Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Originally released in 1977 and 1978, the two first releases in The Fantasy Trip series, Melee and Wizard, were out of Steve Jackson's reach during the eighties when the classic Pocket Box was first produced.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Grid Movement
Move pieces between adjacent spaces on a regular grid.
Dice Rolling
Roll dice to introduce uncertainty into actions, production, movement, or resolution.
Scenario Campaign
Play linked or standalone scenarios with their own setup, objectives, and consequences.
Hexagon Grid
Use a hexagonal map where each space connects evenly in six directions.
Line of Sight
Visibility between pieces determines valid targets, movement, or effects.
Read the full game description
Originally released in 1977 and 1978, the two first releases in The Fantasy Trip series, Melee and Wizard, were out of Steve Jackson's reach during the eighties when the classic Pocket Box was first produced. Finally, we're able to present these two great games in an 80s-styled package, making this the "What If?" edition you're sure had to have existed in the early days of gaming. Melee -- Create characters in just a few minutes -- then send them into the arena. Winners become stronger and faster for the next battle. Losers die. Each counter in this fast-moving game is a single warrior. Players choose weapons and tactics for their fighters, and send them into combat against men, beasts, or monsters -- to victory, or death. Wizard -- The magic companion to Melee -- sorcerous combat, in the arena or in the dungeon. Create your wizard, choose his spells, and go into combat. Zap your foe with fireballs or lightning. Summon giants, dragons, and wolves to destroy them all. Or be subtle and entangle them with Magic Rope and Slippery Floor spells. Successful wizards gain skill and power. Losers die. Includes rules, classic-sized counters and maps, and three 12mm d6. Two games in one! —description from the publisher