Lunar: Mini Boots on the Moon

By Mitch Reed

One of our biggest fans sent me a message about a miniatures game he just purchased that was all about a conflict on the moon. I found that concept very interesting and thankful that it did not trigger my PTSD from the creation of the Space Force. I contacted the creators of the game over at Black Site Studio and they sent me the starter pack to try out. I quickly painted up the models and played a few games and I wondered why there is not a lot of buzz about this game.

Lunar is a 32mm game where astronauts and cosmonauts battle it out on the Moon to gain control of the natural resources. The back story behind this conflict is one the designers created to give context to the game. This game is not about the actual members of the Apollo program fighting against the Soviets in a what-if cold war gone hot game, but the narrative behind Lunar is solid and adds to the depth of the game.

 

The Rules

I am a dedicated historical gamer, so if end up liking a game that has a science fiction or fantasy element the rules have to be tight. Lunar sticks the landing here, the rules are easy to learn and understand. In my games I did not have to keep looking at the rules, which many games force us to do.

In a game turn you start by rolling for initiative then you activate your units, where they can move, fight, shoot or take other actions such as mining, repairing equipment and a host of other actions. The turn wraps up with the end phase where you check the status of your team and prepare for the next turn.

One great mechanic they use in Lunar is how the amount of actions you can take is dependent on how much oxygen a model has. With this simple mechanic they show the players the hostile atmosphere of the lunar surface.

Combat in Lunar can either be via shooting with some cleverly designed weapons or by close combat, no matter how you choose to fight the action is fast and very bloody. None of my games lasted more than 45 minutes because my astronauts either are dead or victorious so quickly.

A “force” in Lunar is small, maybe three to five models, each with unique capabilities and characteristics. You get to upgrade your force with items like weapons, repair kits, and drills. It’s not just the USA and the CCCP slugging it out in Lunar, you also have freelancers who can be corporate or from another faction and they have the Republic of China (not PRC) which fits into the game’s narrative.

The rules also have a bunch of missions that you can play as standalones, or in a linked campaign. Overall the rules take an innovative approach to fighting in the space domain that does not require an advanced degree in astrophysics or engineering. In game design, it is crucial to get what is important identified and then create mechanics to make them playable. The two designers of Lunar really make this look easy and have produced an innovative and fun game for the miniature community.

Hardware

Black Site sent me the starter pack and it has everything you need to play the game. The resin models are excellent and you can configure them in multiple ways with multiple tools and weapons.

I found them very easy to paint, despite hating working with white paint.  I gave them a light grey spray base then block painted with shades of light colors such as Iraqi Sand. After this, I gave them a wash of Nulin Oil and then a dry brush of actual white paint. The Cosmonauts used shades of gray and then both teams got some highlights and I was done in a day (I know, it shows).

Besides the models, the starter pack comes with all the tokens and cards that you need for the game and even a measuring tool.

The soft cover rulebook has amazing artwork and as said before, it is an easy read.

Before I contacted Black Site I checked out their website. The price for the starter pack shocked me. It was very affordable, and based on what you get in it, I think it is a deal many gamers can not pass up.

Tranquility Base

I really am impressed by Lunar. The rules are very sound, and the gameplay is quick and so much fun. I see this game as another “gateway game.” This is because of not only its low model count but also terrain that is easy to find or create. In addition, it’s played on a 2’x2” table. Best of all, it’s easy to learn and most of all very enjoyable.

I have to get back to the point I made in the beginning, I do not get why I have not seen this game on a table anywhere with gamers raving about it. The game has been out for almost three years and it is a crime that the game has not been on my radar before. I hope to change that and recommend you pick up Lunar and see what I am talking about here.

 

 

https://blacksitestudio.com/pages/lunar