The game deals with the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Having just defeated the Vikings at Stamford Bridge in the north, King Harold has marched south to deal with a new threat.
William the Conqueror has brought his Norman Army across the English Channel to claim the crown as his own. The country faced a political, cultural and monarchal crossroads.
There are three scenarios. The historical setup and two that start earlier in the day, allowing both sides some freedom in setting up.
Senlac Ridge is a tough position and the flanks are protected by morass. The Norman player will have to work hard to create gaps that can then be exploited. The Saxon player must try to retain a cohesive battlefront and avoid being tempted to come off the hill before they are ready to make a counter charge to rout the enemy.
Senlac Hill is a low - medium complexity game, playable within a couple of hours. Special rules cover Bishop Odo, Impetuous Saxons, Feigned attacks by cavalry, the Papal Banner, the removal of archer units as arrows run out and a Lull phase that allows the Normans to re-organise and bring their archers back into the line for that final strike.
Morale is an important area of the game as it simulates how the rigors of battle start to cause isolated routs, which then becomes more widespread, undermining the cohesion of the army. Players will feel a sense of urgency to get the job done before the routs impact too greatly on their forces.
Components:
2 map sections ( 10 x 8 )
Title page
Series rules
Playbook
Historical commentary
1 counter sheet
CRT (2 sides)
Turn track
Complexity low - medium
Players 1 or 2
Solitaire - fine
Playing time 2 hours
Comments from customers
Reviewer
Value
Quality
Overall
Comments
Gary Cole
10
10
10
Same comments for this as for Orri's Revenge. Like more games like this - simple to play and good quality.
Walter Stanfill
8
9
9
Best game on the Battle of Hastings I've played IMO!
Steven Guy
7
7
7
Good game on the subject. Looking forward to the release of the related Orri's Storm game.
