Ultra Marines (1991) Board Game

Ultra Marines is a board game released in 1991 by Games Workshop Ltd. It is set in a science fiction universe and combines elements of maze, miniatures, and dice rolling in its gameplay. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up.

Game Components of Ultra Marines

20 plastic Space Marine Scout figures from four different chapters (Ultramarines, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Space Wolves)

Board sections and tiles similar to those in Space Hulk

Templates and counters

A deck of event cards

Three dice

Alien Artefact counters

Original slotta bases and floor tiles

How To Setup Ultra Marines

To set up the game, players arrange the interlocking room and corridor tiles to create a maze resembling a space hulk. Each player chooses a starting room and places their five Scout models there. Alien artefacts are randomly placed throughout the play area. Players then draw three event cards to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns moving their Scout models around the space hulk.
– Event cards can be used to help the player or hinder opponents, with effects like medipacks, grenades, closing doors, and spawning genestealers.
– A unique combat mechanic involves dropping dice into the box lid to determine hits and damages.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to retrieve alien artefacts and return them to the starting room.
– Alternatively, players can win by eliminating all of their opponents’ models.

Player Experience

**Ultra Marines** is designed to be a fast-paced and engaging game, especially for a younger audience. The game setup is quick, and the rules are simple to understand. The event cards and unique dice-rolling mechanic add an element of unpredictability, making each game exciting and different. The game encourages strategic thinking and competitive play as players try to outmaneuver each other to capture the most artefacts or eliminate their opponents.

Pros

Unique Combat Mechanic: Dropping dice into the box lid adds a fun and unpredictable element to combat.

Fast Setup and Play: Easy to set up and start playing within minutes.

Engaging for Younger Audiences: Designed with a simpler ruleset, making it accessible to a broader age range.

Replayability: Random placement of artefacts and event cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Durability Issues: The cardboard box and tiles can warp or become worn over time, affecting gameplay accuracy.

Limited Complexity: The game is relatively simple and may not appeal to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Ultra Marines

**Ultra Marines** is ideal for those new to the Warhammer 40,000 universe or for families and younger gamers looking for an introduction to tactical combat games. Its simplicity and unique mechanics make it an enjoyable and engaging experience. However, it may not satisfy experienced gamers who prefer more complex strategies and deeper gameplay mechanics. Despite this, its nostalgic value and the fun, quirky dice-rolling system make it a memorable game that can still be enjoyed today.

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