NEXUS: Arena Combat System (2023) Board Game

NEXUS: Arena Combat System is a futuristic combat board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by a team of talented individuals, this game brings together elements of fighting, miniatures, and science fiction into an action-packed experience. With a runtime of 15-60 minutes, it is suitable for 2-4 players aged 17 and above.

Game Components of NEXUS: Arena Combat System

24 Large Pre-Painted Miniatures: Genetically engineered warriors known as helots and various arena hazards.

Magnetic Game Board Frame: For a 17 x 17 inch gameboard.

Gameboard: Features a large, interactive arena setting.

35 Tarot Sized Cards: Illustrated by Michael Rechlin, these cards add depth to the game.

Hundreds of Tokens and Coins: For tracking health, damage, and various game states.

Player Boards: Called Aerie Command Panels, these track player actions and statuses.

Turning Point Cards: Provide temporary bonuses and dramatic turns in the game.

Ratio Dice and Sliding Dice Scale (SDS): Used for resolving combat and other interactions.

How To Setup NEXUS: Arena Combat System

Setting up NEXUS is an extensive process due to the numerous components involved. Players must arrange the magnetic game board, place the miniatures and arena hazards, distribute the player boards, and organize the tokens and coins. The setup is described as inelegant and burdensome, requiring a significant amount of time and effort.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice with values such as INST, DEFT, and CUNN, which map to traits on their player trays.

Turn Structure: Each turn involves rolling a die to determine the order of actions, using a D6 to resolve ties, and managing a command panel to track and spend trait points.

Turning Point System: Players aim to roll each side of the D6 at least once to trigger a Turning Point, which grants temporary bonuses.

Combat Resolution: Players inflict damage on each other’s helots, targeting specific body parts which can lead to ongoing penalties.

Game Objective: The player who inflicts the most damage on their adversaries wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing NEXUS: Arena Combat System is an immersive but complex experience. The game is set in an otherworldly sci-fi fantasy world with horror elements, featuring genetically engineered warriors fighting in arenas on giant space barges. While the game’s setting and miniatures are highly praised for their aesthetic and thematic coherence, the gameplay is often bogged down by the multiplicity of rules and systems. This can make the game feel disjointed and overwhelming, despite its engaging and violent combat mechanics.

Pros

High-Quality Miniatures: Pre-painted and highly detailed figures add to the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Thematic Depth: The game’s setting and atmosphere are rich and immersive.

Dynamic Combat: The Turning Point system and various combat mechanics create exciting and unpredictable battles.

Customization: Each helot has unique motivations and abilities, making each game different.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game suffers from a overly complex rule set, leading to frequent rule look-ups and adjudications.

Lengthy Setup: The setup process is time-consuming and cumbersome.

Overwhelming Systems: The numerous mechanics and systems can make the game difficult to manage and enjoy smoothly.

Personal Thoughts on NEXUS: Arena Combat System

NEXUS: Arena Combat System is ideal for players who enjoy complex, thematic games with a strong focus on combat and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer streamlined rules or quick setup times. The game’s ultra-violent theme and intricate mechanics make it a niche product that will appeal to fans of games like *Battlebots* and *Gladiator*, but may intimidate newer players or those looking for a more casual gaming experience.

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