Battle Cattle (1996) – Board Game Guys

Battle Cattle: Brief History and Background Information of Battle Cattle

“Battle Cattle” is a light-hearted combat board game published by Wingnut Games in 1997. The game was later turned into a card game by Steve Jackson Games in 2001. The game involves players rolling up statistics for warrior cows armed with weapons and engaging each other in combat.

Why is Battle Cattle Popular?

The game is popular and significant due to its:
– Unique theme: The game combines a humorous and light-hearted approach to combat with the use of anthropomorphic cows, making it stand out from more traditional combat games.
– Easy gameplay: The rules are simple and straightforward, allowing players to quickly learn and enjoy the game.
– Expansion possibilities: The game has been expanded upon over the years, with additional editions and variations available for players to explore.

Game Components of Battle Cattle

Rulebook: 48 pages, perfect bound, with revised tabletop miniatures rules.

Cow Breeds: Multiple breeds to choose from, each with unique statistics.

Weapons and Accessories: 32 weapons, including Auto cannon, Lasers, and Mini-moo, along with armor and equipment modifications.

Miniatures: Optional, part of the Official Battle Cattle miniatures line (sold separately).

Battlefield: Full color pasture battlefield and cow chips (or chits) for gameplay.

Dice: 2d6 for rolling to hit and determining outcomes.

How To Setup Battle Cattle

To set up Battle Cattle, players first choose a breed of cow and generate statistics such as Health Points, Weight Allowances, and Tipping Defense numbers. They then select offensive and defensive accessories within a predefined budget. The game can be played on a square or hex map, or using rulers to measure range if miniatures are used. Players also need to prepare the battlefield and any additional components like cow chits.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Selection: Choose a cow breed and generate statistics.

Accessory Selection: Pick weapons, armor, and other modifications within a budget.

Combat: Roll 2d6 to hit, adding or subtracting modifiers based on the cow’s statistics and accessories.

Objective: Be the last cow standing in the combat.

Player Experience

Battle Cattle offers a humorous and engaging experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy light-hearted and quirky games. The game supports 2 to 8 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. The gameplay is relatively simple, yet it allows for strategic depth in choosing the right accessories and tactics.

Pros

Humorous Theme: The game’s absurd premise of armed cows adds to its entertainment value.

Easy to Learn: The rules are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Customization: Players can customize their cows with various accessories and weapons.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Cons

Limited New Content in Later Editions: The 3rd edition has minimal new content compared to previous editions, which may not justify the purchase for owners of earlier versions.

Repetitive Rules: Some sections of the rules remain unchanged from earlier editions, which could feel repetitive for veteran players.

Personal Thoughts on Battle Cattle

Battle Cattle is ideal for those looking for a light-hearted, humorous gaming experience. It’s a great choice for families or casual gamers who enjoy miniatures and wargames but don’t want to delve into complex rules. However, for those who have already invested in previous editions, the 3rd edition might not offer enough new content to warrant a purchase. The game’s unique blend of farm animals and sci-fi elements makes it a standout in the gaming world, providing hours of entertaining and satirical gameplay.

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