The Anarchy (2025)
(2025)Renegade Game Studios, Garphill Games
Set during the 12th-century English civil war, The Anarchy places players in the role of English nobles loyal to King Stephen as they build their domains, manage resources, and defend their castles against Empress Matilda's rebellion. It is a heavy, strategic flip-and-write (or verb-and-write) game featuring medieval warfare and tactical depth.
The Verdict
based on 21 reviews
“The Anarchy is an absolute banger. If you liked Hrien's Wall, you got to try the Anarchy. It's it's better. In every way.”
“I think this game is fantastic. I absolutely love it and I will be honest with you, it is at the upper limit of what I can cope with as a solo game.”(2:29:53)
“So yeah, the anarchy is not your grandma's role and right. It's Yatsi's great great grandchild that went off to grad school and came back fluent in economics, theology, and warfare.”(4:35)
The reviewer highlights The Anarchy as a stellar solo board gaming experience, praising its deep mechanics, engaging resource management, and compelling strategic depth on a comprehensive curated ranking list.
“If you love Hadron's Wall, this is a must buy in my opinion. Absolutely. Um, if you never played Hron's Wall, I would seriously suggest giving this a shot as well as Hron's Wall cuz it's such a good game. But I agree, it's it's a nine and for many different reasons. I really enjoyed this game.”(32:15)
“Overall, I think it's a fantastic game. It really is. It's a great solo experience. If you like more complex games, this isn't a flip and right that's easy. This is a medium to medium-heavy. This game is for you.”(27:28)
“For me, I think the Anarchy was just a real delight. It's a puzzle. It's a lovely, lovely game that adds a lot of pressure on building your castle, which has a nice 3D feel to it.”(17:00)
“As a board game, though, this is pure kino. Pure, uh, ludo. For a game that's all spreadsheets and icons, Bobby Hill has produced another wonder, a game that thrills at the prospect of striking an X through another box. More anarchy, please.”
“We love everything about this game. And the cherry on top, our favorite part, has to be the two distinct modes of play.”
“But it's an excellent game. It's complex. Yes. And the rule book does a good job of teaching you the basics.”(23:08)
The reviewer presents an engaging solo campaign playthrough of The Anarchy, showcasing its deep gameplay mechanics and strategic solo immersion with enthusiastic appreciation for the system.
“It's heavy and people need to know that going into it but if you're a fan of weighty solo games, especially ones that will throw you into a lot of differing scenarios, I definitely think you should take a look at The Anarchy.”
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