War (1972) Board Game – Board Game Guys

War is a classic board game that was first released in in 1972. It is a territory-building war game designed for 3 to 6 players, with the optimal player count being 4 or 6. The game has a runtime of around 120 minutes and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. War was designed by Oded Grajew, Gerald Reiss, Valdir Rovai, and Roberto Schussel, with artwork done by Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, Guau, and Royal.

Game Components of War

Game board featuring a world map

Country territories

Army units (usually represented by tokens or pieces)

Dice for resolving battles

Player markers

How To Setup War

To set up War, players start by dividing the world map into territories, with each player selecting a starting set of countries. The number of countries each player controls is divided by 2, unlike in Risk where it is divided by 3. Each player receives army units according to the number of territories they control.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Wargame

Designer: Gerald Reiss and friends (based on Risk by Albert Lamorisse)

Year: 1972

Mechanics:
– Area Control: Players aim to control territories on the world map.
– Dice Rolling: Used to resolve battles between players.
– Resource Management: Managing army units to defend and conquer territories.

Objective: The goal is to conquer and control the entire world by eliminating other players or capturing all their territories.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective (Detailed)

Players take turns deploying their army units, attacking adjacent territories, and defending their own.

Battles are resolved using dice rolls, with the defender using three dice and the attacker using two dice in War, differing from Risk.

The game supports up to 6 players.

Player Experience

War is known for its lengthy gameplay, often lasting an entire afternoon, and can be quite random due to the dice rolls. This makes it a game that, while cherished by many Brazilians who grew up with it, may not be as appealing to adults due to its prolonged duration and high element of luck.

Pros

Nostalgia: Holds a special place in the hearts of many Brazilians who played it during their childhood.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join.

Social Interaction: Supports up to 6 players, fostering a communal gaming experience.

Cons

High Luck Factor: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Long Gameplay: Games can be very long, often leading to unfinished matches.

Limited Strategy: Compared to other strategy games, War has fewer strategic layers due to its reliance on luck.

Personal Thoughts on War

War is a game that is deeply rooted in Brazilian board game culture, offering a nostalgic experience for many. However, it may not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth or quicker gameplay. It is best suited for those who enjoy classic, straightforward wargames and are willing to invest time in a game that can be quite lengthy.

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