Guilty Gear’s board game flawlessly brings virtual fighters to tabletop

Guilty Gear's board game flawlessly brings virtual fighters to tabletop

Image: Level 99

Order a free demo copy ahead of the Aug. 22 Kickstarter launch

Ever found yourself shouting “Heaven or hell? Duel one! Let’s rock!” during a Guilty Gear match? Well, get ready to say it out loud again because Guilty Gear Strive: The Board Game brings that iconic pre-battle bark to life in a whole new way! GameTopic was given an exclusive sneak peek at this mind-boggling adaptation by developer Level 99. They even have a demo deck featuring Sol Badguy and Ky Kiske that you can get for free on their website (while supplies last)! Plus, it comes with a cool coin engraved with “heaven” and “hell”. It’s like Christmas morning for Guilty Gear fans!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Board game adaptations can be hit or miss, especially when it comes to complex fighting games like Guilty Gear. But Level 99 has truly outdone themselves with this one. They’ve taken all the tactics and excitement from the virtual realm and transformed it into a tabletop experience that will leave you strategizing and laughing in equal measure.

David Talton, President of Level 99, explained the inspiration behind the game in a recent interview with GameTopic. He wanted to capture the essence of fighting game tactics without the need for lightning-fast reflexes. And let me tell you, they nailed it! In Guilty Gear Strive: The Board Game, you go head-to-head with your opponents using unique character decks. It’s just like a traditional fighting game, but with the added bonus of being able to outsmart and outwit your opponents at a more leisurely pace.

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To make things even cooler, each character brings their own set of battle cards, special abilities, and install transformations. And these moves are directly inspired by the real Guilty Gear fighting games! So, whether you’re unleashing Ky Kiske’s electric projectile or strategizing with Sol Badguy’s devastating attacks, you’ll feel like a true Guilty Gear champion.

Now, let’s talk about the game board. It’s a nine-space linear battlefield where you and your opponent face off. Each character starts at the third space on their respective ends. To move, attack, and outmaneuver your opponent, you’ll need to manage a resource called Force, which is generated by discarding cards from your hand. It’s all about making smart decisions and knowing when to strike. Just like in a fighting game, range, speed, and power are key factors in determining the outcome of your attacks.

Speaking of which, the attack cards in Guilty Gear Strive: The Board Game are diverse and offer unique effects. Some cards let you close in on your enemy without spending Force, while others can push or pull your opponent away. And there are special Ultra Attacks and Boost effects that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. It’s all about playing smart and adapting to your opponent’s moves, just like in a real fighting game.

And here’s the best part: Guilty Gear Strive: The Board Game is fully compatible with other Level 99 Exceed fighting games! So, you can mix and match characters from games like BlazBlue, Under Night, Street Fighter, and even Shovel Knight. It’s a dream come true for fans of crossover battles!

Level 99 will be launching a Kickstarter campaign on Aug. 22 where you can pre-order the base game at a discounted price. The final product will include 20 characters, 695 cards, neoprene playmats, and those awesome engraved metal coins. Plus, there’s a collector’s edition for the hardcore fans, complete with beautiful acrylic standees for each character.

Guilty Gear Strive: The Board Game is truly a labor of love. Whether you’re a die-hard Guilty Gear fan or just someone who appreciates the thrill of a good fighting game, this tabletop adaptation will not disappoint. It’s a celebration of the series we know and love, with a dash of strategy and a whole lot of fun. So, get ready to rock and roll your way to victory!