Vijayanagara Review

About Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398, from BoardGameGeek:

Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398 depicts the epic, century-long rise and fall of medieval kingdoms in India over two dynastic periods, for 1-3 players. Vijayanagara is the first game in the new Irregular Conflicts Series (ICS). With gameplay inspired by GMT's COIN system, players will take on the asymmetric roles of the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Kingdom, and the Vijayanagara Empire, navigating event cards and unique action menus as they contest to write themselves into medieval Indian history. Players will rally local amirs and rajas to their cause, construct epic temples, forts, and qasbahs, and battle for supremacy over the Deccan Plateau. Highlights 1. A sweeping, century-long narrative and numerous epic events. 2. Playtime ~90 minutes. 3. Three asymmetric Factions with different strengths and abilities. 4. A fourth non-player Faction (Mongols) operated by the Bahmani and Vijayanagara players. 5. A new battle-resolution system with strength-dependent risk mitigation. Vijayanagara is intended for players new to asymmetric wargames and veteran COIN players alike. The factions have distinct capabilities and each is faced with different strategic decisions, offering a very high degree of replayability. The game is streamlined: all player actions and most rules are visible on the table on player aids and cards. Gameplay and turn order is organized around a deck of unique event cards. With each new card, factions have the option to carry out the event or to select from faction-specific Commands and special Decrees; Commands such as the Conscription of new troops, Governing in Tributary Provinces, and Migration to begin life anew, and Decrees ranging from Demanding Tribute, Conspiring with Delhi's Governors to betray the Sultan, and forming new Alliances with minor regional powers. -description from publisher's website