NORAD (1973) Board Game – Board Game Guys

NORAD, short for North American Aerospace Defense Command, is a board game released in in 1973. It is designed for 1-2 players and falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Modern Warfare, and Wargame. The game involves grid movement, secret unit deployment, simulation, static capture, and variable set-up mechanics.

Game Components of NORAD

Map: A grid-patterned map of North America, including regular and variant entry spaces for Soviet bombers and victory point values for U.S. and Canadian cities.

Counters: Thick cardboard counters representing Soviet bombers, SLBMs, decoys, U.S. and Canadian fighter aircraft, decoys, and SAM sites. Each counter has a movement rate number printed on it.

How To Setup NORAD

Setup is straightforward. The U.S. player places SAM sites and decoys face-down on cities, while placing fighter aircraft face-up on any cities they choose. This setup ensures the Soviet player does not know which cities are heavily defended. The Soviet player then enters the map from the northern part with their aircraft or decoys.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Soviet Entry: The Soviet player moves aircraft or decoys up to 4 spaces on their turn.

U.S. Response: The U.S. player can move fighters up to 6 inches to engage Soviet bombers. Engaged bombers or decoys are shot down, but the fighter is removed from the game after activation.

Decoy Strategy: Both players use decoys to mislead each other. The U.S. aims to make valuable cities appear more defended, while the Soviets use decoys to waste U.S. defenses.

Victory Points: The game ends when all Soviet bombers and decoys have been shot down or have successfully bombed cities. Victory points are tallied based on destroyed cities.

Player Experience

NORAD is a simple yet engaging game that does not require dice. It is designed for solitaire or two-player gameplay, making it accessible to new wargamers. The game’s simplicity, however, limits its replayability. Players must strategically use decoys and defenses to outmaneuver each other, creating a tense and realistic simulation of a nuclear conflict.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules printed directly on the map make it easy for new players to start.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, the game offers strategic depth through decoy and defense placement.

Historical Context: It provides a unique perspective on Cold War-era nuclear warfare.

Components: The thick cardboard counters and detailed map are of good quality for a 1970s game.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s simplicity reduces its replay value.

Luck-Involved: The outcome can be influenced by luck, especially in the early stages of the game.

Basic Mechanics: While easy to learn, the game mechanics are not complex, which may not appeal to experienced wargamers.

Personal Thoughts on NORAD

NORAD is an excellent introduction to wargaming, particularly for those interested in the Cold War era. It is a fun, if somewhat simplistic, game that can be enjoyed by wargamers of all levels. While it may not offer the complexity and depth sought by experienced players, its historical significance and straightforward gameplay make it a valuable addition to any wargaming collection. If you’re looking for a game to introduce someone to the world of wargaming or to experience a piece of gaming history, NORAD is a good choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.