Sometimes the Box Art is Enough

JamesV · February 04, 2014, 09:23:29 PM

The oldest member of our gaming group is 50, and he has a pretty big collection of older games. We've been on a hiatus from role-playing so we've playing different board games. Last Saturday, he brought Gammarauders:

Excuse me, GAMMARAUDERS! Now as a wargame I thought it was a pretty average experience, but by the box art alone, it was still worth a try and a good time was had by all.

Also of note, this cover was done by Keith Parkinson. Compare that with the original RIFTS cover, which I actually did side-by-side, and prepare to be weirded out.

Shipyard Locked · February 04, 2014, 09:58:11 PM

I love how difficult it is for the eye to try and trace the elements that make up the central creature without getting lost. Reminds me of some Transformers box art from that era.

Silverlion · February 04, 2014, 10:23:27 PM

Man, I loved that game. One of the few "wargames" I adored. (Car Wars, Battlesuit, being my others and they're as much RPG's as board/wargames.)

JamesV · February 04, 2014, 10:46:13 PM

I enjoyed the game for its mid-80s charm shown through the bioborg art. Bioborgs being the giant mechano-monsters that are the game's main hook.

In the game I picked Dweemish the Hamsterian for my bioborg. I based my choice not on any special powers or rules, but for its distinctive mohawk/mullet combo.

Doughdee222 · February 04, 2014, 10:53:59 PM

I remember seeing Gammarauders when it came out, think I even read the rules to it. Don't recall ever playing it though, maybe one or twice.

Zak S · February 05, 2014, 05:31:09 AM

When I investigated Gammarauders I was shocked to see nobody had really tackled it in the Old School scene. It's full of gonzo goodness:

http://dndwithpornstars.blogspot.com/2012/06/vital-issue-that-affects-entire-diy.html?zx=ab064bb3ee319195

Brad · February 05, 2014, 10:21:44 PM

Well, there's a game I never got to play. Time to make amends for past transgressions...

YourSwordisMine · February 06, 2014, 06:33:05 PM

I've always loved that cover.

I want to be that penguin when I grow up

hagbard · February 06, 2014, 09:43:21 PM

my brain just exploded from awesomeness

JamesV · February 06, 2014, 09:56:37 PM

Although this shot is a lot poorer, here is a shot of the winner of last weekend's game, Dweemish the Hamsterian:

I will have to amend my earlier statement to note that the hairdo is more of a mohawk/rat tail combo.

JRT · February 10, 2014, 07:16:06 AM

I find it interesting enough that this was one of the comics TSR released under DC. It didn't last more than 10 issues, but apparently they felt the concept had enough merit to work as a comic book.