Rescue from the Hive (1981) – Board Game Guys

Rescue from the Hive

“Rescue from the Hive” is a science fiction board game published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1981. The game was designed by Nick Karp and features graphics and artwork by John W. Pierard and Redmond A. Simonsen. It was published as a pull-out game in Issue 7 of Ares. A Polish-language boxed set of the game titled “W imieniu Ziemi” (On Behalf of the Earth) was published in Poland by Encore Games.

Why is Rescue from the Hive Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it simulates a Space Marine task force attempting to rescue a Human ambassador and family, with action taking place aboard a space ship. The game has received positive reviews, with the Polish website Tanuki Czytelnia (The Tanuki Reading Room) praising the game for its dynamics, provided one masters the rules. The game has a solid reputation among science fiction board game enthusiasts and is considered a classic in the genre.

Game Components of Rescue from the Hive

Map: A map of the inside of the alien spaceship with six nesting areas connected by corridors.

Counters: Representing humans, Znon aliens, and traps.

Rule Sheet: Detailed rules for gameplay.

Record Log Sheet: For tracking game progress.

Units: Terran players can buy scouts, engineers, two-person lancer units, and Darter space ships. Znon players start with the Master Queen, seven other Queens, and the two hostages, and can buy additional soldiers, workers, traps, and fake traps.

How To Setup Rescue from the Hive

To set up the game, each player allocates points to their forces. The Terran player buys units such as scouts, engineers, and Darter space ships. The Znon player starts with the Master Queen, other Queens, and the hostages, and can purchase additional soldiers, workers, traps, and fake traps. The Znon player places their counters facedown on the map, ensuring at least one Queen in each nesting area. The Master Queen and the hostages are placed together on the map. The Terran player then decides their objective: either to rescue the hostages or to conduct a punitive mission.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Duration: The game lasts a set number of turns, with the Znon ship attempting to engage its hyperdrive to escape by the end of the last turn.

Initial Phase: Znon players fire lasers at incoming Darter ships.

Terran Entry: Darters attach to the hull, and Terran units enter the ship, encountering and engaging Znon counters.

Combat and Traps: Terrans engage in combat, destroy traps, and avoid Znon Queen mind control attempts.

Objectives:

Rescue the Hostages: Rescue both hostages and safely evacuate them via a Darter with at least 50% of the Marines.

Punitive Mission: Achieve a set number of Victory Points based on the kill ratio of Znon units.

Player Experience

Rescue from the Hive offers a dynamic and challenging experience, particularly for fans of science fiction and tactical combat. The game requires strategic planning and resource management, as players must balance their forces and objectives. The inclusion of solitaire rules, developed by Nick Karp and printed in a later issue of Moves magazine, adds versatility to the game.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The game is quite dynamic, with multiple layers of strategy and tactical decisions.

Solitaire Option: Includes solitaire rules, making it playable by a single player.

Thematic Depth: Rich science fiction theme with detailed game components and setting.

Replayability: Variable setup and multiple objectives provide high replay value.

Cons

Complex Rules: Mastering the rules can be difficult for beginning players.

Component Management: Managing the numerous counters and units can be cumbersome.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players, with solitaire as an alternative.

Personal Thoughts on Rescue from the Hive

Rescue from the Hive is ideal for fans of science fiction and tactical board games. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game’s dynamic nature and high replayability make it a solid addition to any board game collection, especially for those interested in vintage games from the 1980s. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a quick, simple gaming experience.

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