Space Crusade is a strategic board game that was released in 1990 by Milton Bradley. It is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe and allows players to control a squad of Space Marines or Chaos Space Marines as they battle through different missions on a modular game board.
Game Components of Space Crusade
50 figures: 3 Marine Commanders, 12 Space Marines, 8 Orks, 14 Gretchin, 3 Genestealers, 1 Chaos Marine Commander, 4 Chaos Space Marines, 4 Androids, and 1 Dreadnought.64 Playing Cards: 3 sets of 12 Chapter cards and 28 Alien event cards.32 blip tokens.12 rank badges and 6 honour badges.1 Alien control panel.24 doors.6 combat dice.3 marine reference charts.32 reinforcement counters.1 primary mission token and 1 secondary mission token.4 marks of Chaos.4-piece gameboard with walls.3 marine landing docks with airlocks.3 Commander Scanners with Slides.Rule book and 24-page Mission Manual.Advanced rules book for Advanced Space Crusade.
How To Setup Space Crusade
Setting up Space Crusade is a time-consuming task. Players need to assemble the board, ensure all pieces are accounted for, and configure the game components according to the mission briefing. The game board is composed of multiple pieces that need to be slotted and placed carefully. Each mission has its own board layout and starting conditions, which both the space marine and alien players must adhere to. This setup can take several hours, or even span over a couple of days, due to the complexity and the number of components involved.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Player Roles: One player takes the role of the alien commander, controlling various alien units, while the other players choose between three Space Marine chapters: Ultra Marines, Imperial Fists, or Blood Angels.Mission System: Each game involves a primary and secondary mission. Marine players must complete these missions by navigating through the space hulk, fighting aliens, and achieving objectives.Movement and Combat: Marine commanders and units have different movement capacities. When a marine enters a new quadrant, the alien player places blip tokens, which are revealed when a marine gains line of sight.Event Cards: The alien commander draws event cards each round, which can be either beneficial or detrimental. Marine players can use order or equipment cards to enhance their chances.Scoring: Points are awarded for completing missions and killing enemy units. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Player Experience
Playing Space Crusade can be a thrilling and strategic experience. The game requires careful planning and tactical decisions, especially in avoiding line of sight and executing coordinated attacks. The balance between marine and alien players is generally well-maintained, despite some potential imbalances in certain scenarios. The game can be quite lengthy, sometimes spanning multiple days or weeks if played as a campaign.
Pros
Variety of Miniatures: The game includes a diverse set of miniatures with modular equipment and weapons.Strategic Depth: The mission-based system and the need for careful planning add significant strategic depth.Retro Charm: The game retains a nostalgic appeal, especially for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.Competitive Play: Each marine team works independently, adding a competitive element to the game.
Cons
Complex Setup: The setup process is time-consuming and fiddly.Potential Imbalances: The game mechanics can lead to significant advantages or disadvantages depending on how the alien player distributes their units.Weighted Dice: The combat dice are mostly blank, making ranged attacks less reliable and contributing to the game’s imbalance.
Personal Thoughts on Space Crusade
Space Crusade is ideal for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and those who enjoy strategic, mission-based board games. While it can be fun and engaging, it requires a commitment to the complex setup and potentially lengthy gameplay. The game is best suited for players who appreciate tactical combat and competitive play, but may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick or straightforward gaming experience.
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