Battlestations: Second Edition (2017) Board Game

Battlestations: Second Edition is a science fiction board game that was released in in 2017. It is a cooperative, team-based game that combines elements of miniatures, space exploration, and role-playing. Designed by Dan Blanchett, Steven Hamilton, Alfredo Lopez Jr., James Olley, and James Alexander Olley, the game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling elements.

Game Components of Battlestations: Second Edition

Modular starship map: Allows for customizable ship layouts.

Hex map: For navigating and battling in space.

Character cards: Each character has unique skills, attributes, equipment, and abilities.

Ship modules: Include Engine, Helm, Life Support, Science Bay, Cannon, and others.

Mission book: Contains an eight-mission campaign with replayable missions.

Dice: Used for resolving actions and checks.

Species and profession cards: Determine character attributes and skills.

Missile and action tokens: For tracking ship movements and actions.

How To Setup Battlestations: Second Edition

To set up the game, players choose a mission from the mission book and set up the necessary ships and starmap boards. The enemy player, acting as a gamemaster, prepares their characters and objectives, some of which are kept secret. Players select their characters and assign them to various modules on their ship. The game requires minimal setup and zero prep work, making it ready to play out of the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Actions: Players move and act on their turn, using a skill number added to the roll of two dice to determine success.

Ship Management: Players must manage ship power, shields, and module integrity.

Combat: Resolve missile movements and hits on the hex map, with damage mitigated by ship shields.

Mission Objectives: Complete specific objectives set by the enemy player to win the mission.

Experience and Prestige: Earn points for completing missions, which can be used to level up characters.

Replayability: Missions are replayable with different characters and adjustable difficulty.

Player Experience

Battlestations: Second Edition offers a immersive experience where players feel like they are on a starship, managing every aspect of it. The game is easy to get into, even for those new to role-playing games. Players can create and rank up unique characters, choosing from over a hundred special abilities and dozens of species. The game’s dynamic nature, with events like missile hits and ship crashes, keeps players engaged and reactive.

Pros

Immersive Gameplay: Feels like being on a real starship.

High Replayability: Hundreds of missions and customizable characters.

Easy to Learn: Minimal setup and straightforward rules.

Deep Character Customization: Many species and special abilities.

Cooperative Play: Works well with a team, though one player acts as the enemy.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: While easy to learn, the game has a lot of depth that may overwhelm some players.

Enemy Player Role: Requires one player to take on a more complex role as the gamemaster.

Lengthy Sessions: Games can take over 60 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Battlestations: Second Edition

Battlestations: Second Edition is perfect for fans of space-themed games and role-playing enthusiasts. It’s an excellent choice for groups looking for a cooperative experience with a unique twist, as one player guides the scenario and challenges the others. The game’s rich history and extensive character customization options make it appealing to players who enjoy deep, immersive gaming experiences. If you’re interested in a game that combines strategy, character development, and cooperative play, Battlestations: Second Edition is definitely worth checking out.

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