MECHS VS MINIONS

The first tabletop title from the developer of the world’s biggest video game is a triumph of production, narrative and mechanics

The game’s production values are seriously impressive.

Riot Games | €75 | Co-op programming | 2-4 players | 60-90 minutes | Age: 14+ | na.leagueoflegends.com

Let’s get this out of the way: although Mechs vs Minions is the first tabletop release from Riot Games and is set in the same universe as the video game developer’s massively successful MOBA League of Legends, you don’t need to enjoy or even be familiar with League to appreciate the board game.

In fact, one of Mechs’ greatest strengths is how fully-formed the hefty and sizeable package feels. The contents come packed in multiple layers like a glorious chocolate box of plastic miniatures, cards, dice and tokens, offering the same level of childlike glee as you dig through to discover the many delights within.

Frankly, the production values are astounding considering both the relatively reasonable price tag (around £65) and the sheer number of components crammed in, from the four pre-painted mechs to the dozens of minion models, which aren’t painted but do come washed to accentuate their well-sculpted features and various expressive poses.

This level of finish extends to every component, big or small: the map tiles feature laminated sections to add texture to oil slicks and other environmental effects, while the player boards and cards feel robust. There are even metal gears and coins! The smart packaging (in an especially thoughtful move, any one of the 100 minion models will fit snugly in any space) and universally high quality make setting up and packing away easy and fast, an achievement worth mentioning given the number of pieces involved.