Project Pandora: Grim Cargo (2012) Board Game

Project Pandora: Grim Cargo is a two-player board game released in in 2012. It falls under the categories of Exploration, Fighting, Miniatures, and Science Fiction. Designed by Tears of Envy and featuring art by Mantic Games, this game offers an immersive experience for players looking to engage in tactical combat and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Project Pandora: Grim Cargo

Miniatures: 10 highly detailed Corporation Marines and 10 Veer-myn miniatures made from rigid resin.

Boards: Starship boards that butt up together rather than connecting like a jigsaw.

Order Chits: 9 order chits per player for movement, shooting, or special actions.

Dice: Used for opposed rolling in combat resolution.

Artwork and Counters: Stunning artwork depicting the starship and action counters.

Rulebook: The Grim Cargo rulebook with fast-paced and easy-to-learn rules.

How To Setup Project Pandora: Grim Cargo

Setting up the game involves assembling the miniatures, as they do not slot together easily and require some fiddling. There is no exploded diagram provided, so players may need to refer to external resources for help. The boards are placed side by side, and the order chits and dice are distributed according to the scenario being played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Order System: Players alternate selecting and using one order chit each turn, with each chit allowing movement, shooting, or a special action. Used chits are reset after missing a turn.

Dice Mechanics: Opposed rolling of dice with modifiers affecting the number of dice rolled, making combat resolution fast and straightforward.

Scenarios: Pre-defined scenarios dictate the forces, maps, and objectives for each game.

Game Objective: The Corporation aims to protect the cargo, while the Veer-myn aim to steal it.

Player Experience

Playing Project Pandora: Grim Cargo is an engaging and fast-paced experience. The unique order system makes for intriguing decisions and adds a layer of strategy different from other dungeoncrawl games. The gameplay is streamlined, and the dice mechanics avoid complex modified results, making it enjoyable for those who prefer simple yet effective combat resolution.

Pros

Unique Order System: Makes the game feel different from other sci-fi dungeoncrawls.

High-Quality Miniatures: Detailed and crisp miniatures, especially considering the game’s source from a dedicated miniatures manufacturer.

Streamlined Gameplay: Fast and fun, with straightforward combat mechanics.

Replayability: Scenarios allow for multiple plays with varying objectives and setups.

Cons

Assembly Required: Miniatures need assembly and may not fit together perfectly.

Board Design: Boards do not connect like a jigsaw, which could be a minor issue for some players.

Cardboard Components: Not as high-quality as those in other modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Project Pandora: Grim Cargo

Project Pandora: Grim Cargo is ideal for fans of sci-fi dungeoncrawl games who are looking for a fresh take on the genre. The game’s unique mechanics and high-quality miniatures make it a great addition to any collection. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate streamlined gameplay and do not mind a bit of assembly and setup. If you enjoy games like Descent: Journeys in the Dark or Space Hulk but want something distinct, Project Pandora: Grim Cargo is definitely worth considering.

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