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Project: ELITE (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Project: ELITE is a fast-paced cooperative board game that was initially released in 2016 by Artipia Games. It gained popularity for its unique real-time gameplay and sci-fi theme, where players take on the roles of elite soldiers fighting against alien enemies to save humanity. The game was well-received by both casual gamers and enthusiasts for its intense gameplay and high-quality miniatures.

Game Components of Project: ELITE

  • Figures: 59 (6 Heroes, 8 bosses, 45 Swarms in three different squads)
  • Cards: 148 (64 Equipment, 3 Swarm Stats, 25 Events, 30 Swarm Spawns, 20 Boss Spawns, and 6 Player Aids)
  • Dice: 42 (24 Action dice, 18 Hit dice)
  • Electronic Timer**
  • Map Board: Double-sided
  • Marker cubes: 6
  • Hero Dashboards: 6
  • Counter bases: 6
  • Tokens: 116 (12 Targets, 36 Health, 12 Acid, 4 Slime, 6 Kara Ability, 3 Alien Clusters, 3 Search, 12 Traps, and 28 Double-Sided Objectives).

    How To Setup Project: ELITE

    To set up the game, players choose their characters, each with unique special abilities. The game board is set up according to the chosen scenario and difficulty level. Players select a mission (such as Demolition, Extermination, Recon, Capture, or Exploration) and place the corresponding objective tiles. The electronic timer and necessary cards are prepared, and each player receives their action and hit dice, along with a basic weapon and equipment cards. The alien spawn cards and boss spawn cards are shuffled and ready for use.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Cooperative Play: Players work together to complete missions.
  • Real-Time: Players have a 2-minute timer to perform actions.
  • Dice Rolling: Players use action and hit dice to perform various actions.
  • Character Asymmetry: Each character has unique abilities.

    Game Objective

  • Stop Aliens: Defend against invading aliens and complete specific mission objectives.
  • Mission Types:
  • Demolition: Deliver and activate demolition tiles.
  • Extermination: Eliminate objectives via persistent dice rolling.
  • Recon: Move an objective tile to a designated spot.
  • Capture: Load an objective with dice and time it to be stepped on by an alien swarm.
  • Exploration: Activate exploration tokens throughout the map.

    Player Experience

    Project: ELITE is known for its adrenaline-packed gameplay, forcing players into frantic decision-making and continuous dice rolling. The real-time mechanism and electronic timer add a layer of urgency, making communication and coordination between players crucial. The game’s immersive soundtrack, provided by the Project: ELITE app, enhances the experience, simulating the intensity of a science fiction battle scenario.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Various missions and character abilities ensure a different experience each time.
  • Cooperative Dynamics: Encourages teamwork and quick decision-making.
  • Immersive Experience: Real-time gameplay and an immersive soundtrack create a thrilling atmosphere.
  • Scalability: Supports 1 to 6 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

    Cons

  • Random Boss Spawning: The new version’s random boss spawning can lead to inconsistent difficulty levels.
  • Crowded Gameplay: With six players, the game can become overly crowded and chaotic.
  • High Difficulty: All difficulty levels are challenging, which may deter some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Project: ELITE

    Project: ELITE is ideal for fans of cooperative and real-time games who enjoy intense, fast-paced gameplay. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a challenge that requires teamwork and quick thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer more relaxed or strategic gameplay, as it demands constant action and decision-making under time pressure.

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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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