Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone transforms the intensity and neon-soaked world of the popular anime into a fast-paced, deeply strategic miniatures board game. Developed by Monster Fight Club and inspired by Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone, this two-to-four-player tabletop skirmish game captures the essence of the series with sharp mechanics and a visual flair that’s as bold as Night City itself.
In the game, players control either Maine’s Edgerunner crew—including fan-favorite characters like David, Lucy, and Rebecca—or an Arasaka paramilitary unit featuring both grunts and major antagonists like Adam Smasher. Each match begins with scenario selection and gang building based on a point system, leading to countless roster combinations and playstyles. Tactical gear and cybernetic enhancements deepen gameplay with a wealth of customization.
Refined Mechanics With Tactical Depth
Combat is driven by a distinctive activation system, where each character is assigned color-coded action tokens linked to specific dice. These tokens dictate movement, combat, and special actions like netrunning. Leadership skills and reaction mechanics add dynamic twists, encouraging players to strategize and adapt as the action unfolds. Decisions feel weighty and meaningful—every action counts, and efficient resource use is essential.
The system rewards careful planning. Whether choosing between a strong defensive die or saving a top-tier token for a future turn, players must constantly evaluate risk and timing. The result is a high-engagement loop akin to other tactical board games, blending calculated strategy with controlled chaos.
Acrylic Standees Elevate Accessibility and Aesthetics
In a bold shift from traditional miniatures, Combat Zone opts for high-quality acrylic standees instead of plastic figures. This choice pays off: the anime’s iconic art style shines through the translucent components, and setup time is dramatically reduced. The standees provide visual cohesion with the cyberpunk setting and eliminate the burden of assembly and painting, making the game more accessible without sacrificing style.
For collectors craving miniatures, optional upgrades are available—but the base version feels complete and well-realized. The standees strike a strong balance between function and visual impact, especially when paired with the impressive chipboard terrain pieces included in the box.
Campaign Depth and Standalone Replayability
Combat Zone offers more than just head-to-head combat. A full narrative campaign lets players evolve their gangs across multiple battles, gaining new gear and abilities while working toward a climactic finale. However, the game also shines in one-off matches thanks to a rich pool of scenarios, flexible team compositions, and mission objectives that encourage experimentation.
The compatibility with Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone adds even more value, allowing players to mix components and characters across the two games for a broader range of scenarios and tactical possibilities.
Faithful to the Source, Fun in Its Own Right
The design team shows great respect for the source material. Each character’s abilities and style reflect their personality from the anime—David is all about cybernetic speed, Lucy excels at netrunning, and Adam Smasher dominates with brute force. Whether revisiting familiar faces or discovering them for the first time, the game immerses players in the gritty, chaotic energy of Edgerunners.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone is a standout tabletop experience that successfully adapts an acclaimed anime into an engaging and polished skirmish game. The use of acrylic standees is a welcome innovation, and the flexible game design supports both casual one-off sessions and extended campaign play. With intuitive mechanics and strong thematic integration, it’s a game that fans of the series—and tactical board game enthusiasts alike—will find immensely rewarding.
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