Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game – The War Against The Machine (2015) Board Game

Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game – The War Against The Machine is a board game released in 2015, based on the popular Terminator Genisys movie franchise. Designed by Jeff Porter and Luigi Terzi, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of human resistance fighters battling against Skynet’s machines.

Game Components of Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game – The War Against The Machine

Full-color rulebook: 128 pages

Exclusive metal Kyle Reese model

10 Terminator Endoskeletons

5 Terminator Crawlers

16 Resistance Soldiers with various weapons

Quick Start rules

Card stock scenery and tokens

Double-sided gaming mat

Rules reference sheet

13 color-coded dice and a “Fate” die

How To Setup Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game – The War Against The Machine

To set up the game, players first prepare the gaming area using the double-sided mat and card stock scenery, which includes ruined buildings and other terrain elements. The miniatures, which require some assembly, are placed according to the scenario being played. Each player selects their forces, either the human Resistance or the machines, and deploys them on the battlefield. The game also includes Quick Start rules to help new players get started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Miniatures wargame

Mechanics: Shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and morale checks

Objective: The human Resistance aims to defeat the machines, while the machines seek to eliminate the human forces.

Key Mechanics:
– Shooting and combat resolve through dice rolls
– Morale checks to determine unit cohesion
– “Hasta La Vista” rules for finishing off injured units

Player Experience

The game offers a thematic experience, capturing the essence of the Terminator franchise. Players engage in intense battles between humans and machines, with the game mechanics designed to reflect the relentless nature of the Terminators. The rules are well-written and easy to master, with tips for advancing from basic to more complex rules. However, the game’s focus on non-lethal hits, where units often retreat or reel instead of being killed outright, can feel somewhat unusual.

Pros

Detailed Miniatures: The miniatures, particularly the Terminators, have outstanding detail and are durable despite requiring assembly.

Comprehensive Rulebook: The 128-page rulebook is full of rules, art, and images from the film.

Thematic Gameplay: The game feels true to the Terminator universe, with the relentless advance of the machines against human forces.

Value for Money: Includes a wide array of components, scenery, and tokens.

Cons

Non-Lethal Hits: The game mechanics often result in units retreating or reeling instead of being killed, which can feel less satisfying.

Dependence on Film Success: The game’s popularity may be influenced by the reception of the associated film, which was not a success.

Limited Killing Rules: The “Hasta La Vista” rules, which are the only way to kill injured units, can seem restrictive.

Personal Thoughts on Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game – The War Against The Machine

This game is ideal for fans of the Terminator franchise and those who enjoy miniatures wargames. Despite the lackluster reception of the film “Terminator Genisys,” the game stands on its own merits with solid mechanics and a rich thematic experience. It is worth purchasing if you are a fan of the universe or looking for a detailed and engaging miniatures game. However, those on the fence might want to wait for additional miniatures releases to expand the game’s variety.

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