Voltron: Defender of the Universe Battle Miniatures Game
Privateer Press
MSRP: $49.95
Number of Players: 2
ISBN: 978-1-933362-78-6
Age Rating: 14 and Up
ICv2 Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Based on the mechanics of the cult favorite Monsterpocalypse, this game provides a simpler version of the game, adjusted to match a popular 1980s animated show.  Unlike the larger, more complex game, Voltron is self-contained and does not involve any collectible aspect or rarity-chasing.  Instead, it’s an entertaining set of rules for giant robots fighting in space, along with smaller manned spaceships joining the combat.  For those unfamiliar with the show, it involved smaller units combining into giant space-going humanoid robot forms… think of Transformers crossed with Gundam, but even bigger.

Because it’s an entry-level game, experienced Monsterpocalypse players will notice simplifications, but the game also includes innovations.  The space combat here is different enough from the “monsters destroying Tokyo” style of the parent game, and the “terrain” of the space maps makes for interesting results.  Whether you are playing the forces of good Voltron or the evil Lotron, you get to maneuver smaller units, or combine some into “giant” forms.  The smaller forms are more efficient and maneuverable, but also more vulnerable to harm.  This can matter a great deal if your opponent throws one of your component parts into harm’s way.

The rules are clear enough for gamers with moderate experience.  Beginners may struggle slightly with the stylized symbols indicating powers and abilities, but most are clear and easy to distinguish.  Explanations are on the maps as well as in the rulebook.

The boxed set includes rules, maps, dice, counters and the miniatures for use by the two sides.  These are well designed, and fans of the TV show will immediately recognize the playing pieces.  The artwork and the sculpts are very good.

If the game is successful, there will be a demand for more space-combat maps, as the only weakness in the existing components is the limited variation there, with only two maps in the box.  The game and its components are generally compatible with regular MonPoc.

--Nick Smith: Librarian Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.