Vince Lombardi’s Game (1970) Board Game

Vince Lombardi’s Game was released in 1970 and is based on the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. The game is a dice rolling simulation game that allows players to experience the thrills of football strategy.

Game Components of Vince Lombardi’s Game

Game Boards: Two game boards are included, one for play calling and another for tracking game progress.

Player Cards: Cards representing NFL/AFL players with their respective stats.

Defensive Cards: Defensive play cards that interact with offensive plays.

Dice: Used for determining play outcomes.

Plays Board: A board for listing play differentials.

Kickoff Chart: For determining kickoff distances.

K.O. Return Chart: For determining kickoff return yards.

Down Marker and Ten Yard Marker: For tracking downs and yardage.

How To Setup Vince Lombardi’s Game

To set up the game, each player selects eleven players for offense and defense, along with a punter, kicker, and return man. Players write down the names and stats of their chosen players. The game boards and charts are then prepared according to the rules. Each player calculates their “game offensive rating” based on the aggregate stats of their players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Selection: Choose players and calculate team ratings.

Play Calling: Offensive player calls a play, and the defensive player selects a defensive card.

Dice Rolling: Roll dice to determine the outcome of each play, combining the dice to form a single number.

Outcome Determination: Use charts to determine the play’s outcome, adjusting for net play factors.

Special Events: Letters on the charts indicate special events like penalties, interceptions, or fumbles.

Game Objective: Score more points than the opponent by advancing the ball and scoring touchdowns or field goals.

Player Experience

Playing **Vince Lombardi’s Game** is a mix of strategy and luck. The game simulates the flow of football from the 1970s, with a strong emphasis on running plays. Players must balance play calling with the roll of the dice, which significantly influences the game’s outcome. Despite the reliance on luck, the game’s mechanics, such as combining dice rolls into a single number, add a creative twist.

Pros

Detailed Football Simulation: The game offers a detailed simulation of football, especially from the 1970s era.

Multiple Play Levels: Basic, intermediate, and advanced levels cater to different player preferences.

Creative Dice Mechanics: The way dice are combined into a single number simplifies the lookup process for play outcomes.

Historical Value: For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage sports games.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can make strategy less impactful.

Outdated: The game reflects 1970s football, which may not appeal to those used to modern football strategies.

Complex Setup: The initial setup and calculation of player ratings can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Vince Lombardi’s Game

**Vince Lombardi’s Game** is ideal for those who appreciate vintage sports games and are interested in the historical aspects of football. It’s a great addition for collectors and can be an enjoyable nostalgia trip for those who played it in the past. However, for players seeking a more contemporary football experience or a game with less reliance on luck, this might not be the best fit.

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