Cover art of a game titled "GLOOBS: A peculiar game for two players by ALLEN VARNEY - STEVE JACKSON GAMES," featuring cartoon-like characters with a smiling orb and various blobs, some with eyes, amid syringes and splats on a blue background.
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Globbo! (1983)

ByMichail

Why is Globbo Popular?

Globbo is a unique and off-the-wall wargame that is known for its humorous and entertaining Gameplay Mechanics of Globbo. The game is significant because it is one of the earliest games published by Steve Jackson Games, a game company that creates and publishes role-playing, board, and card games.

Game Components of Globbo!

  • Game Board:** Representing an alien playpen.
  • Globbo:** The large, powerful unit with a head and various attack parts (Blue Zaps and Red Slaps).
  • Little Angels:** Three types – Biters, Blips, and Yeasts.
  • Biters:** Can attack and explode if hit by Globbo.
  • Blips and Yeasts:** Created by exploding Biters; can combine to form more Biters.
  • Hexagonal Spaces:** For movement and positioning.

    How To Setup Globbo!

    To set up the game, place the game board in the middle, representing the alien playpen. Globbo starts as a central unit, while the little angels (Biters, Blips, and Yeasts) are distributed around the playpen. Each player takes turns placing their units according to the initial setup rules. The objective is clear from the start: one player controls Globbo, while the other manages the little angels.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hex-and-Counter Mechanics:** Movement and attacks are based on hexagonal spaces.
  • Globbo’s Growth:** Globbo grows bigger over time unless hit by exploding Biters.
  • Globbo’s Attacks:**
  • Head Attack:** Up to 15 hexes away in a straight line.
  • Blue Zaps:** Attack up to 3 hexes away, must be adjacent to the head or other Blue Zaps.
  • Red Slaps:** Attack adjacent spaces, must be adjacent to Blue Zaps.
  • Little Angels’ Abilities:**
  • Biters:** Attack and explode if hit by Globbo.
  • Blips and Yeasts:** Combine to form more Biters.
  • Objective:** The player controlling Globbo aims to eliminate all the little angels, while the other player aims to reduce Globbo to a manageable size or eliminate it.

    Player Experience

    Playing Globbo is an experience of strategic imbalance, where one side controls a powerful, growing monster and the other manages a swarm of less powerful but explosive units. The game requires careful planning and positioning, especially for the player controlling the little angels, who must strategize to combine their units effectively and take down Globbo piece by piece.

    Pros

  • Unique Theme:** An exceptionally strange and engaging theme of exploding children and a homicidal baby-sitter.
  • Strategic Depth:** Despite the asymmetrical nature, the game offers deep strategic play.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Constant changes due to the growth of Globbo and the explosive nature of the little angels.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** Setting up the game can be intricate due to the specific placement rules.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for only two players.
  • Niche Appeal:** The game’s theme and mechanics may not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Globbo!

    Globbo is for players who enjoy asymmetrical games with a strong strategic focus and a dash of humor. It’s ideal for those who appreciate unique themes and are willing to invest time in understanding the complex mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that’s far from the norm and offers a challenging yet quirky experience, Globbo might be the perfect addition to your board game collection. However, it may not be suitable for younger players due to its complex nature and mature theme.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl