Car Wars Compendium is a classic board game that was released in 1989 by Joc Internacional. The game was designed by Chad Irby and Steve Jackson, and features artwork by John Dismukes. It is a racing game set in a science fiction world, where players compete against each other in vehicular combat.
Game Components of Car Wars Compendium
Rulebook: The core component, containing all the rules and expansions compiled into one volume.No Maps or Counters: The compendium does not include maps or counters, which must be purchased separately.Optional Expansions: Includes rules from *Car Wars Deluxe Edition*, *Boat Wars*, *Dueltrack*, and other supplements.
How To Setup Car Wars Compendium
To set up Car Wars Compendium, players need to acquire the necessary maps and counters, as these are not included in the rulebook. Here’s a general setup process:
Prepare the Battlefield: Lay out the battlemaps, which can be printed or purchased separately.Choose Vehicles: Select and customize your vehicles using the rules provided in the compendium. This includes choosing weapons, armor, power plants, suspension, and body styles.Distribute Counters: Place the vehicle counters on the battlemaps according to the game setup.Determine Starting Positions: Players agree on or randomly determine the starting positions of their vehicles on the map.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Hexagon Grid: The game uses a hexagon grid system for movement and combat.Simultaneous Action: All actions in the game are simultaneous; players do not roll for initiative.Turn Phases: Each turn is divided into phases, initially ten phases in the first edition, then reduced to five and later three phases in subsequent editions.Movement and Combat: Players move their vehicles and fire weapons during the phases, with movement determined by the vehicle’s speed.Objective: The objective is to destroy or disable your opponents’ vehicles while surviving yourself.
Player Experience
Car Wars Compendium offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience, particularly appealing to fans of vehicle combat and post-apocalyptic settings. The game allows for extensive customization of vehicles, making each battle unique. However, the complexity and the need for simultaneous action can make the game challenging and time-consuming, often taking a few hours to play despite the combat duration being just a few seconds in-game.
Pros
Deep Customization: Players can design and customize a wide range of vehicles, from cars to boats and hovercraft.Complex Strategy: The game requires strategic thinking, including managing vehicle speed, maneuverability, and weapon usage.Extensive Expansions: The compendium includes rules from various expansions, adding a lot of content and variety to the game.Immersive Setting: The post-apocalyptic setting provides a rich backdrop for the game.
Cons
Complex Rules: The game has intricate rules that can be overwhelming for new players.Time-Consuming: Games can take several hours to play due to the detailed resolution of each action.Additional Costs: Players need to purchase maps and counters separately, adding to the overall cost.Steep Learning Curve: The simultaneous action and multiple phases per turn can be difficult to manage for new players.
Personal Thoughts on Car Wars Compendium
Car Wars Compendium is ideal for fans of tactical combat games and those who enjoy the idea of customizing and battling with futuristic, armed vehicles. It’s a game that rewards strategy and planning, making it a great choice for experienced gamers looking for a challenge. However, due to its complexity and the need for additional components, it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers.
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