Gear Krieg Wargame (2000) Board Game

Gear Krieg is a wargame set in an alternate history where World War II is fought with advanced mechs and technology. Released in 2000, the game has garnered a dedicated fan base for its unique take on the historical period.

Game Components of Gear Krieg Wargame

Rulebook: Contains game rules, background data, and scenario settings.

Miniatures: Includes war walkers, tanks, and infantry figures, primarily in 15mm scale.

Vehicle Profiles: Detailed stats for various tanks, walkers, and artillery pieces.

Troop Organization: Tables and charts for platoon and company level units.

Scenarios: Alternate historical scenarios and additional game resources.

Cardboard Counters: For tracking game elements.

How To Setup Gear Krieg Wargame

Setting up Gear Krieg involves preparing the battlefield, deploying miniatures, and determining the scale using Measurement Units (MU). The game scale is variable, allowing players to adjust the scale based on the miniatures used. Players need to read through the background data and rules to understand the setup, which includes organizing troops, vehicles, and walkers according to the chosen scenario. The game resources chapter provides introductions to the armies involved, their tactics, and morale, which helps in setting up a realistic and engaging battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling Mechanic: Roll a number of 6-sided dice based on skill level, use the highest result, and compare it to a threshold number. Extra 6’s add to the total.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using opposed skill tests, with modifiers for various factors like fire control, weapon accuracy, and movement.

Movement and Scaling: Uses Measurement Units (MU) for scale-independent gameplay, allowing flexibility in battlefield setup.

Game Objective: The objective varies by scenario but generally involves defeating the opposing forces or completing specific missions.

Player Experience

Gear Krieg offers a unique blend of historical and science fiction elements, appealing to both historical war gamers and fans of fantasy. The game’s pulp-fueled World War II setting, complete with walking tanks and advanced technologies, creates a thrilling and immersive experience. The *Silhouette* system is fast, intuitive, and well-written, making the game accessible yet engaging for players of various skill levels.

Pros

Versatile Gameplay: Can be played as a role-playing game, tactical wargame, or a hybrid of both.

Immersive Setting: Alternate history with advanced technologies adds a unique twist to World War II.

Scale Flexibility: Measurement Units allow for variable scaling, making the game adaptable to different miniature scales.

Realistic yet Pulpy: Balances realism with the excitement of science fiction elements.

Cons

Lack of Charts: The original book lacks a full set of charts, requiring frequent page flipping.

Limited Initial Content: The first edition does not include comprehensive stats for all potential units and technologies.

Personal Thoughts on Gear Krieg Wargame

Gear Krieg is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of historical accuracy and science fiction excitement. It is particularly suited for those interested in alternate history scenarios and who appreciate the pulp-fueled atmosphere of advanced technologies in a World War II setting. The game’s flexibility in gameplay and scaling makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced wargamers and RPG enthusiasts. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a strictly historical or purely fantastical gaming experience.

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