Ogre Miniatures (1992) Board Game

Ogre Miniatures is a tabletop wargame that was first released in in 1992. It is based on the popular Ogre board game, which was originally designed by Steve Jackson. The miniatures version of the game allows players to take on the role of futuristic military commanders, controlling massive tanks and battling it out on a hex-based battlefield.

Game Components of Ogre Miniatures

Rulebook: An 86-page book containing rules for miniatures play, including adaptations from the original game and new material.

Miniatures: Sets of unpainted miniatures representing various military units, including Ogres, tanks, infantry, and hovercraft. These are scaled to fit the current generation of Ogre Designer’s Edition products.

Terrain: Detailed terrain rules and optional free PDF terrain.

Record Cards: Cards for all known cybertanks, including hypothetical stats for the Mk. VII Ogre.

How To Setup Ogre Miniatures

Setting up Ogre Miniatures involves preparing the battlefield with the provided terrain rules and deploying the miniatures according to the scenario. Players need to arrange their units on the tabletop, ensuring each unit is positioned according to the rules. The setup is relatively straightforward, with the Ogre starting at one end of the battlefield and the defensive forces arrayed to protect their headquarters.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetrical Play: One player controls the Ogre, while the other controls the defensive forces.

Turn-Based: Players take turns moving and engaging in combat.

Hex-to-Inch Conversion: The game translates hexes from the board game into inches for miniatures play.

Objective: The Ogre must destroy the headquarters, while the defensive forces must stop the Ogre.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using dice rolls and the specific rules for each unit type.

Player Experience

Playing Ogre Miniatures is an immersive experience that brings the futuristic battlefield to life. Players get to engage in fast-paced and strategic combat, with the Ogre representing a nearly unstoppable force against the more varied but vulnerable defensive units. The game’s simplicity and speed of play make it accessible yet deeply engaging.

Pros

Immersive Combat: The miniatures add a 3D element to the game, enhancing the visual and tactical experience.

Fast and Engaging: Games are typically quick, with most sessions lasting under an hour.

High Replayability: Different scenarios and unit combinations ensure the game remains fresh and challenging.

Simple Rules: The mechanics are easy to learn, making it a great introduction to miniatures gaming.

Cons

Polarizing: Players often have strong feelings about the game, either loving or disliking it due to its unique mechanics and asymmetry.

Limited Individual Miniature Sales: Steve Jackson Games does not sell individual miniatures through the distribution chain, which can be inconvenient for players looking to expand their collections.

Personal Thoughts on Ogre Miniatures

Ogre Miniatures is ideal for fans of science fiction and tactical combat games. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy asymmetrical gameplay and the challenge of defending against an overwhelming force. The game’s simplicity and speed make it a great option for both new players and veterans of miniatures gaming. However, it may not appeal to players seeking highly complex rules or balanced gameplay between opponents. For those who enjoy a mix of strategy and high-stakes combat, Ogre Miniatures offers a unique and captivating experience.

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