Total Depth is a board game released in 1984 by Orc Production Corp. It is a strategic game that revolves around economic and industry themes, requiring players to make decisions about betting, bluffing, commodity speculation, and team-based gameplay. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, aged 12 and up, with a runtime of around 120 minutes.
Game Components of Supremacy
Map: An area map dividing the world into land and sea zones, similar to Risk but with additional sea zone categories.Superpowers: Six playable superpowers – Confederacy of South America, Federation of African States, League of European Nations, People’s Republic of China, United States of America, and USSR.Resources: Oil, Minerals, and Grain, which players control through resource cards and territory occupation.Military Units: Initially two types – land and sea units; expansions added more units like Main Battle-Tanks and naval units.Nuclear Weapons: Available through the research and development phase, with the risk of triggering a nuclear winter.L-Stars: Laser satellites developed to prevent nuclear war, introduced in the research and development stage.
How To Setup Supremacy
Setup involves each player selecting or being assigned a superpower. Players then draw resource cards to determine their initial resource control. The map is divided into active home superpower territories and neutral/warlord/non-active superpower territories. Sea zones are categorized into deep water and coastal zones, which affect naval and land invasions.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Objective: Eliminate all other opponents through military, economic, and tactical maneuvers. Alternatively, the game can end in a nuclear winter where everyone loses.Resource Management: Players control resources to build and move military units, fight battles, and manage population and economy.Military Actions: Land and sea units can be used to invade and occupy territories, with expansions introducing more complex units like tanks and naval units.Research and Development: Players can develop nuclear weapons and L-Stars during this phase.Market Manipulation: Players can sell resources on the world market and engage in economic warfare.
Player Experience
Playing Supremacy is a complex and strategic experience, often requiring full-day sessions. The game is abstracted to focus on global strategic decisions rather than tactical battles. Players can win through various means, including market manipulation, technological advancements, and military conquest. The game’s predictive aspects, such as the risk of nuclear winter, add a layer of realism and caution to player actions.
Pros
Strategic Depth: Offers deep strategic gameplay involving multiple facets of global domination.Economic and Military Balance: Requires players to balance resource management, economic strategies, and military actions.Expansions: Numerous expansions add variety and new mechanics to the game, enhancing replayability.
Cons
Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for new players.Lengthy Games: Games can take entire days to complete, which can be a deterrent for some players.Risk of Stalemate: The frequent ease of achieving a nuclear winter can lead to “samey” games and stalemates.
Personal Thoughts on Supremacy
Supremacy is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay and are interested in geopolitical simulations. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay sessions. For those who appreciate the intricacies of resource management, market manipulation, and global military strategies, Supremacy offers a unique and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a quick or straightforward board game experience.
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.
