Battle Masters (1992) Board Game

Battle Masters is a fantasy-themed board game released in 1992 by MB Giochi. Designed by Stephen Baker and illustrated by Chris Baker, this game pits two players against each other in a battle for supremacy. With its miniatures and wargame elements, Battle Masters offers a unique gaming experience for fans of fantasy and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Battle Masters

Large 54 by 60 inch vinyl battle mat with hexes

Over 100 unpainted plastic miniatures

Unit bases for infantry and cavalry

Battle Cards deck (59 cards)

Terrain features: river, fords, hedges, marsh tiles, ditch tiles

Special units: Imperial Lord, Chaos Lord, Mighty Cannon, Ogre Champion

How To Setup Battle Masters

To set up the game, players array their armies at opposite ends of the large vinyl battle mat or according to one of the pre-set scenarios. The battle mat includes a river that can only be crossed at fords, and other terrain features such as hedges, marsh tiles, and ditch tiles are placed at the start of the round. One player decides the placement of these terrain features, while the other chooses which side of the mat to deploy their units on.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Determined by drawing from a deck of 59 Battle Cards

Unit Movement: Each unit can move one square and then attack an adjacent opponent (except for ranged units)

Combat Resolution: Attacker and defender roll dice equal to their Combat Value

Game Objective: Eliminate all of the opponent’s units

Special Mechanics: Elite Tokens for surviving units in campaign mode, optional points system for balancing armies

Player Experience

**Battle Masters** is known for its ambitious and visually appealing setup, with a large battle mat and numerous miniatures. However, the game has been criticized for its lack of strategic depth and over-simplified rules, which may not appeal to adult players. The game is more suited for a younger audience, as it was designed to be accessible and fun for kids.

Pros

Ambitious Design: Large-scale battle setup with many miniatures

Nostalgic Value: Many players fondly remember it from their childhood

Simple to Learn: Easy gameplay mechanics

Customization: Optional rules and scenarios for added variety

Cons

Lack of Strategic Depth: Over-simplified rules

Imbalanced Units: Certain units, like the Mighty Cannon and Ogre Champion, significantly impact game balance

Predictable Outcomes: The Imperial army tends to have an advantage despite the Chaos army having more units

Personal Thoughts on Battle Masters

**Battle Masters** is ideal for younger players or those looking for a nostalgic experience. While it lacks the complexity and balance that adult gamers might seek, it remains a unique and engaging game for its target audience. The game’s large-scale setup and simple mechanics make it a fun introduction to wargaming, even if it may not stand the test of time for more seasoned players.

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