Rivet Wars: Eastern Front (2014) Board Game

Rivet Wars: Eastern Front is a miniatures wargame that was released in in 2014. It is set in an alternate World War I universe, where players take on the roles of generals commanding their armies of steampunk-inspired units in battle.

Game Components of Rivet Wars: Eastern Front

38 highly-detailed plastic miniatures

34-page rulebook

16 stat cards

2 stat dashboards

24 Action cards

10 Secret Mission cards

9 double-sided tiles

1 tracking tile

6 bunker markers

6 strategic objective markers

6 minefield markers

6 tank trap markers

6 razor wire markers

12 flag tokens

5 gas plastic markers

4 victory plastic markers

24 damage plastic markers

6 six-sided dice

How To Setup Rivet Wars: Eastern Front

To set up the game, players first prepare the battlefield by arranging the double-sided tiles to form the map. Each player selects their forces, which include various units such as infantry, cavalry, artillery, and massive walking tanks. Players also receive stat cards, Action cards, and Secret Mission cards. The game includes markers for bunkers, strategic objectives, and various obstacles like minefields and tank traps. The setup is relatively straightforward, allowing players to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players gather resources (bunkers and capture points) to deploy new units.

Unit Deployment: Each turn, players deploy units to counter their opponent’s moves.

Real-Time Strategy Elements: Inspired by RTS games, players respond to opponents’ moves and craft surprises and secret missions.

Tactical Objectives: Capture strategic objectives and smash the enemy’s army.

Customization: Use the Rivet Wars Plug System to customize vehicles with turrets or driver add-ons.

Objective: The goal is to outmaneuver and defeat the opponent’s forces.

Player Experience

Rivet Wars: Eastern Front offers a fast-paced and tactical gameplay experience. Players enjoy the ebb and flow of the tactical landscape, where they can stock up surprises for their opponent. The game is praised for its fun and easy-to-learn mechanics, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The detailed miniatures and the mix of steampunk and World War I elements add to the game’s charm and visual appeal.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Games typically last around 30 minutes.

Highly Detailed Miniatures: Great for painting and display.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Allows for various strategies and surprise tactics.

Customizable: Vehicles can be customized with turrets and add-ons.

Cons

Expensive: The retail version is priced around $75.

Limited Depth: Some players may find the game lacks depth in certain areas.

Lots of Components: Can be overwhelming for some players to manage.

Personal Thoughts on Rivet Wars: Eastern Front

Rivet Wars: Eastern Front is ideal for fans of tactical miniatures games and those who enjoy real-time strategy elements in a board game. It is suitable for players aged 14 and above, and its short gameplay time makes it a great addition to any game night. The game’s unique blend of steampunk and World War I themes, along with its customizable units, adds a layer of creativity and fun that sets it apart from other miniatures games. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, customization, and a dash of dark humor, Rivet Wars: Eastern Front is definitely worth considering.

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