![Level 7 [Omega Protocol] box art](https://cf.geekdo-images.com/5pEU4NzNwExXBDUUwn1fDg__original/img/HJh2mLew0iMFJLQH0ZR3B0F-7Jw=/0x0/filters:format(jpeg)/pic7002084.jpg)
Game description from the publisher:
LEVEL 7 [Omega Protocol] picks up right where LEVEL 7 [ESCAPE] left off. The Subterra Bravo facility has been thrown into chaos through the players actions in [ESCAPE], and now the government has sent in a top-secret, highly-trained special forces unit to shut down the facility and eliminate everything remaining in the base.
In [Omega Protocol], one player takes on the role of the Overseer while two to five other players take on the role of the elite Special Ops team. The Overseer's role in the game is to control all of the alien denizens and challenges the players face throughout the game. The players are trying to achieve specific scenario-based objectives by exploring a map that's laid out at the start and fighting off the hordes of aliens that the Overseer sends their way.
Gameplay is based around adrenaline, which is the currency that the soldier players use to perform actions. They generate adrenaline to do things such as move, attack, and perform special actions like activating an objective space. That generation also has a negative effect for them, as that adrenaline transfers to the Overseer player, who then uses it to spawn aliens, create new threats, and hurt the soldiers' chance of success during the scenario. The more actions the Special Ops players take, the more resources the Overseer player has to work with.
Characters in [Omega Protocol] are represented by miniatures, and each Special Ops and alien character has different attributes, powers, and customizable skills and equipment.
![Unknown Channel - Level 7 [Omega Protocol] video thumbnail](https://img.youtube.com/vi/OX1rhDo-xxE/mqdefault.jpg)
- strong thematic atmosphere
- engaging asymmetry
- scenarios limited in number
- steep learning curve
- cooperative vs. overlord style play
- asymmetric dungeon/alien infiltration scenario
- thematic, atmospheric
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric player powers — One overlord vs. multiple marines with differing goals.
- asymmetric_play — One overlord vs. multiple marines with differing goals.
- scenario_based_play — Limited number of scenarios to extend playtime.
- token_passing — Turn tokens move power between players and the overlord.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Rising Sun is absolutely fantastic.
- La Havre broke the cycle of Agricola clones and gave us something brand new.
- Ra was given a deluxe reprint not that long ago.
- The Voyages of Marco Polo is a dice placement game.
References (from this video)
![Unknown Channel - Level 7 [Omega Protocol] video thumbnail](https://img.youtube.com/vi/pfq0REiIxpI/mqdefault.jpg)
- Rich component quality and scale of production
- Interesting asymmetric design with a strong Overseer role
- Cooperative feel with a cinematic, story-driven potential
- High replay value through multiple missions and a campaign-style framework
- Immersive sci-fi horror theme with a game-master narrative hook
- Large number of components requires storage solutions; lack of included bags noted as a frustration
- Potentially long play sessions; can be time-consuming to complete multiple missions
- Can be expensive relative to other dungeon-crawl titles
- Sci-fi horror with adrenaline-fueled exploration; cooperation under asymmetric control; narrative-driven encounters
- A sci-fi dungeon crawl set within a high-tech facility where commandos operate under the control of an Overseer who shapes the mission and environment.
- Game-master driven storytelling that weaves round-by-round moves into an evolving sci-fi horror narrative
- Other Level 7 games
- Level 7 (series) and related titles
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Timer — Overseer dashboard abilities can be activated using adrenaline; a timer advances toward a crisis point with mission-specific consequences
- adrenaline tokens and energy pool — Actions grant adrenaline tokens that accumulate for use; adrenaline can be transferred to the Overseer's energy pool
- asymmetric roles — One player acts as the Overseer while the others control commandos with distinct skills
- asymmetric teams — One player acts as the Overseer while the others control commandos with distinct skills
- combat with dice and line of sight — Combat uses dice with line-of-sight checks and cover considerations; wounds reduce defenses and impact outcomes
- dashboard and crisis timer — Overseer dashboard abilities can be activated using adrenaline; a timer advances toward a crisis point with mission-specific consequences
- doors, room cards, and investigation deck — Doors influence room cards; investigation cards are drawn for various effects and events
- Initiative cards — Commandos at high rank assign initiative for turn order, introducing strategic planning and priority setting
- mission guides and scenario books — Each mission has distinct objectives and setup rules, offering scenario-based progression and replayability
- Multi-use cards — Each round, commandos select stance cards that modify movement, speed, attack, defense, and adrenaline capacity
- Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game — Each mission has distinct objectives and setup rules, offering scenario-based progression and replayability
- stance cards — Each round, commandos select stance cards that modify movement, speed, attack, defense, and adrenaline capacity
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Omega Protocol differs from the other Level 7 games in that we now have a human element, that being the overseer.
- The Overseer tells the story as a game master, weaving moves every round to create a narrative.
- Level seven Omega Protocol is all you expect from a dungeon crawl.
- Seeing this review, you'll know Level 7 Omega Protocol is right for your gaming group or not.