When comparing Risk vs Cry Havoc, the Slant community recommends Cry Havoc for most people. In the question“What are the best boardgames with area-control mechanics?” Cry Havoc is ranked 2nd while Risk is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Cry Havoc is:
The cardboard pieces are thick and punch out of the punchboard very easily, the cards are well-made and durable, and the minis, while not the best out there, are quite detailed and very solidly made.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Strategy game
Let's you develop a strategy and forces you to think a few steps ahead playing off the moves of others.
Also allows you to develop alliances and enemies which allows for fun banter.
Pro Very good component quality
The cardboard pieces are thick and punch out of the punchboard very easily, the cards are well-made and durable, and the minis, while not the best out there, are quite detailed and very solidly made.
Pro Asymmetric player abilities help keep the game fresh
Each of the 4 races in Cry Havoc (Human, Machine, Pilgrim, and Trog) have entirely different abilities and bonuses which help them feel unique and gives the player a different experience each time they decide to try a new race.
Cons
Con Easily snowballs
Leaders in the game generally keep winning and losers in the game generally keep losing. It's difficult to stop the snowballing.
Con Different race abilities mean experienced players have a signifcant advantage
Since each race plays so differently, any player who has experience with how best to use their race will be at a significant advantage over someone who is just starting out and doesn't fully understand the game's nuances.