Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Battlesystem (1985) Board Game

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Battlesystem is a board game that was released in 1985 by Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). It is designed for 2 players and falls under the categories of Fantasy, Medieval, Miniatures, and Wargame. The game was designed by Jeff Easley and features artwork from the TSR team.

Game Components of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Battlesystem

Rulebook: 32 black & white pages, full-color cover

Scenario Book: 24 black & white pages

The Art of Three-Dimensional Gaming: 16-page introduction to tabletop miniatures by Steve Winter

Player Aid Cards: 2 cards

Metal Miniatures: 2 miniatures (including Dragonlance’s Dragon Highmaster Verminaard)

Cardboard Sheets: For building and siege weapons (3-4 Adventure Fold-Up Figures)

Die-Cut Counters: 801 counters

How To Setup Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Battlesystem

Setting up Battlesystem involves preparing the battlefield, which can be done using miniature figures or die-cut counters. Players need to assemble the cardboard buildings and siege weapons, and organize the player aid cards and rulebooks. The scenario book provides specific setups for different battles, including an epic Dragonlance adventure battle. The game requires minimal preparation but benefits from a referee, especially when dealing with complex magic rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Basic Game: Covers movement and melee combat

Intermediate Game: Adds rules for missile fire, artillery, cavalry, individual heroes, special formations, and terrain effects

Advanced Game: Includes magic, flying, weather, night battles, and special monsters; introduces campaign rules

Combat Resolution: Uses attack dice to determine hits, with defenders rolling dice to cancel hits based on Armor Rating

Magic Integration: Allows for spell effects from the entire AD&D system

Objective: To command armies to victory or have individual heroes achieve specific goals, earning experience points in the process

Player Experience

Battlesystem offers a unique blend of miniatures wargaming and role-playing, allowing players to engage in large-scale battles within the AD&D universe. Players can create their own armies using miniatures or counters and integrate their characters into these battles, earning experience points for their successes. The game is designed to be flexible, accommodating various scenarios and rules levels, but it can be complex and time-consuming, especially with the inclusion of magic and other advanced rules.

Pros

Innovative Mass Combat System: Allows for detailed and engaging large-scale battles

Compatibility with AD&D: Integrates seamlessly with existing AD&D spells, monsters, and characters

Flexibility: Offers three levels of play (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) to suit different player preferences

Immersive Scenarios: Includes scenarios such as the epic Dragonlance adventure battle

Educational Component: Includes a booklet introducing players to painting and using metal miniatures

Cons

Complexity: The rules can be broad but complicated, especially with the advanced game mechanics

Time-Consuming: Combat resolution and magic integration can require a lot of dice rolling and bookkeeping

Limited Support: Despite positive reviews, the game saw disappointing sales and was not actively supported long-term

Flaws in Execution: Issues like high-level characters causing disproportionate damage and other balance problems

Personal Thoughts on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Battlesystem

Battlesystem is for players who enjoy both the tactical depth of miniatures wargaming and the rich world of AD&D. It is particularly suited for those who want to explore large-scale battles within their campaigns and are willing to navigate the complexities of the game mechanics. While it has its flaws, it remains a unique and ambitious addition to the AD&D universe, offering a way to engage with the game on a grander scale. However, it may not be ideal for players seeking a straightforward or quick game experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.