Chitin: I (1977) – Board Game Guys

Chitin: I

Chitin: I is a science fiction microgame published by Metagaming Concepts in 1977. Designed by Howard Thompson and featuring artwork by Jennell Jaquays, the game has been reprinted several times and has gained a cult following among board game enthusiasts.

Why is Chitin: I Popular?

Chitin: I is popular for several reasons:
– It was one of the first games in the MicroGame series, which pioneered a new type of small, fast, and cheap wargame packaged in a ziplock bag.
– The game has an imaginative setting on a far-away world, placing players in the middle of a life-or-death struggle between two hive cities.
– It is a two-player board wargame, making it accessible and engaging for players who enjoy head-to-head competition.

Game Components of Chitin: I

Map: A 9″ x 14″ paper hex grid map.

Counters: 112 die-cut counters representing various insect units and food chits.

Rulebook: A 17-page rulebook detailing the game mechanics and setup.

How To Setup Chitin: I

To set up **Chitin: I**, players begin by placing the hex grid map on the playing surface. Each player selects a force of insect units, which include workers, fliers, and different types of warriors, totaling 48 points in combat strength. The basic scenario starts with each player taking three units of each type and six workers. Food chits are placed in the designated lettered hexes in the center of the map. The game specifies which harvest chits are used in each scenario, and players roll a die to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: The game uses a hex-and-counter system. Turns are simple, with one player moving and fighting, followed by the other player.

Combat: Combat is resolved using a Combat Results Table (CRT), where the ratio of attacker to defender strength is determined, and a die is rolled to decide the outcome.

Game Objective: The objective is to collect the most food, which includes harvesting food chits and collecting the bodies of enemy units. Victory is determined by the amount of food moved off the map or by scoring victory points based on the collected food and lost units.

Player Experience

**Chitin: I** offers a unique and imaginative setting where players control intelligent insect hives battling for survival. The game is praised for its simplicity and depth, making it easy to learn but challenging to master. Players must strategically use different castes of insects to maximize their combat and food collection capabilities. The emotional impact of the game is notable, as losing a war has dire consequences for the insect colony, sparking vivid imaginative scenarios about the survival of the losing side.

Pros

Imaginative Setting: The game sets players in a fascinating science fiction world with intelligent insects, offering a fresh and unique gaming experience.

Simple yet Deep: The game mechanics are easy to learn but provide a lot of strategic depth, making it appealing to both new and experienced gamers.

Replay Value: With multiple scenarios and the ability to play with basic or advanced rules, the game offers high replay value.

Cons

Limited Scope: Despite its initial promise, the larger **Hymenoptera** game system it was part of never fully materialized, leaving some players with unfulfilled expectations.

Out of Print: The game has been out of print for over 30 years, making it difficult to obtain for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Chitin: I

**Chitin: I** is a gem for science fiction fans and wargamers who appreciate unique settings and straightforward yet strategic gameplay. It is particularly suitable for players looking for a game that can be set up and played quickly, yet still offers a rich and immersive experience. Despite being released decades ago, its innovative concept and engaging mechanics make it a game that is still well-regarded today.

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