynamics. It is recommended for players who enjoy strategic challenges and don’t mind a dose of unpredictability. If you’re after the thrill of influencing mighty empires from the shadows, A War of Whispers is a game worth adding to your collection.
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