Bobby Hill, the man behind Hadrian’s Wall heavy ancient medieval title, is back with a new ambitious project steeped in history and offering players a shot at bygone times. The Anarchy, due to be released in 2025, illustrated by Sam Philips known for his signature style and illustrator of series such as Raiders, Wayfarers, and Architects, will be published by Garphill Games.
Fight a Bloody Civil War and Please the King
The plot of the game revolves around the reign of Henry I, King of England – or rather his unexpected death in 1135. The Throne of England must now be claimed with Stephen de Blois, a nephew to the king and ambitious man of cunning, ascending to the throne over Empress Matilda, Henry I’s daughter.
However, the empress musters support for her cause and she wages a war on Stephen whose coronation is seen as a betrayal and usurpation of the throne of England. The ensuing civil war is called The Anarchy in history books, and hence the name of the game.
Yet, sympathizers with Empress Matilda may be disappointed, as The Anarchy will have players take the role of English nobles’ loyalty to the King instead. Players will have to develop their domain, protect their castle from attacks and fend off attacks from Anjevin armies. Players will also have to field their own forces and march out against Matilda and her forces, their outposts, and strongholds.
This is not the time to cower, as the player to win the game would be the one to have accumulated the most loyalty, influence, might and bravery. You should also watch out not to displease the King whose temper may be a little strained in the midst of a bloody civil war. Prove yourself, and you will be on the right side of history – or at least on the winning side of history, in a sense.
The Anarchy will be playable by 1-4 players over 60-90 minutes, and suitable for players 13+. Yes, this will be a heavy game, and BoardGameGeek has assigned it a weight index of 4.00/5.