Warhammer Fantasy
Overview
Warhammer Fantasy is a high-fantasy, miniature wargame created by Rick Priestley and produced by Games Workshop. The game is set in the Warhammer Fantasy world, a distinct fictional universe with its own set of rules, races, and lore. The game is played by two or more players, each commanding a force of miniature figurines representing armies from the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
History
Warhammer Fantasy was first published in 1983, with the game's rules and background lore contained within a single book. The game was initially designed as a supplement to Games Workshop's existing tabletop wargame, Warhammer 40,000, but quickly grew in popularity and became a standalone game. Over the years, the game has seen several editions, each refining and expanding upon the rules and lore of the previous edition.
Gameplay
Warhammer Fantasy is a turn-based game, with players taking turns to move their armies, cast spells, and engage in combat. The game is played on a tabletop, with the battlefield represented by a diorama complete with terrain features such as hills, forests, and buildings. The game's rules are complex, requiring players to consider factors such as unit formation, line of sight, and morale when planning their strategies.
Races
The Warhammer Fantasy universe is populated by a variety of races, each with their own unique characteristics, abilities, and units. These races include the noble Humans, the stoic Dwarfs, the savage Orcs & Goblins, the mystical Elves, the undead Vampire Counts, and the malevolent Chaos forces, among others.
Magic
Magic plays a significant role in Warhammer Fantasy, with many units and characters capable of casting spells. Magic in Warhammer Fantasy is divided into several "Lore", each representing a different aspect of the game's universe, such as Life, Death, Fire, and Shadow. Each Lore has its own unique spells and effects, adding another layer of strategy to the game.
Miniatures
The miniatures used in Warhammer Fantasy are produced by Games Workshop and are highly detailed, allowing players to customize their armies to a great extent. The miniatures are typically made of plastic or metal and come unassembled and unpainted, allowing players to assemble and paint their miniatures in a way that reflects their personal style and the theme of their army.
Reception and Legacy
Warhammer Fantasy has been well-received by critics and players alike, praised for its deep and complex rules, rich lore, and high-quality miniatures. The game has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including video games, novels, and a role-playing game. Despite being discontinued in 2015 and replaced by Warhammer: Age of Sigmar, Warhammer Fantasy continues to have a dedicated fanbase and is still played and enjoyed by many.