Robot Wars: The Game (2002) Board Game

Robot Wars: The Game is based on the popular British television series “Robot Wars,” where contestants build their own robots to battle it out in an arena. The board game was released in 2002 by Feva (UK) Ltd. It captures the excitement and thrills of the TV show and allows players to strategize and compete against each other in a simulated robot battle.

Game Components of Robot Wars: The Game

Control Panels: Six panels that make up a significant part of the game, with sliders to adjust robot stats.

Dice: Several d6 dice, including two hollow plastic dice with stickers for damage and house robots.

Miniatures: Metal robot miniatures, each representing a different robot.

Tokens: Bright yellow tokens with the Robot Wars logo, reminiscent of Pac-Man’s power pills.

Card Decks: Two decks of cards for weapons and battles, printed on glossy but cheap paper.

Board: A large plastic tray serving as the game board with a built-in turn marker.

Rules: Printed on a folded A4 paper.

Scorepad: For tracking points and damage.

How To Setup Robot Wars: The Game

To set up the game, players start by building their robots. Each player takes a control panel, a die, and a miniature. They roll the d6 ten times, earning yellow tokens for each even number rolled, which are then used to raise the stats on the control dial (Power, Speed, and Manoeuvrability). Players also receive a random weapon card from the deck, assigning 1, 2, or 3 damage points to their robot.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Robot Building: Players build their robots by assigning stats and choosing weapons.

Combat: Players engage in battles, rolling dice to determine hits and damage.

Stat Management: Players manage their robot’s stats (Power, Speed, Manoeuvrability), which can be reduced by damage.

Objective: The first robot to get immobilized or the game reaching 15 turns ends the game. The last robot standing wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Robot Wars: The Game** can be an oddly thematic experience, capturing the essence of the TV show. Players navigate the challenges of robot combat, managing stats and weapons to outmaneuver opponents. The game can feel chaotic, especially in larger player counts, where not all players may get to participate directly, instead serving as scorekeepers. The game’s components, while extravagant in some respects, also suffer from budget constraints, such as cheap paper cards and brittle dice.

Pros

Thematic Experience: The game closely mirrors the TV show, offering a immersive experience for fans.

Strategic Depth: Managing robot stats and weapons adds a layer of strategy.

Chaotic Fun: The game can be quite entertaining, especially in larger groups.

Cons

Cheap Components: Some components, like the cards and dice, are of poor quality.

Complex Setup: The setup process can be lengthy and intricate.

Limited Player Participation: In larger groups, some players may only serve as scorekeepers.

Personal Thoughts on Robot Wars: The Game

**Robot Wars: The Game** is ideal for fans of the TV show and those who enjoy combat and strategy games. However, it may not appeal to players seeking high-quality components or a simple, quick game setup. The game’s chaotic nature and strategic elements make it a fun, if somewhat flawed, addition to any board game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.