Deathwatch: Overkill (2016) Board Game

Deathwatch: Overkill is a board game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,

Players take on the roles of members of the Deathwatch, an elite group of Space Marines tasked with exterminating alien threats. The game was released in 2016 and has received mixed reviews from players and critics alike.

Game Components of Deathwatch: Overkill

Miniatures: Includes 11 Deathwatch Space Marines from ten different Chapters, led by Chaplain Cassius, as well as various Genestealer models such as a Genestealer Primus, Magus, two Familiars, 2 Purestrain Genestealers, 4 Aberrants, 28 Genestealer Hybrids, and a Genestealer Patriarch.

Board Tiles: 8 detailed double-sided board tiles for modular board setup.

Accessories: Teleport homer, servo skull, 6 dice, a range ruler, and a 48-page rulebook.

Cards: Character cards for each Deathwatch Marine and Broodmind cards for the Genestealer player.

How To Setup Deathwatch: Overkill

To set up the game, players arrange the double-sided board tiles to create the mission-specific environment. The Deathwatch player selects the required number of Space Marines based on the mission, while the Genestealer player prepares the necessary Genestealer models and Broodmind cards. The board is divided into zones, and models are placed according to the mission’s specifications. Each mission has unique setup instructions outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence:
– Genestealer player draws a Broodmind card to lay ambushes.
– Deathwatch players move their models.
– Genestealers move and ambushes trigger.
– Deathwatch players attack.
– Genestealers attack.
– Deathwatch players attack again.

Movement: Models move by zones rather than inches, and each model has a specific movement characteristic.

Combat: Attacking involves rolling dice, with defenders making armour saves if applicable. Combat is divided into assault, combat, and maximum ranges.

Game Objective: The Deathwatch player must complete mission-specific objectives, such as retrieving artifacts or eliminating a certain number of Genestealers. The Genestealer player aims to kill a specified number of Deathwatch Marines to win.

Player Experience

**Deathwatch: Overkill** offers an immersive and simplified version of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, making it accessible to new players while still engaging veterans. The game feels like a blend of Descent and Warhammer 40k, with a focus on elite heroes fighting against a swarm of enemies. The missions are varied, allowing for campaign play with bonuses and penalties carried over between missions.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Captures the grim essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe effectively.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn, with a straightforward turn sequence and combat mechanics.

Replayability: Nine missions with varying objectives and the option to play through them as a campaign.

Detailed Miniatures: High-quality miniatures that are fun to paint and add to the game’s visual appeal.

Cons

Balance Issues: Some missions can be heavily imbalanced, with dice rolls often deciding the outcome.

Limited Character Advancement: No rules for character advancement, keeping the game relatively simple but lacking long-term progression.

High Cost: Released with a high MSRP of $165.00, which may deter some potential buyers.

Personal Thoughts on Deathwatch: Overkill

**Deathwatch: Overkill** is ideal for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, particularly those who enjoy skirmish-level games and the Deathwatch and Genestealer Cult factions. It’s a great introduction to the world of Warhammer 40k board games, offering a balanced mix of simplicity and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex character progression or those on a tight budget. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that captures the intense action and dark atmosphere of the Warhammer 40,000 setting.

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