THEME: Based on the fantasy novel TRENCH WARS, players are gnome pilots about to engage in the championship finals of an extreme sport called G.E.A.R.S. (Gnomes Engaging And Recovering the Standard). Players are walked through the last moments before the bay doors open, connecting to the mainframe computer and assigning the positions of your R.A.T.s (Recon Attack Team). A high-tech feel is produced through bullet holes, digital accents and blue metal artwork, both across the game board and cards. GAME PLAY: Players take turns moving their team (consisting of one Champion and four R.A.T.s) to the center of the board. R.A.T.s are divided into melee and ranged fighters, each with unique and limited moving patterns and attack abilities. Your Champion may move one space in any direction and is the only character who can complete the game by grabbing the Standard. R.A.T.s engage and run interference while your Champion navigates the battlefield. Power cards and specialty cards provide unique abilities, buffs, advantages and pitfalls which can enhance your ability to harm or hinder opponents. Fellow players can also engage in combat, assisting either attacking or defending players by discarding cards from their hands. GOAL: The focus is to get your Champion to the Standard first.