We make a return to playing Song of Blades & Heroes, one of the most simple and accessible skirmish games on the market. And, in this battle, we’re focusing on storytelling over points, fairness, and balance. The defenders can’t possibly win. But how well can they hold out against a huge Chaos force?
So why do many players prefer unbalanced, narrative scenarios over fair and competitive encounters?
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After all, isn’t tabletop wargaming all about strategy, skill, and balance? Isn’t the whole point to test our tactical abilities against our opponents?
Sure, that’s definitely a big part of it. But it’s not the only part.
Unbalanced scenarios add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the game. You never know what you might be up against in these scenarios. It could be a massive army against a small group of elite units, or it could be a guerrilla-style ambush on a convoy of tanks. These types of scenarios offer a unique challenge that can’t be replicated in a balanced game.
At its heart, tabletop wargaming is about storytelling. We create armies, paint models, and build terrain because we want to immerse ourselves in epic battles and heroic struggles. We want to feel like we’re part of a grand, sweeping narrative, with all the twists and turns and emotional highs and lows that come with it.
In a fair and balanced game, both players have equal opportunities to win, which means the game’s outcome is largely determined by skill and strategy. While that’s great, it can also become predictable and monotonous after a while. Unbalanced scenarios, on the other hand, keep the game fresh and exciting by forcing players to come up with creative solutions to overcome their disadvantage.
When we play a game that’s heavily weighted in favour of one side or the other, we’re not just trying to win. We’re also trying to tell a story. Maybe we’re playing out the final battle of a long and bitter war, with one side hopelessly outnumbered but fighting with desperate courage. Or maybe we’re staging a daring raid on an enemy stronghold, with the attackers outnumbered but relying on cunning and surprise to carry the day. Whatever the situation, it’s the narrative that drives us, not just the desire to win.
In an unbalanced scenario, the narrative becomes the driving force behind the game. Players can get lost in the story and become more invested in their army’s fate, which adds to the overall gaming experience.
Of course, this kind of approach isn’t for everyone. Some players prefer the purity of a perfectly balanced, competitive encounter, where victory is determined solely by skill and strategy. And that’s totally fine! There’s nothing wrong with wanting a fair fight.
But for those of us who crave a bit more drama and excitement, unbalanced scenarios are where it’s at. We get to take risks, try crazy tactics, and see our armies perform feats of heroism and bravery that would be impossible in a strictly balanced game. We get to tell stories that are full of tension, surprise, and drama – stories that stick with us long after the game is over.
Finally, unbalanced scenarios can be a great leveller. They allow newer players to compete against more experienced players on a more level playing field. When a scenario is unbalanced, the outcome is not determined solely by the players’ skill level. Instead, it’s about how well they can adapt to the challenges presented by the scenario. This can give newer players a fighting chance and motivate them to keep playing.
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