Games Workshop

Battlefleet Gothic

I suppose the first thing to be said about this game, recently received for review, is that it is not new, having been first released in 1999. That being said there is no reason at all why such releases should not be revisited from time to time and to be honest this was new to me.

The game is based around the Gothic War fought way way in the future in the Gothic sector of the Imperium. An evil warlord is leading his Chaos forces on a crusade to destroy mankind, blastinging his way across the galaxy bringing destruction to all those unfortunate enough to get in his way. An isolated Imperial fleet battles to save the Universe, as well as combat raiders, aliens and space pirates. The history of this conflict, the races involved and the technical details of the forces involved are drawn in fascination detail, and are an interesting read in themselves, and are certainly designed to set a wargamers mouth drooling.

The Gothic Battlefleet game comes in a BIG heavy box bearing a superb illustration of a space fleet action. Inside you will find a stack of Games workshop goodies, including: -

• Battlefleet Gothic Rulebook and campaign rules.
• 4 Plastic Imperial Cruisers
• 4 Plastic Chaos Cruisers
• Counter Sheets/Celestial Phenomena Sheets
• 12 assorted Dice
• Over 100 game counters
• Range Rulers
• Fleet Roster pads
• Reference sheets
• Getting started guide and comic

With the help of the  getting started booklet my son was able to set up a game within an hour of opening the box. As I have never plated a sci fi game before, and as no "terrain" is provided with the game, our playing area was a bit strange (a maroon bedsheet, but hey who knows what space is like in a far Universe). The comic book was also handy in explaining the assembly of the spaceships, which can be made in a number of variants.The full rule book is a real hefty piece of work running at over 150 pages. But using the basic rules Richard was happily lobbing dice in no time, and he was hooked.

The main rule book expands on the basic rules and although, as with all GW rules, the basic principles of the game are very simple, they are satisfyingly playable.  

The game turn is as follows.

Player One

• Movement Phase: All ships in your fleet move..
• Shooting Phase: Players fire at each others vessels with any ships that are within range.
• Ordnance Phase:
• End Phase: Players attempt to repair damage to their fleets.

Player 2 then takes their turn!. Simple eh?

Movement is simple , although the use of naval terminology can confuse at first (just which way is starboard?). Shooting is even easier, nominate your target, check the range, then blast away until your batteries are exhausted. Easy!

The models included in the game are of the usual excellent and high GW standard, and can be made in a number of variants as described in the comic book. The rules book also includes a wealth of painting and modelling detail, which will give you a number of ideas in using the spare modelling parts left from building your fleets. It also includes ideas for making planets , asteroids and a playing area rather more attractive than our bedsheet.

Gothic has been available for some time, long enough for it to attract a number of loyal followers, if you would like to see the range of models and campaigning options available follow these links, Battlefleet Gothic, 3rd Armageddon War, Eldar Online

I have to say that after playing this through just a few times I am a convert. The games are fun, yet the system in the advanced game has enough elements to make the battles tactically stimulating and strategically challenging. Retailing at £40 Battlefleet Gothic is not cheap, but it is a bargain.

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