Block Mania: Mega-Mania (1987) Board Game

Block Mania: Mega-Mania is a board game released in 1987 and designed by Dave Andrews, Chris Baker, Colin Dixon, and Brett Ewins. It is based on the comic book series Judge Dredd and is set in a dystopian future where players take on the role of rival city blocks trying to destroy each other.

Game Components of Block Mania: Mega-Mania

Game Boards: Two vertical side-view boards representing the city blocks, connected by Mega-Ways, Pedways, and a Sky-Rail.

Blocker Counters: Representing residents such as Juvies, Spugs, Crocks, and Fatties.

Hardware/Armoury Counters: Including equipment like flamers, missile launchers, and stump guns.

Mania Cards: Acting as a game timer and introducing chaotic events.

Dice: Two six-sided dice for generating command points.

Expansion Components: Robo-Dogs, Sucker Guns, and trip mines with the Mega Mania expansion.

How To Setup Block Mania: Mega-Mania

Setup involves placing the two boards side-by-side, each player receiving three Mania cards and sixteen set aside for the Endgame phase. Players draw four random Blocker counters and their Hardware or Armoury counters, placing them within their block. The rest of the counters are placed face down in cups or stacks for random draw during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Command Phase: Roll dice to generate command points, which are used to deploy or move Blockers.

Defensive Fire Phase: Resolve defensive actions by Blockers.

Combat Phase: Engage in combat between Blockers.

End Phase: Draw a Mania card, which can trigger various chaotic events.

Endgame: Triggered when Mania cards run out, Judges arrive, and players use the Justice side of the cards to remove Blockers. The game ends when the last Blocker is removed or both blocks collapse. The player with the least damage to their block wins.

Player Experience

Block Mania offers a fast-paced and chaotic experience, capturing the satirical and humorous tone of the Judge Dredd comics. Players control their block’s residents, using a variety of weapons and tactics to cause maximum damage to the opposing block before the Judges intervene. The game is highly thematic, especially for fans of the 2000 AD universe, but it can be complex with dense rules that require careful study.

Pros

Thematic Fidelity: Strongly captures the Judge Dredd universe and its chaotic atmosphere.

Variety of Units: Numerous types of Blockers and equipment add depth and variety to the game.

Expansion Options: The Mega Mania expansion allows for up to 4 players, increasing the mayhem.

Cons

Dated Mechanics: The command point system and dice rolling feel outdated compared to modern games.

Complex Rules: The game has many fiddly rules that require frequent rulebook checks, especially for new players.

Limited Player Count: Originally designed for 2 players, though the expansion helps.

Personal Thoughts on Block Mania: Mega-Mania

Block Mania is a game that will resonate strongly with fans of Judge Dredd and the 2000 AD comics. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its complex and somewhat dated mechanics, it offers a unique and chaotic gaming experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who value theme over sleek, modern game design and are willing to delve into the detailed rules. However, for casual gamers or those seeking a more streamlined experience, it might not be the best fit.

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