Azhanti High Lightning (1980) Board Game

Azhanti High Lightning is a science fiction wargame that was released in 1980 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games). It was designed by Frank Chadwick and Marc W. Miller, with artwork by Paul Richard “Rich” Banner and Naoyuki Kato. The game is set in the Traveller universe, where players take on the roles of crew members aboard a starship engaged in combat.

Game Components of Azhanti High Lightning

Game board depicting a starship

Rulebook

Counters representing crew members and equipment

Dice for combat resolution

Charts and tables for reference

How To Setup Azhanti High Lightning

Lay out the game board depicting the starship.

Place the counters representing crew members and equipment on their designated spaces.

Distribute the rulebook and other reference materials to players.

Roll dice to determine starting conditions and initiative.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns maneuvering their crew members and engaging in combat with enemy forces. The objective is to either destroy the enemy starship or complete a specific mission objective.

Player Experience

Pros:

Deep strategic gameplay with a variety of tactics to employ

Detailed rules and mechanics for a realistic simulation of starship combat

Engaging theme set in the Traveller universe

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Lengthy playtime of around 60 minutes

Requires a dedicated group of players to fully enjoy the game

Personal Thoughts on Azhanti High Lightning

Azhanti High Lightning is a classic science fiction wargame that offers a deep and immersive experience for players who are willing to invest the time to learn its rules and mechanics. The game’s build quality is solid, with detailed components and artwork that enhance the thematic immersion. However, the game may not be for everyone due to its complexity and lengthy playtime.

In terms of pricing and availability, Azhanti High Lightning can be found in the secondary market as a vintage collectible, with prices varying depending on the condition of the game. For fans of science fiction wargames and the Traveller universe, Azhanti High Lightning is definitely worth your time. However, casual gamers or those looking for a more accessible experience may want to skip this one.

Overall, Azhanti High Lightning is a niche game that will appeal to a specific audience of dedicated wargamers and fans of science fiction. If you enjoy deep strategy games and immersive thematic experiences, then this game is worth checking out.

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