The Charge of the 3 Kings: Navas de Tolosa 1212 is a wargame published by NAC Wargames that recreates what many consider the most decisive battle of the Reconquista. In 1212, Alfonso VIII of Castile united the Christian kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, and Navarre in a great crusade against the Almohad forces of Al-Andalus, culminating in the pitched battle near Las Navas de Tolosa on 16 July 1212. The game is asymmetric, placing one player in command of the three Christian kings and their combined host, while the other leads the Almohad army – two sides with very different strengths, weaknesses, and tactical approaches.
Gameplay is driven by a card-based initiative system: each turn both players simultaneously choose a card, and the higher value wins the initiative, with the winner then spending cards as action points to move and fight. The game uses distinctive unit types – infantry, cavalry, and archers – each with special abilities tied to position and terrain. With each side pursuing different victory conditions and requiring a completely different mindset to play effectively, the title rewards repeated plays and delivers a tasty experience.
Let me present now the game components as well as main mechanics:
Enjoy!