War of the Networks (1979) Board Game

War of the Networks is a board game released in 1979 by Hasbro Industries (Hasbro Bradley). The game is themed around economic competition in the television industry, where players must bid on shows, place ads, and compete to have the most successful network.

Game Components of War of the Networks

Game board

Show tiles

Advertisement tiles

Network tiles

Money tokens

Action cards

How To Setup War of the Networks

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the show tiles and place them face down on the designated spaces.

Each player receives a network tile and a set amount of money tokens.

Shuffle the advertisement tiles and place them face down.

Deal out action cards to each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In War of the Networks, players take turns bidding on shows, placing ads, and trying to outmaneuver their opponents to have the most successful network. The game combines elements of auction/bidding, secret unit deployment, simultaneous action selection, and tile placement. The objective is to earn the most money by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme that appeals to fans of TV and economic strategy games.

Strategic depth with multiple ways to outmaneuver opponents.

Replayability with different show tiles and action cards.

Cons:

Some players may find the game mechanics complex and difficult to grasp.

Luck plays a significant role in determining success, which may frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on War of the Networks

War of the Networks is an interesting game that offers a unique blend of economic and television industry themes. The game’s components are well-designed, and the gameplay can be satisfying for players who enjoy strategic challenges. However, the game’s complexity may be a barrier for some players, and the reliance on luck can lead to frustrating moments. Overall, War of the Networks is worth checking out for fans of economic strategy games, but those looking for a more straightforward experience may want to consider other options.

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