Moon Base Clavius is a science fiction wargame that was released in in 1982. Designed by Alvin Belflower and R. Vance Buck, the game is set on the moon and involves strategic gameplay with elements of simulation.
Game Components of Moon Base Clavius
108 counters: Representing American and Soviet forces, including infantry, SMG units, rifle units, laser rifle units, nuclear mortars, regular mortars, SPBs (self-propelled batteries), and engineer units.Rulebook: An 18-page booklet containing rules, a train effects chart, and a combat results table.Map: A 16 by 22 hex grid map depicting the moon base and its surroundings, including crater walls, crater planes, colonies, forts, and a transport system.Dice: Used for resolving combat.Game turn marker: Tracks the game turns.
How To Setup Moon Base Clavius
To set up the game, players must follow the scenario-specific instructions. For the initial Soviet attack scenario:
American Forces: Place 32 units within the Clavius crater or within three hexes of a mine, adhering to stacking limitations of three units per hex. These units include infantry, nuclear mortars, and non-nuclear mortars.Soviet Forces: Enter 12 SMG units, 23 rifle units, one headquarters unit, and one engineer unit on the left edge of the map at the start of turn one.Victory Conditions: The Soviets must capture four forts or one colony, or all five colonies within seven turns.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn Structure: Each turn consists of two player turns (Soviet and American), each comprising a combat phase, movement phase, and reinforcement phase.Combat Phase: Resolve combat using dice rolls and the combat results table. Nuclear mortars attack all units in a hex without dividing their attack vector.Movement Phase: Units can move across the map, with Americans utilizing a monorail system for unlimited movement within the monorail network.Reinforcement Phase: Receive reinforcements specified by the scenario.Stacking Limitations: No more than three units can stack in a single hex.Terrain Effects: Crater walls, crater planes, and other terrain features affect movement and combat.Objective: The Soviets aim to capture key installations, while the Americans must defend and hold out until reinforcements arrive.
Player Experience
**Moon Base Clavius** offers a moderately complex gameplay experience with a unique blend of strategic movement and combat. The game’s design caters to those interested in sci-fi themes and asymmetric warfare, where the Americans rely on advanced technology and a monorail system, while the Soviets leverage brute force and surprise attacks. The game’s duration is approximately 30 minutes to an hour, making it a manageable and engaging session for players.
Pros
Unique Setting: A futuristic battle on the moon adds a fresh twist to traditional war games.Asymmetric Gameplay: different strengths and weaknesses for each side enhance strategic depth.Moderate Complexity: Easy to learn but challenging to master.Multiple Scenarios: Includes various scenarios and a campaign game, offering replay value.
Cons
Limited Components: Simple, one-sided counters might lack visual appeal for some players.Stacking Limitations: Can be restrictive, forcing players to spread out units.Complex Rules: While moderate, the rules can be overwhelming for new players.
Personal Thoughts on Moon Base Clavius
**Moon Base Clavius** is ideal for fans of sci-fi and tactical warfare games. It suits players who enjoy strategic planning and the challenge of managing different unit types with unique abilities. The game’s short playtime and multiple scenarios make it a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for those interested in Cold War-era themes and futuristic conflicts. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly detailed components or overly simplistic rules.
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