Stargrunt II (1996) Board Game

Stargrunt II is a science fiction wargame that was released in in 1996. It was designed by Aaron Alderson, Peter Barfield, Dave Garnham, and Tim Osborne. The game is known for its detailed miniatures and immersive gameplay set in a futuristic universe.

Game Components of Stargrunt II

Rulebook

25mm miniatures (various troops and equipment)

Dice set (including D4, D6, D8, D10, D12)

Vehicles and artillery models

Air support rules

Mission scenario documents

How To Setup Stargrunt II

Setting up a game of Stargrunt II involves creating a scenario with predefined force lists, rather than using a point system. Players must define the mission motivation, which can be Low, Medium, or High, and this affects troop morale and behavior. The setup includes writing out the mission objectives, determining troop quality, and arranging the battlefield to reflect the scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

No Point System: Scenarios are set up with predefined force lists.

Mission Motivation: Affects troop morale and behavior (Low, Medium, High).

Troop Quality: Experience levels range from untrained to veteran, influencing effectiveness.

Morale System: Based on “Confidence Level” (Confident, Steady, Shaken, Broken, Routed).

Dice Mechanics: Uses die shifts (e.g., rolling D8 instead of D6 +1) for various tasks.

Combat Mechanics: Emphasizes cover, suppression, and the effectiveness of support weapons and close combat.

Objective: Complete the mission while managing troop morale and effectiveness.

Player Experience

Playing Stargrunt II requires a significant amount of planning and setup, as the game encourages players to think through their missions carefully. The game mirrors real-life combat more closely than many other wargames, with troops behaving differently based on their mission motivation and experience. Players can recreate various sci-fi scenarios, and the game’s flexibility allows for a wide range of creative and unique battles.

Pros

Realistic Combat: Reflects real-life combat dynamics.

Customizable Scenarios: Allows for a wide range of creative and unique battles.

Emphasis on Experience: Troop experience significantly affects game outcomes.

Detailed Mechanics: Includes detailed rules for vehicles, artillery, and air support.

Flexibility in Forces: Players can use any combination of miniatures and equipment.

Cons

Complex Rules: Requires multiple readings to fully understand.

No Point System: Can be intimidating for players used to point-based systems.

Limited Air Support: Air support rules are somewhat restrictive in squad-level combat.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time and effort to master the game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Stargrunt II

Stargrunt II is ideal for players seeking a realistic and immersive sci-fi wargaming experience. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic planning and appreciate the nuances of real-life combat. While it may not be the best fit for casual players looking for a quick setup, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn its intricate mechanics. If you’re tired of the typical sci-fi skirmish games and are looking for something that challenges you in a different way, Stargrunt II is definitely worth considering.

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