Grav-Ball (1982) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Grav-Ball, released in 1982 by FASA, is a science fiction sports board game that has gained a cult following over the years. The game is set in a futuristic world where teams compete in a high-speed, zero-gravity sport known as Grav-Ball. Players take on the roles of team managers, strategizing and maneuvering their players to victory on the grid-based game board.

Game Components of Grav-Ball

Game board featuring an anti-gravity arena

Armored player tokens

Steel ball token

Square grid map for tactical combat

Rulebook

How To Setup Grav-Ball

To set up Grav-Ball, players first lay out the game board, which represents the anti-gravity arena. Each player chooses their armored player tokens and places them on the starting positions marked on the grid. The steel ball token is placed at the center of the arena. Players then read through the rulebook to understand the tactical combat system and the objectives of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Combat-sport board game

Mechanics: Tactical combat on a square grid, movement, and goal scoring

Objective: Players aim to move the steel ball into the goal area while navigating and engaging in combat with other players.

Designer: Not explicitly mentioned, but developed by FASA

Player Experience

Playing Grav-Ball immerses players in a futuristic arena where strategy and tactical thinking are crucial. The game requires players to balance movement and combat, making each turn a calculated decision. The anti-gravity setting adds a unique twist, requiring players to adapt their strategies to the dynamic environment.

Pros

Unique Setting: Combines combat and sports in an anti-gravity arena, offering a fresh gaming experience.

Tactical Depth: The game’s tactical combat system, adapted from other FASA games like *Star Trek: The Role Playing Game*, provides a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of movement and combat keeps players engaged and challenged.

Cons

Expensive: At the time of its release, the game was criticized for being too expensive.

Limited Delivery: Some reviews noted that the game failed to live up to its full potential, delivering less than what it promised.

Personal Thoughts on Grav-Ball

Grav-Ball is ideal for fans of tactical combat and futuristic sports games. It appeals to players who enjoy strategic gameplay and are looking for a unique blend of action and strategy. However, due to its historical context and some criticisms regarding its value and delivery, it might not be the best fit for casual gamers or those on a tight budget. Despite this, Grav-Ball remains an interesting and challenging game for those who appreciate its niche blend of mechanics.

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