Shadow War: Armageddon (2017) Board Game

Shadow War: Armageddon is a miniature-based wargame set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Released in 2017, it allows players to engage in intense skirmishes between small squads of soldiers in the war-torn hive world of Armageddon.

Game Components of Shadow War: Armageddon

Miniatures: Includes a Space Marine Scouts kill team and an Ork kill team, each with various weapons and equipment.

Terrain: Modular plastic scenery pieces to build multi-level structures, including walkways, balustrades, and other components to represent Hive Acheron.

Rulebook: A 120-page rulebook with detailed rules, background information, and artwork.

Templates and Counters: Translucent red plastic templates for weapon effects, counters for identifying miniatures in states such as Overwatch and Hidden, and mission-specific counters.

Dice: 5 six-sided dice, a scatter die, and an artillery die.

How To Setup Shadow War: Armageddon

To set up the game, players create kill teams using a points system and team-building rules. They then select a scenario, set up the terrain, and deploy their models. The terrain is a crucial element, allowing players to build complex battlegrounds with the modular scenery pieces. Players must also gather necessary tokens, dice, and a tape measure to begin play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases

Move: Players alternate turns to move their entire teams.

Shoot: Shooting phase with to-hit and to-wound rolls, and special rules for weapon abilities and fire modifiers.

Melee: Close combat phase.

Recover: Models recover from pinning fire and other effects.

Special Rules

Overwatch: Models can remain stationary to shoot during the opponent’s turn.

Hide: Models can duck out of sight for cover but cannot shoot or be targeted.

Wounds: Models may survive wounds with penalties or be incapacitated; a roll determines their fate.

Game Objective

The objective varies by scenario but often involves completing missions such as straight-up firefights, scavenger hunts, or rescue missions. The overarching goal is to dominate the battlefield and achieve the scenario’s winning conditions.

Player Experience

Shadow War: Armageddon offers a fast-paced and immersive experience, particularly for fans of the Warhammer 40K universe. The game’s flow is relatively straightforward, with a throwback to the Necromunda style of alternating team activations. Players appreciate the detailed terrain and the narrative force it brings to the game, although it can be expensive to expand.

Pros

Immersive Terrain: The modular terrain is highly praised for its beauty and impact on gameplay.

Fast-Paced Games: Games typically last under 45 minutes, making it an excellent side game.

Campaign Mode: The campaign rules allow for model advancement and equipment purchases, adding depth to the game.

Easy Transition: The rules are easy to pick up, especially for those familiar with Warhammer 40K.

Cons

Expensive Expansion: The need for more terrain and models can be costly.

Less Tactical Depth: Compared to other skirmish games like Infinity, Shadow War: Armageddon may lack tactical complexity.

Faction Imbalance: More popular factions have more thematic upgrades and options, creating imbalance in list building.

Personal Thoughts on Shadow War: Armageddon

Shadow War: Armageddon is ideal for those who enjoy skirmish-level battles and are fans of the Warhammer 40K universe. It offers a quick and engaging way to play with a small number of models, making it perfect for a casual game night. While it may not be as tactically deep as some other games, its emphasis on narrative play and beautiful terrain makes it a compelling addition to any Warhammer 40K collection. However, players should be aware of the potential cost of expanding their terrain and model collections.

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