Cloudships & Gunboats (1989)

Cloudships & Gunboats

Cloudships & Gunboats is a board game set in the world of Space: 1889, a science fiction RPG that takes place in an alternate history where space travel is possible in the late 19th century. The game was first published in 1989 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW) as a supplement to the Space: 1889 RPG. It was designed by Frank Chadwick, who also created the Space: 1889 RPG. The game features aerial combat between cloudships and gunboats in the skies of Mars, with mini-scale deckplans, cardstock minis, rules, and ship diagrams.

Why is Cloudships & Gunboats Popular?

Cloudships & Gunboats is significant because it is part of the Space: 1889 universe, which has a dedicated fanbase. The game won Origins Awards for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame of 1988 and Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame of 1988. It is also notable for its unique setting and Gameplay Mechanics of Cloudships & Gunboats.

Game Components of Cloudships & Gunboats

Rule booklet with additional and optional rules for aerial combat

Expanded ship design rules

Information on several ships from Earth and Mars

Deck plans for the ships

Book of record forms for the ships

60 cardboard characters

Color deck plans and cardstock miniatures.

How To Setup Cloudships & Gunboats

To set up **Cloudships & Gunboats**, players need to familiarize themselves with the **Space: 1889** universe and the specific rules provided in the supplement. This involves reading through the rule booklet, understanding the ship design rules, and preparing the deck plans and character cards. The game can be integrated into existing **Space: 1889** campaigns or used as a standalone supplement for aerial combat scenarios.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Aerial Combat: Players engage in ship-to-ship battles using the provided rules and deck plans.

Ship Design: Players can design and customize their own flying ships using the expanded ship design rules.

Character Management: Use of 60 cardboard characters to manage crew and their actions.

Objectives: The game can be played to achieve various objectives such as winning battles, completing missions, or exploring the skies of Mars and Venus.

Player Experience

Playing **Cloudships & Gunboats** offers a unique blend of strategic thinking and imaginative storytelling. Players delve into the Victorian Science Fiction world, managing their aerial fleets and characters in detailed and often complex battles. The game encourages strategic thought and planning, making it engaging for players who enjoy tactical gameplay and world-building.

Pros

Detailed Ship Design: Allows players to create and customize their own flying ships.

Rich Setting: Set in the intriguing **Space: 1889** universe with its alternate history and sci-fi elements.

Versatile: Can be used as a standalone supplement or integrated into larger **Space: 1889** campaigns.

Visual Aids: Includes color deck plans and cardstock miniatures to enhance gameplay.

Cons

Optional Rules: Some reviewers found the supplement to be more about “flash” than substance, suggesting it’s not a necessity for the game.

Complexity: The game mechanics, especially the ship design and aerial combat rules, can be complex and may require significant time to master.

Personal Thoughts on Cloudships & Gunboats

**Cloudships & Gunboats** is ideal for fans of Victorian Science Fiction and those who enjoy detailed, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players already invested in the **Space: 1889** series, as it adds a new layer of depth to the aerial combat aspects of the game. However, new players might find the complexity and the need for prior knowledge of the **Space: 1889** universe to be a barrier to entry.

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