Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone Board Game Review – An Electrifying Experience

Cyberpunk Edgerunners, the animated Netflix series that took the world by storm in 2022, has been reimagined in the form of a tabletop miniatures game. As a fan of both the anime and tactical games, I was excited to see this adaptation. In this strategic action-packed game, you can take control of characters like David, Lucy and even enormous Adam Smasher, bringing high-stakes world of Night City to life.

Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone – The Basics

• Price: $100
• Players: 2-4
• Ages: 14+
• Playtime: 45+ minutes

In this game, players take on the role of mercenary edgerunners or the fearsome Arasaka paramilitary forces. It is set up similarly to the show, with one player controlling the Arasaka team and another Maine and his group of edgerunners. Based on points, players select situations and build their gang, selecting characters and arming them with cybergear & weapons. By enabling sophisticated tactics & subtle techniques, this arrangement brings Night City’s furious action to gaming table.

Gameplay: Intense Strategy with Dynamic Action

Best part of this game is its rules based on Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone. The system is tried and tested, giving players an exciting and smooth experience. You roll dice & carry out activities using color-coded action tokens. You can move more quickly, launch more powerful attacks or employ unique skills like netrunning with each token. Even powerful dice such as a 12-sided one, are used in some actions.

The activation system is what makes it so fascinating. You must carefully consider how & when to use your tokens. Should you make a big move now or save it for later? It has sensation of a clever puzzle, akin to strategic board games where every decision counts.

Acrylic Standees: Stylish and Practical

Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone uses acrylic standees in place of plastic miniatures. You won’t have to spend hours building or painting figures thanks to these standees which also make the game easier to play. The anime-inspired graphics blend in well with Night City’s neon-lit, gloomy setting.

For many players, these standees are a great change. They save time and still look fantastic on the board. You can start playing right away, and the quality is so good that most won’t miss the traditional miniatures at all.

This game perfectly captures the essence of the anime and is a fantastic tabletop experience. Both fans of the program and those who enjoy tactical games will enjoy its fast-paced action system, fashionable standees, and captivating universe.

If you enjoy the Cyberpunk universe, this is a must-have. It’s fun, easy to set up, and packed with strategy and style—everything a great board game should be.

Why Acrylic Standees Are Better Than Miniatures in This Game

Aftermarket Options for Miniatures and Terrain in Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone

For those who prefer traditional miniatures, there is an aftermarket option that brings back plastic multi-part figures. While this can be an expensive choice and may add to the overall cost of the game, it provides an option for collectors who still crave the feel of miniatures.

The terrain quality is just as impressive as the Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone kit. The thick chipboard buildings, rubble, and barricades slot together easily, and the sturdy mounted board adds to the game’s durability. There’s no need for an immediate upgrade, as the quality is already top-notch.

For additional terrain, Monster Fight Club offers excellent aftermarket products, including plastic cargo containers, walkways, crates, and scatter terrain. These pieces match or even surpass the cardboard options in the core box, giving players even more ways to customize their battlefield.

Campaign and Skirmish Gameplay

Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone includes a rich campaign system similar to other popular games like Necromunda and Warcry. Players guide their gang through multiple battles, increasing their characters’ abilities as they approach a climactic finale. However, campaign play is optional, and the game shines just as brightly in one-off skirmishes. With a variety of exciting scenarios and flexible crew options, this box set provides everything needed for a full, immersive experience.

Characters Feel Just Like the Netflix Series with Unique Abilities and Playstyles

The game shows great attention to detail. Each character feels true to the Cyberpunk Edgerunners Netflix series, with unique abilities and playstyles that match their on-screen personas. David excels with cybergear and aggressive moves, Lucy is a skilled netrunner, and Adam Smasher is a powerhouse on the battlefield.

If you already own Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone products, there’s even better news — both games use the same ruleset, so you can mix characters and content for custom battles that cross timelines. Whether you’re new to the Combat Zone system or a returning player, this box set stands strong on its own and delivers an exciting, standalone skirmish experience.

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Pros and Cons of Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone

Pros	Cons
🖤 True to the anime	💸 Price: $100 might be pricey.
⚡ Fun and fast gameplay	🛑 No miniatures: Uses standees instead.
⏱️ Quick and easy to set up	📜 Campaign is optional: Some might miss a bigger story.
🎯 Strategic and exciting	💰 Extra costs: Upgrading miniatures and terrain adds to the price.
🌟 Unique characters with special abilities	🤔 Complex for beginners: May take time to learn.
🔗 Compatible with other Cyberpunk games	🎲 Some prefer miniatures.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone is an outstanding miniatures skirmish game that’s worth your attention. The move to acrylic standees makes the gameplay smoother and more visually appealing, offering a fresh experience with less setup.

This boxed set comes fully loaded with everything you need and delivers a complete, long-lasting experience. If you loved the animated series, this game brings it to life in the best way possible.