Noble Armada (1998) Board Game

Noble Armada is a science fiction miniatures wargame that was released in in 1998. It was designed by John Bridges, Bob Naismith, and John Poreda, with artwork by Holistic Design, Inc. The game is set in a universe of political intrigue and space battles, where players take on the roles of various factions vying for control.

Game Components of Noble Armada

Rulebook

32 plastic ship miniatures (4 each of 8 different ships for 3 different factions)

Ship record sheets for major factions

Counters

20-sided dice

Deck plans for two of the ships

Firing arc templates (not provided for hexless gameplay).

How To Setup Noble Armada

Setting up Noble Armada involves preparing the game board, which can be a 2-D playing field, and arranging the ship miniatures. Players select their fleets, usually from predefined factions like the Hawkwood, Decados, or Merchant League. Each ship has a record sheet detailing its capabilities and crew. The game also includes guidelines for playing without a hex map, though players must create their own firing arc templates if they choose this method.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Fast Gameplay: Actions are resolved quickly using a D20.

Simple Movement: Movement is simplified using a D20 to mark direction and speed.

Ship-to-Ship Combat: Involves broadsides and other space combat mechanics.

Boarding Actions: Players can grapple and board enemy ships, engaging in interior combat.

Command Orders: Players issue orders to their ships, managing communication and sensor contact.

Campaign Play: Scenarios can be standalone or part of a larger campaign, affecting future games.

Player Experience

Playing Noble Armada immerses you in the Fading Suns universe, where you command a fleet of ships and engage in strategic space battles. The game combines the thrill of broadsides with the intensity of boarding actions, making each game session dynamic and engaging. However, the initial learning curve can be steep due to the dense and sometimes unclear rules.

Pros

Fast and Simple Gameplay: Quick resolution of actions and simple movement mechanics.

Engaging Boarding Actions: Exciting interior combat adds a unique layer to the game.

Compatibility with Fading Suns RPG: Seamlessly integrates with the Fading Suns role-playing game.

Detailed Components: Includes a variety of miniatures and record sheets.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rules are not well-written, requiring multiple read-throughs and playtests to understand.

Overuse of Symbols: The game uses numerous symbols for different guns and crew members, which can be confusing.

Limited Deck Plans: Initially, deck plans were only provided for a few ships, requiring players to create their own for others.

Personal Thoughts on Noble Armada

Noble Armada is ideal for fans of the Fading Suns universe and those who enjoy strategic space combat with a mix of tactical maneuvering and boarding actions. While the game has its flaws, particularly in the rule clarity and symbol usage, it offers a rich and engaging experience for dedicated players. If you’re willing to invest time in understanding the rules, Noble Armada can be a highly rewarding addition to your game collection.

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