Battlesuit (1983) Board Game

Battlesuit is a science fiction wargame that was released in in 1983. Designed by Denis Loubet and David Martin, the game features two players engaging in tactical combat using mechs called battlesuits. With a runtime of approximately 60 minutes, Battlesuit is recommended for players aged 10 and up. The game is known for its innovative gameplay mechanics and strategic depth.

Game Components of Battlesuit

Game board

Powered armor unit counters

Weapon and equipment cards

Morale check tables

Rulebook

Dice for resolving combat and other actions

How To Setup Battlesuit

To set up Battlesuit, players first lay out the game board, which represents a hexagonal grid of the battlefield. Each player chooses and deploys their powered armor units on the board according to the scenario rules. Players then shuffle and draw the appropriate number of weapon and equipment cards, and ensure they have the morale check tables and dice ready. The rulebook provides specific setup instructions for different scenarios.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combat Resolution: Players use dice rolls to resolve combat, taking into account the firepower and defenses of the powered armor units.

Maneuvering: Units can move and position themselves strategically on the hexagonal grid.

Morale Checks: Programmed morale checks determine how units react to stress and damage.

Objective: The game objective is to eliminate or disable the opponent’s powered armor units.

Tactical Depth: The game involves feinting, probing, and exploiting weaknesses in the opponent’s force.

Player Experience

Battlesuit offers a intense and tactical experience, likened to a “game of cat-and-mouse” where players constantly look for weaknesses in each other’s positions. Reviews highlight the game’s ability to simulate the deadly nature of combat in the Ogre universe, making it appealing to fans of strategic and realistic combat simulations.

Pros

Tactical Complexity: The game requires careful planning and execution.

Realistic Combat Simulation: It accurately represents the intensity of man-to-man combat in powered armor.

Engaging Gameplay: Players enjoy the cat-and-mouse tactics involved.

Part of a Larger Universe: It expands on the world of Ogre and G.E.V., offering more depth for fans.

Cons

Programmed Morale Checks: Some critics feel these checks lack the nuance of human personalities.

Limited Realism: For those seeking a highly realistic simulation, the game may fall short.

Personal Thoughts on Battlesuit

Battlesuit is ideal for fans of the Ogre universe and those who enjoy tactical, man-to-man combat simulations. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate strategic game mechanics and are interested in the futuristic setting of powered armor combat. While it may not offer the highest level of realism, it provides an engaging and challenging experience that is sure to appeal to enthusiasts of wargames and science fiction.

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