Moonbase Alpha (2012) Board Game

Moonbase Alpha is a science fiction wargame released in 2012, designed by Scott Everts and published by Victory Point Games. The game is set on a moonbase in the year 2115, where players take on the roles of competing factions vying for control of the base’s resources.

Game Components of Moonbase Alpha

Game board featuring the lunar surface divided into arbitrary chunks

Order tokens for real and bluff orders

Dice for resolving combat

Unit tokens for each player’s corporation

Technology research cards

Stock price trackers

Income and expense markers

Turn marker

How To Setup Moonbase Alpha

To set up Moonbase Alpha, players start by placing the game board, which represents the lunar surface, in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a corporation and places their unit tokens on designated starting locations. The order tokens, dice, technology research cards, and stock price trackers are also distributed. Players set the turn marker to the beginning of the turn track, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Order System: Players alternate placing order tokens face-down on the board, including real orders and a bluff token.

Dice-Based Combat: Combat is resolved by rolling dice, adding the total of the troops, and consulting a table for the outcome.

Technology Research: Players can research new technologies to improve their units and earn income.

Stock Price Management: Players aim to increase their stock price or decrease their opponent’s stock price.

Game Objective

The objective is to drive the opponent’s stock price down or increase your own stock price to a winning threshold. Alternatively, a player can force their opponent’s stock to bottom out and take over their company.

Player Experience

Playing Moonbase Alpha can be a mixed experience. The game offers strategic depth with its order system and dice-based combat, but it often feels overcomplicated. The map, while visually appealing with its 1970s sci-fi theme, lacks clear visual cues, making it hard to understand the significance of different locations. The combat system can be slow and often results in minimal damage, which can drag the game out.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The order system and bluff tokens add a layer of strategy.

Theme: The 1970s sci-fi theme is unique and appealing.

Competitive: The game is designed for competitive play, encouraging strategic decisions.

Cons

Complexity: The game mechanics can be overly complicated and hard to follow.

Combat Issues: Combat resolution can be slow and often ineffective.

Map Design: The map lacks clear visual cues, making it hard to navigate and understand strategic locations.

Personal Thoughts on Moonbase Alpha

Moonbase Alpha is for players who enjoy light wargames and strategic decision-making. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a straightforward, fast-paced game. The game’s complexity and slow combat resolution can make it frustrating at times. Despite its flaws, it offers a unique theme and strategic opportunities that will appeal to fans of wargames and sci-fi settings.

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