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Phoenix Command (1986) Board Game

ByMichail

Phoenix Command is a tactical wargame that was released in 1986 by Leading Edge Games. It was designed by Toni Dennis and Nadir Elfarra, and it is known for its detailed and realistic simulation of modern warfare. The game features miniatures and utilizes a hexagon grid for movement and combat.

Game Components of Phoenix Command

  • Rule Book: A 56-page spiral-bound rule book.
  • Modern Military Weapon Data Supplement: A 32-page supplement.
  • Reference Tables: Detailed tables for resolving injuries and combat outcomes.
  • Blank Character Sheets**.
  • Ten-Sided Die**.
  • Additional Supplements: Hand to Hand Combat System, World War 2 Weapon Data Supplement, Wild West Weapon Data Supplement, Civilian Weapon Data Supplement, Living Steel Power Armour Sourcebook, Advanced Damage Tables, High Tech Weapon Data Supplement, and more.

    How To Setup Phoenix Command

    Setting up Phoenix Command involves preparing the game environment with a hexagonal map where each hex measures two yards across. Players must also have the rule book, weapon data supplements, and reference tables ready. Character generation is a part of the setup, which includes determining Intelligence Skill Factor (ISF), Knockout Value (KV), and other combat-related statistics. The game uses US Customary Units and requires meticulous preparation of character and weapon stats.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Combat Resolution: Uses lookup tables to resolve injuries to specific digits, organs, and bones, simulating the physics of different attacks.
  • Squad-Level Combat: Played on a hexagonal map with phases divided into four half-second impulses.
  • Declare-Simultaneously-Resolve-Afterwards System: Players declare actions, and then resolve them in sequence.
  • Character Generation: Includes detailed stats for characters and their guns.
  • Objective: To simulate realistic modern firearms combat, with the goal of incapacitating or eliminating opponents.

    Player Experience

    Playing Phoenix Command is an immersive but complex experience. The game is known for its hyper-realistic simulation of gunfire and combat, which can be both exhilarating and daunting. Players must navigate extensive rules and tables, making it a game that appeals to those who relish detailed combat mechanics. The game’s realism, including the deadliness of combat and the physics of gunshot wounds, makes it stand out but also requires significant investment in learning the rules.

    Pros

  • High Realism: Provides an extremely detailed and realistic simulation of modern firearms combat.
  • Accurate Simulation: Simulates gunshot wounds and the physics of different attacks with high accuracy.
  • Versatile: Can be used as a standalone game or as a supplement to other military role-playing games.
  • Detailed Character and Weapon Stats: Includes comprehensive data on characters and weapons.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate rules and numerous tables.
  • Time-Consuming: Setup and gameplay can be slow due to the need for cross-indexing multiple tables and resolving complex combat scenarios.
  • Poorly Written and Edited: Some critics find the rules poorly written and edited, leading to confusion and gaps in the rules.

    Personal Thoughts on Phoenix Command

    Phoenix Command is for the dedicated and detail-oriented gamer who values realism in combat simulation. It is ideal for weapons buffs, military enthusiasts, and players looking to add a high level of realism to their role-playing or wargaming experiences. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, faster-paced games. The game’s complexity and detail make it a niche product that will appeal to a specific audience seeking an unparalleled level of realism in combat simulation.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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