Ultra Marines (1991) – Board Game Guys

Ultra Marines

Ultra Marines is a board game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, released by Games Workshop in 1991. It is one of four “introductory” board games, the others being Space Fleet, Kerrunch, and Mighty Warriors. The game is effectively a ‘scaled-down’ version of Space Hulk and Tyranid Attack, using plastic Marine Scouts from the Ultramarines, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, and Blood Angels chapters. Other components include event cards, a simple ruleset, as well as corridor and room tiles from the game Space Hulk.

Why is Ultra Marines Popular?

Ultra Marines is significant because it is one of the first board games set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It is also notable for featuring a unique method of determining the accuracy of weapons fire and close combat attacks. The game is popular among fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Ultra Marines

Box and Board Tiles: The game includes a box and board tiles similar to those found in Space Hulk, though made of lighter material.

Dice: Three dice are provided for gameplay mechanics.

Event Cards: A deck of event cards with various effects such as medi-packs, grenades, and cave-ins.

Tokens: Various tokens for tracking game state.

Scout Figures: 20 plastic scout figures, five of each from the Ultramarines, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Scythes of the Emperor chapters.

How To Setup Ultra Marines

To set up the game, players construct the board using the provided tiles, creating a wrecked ship environment. Each player chooses a starting room and places their squad of scouts there. Players then distribute alien artifacts around the ship. Finally, each player draws three Event cards to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players roll a dice to determine how many spaces their scouts can move.

Artifact Collection: Scouts can collect artifacts, which may teleport away on certain dice rolls.

Combat: Players attack by dropping dice from a height of at least 30 cm into the box lid with a Hit Chart; dice landing on a Hit are considered successful attacks.

Event Cards: Players can use event cards to affect gameplay, such as locking doors or spawning genestealers.

Objective: The primary goal is to capture the most artifacts and return them to the starting room. Alternatively, a player can win by eliminating all of their opponents’ scouts.

Player Experience

Playing **Ultra Marines** is a fast-paced and engaging experience, especially with the unique dice drop mechanic adding an element of excitement and unpredictability. The game is relatively quick, lasting about 30 minutes, and includes enough randomness from the event cards to keep players on their toes.

Pros

Creative Combat Mechanic: The dice drop system is a fun and innovative way to resolve combat.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, allowing players to start quickly.

Dynamic Gameplay: Event cards introduce various twists, making each game unique.

Cons

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find.

Lightweight Components: The board tiles are not very durable.

Limited Complexity: The game is simplified and may not appeal to experienced gamers looking for deeper strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Ultra Marines

**Ultra Marines** is an excellent introduction to tactical combat games, particularly suited for a younger audience or those new to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The unique dice drop mechanic and event cards add a layer of fun and unpredictability that can make for exciting moments. While it may not offer the complexity that veteran gamers seek, it serves well as a gateway game to more advanced tabletop experiences.

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