Overview
The Omega Virus is an electronic board game set aboard BattleSat 1, a military weapons satellite station invaded by a deadly computer virus – the Omega Virus. Players are Commandos from rival world powers competing to find 3 Anti-Virus Devices (AVDs), locate the Virus, and destroy it before time runs out. The game features a built-in computer with voice capabilities that controls gameplay, tracks items, and taunts players. Published by Milton Bradley (1992).
Components
- 1 game board (BattleSat 1 with 4 colored Sectors: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue)
- 1 Command Center (electronic unit with speaker, ON button, Command Buttons 0/1/2/R)
- 4 Commando figures (1 per color)
- 4 Probe figures (1 per color, matching Commandos)
- 3 types of AVDs: Negatron, Disruptor, Decoder (stored in Command Center)
- 4 sets of Access Cards (Green, Blue, Red, Yellow)
- 4 Exploration Logs
- 4 Sector Panels
Setup
- Assemble the game board per the assembly sheet.
- Place matching AVDs and Access Cards in their designated Command Center storage areas.
- Each player takes a Commando matching their color Docking Bay and places it there.
- Place each player’s Probe in the Command Center hole in front of them.
- Extra Probes go in matching-color Command Center holes.
- Each player takes an Exploration Log and places it face down.
Turn Structure
On each turn, the computer prompts players in order. Each Commando (and Probe) must perform one of 4 options:
Commando Options
- Explore a Room – Enter a room to search for items
- Attack Another Commando or Probe – Battle another player
- Pass – Do nothing
- Teleport to Another Docking Bay – Instantly move to any Docking Bay
Probe Options (same 4 options)
Actions
Movement Rules
- Commando Movement: Up to 3 spaces per turn along Connector Pads. Must have the matching-color Access Card to enter/pass through a Room.
- Probe Movement: Cannot stop on Connector Pads. Moves from Room/Docking Bay to any connected Room or Docking Bay in a single move. Needs matching Access Card.
- Connector Pads, Rooms, and Docking Bays each count as 1 space.
Exploring a Room
- Enter the Room with your Commando (must have matching Access Card).
- Press the Explore button (2), then enter the 3-digit Room Code.
- The computer announces what you found:
- Access Card: Take from Command Center; gain access to that color’s rooms.
- AVD (Anti-Virus Device): Take the AVD and attach to your Commando’s Power Pack.
- Probe: Take your matching Probe and place it in the same Room.
- Hazard (Teleport Trap): Your piece is teleported to a Docking Bay.
- Hazard (Security Breach): The Virus attacks with Energy Shields (1, 2, or 3). Press matching shield buttons quickly to defend.
- Nothing: The room is empty.
Your Secret Code
- Write a 2-digit code (using 0, 1, 2) on your Exploration Log.
- When you explore a Room and hear your Secret Code, only you know the Virus is in that Room.
Battling the Virus
- Collect all 3 AVDs: Negatron, Disruptor, and Decoder.
- Navigate to the Room containing the Virus.
- Use all 3 AVDs to terminate the Omega Virus.
Attacking Other Players
- A Commando or Probe in the same space can attack another.
- Commandos are stronger than Probes; Probes can still collect items if they win.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
Win: Be the first to locate the Virus’s Room and use all 3 AVDs to destroy it.
Lose (all players): Time runs out. The countdown timer is set by Skill Level and number of players:
| Skill Level |
1 Player |
2 Players |
3 Players |
4 Players |
| 0 (Easiest) |
28 min |
25 |
30 |
33 |
| 1 (Shorter) |
15 |
13 |
20 |
25 |
| 2 (Shortest) |
10 |
10 |
15 |
19 |
If time runs out, the Virus wins and Earth is doomed.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
- The countdown is not in effect while the computer is talking. Only actual play time counts.
- If no buttons are pressed for 2-3 minutes, the game auto-shuts off. Press ON to resume (starts new game).
- Different players may find different items in the same Room.
- Rooms that previously had items may become empty; rooms previously empty may gain items.
- Hazard Rooms typically contain hazards, but not always.
- A Probe is weaker in battle but can collect items. Finding your Probe cuts search time.
- Probes can explore other-color Rooms in your Sector.
- The R button repeats the last announcement.
- Secret Code: do not use R as a digit (only 0, 1, 2).
- Enraged units are flipped and cannot act until restored.
- Skill Level 0 recommended for first game.
Player Reference
Turn: Move Commando (up to 3 spaces) → Choose: Explore / Attack / Pass / Teleport → Move Probe (same options)
Win: Find Virus Room (hear Secret Code) + collect all 3 AVDs → Destroy Virus
Lose: Timer expires
AVDs needed: Negatron + Disruptor + Decoder
Access Cards: Green (start), then find Blue, Red, Yellow