Invasion: Earth (1981) Board Game

Invasion: Earth is a science fiction wargame that was released in in 1981. It is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 120 minutes. The game is set in a futuristic world where Earth is under attack by alien forces, and players must strategically defend the planet from invasion.

Game Components of Invasion: Earth

480 counters: Standard half-inch by half-inch, one-sided counters representing various units and forces.

Imperial troop display chart: For grouping and organizing troops.

Turn record chart: To track game progress.

Combat tables: Including space combat, ground combat, and bombardment tables.

Dice: Sharp-edged dice for resolving conflicts (note: some versions may not include dice).

Orbit box and surface segment boards: Representing space near Earth and planetary surface areas respectively.

How To Setup Invasion: Earth

Setup involves placing various units across the globe. The game starts on April 1st, with Terran forces distributed in urban hexes across North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Imperial forces are placed in space, ready to invade. Each hex can have no more than one army-sized unit. The eight core-sized guerrilla units are introduced later in the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Space Movement: Naval units can move, transport surface units, and engage in space combat.

Planetary Landings: Imperial forces can invade Earth, while Terran forces defend their homeworld.

Ground Combat: Resolved using combat tables, with forces ranging from small battalions to large armies.

Objective: The Terran player must defend Earth, while the Imperial player aims to capture it. Victory is determined at the end of each quarter-year period.

Player Experience

**Invasion: Earth** is a complex and detailed game that requires strategic thinking and tactical planning. Reviews highlight its realistic feel and the need for careful strategy and tactics from both players. However, some critics noted that the ground combat can drag on, and the game may not be as enjoyable for everyone.

Pros

Realistic Feel: The game is praised for its realistic depiction of space and ground combat.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy from both players.

Integration with Traveller RPG: Can be used in conjunction with the Traveller role-playing game system.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take up to six hours to complete.

Ground Combat Issues: Some reviewers found ground combat to be slow-paced.

Personal Thoughts on Invasion: Earth

**Invasion: Earth** is designed for fans of sci-fi wargames and the Traveller RPG universe. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong focus on realism. While it may not appeal to those looking for a quick, light-hearted game, it offers a rich and immersive experience for those willing to invest the time and effort into mastering its mechanics. If you’re a Traveller enthusiast or enjoy detailed wargames, **Invasion: Earth** is definitely worth exploring.

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