Escape from Atlantis (1986) – Board Game Guys

Escape from Atlantis

“Escape from Atlantis” is a board game that portrays the sinking of Atlantis and the attempts by the population to escape the sinking island. The game was originally released in the United States under the title of “Survive!” and first published in the English language by Parker Brothers in 1982. The game was invented by Julian Courtland-Smith. Over the years, the game has been published by various companies, including Waddingtons, Hasbro, and Stronghold Games. World sales of “Escape from Atlantis” exceed 1.25 million units.

Why is Escape from Atlantis Popular?

“Escape from Atlantis” is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– Classic theme: The game is based on the fable of Atlantis, an ancient Greek city that disappeared below the murky depths. This mythical theme adds an element of excitement and adventure to the gameplay.
– Strategic gameplay: Players must strategize and make decisions based on the available resources and the sinking island. This challenges players to think critically and make choices that can impact the outcome of the game.
– Replayability: The game is easy to learn and can be played multiple times with different player counts and strategies. This makes it a versatile and engaging game for various groups of players.

Game Components of Escape from Atlantis

Island Tiles: Used to build the island of Atlantis, each with symbols on the underside representing sea creatures or other items.

Atlantean Figures: Four tribes, each with 12 villagers, represented as small wooden figures colored red, blue, green, and yellow.

Boats: Placed in the sea adjacent to the island.

Sea Creatures: Sharks, sea monsters, octopuses, and dolphins.

Spinner Device: Used to determine the movement of sea creatures.

How To Setup Escape from Atlantis

The game starts with the island tiles being shuffled and the island of Atlantis built at the center of the game board. Each player sets their tribe up on the island, with the limitation that sandy beach tiles can start with only one villager per tile. Boats are placed in the sea adjacent to the island, with the number of boats varying depending on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move their villagers up to three spaces to either board a boat or swim to safety.

Island Sinking: Each player’s turn involves removing a piece of the island, revealing an item or sea creature.

Sea Creature Movement: A spinner device or die roll determines the movement and actions of sea creatures.

Objective: The goal is to save as many of your villagers as possible by transporting them to the safety of the coral islands. The game ends when all villagers are either safe or dead, and the player with the most saved villagers wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Escape from Atlantis** is an exhilarating experience filled with strategy and a touch of luck. Players must navigate their villagers through a sinking island, avoiding deadly sea creatures while utilizing friendly ones like dolphins to their advantage. The game’s dynamic nature, with the island sinking incrementally, adds a sense of urgency and excitement to each turn.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Players need to balance movement, island destruction, and sea creature actions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages due to its simple yet engaging mechanics.

Replayability: The random placement of island tiles and the spinner device ensure different gameplay experiences each time.

Nostalgic Value: For many, it is a nostalgic game that evokes memories of childhood fun.

Cons

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming, especially with the 3D island pieces.

Rule Variations: Different versions have slightly different rules, which can be confusing for new players.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of chance, which may not appeal to players seeking pure strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Escape from Atlantis

**Escape from Atlantis** is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate retro board games with a nostalgic charm. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it a great addition to any board game collection, offering a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. If you’re looking for a game that combines excitement, strategy, and a bit of nostalgia, **Escape from Atlantis** is definitely worth checking out.

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