Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation (2018) Board Game

Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation is a modern warfare wargame designed by José Ramón Faura and published in in 2018. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, and players must strategically navigate through a hexagon grid to survive and outsmart their opponents.

Game Components of Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation

Game Board: Representing a map, likely of Antarctica, with hexagonal grid spaces.

Units: Civilians and soldiers, each with distinct roles and limitations.

Supply Tokens: Essential for supporting units.

Black Discs: Indicating irradiated or hazardous areas that affect unit capacity and survival.

Action Point Tokens: Used for managing player actions.

Hexagon Grid: The game board is divided into hexagonal spaces, each with its own capacity rules.

How To Setup Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation

To set up the game, players start by placing their initial units and supply tokens on the board. Each player begins with two supply tokens, which are crucial for supporting their units. The board also includes pre-designated areas that will become irradiated or hazardous as the game progresses, indicated by black discs. Players must strategically position their units and supplies to maximize their chances of survival and control.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players use action points to perform various actions such as moving units, threatening enemy civilians, or securing supplies.

Area Majority / Influence: Players aim to control key areas on the board to support their units and limit their opponent’s options.

Hexagon Grid: The game is played on a hexagonal grid, where each hex has specific rules regarding unit capacity and the effects of nearby hazardous areas.

Objective: The primary goal is to starve out the opponent’s units by controlling supplies, isolating enemy units, and leveraging soldiers to threaten and block enemy actions. The game ends when one player’s units are completely eliminated or when the playable area on the board becomes too small to sustain any units.

Player Experience

Playing **Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation** is a deeply tactical and often grim experience. Players must constantly balance short-term and long-term strategies, managing the movement and survival of their units while trying to disrupt their opponent’s plans. The game requires careful planning, as the environment and the opponent’s actions can quickly turn against you. The dynamic of pushing and pulling units, combined with the strategic use of soldiers and supply management, makes for a challenging and thought-provoking game.

Pros

Deep Tactical Depth: The game offers a rich tactical experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Thematic Integrity: It faithfully represents the harsh and sinister aspects of starvation and tactical warfare.

High Replayability: Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities due to the dynamic board and unit interactions.

Cons

Emotionally Challenging: The game’s theme of forced starvation and civilian suffering can be emotionally taxing.

Complex Rules: New players may find the rules and mechanics complex and require several plays to fully understand.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation

**Meltwater: A Game of Tactical Starvation** is for players who enjoy deep, tactical wargames and are comfortable with a game that explores darker themes. It is not for those seeking a light or casual gaming experience. The game’s complexity and thematic intensity make it a great fit for experienced wargamers and those interested in strategic, operational-level gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for new gamers or those looking for a game with a broader appeal or a more uplifting theme.

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