Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone is a board game set in the dystopian future world of Cyberpunk Red, a tabletop role-playing game created by Mike Pondsmith. It is designed by Jose David Lanza Cebrian and Katie Dillon, and features stunning artwork by Monster Fight Club. The game is set to be released in 2023 and is geared towards 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up.
Game Components of Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone
Miniatures: Made from a resin/plastic hybrid, these miniatures are highly detailed and require minimal assembly.Terrain and Scenery: Detailed scenery pieces that enhance the visual narrative of the game.Dice: Color-coded dice (d6, d8, d12) corresponding to different action tokens.Action Tokens: Red, yellow, and green tokens determining the type of action and dice roll.Scenario Cards: Randomly selected to add variety to each game session.Character and Gear Cards: Special rules and equipment details presented on these cards.
How To Setup Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone
Setting up the game involves choosing a scenario and forming your team. Players equip their characters and prepare the terrain. However, the game lacks clear assembly instructions for the miniatures and terrain, requiring players to refer to online resources.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Category: Skirmish, Miniatures WargameMechanics: Freeform movement, opposed rolls, [RE]action system, color-coded actions and dice rolls.Objective: Players control gangs of cyber-enhanced characters, aiming to dominate the urban warzone and complete scenario objectives.Key Mechanics:[RE]action System: Allows players to react to wounds with a single action after the opponent’s action is resolved.Opposed Rolls: Actions are resolved through opposed dice rolls, with the higher modified value succeeding.Campaign System: Supports multi-session campaigns with character advancement and faction-specific scenarios.
Player Experience
The game offers a tense and engaging experience with smooth mechanics. Players must make strategic decisions about when to use their strongest actions and how to manage their characters’ wounds. The campaign system allows for character growth and varied scenarios, enhancing replayability.
Pros
Excellent Mechanics: The [RE]action system and color-coded actions create a dynamic and intuitive gameplay experience.Detailed Miniatures and Terrain: High-quality components that capture the Cyberpunk aesthetic.Campaign System: Allows for character advancement and varied scenarios, adding depth to the game.Scalability and Replayability: Supports both quick matches and full campaigns with multiple configurations.
Cons
Lack of Gonks: The starter set does not include Gonks, which are key to certain strategic elements of the game.No Quick Start Guide: The rulebook lacks a comprehensive guide to get started, requiring online resources for assembly and component identification.Assembly Required: Miniatures and terrain need assembly, but instructions are not provided in the box.
Personal Thoughts on Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone
**Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone** is ideal for fans of skirmish games and the Cyberpunk universe. It offers a blend of strategic depth and fluid gameplay, making it accessible to both newcomers and veterans of tabletop gaming. Despite some minor drawbacks, the game’s rich world-building, detailed components, and engaging mechanics make it a standout in the skirmish game category. If you’re looking for a game that combines tactical combat with the gritty, high-tech world of Cyberpunk, this is definitely worth checking out.
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