Transformers Risk

From LoveToKnow BoardGames

Transformers Risk is the perfect version of classic Risk for Transformers fans. Who will achieve the global domination of Cybertron?

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Specifics of the Game

Transformers Risk is for two to four players, ages ten and over. Like most Risk games, play will be more exciting with four players. The game was released in 2007 by Parker Brothers, owned by Hasbro.

Each player will decide whether he will battle as an Autobot or as a Decepticon. The players can choose to follow the rules of the original Risk game or to play using the Transformers variations. Although this game is for up to four players, the game calls for two factions. Each faction has two commanders (the players) who have different abilities on the board.

The commanders are:

Megatron
Barricade
Bumblebee
Optimus Prime

Each commander has a special power. His ability will shift a little depending on whether he is being played as a robot or in the vehicle mode. Abilities like strength or speed are changed with each transformation.

The game board can be transformed as well. Zones change as you play the cards, and this can be used to an advantage. Use the changes to block opponents, reveal hidden areas, or create new armies.

The zones are:

Sliding zones
- Moon Alpha
- Decagon
Spinning zones
- Praxus
- Pion tower

The winner will not only completely control Cybertron; he will also control the Allspark, which is the force that gives life to every Transformer, evil or good.

Game Pieces

Board (There is a great image of the game board at this site.)
Dice
Eight sided dice
Cards
Army units
- Tanks represent three units
- Robots represent one unit

Setting up Transformers Risk

In order to set up the board, the sliding zones and the spinning zones are placed in position. Plastic tacks are used to secure these parts. Each leader then begins with 30 drones.

There are three different modes of play depending on how many players will be playing:

Head to Head is a two player version with one Autobot and one Decepticon.
Free for All is for three players and includes one Autobot and two Decepticons.
Allied Forces is played by four players and uses two Autobots and two Decepticons. This version is, in most reviewers' opinions, the best play.

Each leader has a point where he must start and is given one drone to begin with. Each start point is color coded.

Players take turns placing drones in each of the 42 zones. When all the zones have a drone, then players can add additional drones until each of the 30 drones they have been given are used up. Each player then takes a reference card. The rest of the cards, upgrade cards, are shuffled and placed face down on the board.

Playing the Game

Transformers Risk is less complex than the original Risk game. This makes it great for family night.

On the original Risk board, the game was played in territories and continents. In Transformers Risk the board is broken up into zones and sectors.
Four of the zones can change during play.
When a zone is captured, an upgrade card may be taken.
Infantry units are robots, and Calvary units are alt modes.
As drones are destroyed in the game, they are taken to the scrap heap.
The four main pieces, the leaders, can shift between robot and alt mode. Each form will give them different abilities and powers.
The cards will give the players certain upgrades.
Play takes place over "six Cybertron days". This is done in six rounds rather than until your opponent is killed off. Each player has one turn per round.
Whoever controls the most territory at the end of the six rounds wins the game. The winner will not only completely control Cybertron, he will also control the Allspark, which is the force that gives life to every Transformer, evil or good.

Transformers Risk is a faster paced game than classic Risk. This is a great game of strategy without the time investment that the original requires. As a general rule, game time averages two hours or less. If you like military strategy games this version of Risk may be for you.

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