Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 360 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 16+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.5 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain is Volume VIII in GMT's acclaimed COIN Series, transporting players to 4th and 5th century Britain as Roman authority collapses under pressure from Saxon, Pict, and Irish raiders. Up to four asymmetric factions - the Dux (Roman army), Civitates (Romanized aristocracy), Saxons, and Scotti - pursue very different victory conditions using the COIN system's card-driven events, area control, and evolving political and military struggles. The game supports short, medium, and full-length scenarios, plus solitaire play, making its considerable depth somewhat more approachable to schedule. It captures civil wars, religious shifts, and the gradual formation of England from the ashes of Roman rule.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team regards Pendragon as one of the more narratively rich entries in the celebrated COIN series, using its asymmetric engine to tell a genuinely different kind of story than the counterinsurgency focus of earlier volumes. Each faction plays completely differently, giving the game strong replay value for dedicated groups. The historical detail and evolving rules across the game are impressive but demand real investment to learn. This is a heavyweight wargame for players already comfortable with the COIN system or willing to climb its learning curve.
What we like
- Deeply asymmetric factions each offer a distinct strategic experience.
- Rich historical detail brings Dark Ages Britain vividly to life.
- Scenario options and solitaire system add flexibility for scheduling.
- Evolving rules and events keep the political situation dynamic throughout.
Keep in mind
- Very high complexity demands significant time to learn and master.
- Long playtime is a serious commitment even for wargaming groups.
- Asymmetric factions require a knowledgeable group for balanced play.
Who it's for
Best for experienced wargamers ages 16+ who enjoy asymmetric, historically detailed strategy games, in groups of 1-4.
