Add a section on variations of board game territory control
Board Games in the Territory Control Genre:
Territory control board games are a genre of board game in which a player or team attempts to take and keep control of the most area or “territory” on a game board. These type of games can have many variations, such as historical simulations and strategy based games.
Historical Simulation Games: These types of games typically focus on events from specific eras of history. They often use themes and characters from that particular time period, as well as rules and mechanics that reflect the era’s political and military strategies. Some common examples include Agricola, Field Commander: Napoleon and Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery.
Strategy Based Board Games: In contrast with historical simulations, these types of board games are normally much more abstract, usually with players competing with each other to be the first to reach a predetermined set score or number of territory points instead of replicating an iconic moment in history. Chess, Go and Hive are all examples in this genre that typically require strategic thought and skill to succeed.
Include examples of board game territory control in popular culture
Board game territory control is a popular genre, with examples of it popping up in many different forms of media.
For instance, in the popular television show The Big Bang Theory, Penny and Bernadette play the game Risk to settle their argument about which country has the best style of cupcake.
In The Lord Of The Rings franchise there are multiple references to board games involving territorial battle. In some cases these are explored directly, such as Saruman’s usage of Palantír playing an unknown game similar to Go likely meant to represent conflict between good and evil.
Similarly in the Harry Potter books, wizards enjoy playing a game called Wizard’s Chess in which pieces on a chessboard fight each other off instead of being moved by players.
Another example can be found in Stephen King’s novel The Dome wherein members of the town Chester’s Mills are split into two teams who use an old physical map as a battle ground for strategic warfare to dispute ownership and resources among them.
The most iconic reference however may just be from Star Wars; the classic exploding death star chess set scene from Return of the Jedi reveals intricate battles sealed by both speech and strategy that defines this type of gaming heroically.
Consider different perspectives
Tactical approaches involve a focus on short-term individual moves and short-term planning, often within each turn, to gain an advantage over the competition or to acquire resources. Players with this tactical mindset will take risks for a greater return and need to pay attention to their board state within the round.
Strategic approaches emphasize long-term planning and mid- to long-term objectives. Players that use this approach need to pay attention not only to their current state but anticipate future scenarios while weighing possible pros and cons of different decisions. They often compete against more experienced players by using a big picture view instead of focusing on smaller wins right away. This method gives players the opportunity to consider potential benefits down the road, such as positional advantages if they choose certain options over others in page turns or territory capture points.
Provide recommendations
1. Catan
2. Risk
3. Small World
4. Pandemic Legacy
5. Cosmic Encounter
6. DropMix
7. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
8. Nations
9. Dominion
10. Mage Knight Board Game
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
