Abaddon (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Abaddon is a miniatures wargame set in a science fiction universe, where players control factions battling for control of a post-apocalyptic Earth. Released in 2012, the game was designed by Wan Chiu, Nate Furman, Zac Pensol, Chris Quilliams, and David Wilson. The game features grid movement, dice rolling, and hand management mechanics, making for a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Abaddon

28″ x 19″ customizable battlefield game board

32 highly-detailed mech figurines (Links)

18 free-standing landscape terrain features

Over 100 Wild Fire and Weapon System cards

Dozens of tokens

Battle dice

Battle Manual with over 15 mission scenarios

Activation Dice with faces for Heavy Link, Medium Link, Recon Link, Infantry, Command, and Weapon Systems.

How To Setup Abaddon

Setup involves consulting one of the fifteen scenarios, selecting the miniatures that comprise the forces, laying out the terrain pieces and units on the board as shown, and shuffling both the Weapon System and Wild Fire decks. Players then draw their hand of Weapon System cards to begin. The game board is a square grid, which is used for orthogonal or diagonal movement and firing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Activation Dice: Players roll five activation dice each turn to determine which units can be activated and moved.

Weapon System Cards: Used for combat resolution and can modify dice rolls.

Wild Fire Cards: Represent malfunctions and odd happenings, introducing random events.

Combat: Card- and dice-based, involving close combat, indirect ranged combat, and direct ranged combat.

Game Objective

Victory is determined by the stipulations of the chosen mission scenario.

Typically, victory is achieved by damaging and destroying enemy units, with each destroyed enemy power crystal worth one victory point.

Player Experience

Abaddon offers a fun, light strategy experience with a strong emphasis on luck and randomness. Players must manage resources, make tactical decisions, and adapt to the unpredictable outcomes of the Activation Dice and card draws. The game is easy to learn but does not lack in excitement, with the potential for dramatic turnarounds due to the Wild Fire cards and combat outcomes.

Pros

Fun and Engaging: Excellent for those who enjoy blowing things up with giant robots.

Easy to Learn: Straightforward rules with a light tactical depth.

Highly Detailed Components: Cool plastic mech sculpts and various terrain features.

Randomness and Surprise: Wild Fire cards add a layer of unpredictability and excitement.

Cons

Limited Strategic Depth: Not suitable for players seeking advanced maneuvering and complex strategies.

Luck-Based: Can be frustrating due to the significant role of luck in the game.

Outdated Components: Some components, like the dice and graphic design, feel dated.

Personal Thoughts on Abaddon

Abaddon is perfect for the “beer and pretzels” crowd who enjoy light, fun, and fast-paced games. It’s ideal for those who miss the simplicity and excitement of 90’s-style games, where blowing things up with giant robots is the primary goal. While it may not offer the strategic depth some players crave, it provides an entertaining experience that is easy to dive into and enjoy with friends.

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