Unleashing Epic Battles: A Review of the Lesser Known Tabletop Wargames
Hidden Gems: TUSK by Wessex Games
Ogg crouched low, gripping his stone-tipped spear, every muscle taut. Mud smeared his face to mask his scent, his breath shallow and steady. He waited for the perfect moment, the mastodon’s massive form looming above. His tribe’s cheers echoed in his mind as he lunged, delivering the decisive strike…if only he’d hit his target.
Tabletop wargame classics you may have missed.
So what is tusk?
TUSK by Wessex Games is a gem among tabletop wargames, offering a refreshing departure from traditional military or sci-fi settings. This quirky and highly thematic game plunges players into a prehistoric world where tribes of cavemen face off against formidable challenges like mammoths, sabertooth tigers, and even dinosaurs. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity, its adaptability, and its focus on storytelling and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned wargamer or a newcomer, TUSK offers a delightful gaming experience with plenty of room for creativity.
Tusk is particularly well suited for introducing kids like mine (7 & 8) to the idea of wargaming.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
Tusk's premise
In TUSK, players take on the roles of rival tribes seeking to survive and thrive in a dangerous prehistoric world. The ultimate objective? Bring back food for the tribe by taking down prehistoric megafauna, all while trying to avoid becoming dinner yourself. It’s a game as much about cooperation within your tribe as it is about fierce competition with other players.
The premise is beautifully simple, yet brimming with potential for chaos and hilarity. While the game is rooted in wargaming tradition, it veers away from complex stat sheets and endless rules to create a light, fast-paced experience that prioritizes fun.
Component Quality
what's In the game?
TUSK is very much an old school wargame. Essex Games doesn’t produce their own miniatures, and the game is not only miniature agnostic, it’s also scale agnostic as well.
The rulebook is well-written, with clear instructions and plenty of humorous flourishes that capture the game’s whimsical tone. However, the lack of glossy production values might deter those accustomed to the high-end packaging of modern wargames. Yet, for those who value charm and ingenuity over aesthetics, TUSK delivers in spades.
Technically, Tusk is just a set of rules. It does not come with a dedicated set of miniatures per se, but starter sets are easily available. This isn’t the latest shiny thing from GW, it’s an honest to goodness old fashioned wargame.
The lack of components can be seen as an advantage for hobbyists. Players can use any prehistoric-themed miniatures, creating opportunities to flex their creativity. Whether you’re digging into your collection of cavemen and dinosaurs or crafting your own, this aspect allows for a deeply personalized experience.
Irregular Miniatures makes a whole passle of starter sets in both 15mm and 6mm. As of Nob 15th 2024, you can purchase a really good sized set of mammoths/dinos, cavemen, etc for $20. The Victorian Adventurer set is even cheaper.
There are a non-insignificant variety of expansion pacs including King Kong, Daleks, Napoleonics, Hoth, and many more scenarios for under $15.
I can’t recomend Irregular enough. There is a reason they have been fixtures in wargames for decades.
Strategic Depth
rules and mechanics
One of TUSK’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The rules are straightforward and easy to grasp, making it an excellent choice for casual gamers or those new to wargaming. The core mechanics revolve around movement, combat, and resource management. Each tribe must maneuver its cavemen carefully, choosing between attacking the target beast, gathering resources, or sabotaging rival tribes.
Combat is resolved using a simple d6 dice system, which keeps things moving briskly. Randomness adds a layer of unpredictability, ensuring that even the best-laid plans can go hilariously awry. Anyone who knows me knows I love randomness. Despite its simplicity, the game offers enough tactical depth to keep experienced players engaged, especially when managing multiple threats on the board.
One delightful feature of TUSK is its modularity. Wessex Games provides a core framework, but players are encouraged to adapt and expand the rules. This flexibility allows players to incorporate their own house rules or even blend TUSK with other tabletop systems for custom scenarios.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay
TUSK shines in its ability to create memorable moments. The game thrives on the absurdity of its scenarios—imagine a group of cavemen trying to outwit a mammoth, only to be ambushed by a rival tribe armed with primitive spears. The emergent narratives make every game session unique, and the mix of cooperation and competition fosters lively interactions among players.
While the game is undeniably fun, it does cater to a niche audience. Those seeking deep strategic gameplay or highly detailed simulations might find TUSK too simplistic. But, those people are never fun and invited to my games.
However, for fans of thematic wargames and those looking for a break from conventional settings, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
expandability and flexibility
The modular nature of TUSK makes it endlessly replayable. The ability to craft custom scenarios, introduce new rules, or add house-designed creatures ensures that no two games are ever the same. Wessex Games has also provided optional expansions, adding new challenges and enhancing the prehistoric mayhem.
Tusk. The basic dinosaur and mammoth hunting game system.
Tusk 2: The Wrath of Kong. You can guess by the name how it was expanded. It also brings in rules for firearms and cannons to further expanse the ability for Victorian or really almost any small arms into the game.
Tusk 3: Apocalypse Soon. This is the *cough* Doctor Who *cough* science fiction expansion that allows for Daleks, Terminators, and Star Wars scenarios.
All of these rulespacks are available on Irregular Miniatures at very good prices and great service.
Final Thoughts
Why Tusk is must play
TUSK by Wessex Games is a delightful and unconventional entry in the world of tabletop wargaming. Its lighthearted approach, accessible mechanics, and potential for creative customization make it a standout choice for gamers seeking a unique experience. While it may not appeal to those who favor complexity and polish, its charm, humor, and replayability more than compensate.
Whether you’re battling mammoths, outsmarting rival tribes, or just enjoying the chaos, TUSK promises an unforgettable adventure. In a gaming landscape often dominated by serious themes, TUSK is a reminder that sometimes, the best games are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously. Grab your tribe, roll the dice, and prepare for prehistoric pandemonium!
Join the Discussion!
Have you tried this tabletop wargame yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies! Share your experiences and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the comments below. If you haven’t played it yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and explore the thrilling world of strategic battles.
