As we review games, films, board games, TTRPGs and everything in between, we always like a good crossover. If you’re looking for a nice last minute holiday gift that fits into that category, Kess has a few nice examples that blend the worlds of video and board games. Here’s a look at Contra: The Board game and the Mega Man Adventures Board Game.
Contra: The Board Game
Contra: The Board Game, a 1 to 4 player card and dice-driven strategy/action title, brings the classic Contra video game to tabletops with a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Published by Kess Co, the game is designed by the experienced Sadler duo, known for their work on Street Masters, Brook City, and Altar Quest. Staying true to the Contra legacy, players embody iconic commandos navigating perilous stages and confronting imposing bosses to dismantle the mysterious Red Falcon organization. The Modular Deck System (MDS) offers players the freedom to choose commando decks, boss decks, and tailor scenarios using a stage deck, ensuring replayability and diverse combinations.
The way this all echoes the video game experience makes Contra’s gameplay rather immersive, emphasizing quick action in a modular setup the provides replayability. As such, the game successfully translates the intensity of the original video game into a tabletop setting, showcasing the developer’s love for the source material. For Contra fans, this kind of commitment to delivering an authentic experience is a major plus.
There are some drawbacks to how replayability was implemented though, as part of it relies on randomized/arbitrary damage assignment mechanics. This makes things unpredictable, but can also give players a sense that they’re not in control. On the other hand, things like the advantage system also represent a valiant effort to recreate the run-and-gun/reflex-focused nature of the game.
The production values and visuals in Contra: The Board game are decent, but the miniatures in particular failed to impress us. Luckily, this one has a budget-friendly price point to match, so we’re willing to overlook that. Overall, Contra: The Board Game is a noteworthy addition to the tabletop gaming scene if you’re looking for something video game-inspired, catering to nostalgia-driven players with a surprising twist on an action game classic.
Mega Man Adventures Board Game
The Mega Man Adventures Board Game, which is a collaborative creation by Michael Kelley and Peter Gousi that is also being published by Kess Co, brings the beloved Mega Man video game franchise to the tabletop realm. As with Contra, it was designed for 1 to 4 players, letting players go up against the infamous Dr. Wily and his formidable Robot Masters in a board game adventure. It offers the flexibility to either play quick single games or start up a longer campaign, with challenges set against the backdrop of scenarios from Mega Man 1, Mega Man 2, and Mega Man 3 – and this even includes boss fights!
The game’s artwork is extremely charming, showcasing a clear nostalgic homage to the original video games that were created over thirty years ago. The attention to detail in the artwork enhances the gaming experience and provides a nice throwback for fans of the first games that started the franchise. And even though you can play solo, the cooperative nature of the game stands as a highlight, making it accessible and enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with Mega Man thanks to its social element. Support cards add strategic depth, allowing players to influence each other’s gameplay positively.
As such, the game’s appeal extends beyond Mega Man enthusiasts and nostalgia. Despite the presence of a substantial rule book that might look daunting at first, players will find the learning curve manageable, and the challenge of facing Dr. Wily adds an exciting dimension, even in defeat. It’s moments like these where the designers’ evident passion for the original games shines through, and it even can even make non-gamers curious about said games.
The game’s dice rolls simulate the process of navigating a video game level, and the collaborative effort to figure out boss battles adds to the appeal here. For lifelong Mega Man enthusiasts, the game’s presentation proves to be a highlight, with an NES cartridge-inspired box design serving as a great showpiece on your shelf. The rules (and the amount of components included) might appear daunting, but the Mega Man Adventures Board Game is a successful and engaging tabletop adaptation of the classic video game franchise that both looks and feels like it was lovingly created.
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