Warhammer 40k Kill Team: Arena Review

The new expansion for Warhammer 40k Kill Team is a...

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Well, I did it, I ordered it, strictly on the basis of the suggestion that it features a more board-game-like experience. I may get more people to play it with me if I explain it like that. Plus, it seems to be disappearing everywhere.

I’d exercise some caution with that- it is still a measurin’ game. And some board gamers quail at that. But yes, I do feel like the simpler, symmetrical layouts are more board gamey, as are the stock VP objective. I’d advise that you set up a couple of 60-70 point teams ahead of the game. Fill out the cards and everything or use the preprinted ones from the faction starter sets. Hide the prep work!

Also...this sounds really trite...but use the measuring strips that come with the game, not a tape measure. Board gamers aren’t as hostile to real game components. But you put that big ol’ Stanley contractor tape measure out there...

I won’t bite on this purchase, I enjoy the swingy balance of the regular game. More importantly, something is lost in the transition from beautiful, open terrain to a cramped dungeon.

Melee does sometimes struggle in the core game of Kill Team. The answer is to add flexibility to the use of terrain. I’d rather see Games Workshop create a point cost for manipulating terrain, adding balance without forcing a dungeon. Taking some Boardgaming sensibilities, a bidding system could work well here.

As is, my orks can always shoot back as the charge forward. They may believe in aiming, but I can guarantee at least one rokkit will turn a marine into a puddle of grott juice!