Star Wars: Armada (2015) Board Game

Star Wars: Armada is a tabletop miniatures wargame released in 2015 by Fantasy Flight Games. Designed by Ben Zweifel, the game is set in the Star Wars universe and allows players to take control of fleets of capital ships and squadrons of starfighters in strategic battles. With its high-quality miniatures and engaging gameplay, Star Wars: Armada quickly gained popularity among fans of the franchise and wargaming enthusiasts.

Game Components of Star Wars: Armada

Pre-painted ship miniatures (including capital ships like the Victory-class Star Destroyer, Nebulon-B frigate, and CR90 Corellian corvette)

Maneuver tools

Attack dice

Command dials

Ship cards

Upgrade cards

Defense cards

Initiative token

Rules and rules reference book

Squadron miniatures (such as TIE fighters and X-wings)

How To Setup Star Wars: Armada

To set up the game, players first assemble their fleets, choosing which ships and squadrons to include. Each player starts by placing their ships on the table according to the scenario or mission being played. Players then set up their command dials, which determine the actions their ships can take in future rounds. The initiative token is flipped to decide which player goes first. The game comes with a comprehensive rulebook that guides players through the setup process, starting with basic rules and expanding to more complex ones as they become more familiar with the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Capital Ships: Players command massive war machines, balancing defenses, armaments, and engines.

Command Phase: Players issue commands for their ships, planning actions one or more rounds ahead.

Ship Phase: Players activate their ships in initiative order, revealing and executing commands.

Squadron Phase: Players activate their starfighter squadrons, moving or attacking with them.

Status Phase: Players ready exhausted defense cards, flip the initiative token, and increase the round count.

Objective: The game objective is to score more total points by eliminating enemy ships and squadrons and completing objectives.

Player Experience

Playing Star Wars: Armada is an engaging and tactical experience. The game requires strategic planning, as players must issue commands for their ships well in advance, considering the slower reaction times of more powerful vessels. The inclusion of starfighter squadrons adds a dynamic layer to the game, as these small ships can significantly impact the battle. Players appreciate the variety of upgrade cards and the ability to customize their ships, which enhances replayability.

Pros

Immersive Star Wars Experience: The game brings the epic space battles of the Star Wars universe to life.

Tactical Depth: It requires careful planning and strategic command management.

Customization: Players can upgrade their ships and choose from a variety of powerful weaponry and elite pilots.

Replayability: The game offers high replayability due to the many possible fleet configurations and scenarios.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve, with over 15 pages of basic rules and additional complex rules.

Long Setup and Playtime: The first game can take 4-5 hours to complete, and subsequent games still last around 2 hours.

Expensive Expansions: Building a complete fleet can be costly due to the need for additional ship and squadron expansions.

Personal Thoughts on Star Wars: Armada

Star Wars: Armada is ideal for fans of the Star Wars franchise and those who enjoy complex, strategic miniatures games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate deep tactical gameplay and the ability to customize their fleets. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics.

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