Clash of the Titans: Battle Monsters Brings Kaiju Mayhem to Your Tabletop

Prepare for an earth-shattering showdown as Battle Monsters, a reimagined take on the classic ’90s Games Workshop board game Battle Masters, is now on Kickstarter, with 14 days to go as of this posting.  This isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s an epic collision of colossal beasts, as Battle Monsters proudly presents an officially licensed Monsterverse board game, pitting fan-favorite kaiju like Godzilla and King Ghidorah against each other in a struggle for supremacy.

Big lizard lovers, your moment has arrived! In Battle Monsters, each player takes control of one iconic kaiju and a squad of supporting troops, with a singular, destructive goal: annihilate the opposition. The base game throws down the gauntlet with Godzilla facing off against King Ghidorah. But the devastation doesn’t stop there. An upcoming expansion allows you to mix and match these titans with King Kong and MechaGodzilla, and for those who backed the Kickstarter, the majestic Mothra is available as an exclusive add-on!

For those unfamiliar with its origins, the original 1992 Battle Masters was a miniature wargame designed by Stephen Baker and published by Milton Bradley. A collaborative effort with Games Workshop, the creators of Warhammer 40k, it served as a simpler, thematically similar entry point to the world of Warhammer Fantasy. While some gamers at the time criticized its simplicity, Battle Masters is fondly remembered for its sheer fun factor and its ability to draw in younger wargamers to the hobby.

Fast forward to today, and Stephen Baker once again leads the charge as the designer for Battle Monsters. He’s joined by a seasoned game restoration team, comprised of major legacy board game designers and veterans from Restoration Games, ensuring that the spirit of the original is preserved while bringing fresh, monstrous life to the game.

While the full details of the transformation from Battle Masters to Battle Monsters are still unfolding, the Kickstarter campaign offers a thrilling glimpse into the gameplay. Your chosen titan isn’t static; it evolves over time, unlocking increasingly devastating abilities and unleashing extra chaos through a mechanic called Rage.

Each monster boasts its own unique strategy for sowing destruction. Godzilla, for instance, can unleash his iconic atomic breath to blast multiple targets, while King Ghidorah can inflict extra damage by strategically pushing enemies into piles of rubble. Supporting troops and resources also offer their own benefits, but make no mistake – their primary purpose is to bolster the monumental clash between these monstrous behemoths.

For the ultimate kaiju experience, the complete Battle Monsters bundle, encompassing all five kaiju mentioned, is available for $379 (£286). This represents a significant 30% discount off the projected retail price, though publisher Restoration Games has indicated that the game will have limited retail availability anyway. For those looking for a more modest entry point, a single two-monster box is priced at $125 (£95).

Restoration Games has also gone above and beyond to address the current tariff situation in the US, which has significantly impacted the import costs of many board games manufactured in China. They’ve made a clear commitment to their backers: “We want to assure all our backers that we will never ask for additional funds regardless of changes to tariffs, shipping charges, or any of the other vagaries of making a game,” the publisher states. “We have put in a ton of time and effort to ensure that we can complete and fulfill this campaign regardless of what the economic landscape looks like.”

With its blend of nostalgic appeal, exciting kaiju action, and a commitment to its backers, Battle Monsters is poised to be a board game experience of epic proportions. Head over to their Kickstarter campaign to join the monster-sized battle!