The Forever War (1983) Board Game

The Forever War is a science fiction novel written by Joe Haldeman in in 1983. It tells the story of soldiers fighting an interstellar war against an alien race. The novel won several awards and is considered a classic in the genre. In 1983, a board game based on the novel was released, designed by Jim Clouse and Tim White.

Game Components of The Forever War

Game Components: Include 250 card stock counters representing human and Tauran troops, officers, and weapons.

Map Pieces: Can be laid out in various configurations to produce different maps.

Scenarios: The game comes with ten scenarios and a point-value chart for designing custom scenarios.

How To Setup The Forever War

To set up the game, players first configure the map by laying out the map pieces, which can be arranged in different ways to create varying battlefield environments. Each player selects and deploys their units, which are represented by the card stock counters. The game includes a set of scenarios, and players can choose one of these or use the point-value chart to create their own custom scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence: Each turn consists of four phases: Rally, Resolve attacks by Planetary Fighters, Move units, and Resolve combat.

Combat: Can be either ranged or melee, with both sides able to attack during each combat phase.

Objective: The objective is to defeat the opposing forces in tactical infantry squad combat on icy planetoids orbiting strategically important collapsars.

Player Experience

The Forever War offers a fast-paced and simple science fiction ground combat experience. Players engage in space-based tactical battles between humans and Taurans, with a focus on squad-level combat. The game captures the spirit of the novel, although it simplifies many of the complexities, such as the time dilation effects and spaceship combat.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: The game plays quickly, making it enjoyable for those looking for a swift battle experience.

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play, particularly for those who want a straightforward ground combat game.

Custom Scenarios: Allows players to design their own scenarios using the point-value chart.

Cons

Limited Depth: Some reviewers noted that the game lacks the depth and complexity found in the novel, particularly in terms of time dilation and spaceship combat.

Similar Scenarios: The provided scenarios were criticized for being too similar and not reflecting specific actions from the novel.

Component Quality: Some reviewers felt that the quality of the components and the design did not justify the price tag at the time of release.

Personal Thoughts on The Forever War

The Forever War is ideal for players who enjoy science fiction and tactical ground combat games without the need for complex logistics or extensive setup. It is a good option for those looking for a quick, fun battle experience, although it may not satisfy players seeking a deeper, more accurate adaptation of the novel. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players and is best for those who appreciate simple, fast-paced wargames.

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