Overview

Aliens: This Time It’s War is a tactical miniatures-style board game recreating scenes from the movie Aliens. Players control squads of Colonial Marines navigating through the colony on LV-426, fighting xenomorph aliens. The game features individual character actions, ranged and melee combat, alien spawning, and scenario-based missions. One or two players cooperate controlling Marines against alien-controlled opposition.

Components

• Game board maps (multiple scenario maps)
• Marine character cards and counters
• Alien counters
• Weapons and equipment cards
• Action point markers
• Combat dice
• Scenario cards
• Rules reference sheets

Setup

Choose a scenario. Place the map, position Marine and alien counters according to scenario setup instructions.

Turn Structure

Each turn:

1. Marine Phase: Each Marine character spends action points on movement, shooting, and special actions.
2. Alien Phase: Aliens move toward Marines and attack in melee.
3. Event Phase: Check for alien spawning, scenario events.

Actions

Marine Actions (cost Action Points)

Action	AP Cost	Effect
Move 1 space	1 AP	Move to adjacent space
Fire weapon	Varies	Roll dice, check hit/damage
Aim	1 AP	Bonus to next shot
Reload	1 AP	Reload expended weapon
Close door	1 AP	Seal a doorway
Pick up item	1 AP	Grab equipment

Combat

• Ranged: Marines roll dice based on weapon type. Range and cover modify hit chances.
• Melee: Aliens attack Marines in adjacent spaces. Marines can attempt to defend.
• Alien acid blood: Destroyed aliens at close range may cause acid damage.

Alien Behavior

Aliens follow programmed behavior: move toward nearest Marine, attack in melee. Aliens are fast and deadly in close quarters.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Victory depends on the scenario. Typical objectives include:

• Survive a set number of turns
• Evacuate Marines to a specific location
• Destroy the alien queen
• Complete mission objectives

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Different Marine characters have unique stats (action points, aim skill, morale).
• Weapons have limited ammunition; pulse rifles, flamers, and smartguns behave differently.
• Morale: Marines may panic if isolated or if casualties mount.
• Alien spawning varies by scenario and can increase in intensity.
• Some scenarios include the alien queen with enhanced abilities.

Player Reference

Turn Flow: Marine Phase (spend AP) → Alien Phase (move + attack) → Event Phase (spawn + events)

Weapon Types: Pulse Rifle, Smartgun, Flamer, Shotgun – each with different range, damage, and ammo.

Key Rule: Aliens are deadly in melee; keep them at range.