Grav-Ball
- Designer L. Ross Babcock, III , Fred Bently
- Publisher FASA
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players control two six-man teams competing in a zero-G court, trying to score goals with a steel ball. Legal actions include body checks, passes, and shots, while penalties follow illegal moves. An invulnerable robot called Heartless Huey intervenes during fights, adding unpredictability. The game combines dice rolling, action points, and grid movement for tactical gameplay.
Who Is This Game For?
Grav-Ball targets enthusiasts aged 12 and up who enjoy tactical sci-fi sports games. With a 90-minute playtime, it’s suited for players with some experience, requiring 2 to 4 participants. There is no solo mode.
How It Works
Players spend action points to move their pieces on a square grid board. Dice rolls determine outcomes of physical checks and goal attempts. The mix of legal and illegal actions affects gameplay dynamics, with penalties and a special robot enforcing order during rough play.
What Makes It Special
Designed by L. Ross Babcock, III and Fred Bently, Grav-Ball was nominated for the 1982 Charles S. Roberts Best Science-Fiction Board Game award. It uniquely blends action points, dice rolling, and grid movement within a futuristic sports theme.
Awards
- 1982 Charles S. Roberts Best Science-Fiction Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- Innovative use of action points and grid movement
- Tactical depth within a sci-fi sports theme
- Nominated for the 1982 Charles S. Roberts Award
- Supports 2-4 players for team-based competition
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Relatively long playtime of about 90 minutes
- Requires prior experience with tactical board games
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a futuristic zero-gravity arena, Grav-Ball pits two teams against each other in a sci-fi sports contest on a square grid playing field.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on efficient use of action points and careful movement planning on the grid to improve your gameplay.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Grav-Ball requires at least two players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, plus setup time for the board and miniatures.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players aged 12 and up familiar with tactical and dice-based board games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Grav-Ball stands out by combining sci-fi sports with action points and grid movement, differing from traditional sports or sci-fi games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age restriction, it’s better suited for experienced players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its mix of action points, dice rolling, and grid movement creates unique tactical gameplay.
Fazit
Grav-Ball is recommended for fans of tactical sci-fi sports games with moderate length. It suits players who appreciate team strategies and action point mechanics but requires gaming experience and lacks solo options.
