Attack of the Mutants! (1981) Board Game

Attack of the Mutants! is a horror-themed board game that was released in in 1981. Designed by John Hagen and illustrated by Yaquinto, the game has players take on the roles of survivors trying to escape a city overrun by mutants. With a mix of area movement, dice rolling, and line of sight mechanics, Attack of the Mutants! offers a tense and strategic gaming experience for 2 players.

Game Components of Attack of the Mutants!

Game board depicting a futuristic building

Human and mutant miniatures or tokens

Robot tokens

Tech Room gate token

Various cards and counters for tracking turns and resources

Rulebook

How To Setup Attack of the Mutants!

To set up the game, players first arrange the game board, which represents the last stronghold of humanity. Humans and their robots are placed within the building, while the mutants are positioned outside. The Tech Room, a critical area with a gate to an unpolluted Earth-like planet, is also identified. Players then distribute the necessary cards and counters to track the 10-turn game duration.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: 10 turns

Objective: Humans aim to protect the Tech Room and the gate to the unpolluted planet, while mutants seek to overrun the building and destroy the gate.

Turn Structure: Players take turns moving and attacking with their respective units.

Control Mechanic: Victory hinges on control of the Tech Room.

Tactical Strategy: Players must use resources and unit movements strategically to achieve their objectives.

Player Experience

Playing **Attack of the Mutants** offers a tense and strategic experience, with each side having unique abilities and challenges. Humans rely on their robots and defensive positioning to hold off the mutant horde, while mutants must coordinate their attacks to break through the human defenses.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s post-apocalyptic, sci-fi setting adds to its appeal.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Quick Games: Each game lasts only 10 turns, making it a relatively quick play.

Tactical Variety: Different unit types and abilities ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s design may lead to repetitive scenarios.

Simple Rules: While easy to learn, the rules may be too straightforward for some players.

Outdated Components: The game’s components and miniatures may appear dated compared to modern standards.

Personal Thoughts on Attack of the Mutants!

**Attack of the Mutants** is ideal for fans of tactical board games and those who enjoy a good B-movie sci-fi theme. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate quick, strategic games with a clear objective. While it may not offer the complexity or replayability of more modern games, it remains a fun and engaging experience for those who enjoy retro board games.

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