Back in the olden days, I ate, drank, and slept professional wrestling. For years, I noticed ads for Champions of the Galaxy, a pro-wrestling game using cards, charts, and dice with characters straight out comic books. I think I was fifteen when I finally plunked down my precious thirteen bucks and gave it a shot. My world was changed forever.
Before I knew it, I was running a wrestling federation, recognizing my own titles, and basically nerding it up hardcore. With the dawn of the internet, it became a snap to share your results with other promoters and nerdification reached unheard of levels. As time drew on, my focus shifted to things less likely to keep me from getting laid, although I still occasionally bust out the dice, cards, and charts and play a few shows.
The game features easy to learn mechanics. It takes minutes to learn but the simplicity is what has kept the game going for the better part of three decades. Couple that with great art and memorable characters and you've got a winner on your hands.
These days, Champions of the Galaxy is 30 years old and Filsinger Games, the parent company, now features an online version and other card games featuring the same engine, like Legends of Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and 80's Mania Wrestling. There's also a documentary chronicling the game and a live event DVD featuring real world wrestlers portraying characters from the game!
Several years ago, Tom Filsinger and company decided to revisit the original edition with new, full color art by Darryl Banks. Take a gander at these!
To fans of professional wrestling and comic books, I cannot stress the fun factor and replay value of Champions of the Galaxy. I have countless fond memories of spending an evening building feuds, booking title matches, and recording results. Five out of five stars.
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