Critter Commandos (1989) – Board Game Guys

Critter Commandos

Critter Commandos is a miniatures wargame involving combats between cartoon characters, published by Crunchy Frog Enterprises in 1989. The game was created by Paul Arden Lidberg, and the original rules were published in 1989. A revised and expanded version with more cartoon characters and role-playing rules for individual characters was released in 1991. The game features weapons such as glue guns, rubber mallets, and pies, as well as equipment like jet packs, giant banana peels, and tricycles.

Why is Critter Commandos Popular?

Critter Commandos is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It offers a unique and entertaining concept of battling cartoon characters with various weapons and equipment.
– The game is relatively simple and easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all ages and experience levels.
– It has a strong following in the miniatures wargaming community, with numerous online resources and forums dedicated to the game.

Game Components of Critter Commandos

Miniature figures of cartoon characters

Rulebook

Battle mats or terrain pieces

Dice for resolving combat

Character cards with stats and abilities

How To Setup Critter Commandos

To set up Critter Commandos, players first need to choose their miniature figures and assemble their teams. Each player selects a set of characters, each with unique abilities and stats outlined in the character cards. The battle mat or terrain is then set up to create the battlefield. Players position their miniatures on the battlefield according to the rules and their strategic preferences. Once everything is in place, players are ready to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Miniatures Combat: Players engage in turn-based combat using their miniature figures.

Dice Rolling: Dice are used to resolve combat and determine the outcomes of attacks and defenses.

Character Abilities: Each character has special abilities and stats that influence gameplay.

Objective: The primary objective is to defeat the opposing team’s characters, with the last team standing declared the winner.

Player Experience

Critter Commandos offers a fun and interactive experience, especially for fans of cartoon-style combat and miniatures games. The game combines strategy with the whimsy of cartoon characters, making it appealing to both young and experienced gamers. Players need to balance their characters’ abilities and stats to outmaneuver their opponents.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages.

Strategic Depth: Allows for complex strategies while maintaining simplicity.

Customization: Players can choose and customize their teams.

Visual Appeal: The cartoon-style miniatures add a colorful and engaging element.

Cons

Outdated Rules: The 1989 version may have rules that feel dated compared to modern games.

Availability: The original edition might be harder to find than newer versions.

Learning Curve: New players may need time to understand the rules and character abilities.

Personal Thoughts on Critter Commandos

Critter Commandos is a great game for those who enjoy miniatures wargames with a light-hearted, cartoon twist. It is particularly suited for families or groups looking for a fun, strategy-rich game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it may appeal more to nostalgic players familiar with the 1989 version, it also provides an entertaining introduction to miniatures games for new players.

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