Federation Commander: Romulan Border (2006) Board Game

Federation Commander: Romulan Border is a board game released in 2006 by the Amarillo Design Bureau, Inc. It is part of the larger Federation Commander series, which is based on the Star Trek universe. In this game, players take on the roles of either the Federation or the Romulan Empire as they engage in strategic space battles along the border.

Game Components of Federation Commander: Romulan Border

60-page Rev-4 rulebook

216 half-inch and 40 one-inch full color die cut playing pieces

Four full-color double-sided laminated player reference cards

Sixteen full color double-sided laminated ship cards

Six 8.5×11 hard-mounted double-sided map panels

Two dice

Paper clips for energy track

Wipe-off marker.

How To Setup Federation Commander: Romulan Border

Setting up the game involves organizing the components, including laying out the map panels, distributing ship cards, and preparing the player reference cards. Players need to choose their ships and configure their starting positions according to the scenario or duel setup. The game includes a detailed rulebook to guide the setup process, ensuring that all necessary components are in place before the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Action Points

Dice Rolling

Hexagon Grid

Simultaneous Action Selection

Objective

The objective is to engage in starship combat, managing resources and executing tactical maneuvers to defeat opponents. Players spend energy “on the fly” via a marker on a sliding scale, and the game features laminated ship diagrams and color-coded charts for ease of play. The game includes various scenarios, such as duels, fleet battles, and special missions like convoy attacks and base defenses.

Player Experience

**Federation Commander: Romulan Border** offers a dynamic and engaging experience for fans of starship combat and the Star Fleet Universe. The game is praised for its production values, including high-quality maps, laminated ship cards, and full-color counters. The gameplay is fast-paced, with a typical duel lasting about an hour, making it more accessible than some of its more complex predecessors like Star Fleet Battles.

Pros

High-quality components, including laminated maps and ship cards

Fast-paced gameplay with a wide range of scenarios

Compatible with other Federation Commander products

Easy to learn but with depth for veteran players

Includes plasma torpedoes and cloaking devices, adding strategic complexity.

Cons

Can be complex for new players to the Star Fleet Universe

Requires a significant amount of space for setup

Some scenarios may feel repetitive or too formulaic

The learning curve, while manageable, can be steep for those new to wargames or the Star Fleet Universe.

Personal Thoughts on Federation Commander: Romulan Border

**Federation Commander: Romulan Border** is ideal for veterans of Star Fleet Battles, fans of Star Trek, and enthusiasts of miniatures starship games. It offers a balanced blend of complexity and accessibility, making it a great entry point for those new to the series while still providing depth for experienced players. The game’s focus on the Federation, Romulan, and Gorn ships gives it a unique flavor, and the inclusion of scenarios and new ships adds significant replay value. If you’re looking for a strategic and engaging starship combat game with modern production values, **Federation Commander: Romulan Border** is an excellent choice.

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