War on Terror: The Boardgame (2006) Board Game

War on Terror: The Boardgame is a satirical board game released in 2006 by TerrorBull Games. It is a game that parodies the War on Terror, with players taking on the roles of different factions such as the Evil Empire, the Global Liberation Army, and the Free World. The game gained attention for its controversial theme and humorous take on a serious subject.

Game Components of War on Terror: The Boardgame

Game Board: A world map where players expand their empires.

Cards: Used for warring, terrorist attacks, and other actions.

Money: Obtained from oil, used to buy additional cards.

Oil Tokens: Randomly spread across the map.

Development Tokens: Villages, towns, and cities to control regions.

Terrorist Units: Can be funded by players to attack opponents.

Axis of Evil Spinner: Determines the “evil” player who wears the Evil balaclava.

Evil Balaclava: A iconic component that marks the “evil” player.

Secret Message Pad: For off-board negotiations and diplomacy.

How To Setup War on Terror: The Boardgame

Setup involves distributing the initial resources and positioning the players’ starting developments on the board. Each player begins with a small presence on the map. The oil tokens are randomly placed, and each player receives two cards to start. The setup time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategic, satirical war board game.

Number of Players: 2-6.

Objective: To “liberate” (dominate) the world by controlling countries, continents, oil production, and building developments.

Mechanics: Card-driven gameplay, area control, diplomacy, and negotiation.

Player Actions: Building developments, waging wars, funding terrorist units, and engaging in off-board negotiations.

Terrorist Mechanics: Defeated players can become terrorist players, influencing the game outcome.

Diplomacy: Heavy use of the secret message pad for negotiations.

Player Experience

Playing War on Terror: The Boardgame is an immersive experience that combines strategy, diplomacy, and a touch of satire. Players must navigate the complexities of modern-day geopolitics, balancing military expansion with diplomatic maneuvering. The game’s long playtime (120+ minutes) allows for deep engagement, but it also means that players need to be committed to seeing the game through to its end.

Pros

Engaging Concept: A unique blend of strategy and satire.

Deep Strategy: Involves complex decision-making and diplomacy.

Dynamic Gameplay: The use of cards and terrorist units adds unpredictability.

Replayability: Different oil placements and card draws ensure varied games.

Cons

Long Playtime: Games can take over 120 minutes.

Complexity: May be overwhelming for casual players.

Controversial Theme: Some players might find the satirical take on the War on Terror offense or insensitive.

Personal Thoughts on War on Terror: The Boardgame

War on Terror: The Boardgame is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong diplomatic component. It is not for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, casual gaming experience. The game’s satirical nature and deep gameplay mechanics make it a standout, but it requires a certain level of maturity and understanding of its themes. If you’re up for a challenging and thought-provoking game that mirrors the intricacies of real-world geopolitics, this might be the perfect fit for you.

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