Gorkamorka (1997) Board Game

Gorkamorka is a tabletop wargame set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, specifically focusing on Orks and their vehicles on the desert world of Angelis. Released in 1997 by Games Workshop, Gorkamorka has gained a cult following among fans of the Warhammer franchise.

Game Components of Gorkamorka

Model kits: Includes Wartrak, Wartruck, and multi-part plastic Boyz models.

Rulebook: Contains rules derived from the second edition of Warhammer 40,000 with additional vehicle rules and a campaign system.

Expansion set: “Digganob” introduced in 1998 with new factions, special characters, and scenarios.

Terrain: Players can use various terrain pieces such as scrap piles, forts, and barricades to create the desert environment.

How To Setup Gorkamorka

To set up Gorkamorka, players first select their factions and mobs, which are groups of warriors and their transport vehicles. The game is typically played on a table with a desert-themed terrain, including features like scrap piles, forts, and barricades. Players deploy their models on the table edges or within a specified distance, with the player rolling the highest dice score choosing their deployment location. The objective is to gather scrap and resources while engaging in battles against opposing mobs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Tabletop skirmish wargame.

Mechanics: High chance element through dice rolling, vehicle combat, and a campaign system.

Objective: Lead a group of warriors to gain wealth and experience. Players aim to collect “Teef” (the game’s currency) by performing well in battles and completing missions.

Campaign System: Games are designed to be played in a series, allowing fighters to gain new abilities, suffer permanent injuries, or die. New warriors can be purchased, and veteran warriors can “retire” once they reach a high level.

Player Experience

Gorkamorka offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and Ork culture. The game’s campaign system allows for long-term play, with each battle contributing to the overall story and development of the player’s mob. The mix of vehicle combat and infantry battles adds variety to the gameplay, and the high chance element from dice rolling keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.

Pros

Rich Campaign System: Allows for long-term play with character development and story progression.

Variety in Gameplay: Combines infantry and vehicle combat, offering different strategies and playstyles.

Community Support: Active community with a significant amount of fan-made content and support.

Cons

Complex Rules: Derived from the second edition of Warhammer 40,000, the rules can be complex for new players.

Limited Official Support: While the rulebook and source book were released online in 2008, the expansion set was not, and official support is limited.

Personal Thoughts on Gorkamorka

Gorkamorka is ideal for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, particularly those who enjoy the Ork faction and vehicular combat. The game’s depth and complexity make it appealing to experienced wargamers, but it may also attract new players looking for a rich and immersive campaign experience. However, the learning curve due to its complex rules might deter some casual players. Overall, Gorkamorka is a unique and engaging game that offers a lot of replay value and community involvement.

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