Small Soldiers Big Battle Game (1998) Board Game

The Small Soldiers Big Battle Game was released in 1998 by Milton Bradley, capitalizing on the popularity of the movie “Small Soldiers” which was released the same year. The game is designed for children aged 5 and up, and revolves around a wargame theme with action points as the main mechanic.

Game Components of Small Soldiers Big Battle Game

Figures: 12 large miniatures based on characters from the film.

Board: A 3D board featuring a “toy shop” design.

Spinner: Integrated into the board for determining player actions.

Hexagonal Tokens: Used for additional randomness and power-ups.

Dice: For resolving battles between fighters.

Flags: Each player has a flag that needs to be captured or defended.

How To Setup Small Soldiers Big Battle Game

To set up the game, players first assemble the 3D board, which includes the “toy shop” area. Each player chooses their set of figures and places them on designated starting spaces. The flags are positioned on each player’s base. The hexagonal tokens and dice are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture the opponent’s flag or eliminate all of the opponent’s fighters by sending them to the “toy store.”

Spinner Mechanics: Players spin the spinner to determine their actions, such as moving a figure, drawing a token, or recruiting a dead fighter.

Token Mechanics: Tokens provide additional effects, such as power-ups or penalties.

Dice Battles: Players engage in dice rolls to resolve battles between fighters; the lowest roll loses the fight.

Team Variant: For four players, each player controls three fighters, and the game includes player elimination if all a player’s fighters are killed.

Player Experience

The game is designed for children aged 5 and up and is intended for 2 or 4 players. The gameplay is heavily reliant on randomness, with the spinner and tokens introducing multiple layers of chance. This can lead to a lack of strategic depth, making the game more about luck than skill.

Pros

Theme: The game is themed around the popular film, appealing to fans of the movie.

Figures: The large miniatures are a highlight, especially for collectors and fans of the characters.

Variants: The game includes variant rules to slightly enhance gameplay for more experienced players.

Cons

Randomness: The game is overly reliant on random elements, reducing strategic play.

Length: The game can be brief, but the randomness can also make it feel repetitive.

Complexity: The rules, while simple, can feel lightweight and lacking in depth.

Personal Thoughts on Small Soldiers Big Battle Game

This game is clearly targeted at children and fans of the film. While it may appeal to those who enjoy the movie and its characters, it lacks the depth and strategy that more experienced gamers might seek. The heavy reliance on randomness makes it more of a casual, family-friendly game rather than a serious gaming experience. If you’re looking for a simple, thematic game for younger players or fans of the movie, this might be a good fit, but for those seeking more complexity, it might not be the best choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.