Sniper! (Second Edition) (1986) Board Game

Originally released in 1986, Sniper! (Second Edition) is a modern warfare wargame designed by Linda Bakk, Doug Chaffee, Tom Darden, Kim Lindau, and two more designers. The game focuses on the intensity and strategy of sniper combat, where players take on the roles of snipers engaging in tactical battles on a hexagon grid.

Game Components of Sniper!

Maps: Two 22 in × 34 in (560 mm × 860 mm) paper maps, double-sided with urban terrain on one side and rural terrain on the other.

Rulebook: A 32-page rulebook divided into Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Optional rules.

Counters: 600 die-cut counters.

Vehicles: Cardstock sheet of vehicles.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

Counter Tray: Plastic counter tray to hold game pieces.

How To Setup Sniper!

To set up Sniper!, players first prepare the maps, choosing either the urban or rural side depending on the scenario. Each player selects and places their counters on the map according to the scenario’s specifications. The rulebook provides detailed setup instructions for each scenario, including the placement of vehicles and other game elements. Players also need to have the rulebook, dice, and counter tray ready for reference and gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement Points: Each counter has 10 Movement Points (MP) per turn. Players secretly “buy” actions for each counter up to the 10 MP limit. Moving, standing up, or throwing a grenade use specific MP allocations.

Panic: Units can panic, causing them to do nothing or move randomly.

Actions: Actions are performed simultaneously in three phases: combat, movement, and finally grenades and artillery.

Game Objective

The objective is to outmaneuver and eliminate the opponent’s units in a tactical battle, utilizing strategic movement and action allocation.

Player Experience

Playing Sniper is an intense and strategic experience, requiring careful planning and execution. Players must balance movement, combat, and resource management to succeed. The game’s mechanic of simultaneous action resolution adds a layer of complexity and realism, making each turn feel dynamic and unpredictable. The various scenarios and terrain options ensure high replayability, keeping the game fresh and challenging.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and terrain options ensure the game remains engaging over multiple plays.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and resource management.

Historical and Modern Settings: Covers combat from World War II to modern-day scenarios.

Detailed Components: Comprehensive rulebook and detailed maps enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and mechanics.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming, especially for new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Personal Thoughts on Sniper!

Sniper (Second Edition) is ideal for fans of tactical wargames and those interested in man-to-man combat simulations. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy strategic planning and detailed gameplay mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players due to its complexity, it is a gem for experienced wargamers looking for a challenging and immersive experience.

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