Forlorn: Hope (2010) Board Game

Forlorn: Hope is a science fiction wargame released in 2010 designed by Scott Everts, Kwanchai Moriya, and Serg. It is a game that focuses on fighting and grid movement, with players taking on the role of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. The game is set in a dark and desolate future where players must navigate through dangerous terrain and battle against monsters and other players to survive.

Game Components of Forlorn: Hope

Game Board: Representing the narrow, claustrophobic corridors of a spaceship.

Marine and Alien Figures: Though not as elaborate as some other games, the art on these figures is commendable.

Cardboard Chits: Used for various game mechanics, including movement and combat.

Random Mutation Cards: Allow aliens to develop special abilities like thicker shells or acid spit.

Player Tokens and Markers: For tracking movement, health, and other game states.

How To Setup Forlorn: Hope

To set up the game, players first assemble the modular board, creating the spaceship corridors. The Space Marines are placed at designated starting points, while the alien eggs and hatchlings are scattered throughout the board. Each player receives their respective tokens and cards, with the marine player getting specialists and leaders, and the alien player getting various types of aliens and mutation cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tactical Movement: Marines use action points to move and act, while aliens move once per turn.

Combat System: Involves shooting, close combat, and the use of special weapons like flamethrowers and hand grenades.

Alien Spawn Mechanics: Aliens can spawn every turn, and if they consume dead marines, they can evolve into more powerful forms.

Objective: The marines must complete their mission objectives while fending off the endless alien horde, while the aliens aim to overwhelm and eliminate the marines.

Player Experience

Forlorn: Hope offers a deeply tactical and strategic gameplay experience. Players must make precise decisions, as every move counts in the desperate battle against the aliens. The game is fast-paced but allows enough time to enjoy the strategic depth. The marines must use their specialists and leaders effectively to outmaneuver the aliens, who can deploy various strategies using their mutation cards.

Pros

Deep Tactical Depth: Provides a rich and engaging tactical combat experience.

Strategic Options: Offers more options for both players compared to similar games like Space Hulk.

Varied Alien Behavior: Aliens can develop different abilities, adding variety to their strategies.

High Replayability: The random mutation cards and spawn mechanics ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Component Quality: The game components, such as cardboard chits, are of lower quality compared to some other games.

Aesthetic Appeal: While the art is good, the overall component presentation is not as appealing as games with more elaborate miniatures and boards.

Limited Reinforcements: Marines do not receive reinforcements, which can make the game feel one-sided at times.

Personal Thoughts on Forlorn: Hope

Forlorn: Hope is ideal for fans of tactical combat and strategy games, particularly those who enjoy the theme of battling against overwhelming odds in a sci-fi setting. Despite its lower component quality, the game’s depth and replayability make it a compelling choice for players looking for a challenging and engaging experience. However, those who prioritize high-quality components and aesthetic appeal might find it less appealing.

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