Hot Spot is a tactical science fiction wargame simulating the Technocrat raid on the molten world of Chiros. One player controls the Ziegler Corporation forces defending crustal platforms on the hostile planetary surface, while the other player commands the attacking Technocrat forces. The game features combat across 14 crustal platforms in an environment of extreme heat and volcanic activity.
Components
Game board/map (Chiros surface with crustal platforms)
Unit counters (Ziegler Corporation and Technocrat forces)
Combat resolution tables
Die/dice
Rules booklet
Setup
Place the map with Chiros and its 14 crustal platforms.
The Ziegler player sets up defensive forces on the 14 crustal platforms.
The Technocrat player prepares their raiding force at designated entry points.
Reference combat tables are placed nearby.
Turn Structure
Each game turn:
Technocrat Movement Phase — The attacker moves forces.
Combat Phase — Resolve engagements between opposing forces.
Ziegler Response Phase — The defender moves and counterattacks.
Environmental Phase — Resolve any environmental hazards from the molten surface.
Actions
Movement
Units move across crustal platforms and the spaces between them.
The molten surface of Chiros creates environmental hazards for units not on platforms.
Combat
Attacking and defending forces compare combat values.
Roll dice and consult combat results tables.
Platform defense bonuses may apply to Ziegler forces.
Platform Control
Capturing or defending crustal platforms is the primary objective.
Each platform has strategic value.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
The Technocrat player wins by capturing a sufficient number of crustal platforms or achieving raid objectives.
The Ziegler player wins by defending the platforms and repelling the Technocrat assault.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
Molten environment: The hostile surface of Chiros creates unique tactical challenges — units off platforms may suffer environmental damage.
14 crustal platforms: The limited number of defensible positions creates focused tactical decisions.
Asymmetric forces: Attacker and defender have different unit types and capabilities.
Sci-fi setting: Technology and unit types reflect the science fiction theme.