Damage Report (2014) Board Game

Damage Report is a real-time, science fiction board game released in in 2014. It is designed by Sylvia Armitstead, Satrayana Eldin de Pecoulas, and Taylor Luke. The game is published by Break From Reality Games and is suitable for 2 to 6 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Damage Report

Modular cardboard bits for creating the board

Other cardboard bits for playing

Multiple decks of cards

Glass and plastic resources (crystals, energy, tech supplies)

Plastic sand timers

An electronic timer

Player boards and character cards with unique abilities

Resource tokens and player pawns

Modules such as Shields, Medical Bay, Life Support, etc.

How To Setup Damage Report

To set up the game, players construct the spaceship using various modular board pieces, each representing different ship systems like Shields, Medical Bay, and Life Support. Resource repositories and decks of cards are also placed on the modules according to the specific scenario being played. Each player chooses a character with a special power and starts at a designated location on the ship. The setup ensures a new experience with each game scenario due to the modular design.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Action Timer: Players use sand timers to manage their action intervals.

Cooperative Game: Players work together to repair the ship.

Modular Board: The ship’s layout changes with each scenario.

Pick-up and Deliver: Players gather resources and tools to repair systems.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players take actions simultaneously.

Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique abilities.

Objective:

Players must repair critical systems on the ship within a limited time frame. They gather resources and tools, navigate the ship, and perform repairs while managing the decreasing time between actions due to life support system damage. The goal is to meet the specific win conditions for the scenario before the ship succumbs to damage.

Player Experience

**Damage Report** offers a frenetic and chaotic experience, with players reacting to changing game effects in real-time. The game is highly immersive, with the constant ticking of timers and the alarm of damage reports every three minutes, creating a stressful yet exhilarating environment. Teamwork is crucial as players need to synchronize their actions to repair systems effectively. The game often leads to shouted orders and small disagreements, adding to the dynamic and immersive feel.

Pros

High Immersion: Real-time mechanics create a tense, realistic experience.

Modular Board: Ensures a unique game setup each time.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and coordination.

Variable Difficulty: Scenarios can be scaled to adjust difficulty levels.

Replay Value: Multiple scenarios and varying player counts keep the game fresh.

Cons

Component Quality Issues: Timers and other components can be fragile.

Balance Problems: Scenarios are not well-balanced for different player counts.

Downtime: Low life support levels can lead to significant downtime between actions.

Learning Curve: Initial games can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage.

Personal Thoughts on Damage Report

**Damage Report** is ideal for players who enjoy real-time cooperative games and are looking for a challenging, immersive experience. It’s perfect for groups of friends who can work together efficiently and enjoy the stress and thrill of managing a crisis in real-time. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer more relaxed or turn-based games. The game’s ability to scale difficulty makes it accessible to both new and experienced players, though it’s important to note that the initial learning curve can be steep. Overall, **Damage Report** is a fun and intense game that tests teamwork and strategic thinking under pressure.

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