Pyramid Review
Cry H.A.V.I.C. Miniatures Game
Published by Talon Games
Written by Jon Walker
128 pages, 4 color inserts, 3 record sheets; $19.95
My first impression of Cry H.A.V.I.C. was mixed. Initially I was troubled by the cover, which is an incredibly garish yellow; luckily the interior of the book is simple black type on white paper. My second impression was less superficial; at 128 pages not including card inserts, the book is large, very complete and is supported by a very nice line of miniatures.
The title Cry H.A.V.I.C. refers to a Heavy Assault Vessel -- Infantry Carrier, a combination landing craft/starship, which is a little unusual for a game of squad based combat; still it does have a ring to it. As far as the game setting is concerned, H.A.V.I.C. has a lot going for it. Beginning with a stratification of state and corporate entities on earth, an expansion into space, planet (and later interstellar) wars, and a subsequent proliferation of empires, H.A.V.I.C. has a rich world with plenty of room for expansion. The book focuses on two empires: the Ryuuza Imperium (descended from militant Japanese corporations), and The Terran Confederation (an Australian-based dominion). It provides a lot of in depth information on these rivals. Also mentioned are other governments such as the Hellion Commonwealth and New Avalon, but only as tantalizing hints. Hopefully these other nations will be expanded in later releases, as the tantalizing glimpses of New Avalon power armor would . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: December 8, 2000
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