Combots (1983) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Combots is a classic board game released in 1983, designed by Mitch O’Connell and featuring artwork by FASA. It is a two-player game that falls under the categories of fighting, miniatures, science fiction, and wargame. With a playtime of around 20 minutes and recommended for ages 12 and up, Combots offers a fast-paced and strategic gaming experience for enthusiasts of the genre.

Game Components of Combots:

Hexagon Grid game board

Miniatures representing combat robots

Dice for combat resolution

Player reference cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Combots:

Place the hexagon grid game board in the center of the playing area.

Each player selects their combat robot miniatures and places them on the designated starting spaces.

Shuffle the decks of cards and place them within easy reach of both players.

Roll to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective:

Players take turns moving their combat robots around the hexagon grid, strategically positioning them to attack their opponent’s robots. Combat is resolved using dice rolls, with each robot having different abilities and powers. The objective is to eliminate all of your opponent’s robots before they do the same to you.

Player Experience:

Pros:

Fast-paced gameplay

Strategic depth with variable player powers

Engaging combat mechanics

Miniatures add to the theme and immersion

Cons:

Limited replayability

Lack of in-depth strategy compared to more complex wargames

Personal Thoughts on Combots:

Combots is a nostalgic throwback to classic wargaming, with its simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics. The miniatures and artwork add to the overall experience, making it a visually appealing game to have on your shelf. While it may not offer the same level of complexity as some modern wargames, Combots is a great entry point for newcomers to the genre or those looking for a quick and enjoyable gaming experience. Considering its age and availability, Combots may be a bit harder to find in the market, but if you come across a copy at a reasonable price, it’s definitely worth adding to your collection. Fans of science fiction and miniatures games will particularly enjoy Combots, while hardcore wargamers may find it lacking in depth. Ultimately, whether or not Combots is worth your time depends on your preferences and gaming interests.

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