DUST Tactics

[Whiterook]

This is a board’s miniatures game I picked up back at its release in 2010, which had an original price of about $80. Originally released by AEG, Fantasy Flight Games (FFG) assumed the mantle for a several year run, where the proce rose to a little over a hundred, before transitioning to a new version called DUST 1947, and ultimately tanked by the pandemic. When the series changed, the original boxed game seen above went on warehouse sale prices, and I picked up two more boxed sets probably for about $50 each. Now take into consideration that a boxed set on will run you upwards of $400 mint (only the original version of mine is opened… the other two are mint in original shrink) and that’s a fair piece of value. These are getting harder to find now, too, which means they will increase in price… which causes the issue of, I really should leave those other two in a safe, unopened spot!

I was fascinated with the premise of the game right off the bat…

The year is 1947. Throughout the world, three major superpowers fight to claim exclusive control over a revolutionary source of power: Vk. Elite troops and massive combat robots wage violent battles to control these energy reservoirs...

Dust Tactics is a tactical miniatures board game for 2-4 players. In an alternate 1940s reality, alien technology fuels gigantic machines of war as the forces of the Axis and Allies clash over rare mineral deposits that could inevitably decide the outcome of the war. With over 30 highly detailed miniatures, nine double-sided terrain boards, 12 custom dice, unit cards, terrain, and plastic scenery, Dust Tactics delivers everything you need to wage battles in the immersive world of Dust.

A deep and engaging game setting, featuring stunning artwork by Paolo Parente, will draw players into a world desperately at war... and the highly detailed miniatures only add to this immersion. Eight included scenarios and nearly limitless customization ensures hundreds of hours of replayability, while scalable rules offer a satisfying experience for players of all levels.

• Over 30 highly detailed miniatures
• Nine double-sided boards to customize your own battle
• A deep and engaging setting
• A battle book including eight unique scenarios
• Quick-start rules to get into the action quickly

I mean, how cool is that!

[Whiterook]

To give you an idea of what’s in the box, see the video below

 

The reviewer is pretty spot on for the most part, but it’s clearly not his usual cup of tea… but it is mine, and that’s what’s important to me 

He compares it to Memoir ‘44, and I couldn’t agree less, haha… I actually see more shades of Axis & Allies Miniatures in the cards, but the miniatures are nothing like either ones mentioned here. It’s an I Go You Go, shoot ‘em up, and the game is very quick play with fairly easy and accessible rules.

The miniatures are indeed GORGEOUS, even unpainted, and the mechs are amazing. The reason I bought the three base core games was obviously for more miniatures and expandability for larger battles, and extra mapboards give you that flexibility. Much like putting anything from Memoir ‘44 to RISK together with multiple maps and armies, this heretofore mentioned (in the video) 30 minute games can theoretically turn into an hour or more… and the addition of actual terrain makes this crazy cool!  

Here’s a little more of what the units look like…





It’s a big box, so here’s a random pic off of BGG to illustrate…



Feel free to check out other reviews on YT, but keep in mind that this is the original game from about 2010, so don’t get it confused wit DUST 1947, the newer version.

[Whiterook]

So why Dust Tactics?


At the time, it was the latest game to attempt to mix a board-game with a miniatures/war/skirmish game. The result was a Squad-level game, unlike the original DUST board game (which was global domination, like RISK). To confuse you even more, there was also a DUST Warfare rulebook that came out later, which uses the minis from Tactics, but is more akin to Flames of War.

Anywho, the game has an interesting background too, because it has been a while in the making, as this was once being produced by AEG, but then right before Gen Con 2010 they announced that Fantasy Flight Games would be taking over the launch of Dust Tactics. Right!?? …you gotta love FFG! In the games’ roots, as mentioned above, Dust Tactics is based on Paolo Parente's world of Dust. It's another weird war setting in which it's 1950 and the Nazi's are still going at it with the Allies, creating an alternate Cold War scenario altogether. Add to that a sci-fi twist with sci-fi weapons technology, plus some Mecha units, and you have the world of Dust Tactics. Got it? Confused? …I still get lost in the more, haha!

Well, mix all the above in a giant mixing bowl and you have a ton of fun, in my view! …and yes, I own DUST and DUST Warfare and many expansions!

I’ll be working in this game in the coming months, and I will likely paint the minis, so look forward to Build Logs if I do…they look great the way they are, but weathering is just too tempting! Regardless, I’ll be adding to this thread as I delve back into New Old Stock!!!