Red Storm Rising (1989) – Board Game Guys

Red Storm Rising

“Red Storm Rising” is a board game published by TSR, Inc. in 1989, designed by Douglas Niles and based on the novel “Red Storm Rising” by Tom Clancy. The game covers a theoretical Warsaw Pact invasion of Germany and was awarded the Origins Awards for Best Modern-Day Boardgame and Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame in 1989.

Why is Red Storm Rising Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it is based on a best-selling novel by Tom Clancy and was awarded the Origins Awards for Best Modern-Day Boardgame and Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame. The novel itself is a thrilling and nail-biting thriller that explores the effects of a disaster on the global political landscape, and the game adaptation captures the essence of the story in a board game format.

Game Components of Red Storm Rising

Game board depicting Central Europe

Unit counters with hidden attack values

Support markers

Air unit counters

Artillery, armor, engineers, and chemical munitions assets

Dice (10-sided)

Rulebooks (basic and advanced rules)

Air board for air combat

How To Setup Red Storm Rising

Setup involves placing units on the board in a manner that conceals their attack values from the opponent, similar to the game Stratego. The NATO player must have at least one unit in every space adjacent to the Iron Curtain. The game includes optional rules to modify this setup and introduce semi-randomized game end conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn-based: Players take turns executing military operations.

Hidden Information: Units are placed with their attack values hidden from the opponent.

Dice Rolling: Combat resolved using 10-sided dice rolls.

Support Markers: Allow for enhanced attacks by rolling two dice and taking the best result.

Assets: Artillery, armor, engineers, and chemical munitions can be added to units to enhance their capabilities.

Air Combat: Air units vie for superiority, with surveillance aircraft providing bonuses to air-to-air combat.

Objective: The game ends when one side achieves a decisive victory, such as the Soviet Union capturing a set number of NATO cities.

Player Experience

The game offers a simple yet engaging experience, particularly for those new to wargaming. The basic game is light and luck-based, making it a great gateway for younger players or casual gamers. However, the advanced rules introduce deeper strategic elements, such as asset allocation and air combat, which can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Pros

Accessible: Easy to learn and play, especially for those new to wargames.

Hidden Information: Adds a layer of strategy and bluffing to the game.

Combination with Other Games: Can be combined with *The Hunt for Red October* for a more extensive gameplay experience.

Awards and Recognition: Won the Origins Award for Best Modern-Day Boardgame and Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame in 1989.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The basic game is heavily influenced by dice rolls.

Limited Strategy in Basic Game: Setup restrictions and simple combat mechanics limit strategic depth in the basic game.

Complexity in Advanced Rules: While adding depth, the advanced rules can be complex and require more time to learn.

Personal Thoughts on Red Storm Rising

Red Storm Rising is a great introduction to wargaming, especially for younger players or those looking for a light, thematic experience. For those seeking deeper strategy, the advanced rules offer a more complex and engaging gameplay experience. It is ideal for anyone interested in Cold War-era military scenarios and fans of Tom Clancy’s works. However, for players looking for a highly strategic and complex wargame, alternatives like *NATO: The Next War in Europe* might be more suitable.

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