Today I will be reviewing SAGA, a popular skirmish game for a variety of periods. It is one that is extremely popular in my area and I have played a few games. It has a variety of supplement books that allow it to be played from the time of Alexander the Great to the Crusades. A small disclaimer is that I have only played Age of Vikings and Age of Crusades.
I will be using the B&B rule review format which rates rules in 5 categories: Cost, Ease of play, Essence, Fun factor, and Bonus. In each category rules can score 1-3 points. 1 point being ok, 2 being good, 3 being great. If there is one exceptionally good or bad category it can score either a -1 or a 4 but this can only be scored once per review. This means that a score of 10 is average. Let’s get into our categories.
Cost: How much is it to get a decent game on the table?
It is incredibly easy to get a force for SAGA on the table, all you need is about 40 models, typically 28mm. Additionally, a small table lends itself to low terrain cost. The reason I gave it an average score is because you have to buy a rulebook, at least one supplement, and at least one set of custom dice. This cost does add up, though it does not becoming overwhelming.
Score: 2
Ease of Play: Is it easy to learn, teach and remember?
The base mechanics of SAGA are very simple, such as the turn sequence and combat system. The complexity comes in with the ‘battle boards’. Each turn players roll a number of ‘SAGA dice’ that are generated by the number of units and other factors, and then assign those dice to the battle board, either to activate units or use a wide selection of abilities unique to each faction. Explaining and remembering these abilities can be a pain at time, but the simple base mechanics help to alleviate that.
Score: 2
Essence: Do the rules capture the ‘feel’ of the period?
In its own way, SAGA is full of historical flavor. While is not traditionally ‘historically accurate’, the abilities are inspired by the history and culture of each faction, and it gives a feeling of depth. Some could complain about it being a little on the fantasy side, such as all of the Viking abilities being named after Norse Gods, but I think it does a good job of capturing the essence.
Score: 2
Fun Factor: Did I have a good time?
I have had some good games of SAGA and some bad ones. It is usually a great time, and very competitive. My personal problem is when I get annihilated by special abilities used by my opponent that I have no idea about. I realize it is my fault for not knowing, but I do not feel like learning the dozen or so abilities for 30+ factions in order to be good at the game.
Score: 2
Bonus: Is it worth it?
I definitely recommend getting into SAGA, it is very easy to set up and get on the table, and almost everyone has an army. It is my club’s go to when we don’t have anything else planned. I have had an overall good experience, and would recommend especially if you are coming over from the Games Workshop side of the hobby. It is widely played and a fun game, what’s not to like!
Score: 3
Conclusion
Final Score: 11
After the final totals are added up SAGA comes to and 11, just above average. Remember that this is my personal opinion, I know people that love SAGA and people who hate it. I think it’s a good game, but not one of my favorites.
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Until next time- Joshua, The Napoleon of the West
