Cover of the "Beyond the Gates of Antares" rulebook depicting futuristic armed soldiers in battle armor amidst a chaotic battlefield with energy weapons and explosions.
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Beyond the Gates of Antares (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Beyond the Gates of Antares

Beyond the Gates of Antares is a science fiction wargame that was released in 2015. It is designed by Rick Priestley, who is known for his work on games like Warhammer 40,000. The game is set in a distant future where different factions battle for control of the Antarean universe.

Game Components of Beyond the Gates of Antares

  • Rulebook
  • Dice
  • Miniatures
  • Terrain pieces
  • Action cards
  • Templates

How To Setup Beyond the Gates of Antares

  • Lay out the game board and terrain pieces.
  • Place the miniatures on their starting locations.
  • Shuffle the action cards and place them face down.
  • Each player rolls for initiative to determine who goes first.
  • Follow the setup instructions for any specific scenarios.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns moving their miniatures and engaging in combat with the goal of achieving victory conditions specific to the scenario being played. The game uses a chit-pull system for activation, where players draw tokens to determine which units can be activated each turn. Line of sight and measurement movement are important aspects of the gameplay.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Deep strategic gameplay
  • Diverse factions with unique abilities
  • Detailed miniatures and artwork
  • Engaging combat mechanics

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Lengthy playtime
  • Limited availability of expansions

Personal Thoughts on Beyond the Gates of Antares

Beyond the Gates of Antares is a complex and engaging wargame that will appeal to fans of science fiction and tactical strategy games. The build quality of the components is top-notch, and the variety of factions adds replay value to the game. However, the game may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its steep learning curve and lengthy playtime. It is worth considering for experienced wargamers looking for a new challenge.

Overall, Beyond the Gates of Antares is a solid choice for players who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and immersive sci-fi settings. However, newcomers to the wargaming genre may find it overwhelming. It is important to consider the availability of expansions and the investment required to fully enjoy the game. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether the gameplay mechanics and theme resonate with you.

Game Components of Beyond the Gates of Antares

  • Models and Miniatures: Players can use a variety of models, from infantry to larger vehicles and machines.
  • Dice: The game uses D10, D4, D6, and D8 dice for different mechanics.
  • Rule Book: Contains all the army lists and game rules.
  • Order Dice: Used to determine which units can act during a turn.
  • Terrain: Area terrain that affects unit movement and combat.

    How To Setup Beyond the Gates of Antares

    Setting up the game involves preparing the battlefield with terrain and deploying the models. The minimum table size is 4’x4′. Players should arrange their units according to the specific scenario or mission they are playing. Each player draws order dice to start the game, which determines the sequence of turns.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Order Phase: Players draw order dice to assign actions to their units, such as Fire, Advance, Run, Ambush, Rally, or Down.
  • Enemy Reactions: Enemy units can react to orders by engaging in firefights, taking cover, or setting ambushes.
  • Movement and Combat: Units move and engage in combat based on the orders received, with special rules for terrain and different weapon types.
  • Lucky Hits & Dud Shots: Rolls of 1 and 10 have special effects, such as lucky hits or dud shots, which can significantly impact gameplay.
  • Scalability: The game is designed to be scalable, allowing for small skirmishes or large-scale battles.

    Player Experience

    Beyond the Gates of Antares offers a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience. The use of order dice introduces randomness, making each turn unique. The game is primarily focused on infantry combat, with larger vehicles and machines playing supporting roles. Players need to adapt to the changing battlefield and manage their units effectively to achieve their objectives.

    Pros

  • Scalability: Can be played with as few as 30 models per side or scaled up for larger battles.
  • Dynamic Turns: Order dice system adds unpredictability and excitement.
  • Infantry Focus: Emphasizes infantry combat, which can lead to more tactical gameplay.
  • Diverse Armies: Different factions with unique abilities and equipment.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Some rules, such as lucky hits and dud shots, can be needlessly complicated.
  • No Pre-Measuring: Players must perform fractional math in their heads, which can be cumbersome.
  • Terrain Movement: Moving through terrain can be complex and may require multiple tests.

    Personal Thoughts on Beyond the Gates of Antares

    Beyond the Gates of Antares is ideal for players who enjoy tactical, infantry-focused wargames with a strong sci-fi setting. The game’s scalability makes it accessible to both new and experienced players. However, the complexity of some rules and the absence of pre-measuring may deter those who prefer simpler, more streamlined gameplay. Despite these challenges, the game offers a rich and immersive experience for those willing to invest time in learning its intricacies. As of 2022, Warlord Games has ceased further development of the game, but it remains a unique and engaging option for wargaming enthusiasts.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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