# Vector 3: Tactical Space Combat in Three Dimensions

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1979
- **BGG Rating**: 5.4
- **BGG Rank**: #27230
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: —
- **Weight**: 2.33 / 5
- **Designers**: Greg Costikyan
- **Artists**: Charles Vess, Redmond Aksel Simonsen, Rick Bryant
- **Publishers**: (Web published), SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)
- **Categories**: Print & Play, Science Fiction, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid

## Verdict
Perfect for old-school wargame lovers who want 3D combat complexity in a compact format.Innovative three-dimensional combatShip customization via podsMultiple scenarios for varietyWell-applied Newtonian physicsSteeper learning curveRequires precise position trackingFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Get ready to take the war to the stars with Vector 3, a classic science fiction wargame that refuses to play it safe. The conflict unfolds in the Gilgamesh Cluster, where the humano-cetacean civilization and the Xandri-Bratcom Coalition fight for space supremacy. The big twist? Combat is truly three-dimensional. Forget flat boards; you'll use position charts (X,Y) and (X,Z) to track where your ships are in the void, simulating Newtonian physics in a tactical way.

The game offers an interesting customization layer: you don't just get ships, you build them. Using ship points, you assemble your fleet with various pods, such as lasers, torpedo launchers, defensive screen generators, and tractor or pressor beams. Additionally, technology points allow you to upgrade your systems as the conflict progresses. Victory isn't just about annihilating the enemy, but about accumulating points by destroying specific components and being the last one standing in the battlefield.

The game includes four different scenarios, each with varying technology limits and point budgets, ensuring that every match has a different feel. Being a microgame from SPI's Capsule series, it is compact but doesn't skimp on tactical complexity. If you enjoy the idea of calculating vectors and managing fleet construction while trying to outmaneuver your opponent in three dimensions, Vector 3 is a fascinating dive into the golden age of pocket wargames.

## FAQ
### How many people can play?
The game is exclusively for 2 players, designed as a direct tactical duel.

### Is it hard to learn?
It has a medium weight (2.33 on BGG), so it requires focus, especially regarding 3D movement and position charts.

### How long does a game take?
It depends on the chosen scenario, but as a microgame, the duration varies based on fleet complexity.

### What is the 'pod' system?
They are modules you install on ships, such as lasers or shields, allowing you to customize your fleet based on your strategy.

### How does movement work?
It is based on vectors and X, Y, and Z coordinates, simulating actual movement in space instead of just moving pieces on a flat map.

### Is this a modern game?
No, it's a 1979 classic, so expect that vintage wargame vibe with a focus on tables and calculations.