Combat Showcase
Steve Jackson Games · Board game · 1987
1–2
Solo
—
—
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
—
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you're a die-hard Car Wars fan who loves customizing vehicles for insane battles, Combat Showcase is packed with ideas!
Highlights
- Awesome vehicle designs
- Expands Car Wars universe
- Simulation and variable powers
- Setup ensures novelty
Keep in mind
- Requires base game
- Language dependency
- Older material
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Hey everyone! Ready to hit the future tracks? Combat Showcase is like a mouth-watering catalog for Car Wars fans, bringing you 103 vehicle designs that will blow your mind. Think souped-up cars, speedy motorcycles, nimble trikes, and even combat-ready trailers, all straight from the 2037 New Car Exposition. This is an expansion, so you'll need the base game to get these machines rolling.
If you love the idea of customizing your ride and seeing it in action, this is your jam. The game uses dice rolling to settle disputes, adding that spice of luck and unpredictability, and the simulation aims to deliver a more realistic experience within the Car Wars universe. Each player might have different powers, adding an extra strategic layer, and the variable setup ensures every race or battle is a new adventure.
It's important to note that, being older material, it might have a considerable language dependency. If you're not fluent in English, you'll need some help with translated spreadsheets or cards to fully enjoy what Combat Showcase has to offer. But if you're a Car Wars enthusiast and aren't intimidated by a little extra work to dive headfirst into this sci-fi world of insane racing, this book is a gem.
If you love the idea of customizing your ride and seeing it in action, this is your jam. The game uses dice rolling to settle disputes, adding that spice of luck and unpredictability, and the simulation aims to deliver a more realistic experience within the Car Wars universe. Each player might have different powers, adding an extra strategic layer, and the variable setup ensures every race or battle is a new adventure.
It's important to note that, being older material, it might have a considerable language dependency. If you're not fluent in English, you'll need some help with translated spreadsheets or cards to fully enjoy what Combat Showcase has to offer. But if you're a Car Wars enthusiast and aren't intimidated by a little extra work to dive headfirst into this sci-fi world of insane racing, this book is a gem.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Steve Jackson Games
Designer
David Ladyman, Martha Ladyman
Artist
C. Bradford Gorby, Dan Carroll, Jason Waltrip, John D. Waltrip, Kyle Miller
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is this a solo game or for playing with friends?
Combat Showcase is an expansion material for the Car Wars game, which is typically played by multiple players. It adds vehicle options, but the core gameplay relies on the base game.
Do I need the base game Car Wars to use this material?
Yes, absolutely! Combat Showcase is an expansion, so it adds content to the base game but doesn't work on its own.
How complex is this game? Is it for beginners?
As an expansion for Car Wars focusing on simulation and customization, it tends to be geared more towards those already familiar with the system or who enjoy more complex games. Dice rolling adds an element of luck, but strategy is key.
What are 'Variable Player Powers' and 'Variable Set-up'?
Variable Powers mean each player might have unique abilities. Variable Set-up means the initial game board or components change each time you play, making every experience different.
Is the game very long?
Playtime can vary significantly depending on the base game and how you decide to play. As an expansion focused on vehicles and combat, matches can be intense and quick or longer, depending on the strategy.
Do I need to translate everything to play?
The original material is in English and may have moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have translated spreadsheets or cards to facilitate immersion and understanding of the rules and vehicle options.
