Talon

GMT Games · Board game · 2016
2–6 · best 2 60–90 min Weight 2.6/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
6.8 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

High-stakes tactical space combat perfect for fans of capital ship engagements and strategic depth.

Highlights
  • Epic fleet combat
  • Intuitive energy management
  • Diverse campaign scenarios
  • Clean, practical components
Keep in mind
  • Requires constant strategic focus
  • Focuses on capital ships, not fighters
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to blast off into the year 2112! In Talon, you aren't just moving pieces; you are commanding fleets of capital ships in an epic galactic war between the Terran Confederation and the Talon Empire. Forget those quick fighter skirmishes; here, the real action involves massive vessels where every energy decision counts. The standout feature is the 'Power Curve' system. You must decide: will you allocate energy to reinforce shields, charge weapons for a devastating strike, or boost maneuverability to avoid becoming an easy target? It's a constant, tense balancing act. Combat is tactical and direct, resolved on a hexagonal map where positioning and firing arcs are crucial. One of the coolest features is the use of large, laminated counters. You can mark damage directly on them with a dry-erase marker, keeping the board clean and all vital information right at your fingertips without a mess of tokens. The gameplay is highly dynamic, featuring scenarios ranging from escorts to planetary invasions, and it supports a campaign mode for those wanting to experience the full weight of the war. If you love space strategy with depth, but don't want to spend three hours on tedious bookkeeping, Talon is your game. The complexity is baked into the design, not the bureaucracy, letting you focus on what truly matters: winning the war.
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Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: VASSAL
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Jim Krohn
Artist Brett Miller, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game take?
It depends on the scenario! Smaller combats can be finished in 1 hour, while larger missions can take up to 2 hours.
Can I play solo?
Absolutely! The game plays very well solo because there is no hidden information or simultaneous actions.
What is the complexity level?
It's an expert/mid-high complexity game, but the energy system is designed to be fluid rather than bureaucratic.
Does it focus on starfighters?
No, the main focus is on capital ships. Fighter combat is secondary to the scale of the fleet engagements.
Do I need many tokens?
Not at all! The laminated counters allow you to mark damage directly on them, keeping the game tidy.