Mars Attacks
It’s the Topps
Release Date: OUT NOW!
2+ players | £ 49.99 Publisher: Mantic Games
Another month,
another Kickstarter- funded game. Mars Attacks takes inspiration from the infamous Topps trading cards of the 1960s to deliver small- scale skirmish combat between Martians and Earthlings.
There is a lot to like: a box overflowing with 40 characterful 28mm miniatures, a generous amount of modular scenery to play with and a slick rules system deliver a game that’s easy to pick up, fun ( and funny) to play, and pleasing to look at.
However, although a lot of the components are beautifully made, some are notably poor. The paper battlemat won’t lie flat ( we hate these things!) and so knocks the scenery down. Civilians, mutant bugs and burning cows ( remember them?) are integral to the game, but are provided as poorly made card stand- ups which ruin the effect somewhat. There are replacements available, but they add an extra £ 30 to your purchase price. No doubt it’s all to do with Kickstarter planning ( model civvies, the deluxe playmat and the like were stretch goals). Nevertheless, Mantic’s Deadzone SF game, though more expensive, feels more complete. The card components cheapen what is otherwise a solid offering.
It could also do with a bit more variety. There are nine human heroes and a lot of Martian grunts. A ( small) wacky Martian death machine instead of some of these might have better captured the spirit of the franchise – but that’s a minor issue. We eagerly await the expansion sets. A good hybrid board/ wargame that could become great. Guy Haley The game features some newly created characters like Tor, a Martian General who wears a cloak and carries a staff weapon.