I played the original first edition and enjoyed the interaction, playability, and challenge to rule Westeros. I had the opportunity to play the second edition (this one) two times and absolutely love it. The changes to Westeros cards and the addition of battlecards to randomize the fights to some degree create an amazing and tense game. I played with 4 and find it quickly breaks down to everyone vs. Baratheon. Then Lannister gets the edge.

With 6, the game has balance. Greyjoy and Lannister need to get along early…but for how long? Stark hopes for Greyjoy to go South…but can he count on this. Lannister seeks Eastern and Southern lands…but will Greyjoy keep the peace?

The game is designed that peace will not last forever between alliances. The game does not make it easy to raise armies, or make attacks, so strategy and dimplomacy are critical.

I love the theme, strategies, and gameplay. Oh and the quality of parts is great too.

The part I really like which distinguishes it from many other strategy or resource based games is that there are so many areas to choose to focus on. The section of the board called the “Influence Tracks” ranks your dominance in three areas. You can control the Iron Throne, giving you the ability to break ties and take your turn first. Your position in the Fiefdom track gives you an advantage in battle. Or you can control the King’s Court, allowing you advantages in sending orders and obtaining information. Another area called the Supply track controls the number of armies you can have in play. Like the books, these Influence and Supply Tracks gave the game levels upon levels of strategy.

The game itself is beautiful and well made. Though the credits list many artists, I recognized that some of the house cards feature artwork from the 2009 calendar by Michael Komarck. I thought the house cards were a creative way to include the individual characters from the book into game play.

Overall, very fun. I wish I had more opportunities to play because I haven’t won yet.