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Mission Critical is another installment in the Exploit Zero series of cyberpunk tabletop wargames. This one is a mini game, literally; 16 pages for running ops with 3-model teams in a 2 x 2 area. A single game can be run in an hour. Less, if things get ugly.

Mission Critical is a stand-alone, PvP rule set where each player deploys one of these teams (called a ‘Direct Action Unit’) to accomplish an objective at a critical location. Problem is, your opponent is there too, with his own DAU and agenda.

For you choom already familiar with Exploit Zero, a DAU is composed of a Ronin (ranged specialist) a Razor (melee) and a generic Specialist (medic/hacker combo) Use the minis you have, set up the table, and go. Or buy new ones to make a custom-themed team. Either way, you only need three per side.

What’s New?

Aside from the very low model count and small game area, Mission Critical offers Stealth Deployment and Hidden Objectives.

The Stealth element comes in the form of numbered or lettered tokens/miniature bases, each corresponding to one of the miniatures in the team. (one side is numbered, the opponent uses letters) These tokens/bases start in the deployment zone and move into the mission area, staying anonymous until actions or game conditions force them to reveal their identity. Once that happens, the token is replaced by the correct miniature.

Now you know who’s shooting at you.

Hidden Objectives means a DAU’s mission objective is hidden from their opponent. Each Mission Critical game has six possible objectives and players roll to determine theirs before they deploy. The result is then noted in secret on their team roster.

The result is teams operating in the same area for different reasons. It’s possible both could achieve their objective. It also possible one side could steal their opponent’s mission goal out from under them. Like the enemy’s models, your opponent’s objective is revealed during the game, in the heat of combat.

“Mission Critical is about focus, brevity, and intensity of action in a world of cyberpunk espionage and mayhem.”

A 16 page rule book, three miniatures/three spare bases per side, a 2 x 2 game area, a bit of terrain, a poly dice set, ruler, templates, and an hour with a gaming buddy is all you need to run a game of Exploit Zero Mission Critical.

Ready-made Agents with variable load outs – Stealth deployment and movement until you’re ready to strike – Objectives change mission to mission – Interactive, tactical terrain… Mission Critical is a brutal, fast, and fun way to indulge in an afternoon of cyberpunk espionage and mayhem.

That’s it for now. Exploit Zero Mission Critical is available at WARGAME VAULT. Pick up a copy for yourself and a friend.

Thanks for stopping by. Good hunting, Agents.

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