Sythopian Wars Kickstarter Preview

Each ACTION taken by unit groups once deployed is considered a “Command” in this game and happens in an alternating style game play where each player performs 1 of 12 commands.  After each command, a specific marker is placed next to the unit.  This mechanic is a bit unique as there isn’t a swarm of tokens laid upon the bases destined for error like many play structures.  A single die is issued by applying a “restriction” onto the units that took action or command with each side of the die representing symbols of that chosen action and subsequent restriction.   You march your troops out based on the number of these command points (dice) you possess in the game each turn.

The Basic Command options are:
Move, shoot, defend, run, advance, assault, covering fire, ditch, and overrun.

You can easily make out and interpret some of these basics if you have ever spent any time in a basic boot camp of wargaming and the rules provide the basic understanding of its action. Some of the highlights of the others that give a more tactical feel to the game include the intervene, rally, and snap fire commands. As I reviewed their mechanics and worked through the scenarios, I found the designers disrupting normal outcomes of an average war game on the market.  For instance, a specific rule that says all attacks through one of these commands happen instantaneously by both sides  EXCEPT a unit that triggered the reaction gains the initiative when rolling for target lock. Target lock being the way you first “AIM” with the unit before Firing for a hit with dice vs their defensive dice roll.  If the unit rolls a ONE on the target roll it can IMMEDIATELY resolve any damage to a unit before they can retaliate.  Simply put – yes, it is simultaneously unless I get a one on my targeting, then it is ME FIRST!  I do think it provides a layer of timing value to all battles that could turn the tides if one is lucky enough to roll the normally dreaded single spot on the die.  1s are good in Targeting only!

This is a bit counterintuitive but was accepted until I got to the follow up hit phase where you then reverse the math and SIXES are now the sought after number vs each opponents armor known as “Resolve”.  The back and forth does honestly get a bit easier as game plays on. So it just becomes another game system change you get used to the more you play.  Rate of Fire (RoF) plays a part in Sythopian Wars with increased chances to eliminate units with more dice rolling per turn. A RoF of 2 means twice the dice and we love rolling dice!

Another tinkering of the traditional rule base in wargaming is the damage dealt.  It gets distributed to one unit at a time reducing their hit points to zero per successful hit. Any hit totals that do not remove a miniature from play are added by that dreaded follow along die and left behind it signifying the damage it took that turn. The attack then concludes with a unique requirement that the “Wounded” unit, with the damage die, becomes stunned.  This forces the attacked player to put the unit on its side representing the concussive reaction to the blistering of lead and energy bolts littering the landscape along with the hit they just received.  Hmmm. Interesting add.