Moonbreaker

Moonbreaker (2022) is a strategy game that plays like a physical tabletop game. Using hand-painted figures you fight opponents in tactical turn-based battles in a new universe created by bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. It has the detailed painting, customisation, and world-building of tabletop games like Warhammer, but with simpler rules and gameplay actions, making it a more approachable starting point for new players.

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You're given a selection of figurine characters from the three classes; Crew, Assists, and Captains. Each of these you can either paint or pick a premade design, to create a team of up to six characters. They are then used in strategic turn-based battles against an opposing force in high-stakes cargo runs and other challenges. As you progress, you unlock new figures which you can add to your team to hone the perfect combination of abilities.

The gameplay mixes tactical battle choices and customisation of your figures. During each turn you move one of your pieces to any highlighted location and perform an attack or action. Each of the three classes serves a different purpose in combat, like setting up attacks for others on your team, damaging opponents, or defending. The figurine painting, may seem like a novelty, but actually replicates this central part of the hobby and offers a surprisingly compelling and varied way to make each piece matter to the player; from different types of paint to multiple application techniques, offering a surprising level of customisation.

The result is a game that combines strategic skilful gameplay with highly detailed customisation options to create a fun experience that rewards practice and tactics while still being accessible to newer players and allowing each person to play how they choose.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Moonbreaker 19 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 14 months ago.