Borderlands (1995) Board Game

Borderlands is a card game that was released in 1995 by Locust Games. It is a fantasy game that allows 2-4 players to engage in a world of adventure and trading. The game has a runtime of around 90 minutes and is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Borderlands

A 20″ x 24″ map divided into 36 irregular-shaped territories

16 counters representing resources (coal, gold, horse breeding grounds, and forests)

80 army counters (20 per player)

Counters for horses, river boats, cities, and weapons

How To Setup Borderlands

To set up the game, distribute the 16 resource tokens randomly across the map, ensuring no more than one token per territory. Players then place their army counters on the map, focusing on capturing resources and positioning for offensive and defensive operations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource management

Territory conquest

Trading

City and unit construction

Random event phases (Development, Production, Trade, Shipment, and Attack)

Game Objective

The first player or alliance to conquer or build three cities wins the game.

Player Experience

“Borderlands” is designed to offer a simpler and shorter alternative to games like “Diplomacy,” without the need for written orders or off-table negotiations. Each turn is divided into five phases, with some phases potentially skipped based on a 6-sided die roll. The game typically lasts 45-60 minutes.

Pros

Engaging strategy and resource management

Simple rules with deep gameplay

Attractive graphics and components

Suitable for an evening’s play

Cons

High price point (noted in 1982 reviews)

Some phases may be skipped randomly, which can affect strategy

Personal Thoughts on Borderlands

“Borderlands” is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of resource management and territorial conquest. It is particularly recommended for fans of “Diplomacy” who are looking for a more streamlined and quicker-playing experience. The game’s combination of simple rules and engrossing strategy makes it a great choice for an evening of gaming with friends. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly complex or long-duration games.

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