Thunder Road is a classic board game that was originally released in in 1986. Designed by Jim Keifer and published by MB Jeux, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must navigate dangerous terrain and battle rival factions to be the first to reach the finish line.
Game Components of Thunder Road
Game Board: A switch & link board that extends infinitely, composed of two large pieces that fit together jigsaw-style.Vehicles: 12 cars and 4 helicopters, each with unique specifications and ranks.Cars: Includes the Doom Buggy (rank 4), Avenger (rank 5), and Eliminator (rank 6).Helicopters: Thunder Choppers for aerial assaults.Dice: Six six-sided dice – three yellow for movement, two red for attacks, and one black for bonus movement.Obstacles: Eight black car wrecks to place on the board.Player Pieces: Color-coded to match the different types of vehicles.
How To Setup Thunder Road
To set up the game, start by assembling the game pieces, which can take about ten minutes due to their complexity. The switch & link game board is set up with its hazard areas (wrecks) marked by red X’s. Each player selects their color and places their vehicles in their respective starting positions on the board. The rank 4 Doom Buggies start at the front, rank 5 Avengers in the middle, and rank 6 Eliminators further back. The Thunder Choppers have no starting position on the road but are placed off to the side.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Objective: Be the last player team alive by eliminating other vehicles or outrun them by getting all your vehicles to the forward-most part of the board.Movement: Players roll three yellow dice to determine how many spaces each vehicle can move.Attacks: Players can attack using vehicle-mounted artillery or by ramming other vehicles. Attack rolls are made using red dice, with the goal of rolling a number equal to or higher than the rank of the target vehicle.Elimination: Vehicles that fall behind and are still on the rear board when another player reaches the end of the lead board are removed from the game.Thunder Chopper Exception: The Thunder Chopper can stay in play as long as the player has at least one running car.
Player Experience
Thunder Road offers a thrilling experience of racing and combat in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must balance speed with strategic attacks to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s infinite roadway and various vehicle types add a layer of complexity and excitement, making each game unique.
Pros
Variety of Vehicles: Each vehicle has unique abilities and strengths.Infinite Roadway: The switch & link board ensures the game never ends at the same point twice.Strategic Depth: Combines racing with combat mechanics, requiring players to think strategically.Thematic Artwork: The game features detailed and thematic artwork, enhancing the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Cons
Setup Time: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the complexity of the game pieces.Fragile Components: The Thunder Choppers are prone to damage, especially their propeller blades and tail pieces.Complex Rules: The game has multiple mechanics to learn, which can be overwhelming for new players.
Personal Thoughts on Thunder Road
Thunder Road is ideal for fans of racing and combat games, particularly those who enjoy post-apocalyptic themes. It is suitable for players aged 10 and up, making it a great option for families and groups of friends looking for a game that combines action and strategy. While it may require some time to set up and learn the rules, the game offers a rich and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
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