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Sky Galleons of Mars (1988) Board Game

ByMichail

Sky Galleons of Mars is a board game released in 1988 by designers Frank Chadwick, Marc W. Miller, and Loren K. Wiseman. It is set in the Barsoom universe created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, where players control airships in battles above the red planet of Mars. The game combines elements of aviation, science fiction, and wargaming, providing a unique and immersive experience for players.

Game Components of Sky Galleons of Mars

  • Rule Book
  • Introduction to Space: 1889 (16pp) and Ship Form Book (16pp)
  • 2 Reference Folders
  • 15 plastic Sky Galleons and Aerial Gunboats
  • 4 dice
  • 2 22″x28″ maps

    How To Setup Sky Galleons of Mars

    Setting up Sky Galleons of Mars involves preparing the hexagonal mapboard, which regulates movement and combat. Each hex represents 200 yards, and each turn represents one minute of time. Players distribute the plastic models or paper counters representing cloudships or aerial gunboats. The setup time is approximately 10 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Phases:**
    – Initiative Phase: Change crew assignments, assemble or disband boarding parties, and determine the First Player.
    – First Movement/Fire Phase: First player moves ships, both players attack and resolve damage.
    – Second Movement/Fire Phase: Second player moves ships, both players attack and resolve damage.

  • Movement and Combat:** Ships have fixed movement allowances, with special rules for kites based on wind direction. Weapons include Victorian navy cannons and Martian guns.
  • Damage and Altitude:** Track hits using ship diagrams; damage affects hull, guns, crew, and altitude.
  • Advanced Rules:** Include boarding parties, floating mines, towing, crew small arms, and crew quality.

    Player Experience

    Sky Galleons of Mars offers a fun and intuitive gameplay experience. The game builds complexity gradually through its scenarios, making it accessible for new players while providing depth for veterans. The atmospheric battles between flying ships evoke vivid images, and the cool plastic ships add to the immersive experience.

    Pros

  • Immersive Setting:** Combines the imaginative grandeur of the Space: 1889 setting with solid combat rules.
  • Easy to Learn:** Basic rules are simple, with advanced rules adding complexity gradually.
  • Replay Value:** Multiple scenarios and the option for campaign games increase replayability.
  • Awards and Recognition:** Won Origins Awards for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame and Best Graphic Presentation.

    Cons

  • Additional Complexity:** Advanced rules may overwhelm new players.
  • Component Dependency:** Requires careful tracking of damage and altitude using ship diagrams.

    Personal Thoughts on Sky Galleons of Mars

    Sky Galleons of Mars is ideal for fans of Victorian science fiction and aerial combat. It is a great fit for those who enjoy tactical ship combat and are looking for a game that combines strategy with a unique and imaginative setting. While it may appeal more to experienced board game enthusiasts due to its complexity, the basic rules make it accessible to newer players as well.

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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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