Ender’s Game: Battle School (2013) Board Game

Ender’s Game: Battle School is a board game based on the popular science fiction novel Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. The game was released in 2013 by Cryptozoic Entertainment, known for their various tabletop games inspired by movies, TV shows, and other pop culture themes.

Game Components of Ender’s Game: Battle School

Game Board: The arena where battles take place.

Rulebook: Contains the game rules and instructions.

Commander Cards: Special abilities for each team commander.

Commander Tokens: Represent the team leaders.

Trooper Tokens: Represent the team members.

Gate Tokens: Objectives to capture.

Star Terrain Tokens: Customize the arena.

Hit Point Markers: Track unit health.

Six-Sided Dice: Resolve combat.

How To Setup Ender’s Game: Battle School

Setting up the game involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the Commander Cards and tokens, and arranging the Star Terrain Tokens to customize the arena. Each player chooses a Commander and places their Trooper Tokens according to the rules. The Gate Tokens are positioned at opposite ends of the board. The Hit Point Markers and dice are also made ready for use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Combat.

Mechanics: Dice rolling, Area Control, Variable Player Powers.

Objective: Capture all of the opponent’s gates or freeze all of the opponent’s units using laser-light guns.

Player Experience

Players experience a game of strategic combat in a zero-gravity environment. The game is praised for its simple yet complex strategy, making it enjoyable for both casual and experienced gamers. However, some players note that the game can be biased towards Ender’s team due to the special abilities, leading to inconsistent gameplay outcomes.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Offers complex strategies despite simple rules.

Customizable Arena: Star Terrain Tokens allow for different battle scenarios.

Good for Two Players: Designed specifically for two-player games, promoting head-to-head competition.

Cons

Bias Towards Ender: Some players feel the game is designed to favor Ender’s team.

Limited Teams: Only includes Dragon and Salamander teams, lacking additional team options.

Dependence on Dice Rolls: Combat resolution relies heavily on dice rolls, which can lead to randomness and less strategic control.

Personal Thoughts on Ender’s Game: Battle School

This game is ideal for fans of the *Ender’s Game* series and those who enjoy strategic combat games. It’s a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate two-player games. However, players seeking more balanced gameplay or additional team options might find it somewhat limiting. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that captures the essence of the zero-gravity battles from the movie and novel.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.