The War of the Worlds (1980)

The War of the Worlds

“The War of the Worlds” is a board game published in 1980 by Task Force Games, based on H.G. Wells’ novel of the same name. The game allows players to defend Victorian London from Martian invaders. It was later adapted into a 16K computer game published in 1983.

Why is The War of the Worlds Popular?

The game is popular for several reasons:

It is based on a well-known and influential science fiction novel by H.G. Wells.

The game offers a unique blend of strategy and action, as players must balance their forces to defend against the Martian invaders.

The game has received positive reviews, with Tony Watson from The Space Gamer stating that it does a good job of making an unbalanced situation into a fun game.

Game Components of The War of the Worlds

Game board featuring a map of Victorian London

Hexagonal terrain tiles

Martian and human units (tripods, cavalry, artillery)

Dice (3d6 for combat resolution)

Human attack tables (six possibilities)

Victory point counters

Rulebook

How To Setup The War of the Worlds

Setup involves laying out the map of London, which includes neighborhood labels and landmark sites. The Martian player secretly chooses one of six human attack tables, which determine the combat outcomes for the human player. The game starts with the Martian player placing their tripods and cylinders on the board, while the human player sets up their defensive positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Game Category**: War game, Strategy

**Designer**: Allen Eldridge

**Year**: 1980

**Mechanics**: Hex-and-counter system, dice rolling, variable setup

**Objective**:

Martian player: Score 125 or more victory points by the end of 12 turns. Tripods and cylinders are worth points at the end of the game.

Human player: Prevent the Martian player from achieving their victory points by destroying tripods and cylinders through dice-based combat.

Player Experience

The game offers a engaging and strategic experience, with each side having distinct challenges and strategies. The human player must manage their limited resources and make tactical decisions to counter the Martian invasion, while the Martian player aims to overwhelm the human defenses. The variable setup and multiple human attack tables add replayability to the game.

Pros

**Faithful to the Source Material**: The game provides a compelling backstory and rationale for the Martian invasion.

**Replayability**: Different human attack tables and variable setup ensure each game is unique.

**Simple yet Strategic Mechanics**: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

**Tense and Engaging Gameplay**: The game stays intense until the final turn.

Cons

**Limited Complexity**: Some players might find the game mechanics too simple or repetitive after multiple plays.

**Luck Factor**: Dice rolls can significantly impact the outcome, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on The War of the Worlds

This game is ideal for fans of classic war games and those who enjoy strategic, hex-based gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a faithful adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel and are looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly complex or modern game mechanics. Despite its age, The War of the Worlds remains a fun and challenging game that can still provide hours of entertainment.

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