Definition of Movement Points
Movement Points (MPs) represent a mechanism in board games that defines how far a player's piece or character can move on the game board during their turn. Each piece is allocated a certain number of MPs, which may vary based on the character's abilities, the type of terrain being traversed, or other game-specific rules.
Mechanics of Movement Points
Allocation of Movement Points
At the beginning of a player's turn, they receive a predetermined allotment of MPs. The number of MPs granted often correlates with the unit’s mobility or the game's thematic elements—such as cavalry having more MPs than infantry in a war game.
Spending Movement Points
Players spend MPs to move their pieces across the board. Different types of terrain may cost varying MPs to cross; for instance, a forest might cost two MPs to enter, a plain might only cost one. Strategically deciding which routes to take, which units to move, and how far to move them is a cornerstone of gameplay involving MPs.
Strategic Considerations
Players must use their MPs judiciously. Decisions about when to advance, when to hold positions, and how to best utilize the terrain can greatly affect the outcome of the game. Players may have to choose between reaching a key position quickly with one piece or cautiously advancing multiple pieces to maintain a strong formation.
Examples and Applications
MP Costs and Terrain
Some games introduce complexity by assigning different MP costs to various terrains. For instance, in a game like "Memoir '44," moving a unit through a river might halt its movement completely, representing the difficulty in crossing that obstacle.
MP Variation Among Units
In games like "Descent: Journeys in the Dark," different characters might have varying amounts of MPs. A scout might move faster through the dungeon with more MPs than a heavily armored warrior. This adds to the depth and forces players to think about the best ways to utilize each unit's movement capabilities.
Combining Movement with Other Actions
Often, moving is not the only action governed by MPs. In a game like "Star Wars: Imperial Assault," players use MPs for different actions such as opening doors or engaging in combat, providing a rich context of strategic choices with every turn.
Conclusion
Understanding and explaining the nuances of Movement Points mechanics is essential for providing a player with a clear expectation of the play experience. Incorporating examples, making strategic considerations clear, and detailing how Movement Points can vary and be spent, offers a holistic approach to convey the importance of this mechanic in board games. By adopting these best practices in your explanation, you enable players to quickly grasp the core concepts and prepare them for the strategic decisions they will face during gameplay.
