After the Holocaust: The Nuclear Devastation of America – Recovery and Reunification (1977)

After the Holocaust

“After the Holocaust” is a board game published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1976. The game is set in the year 2001, 20 years after a nuclear holocaust has devastated the United States, and players control about a quarter of the country to rebuild their region through trade, diplomacy, and possibly combat[1]. The game is popular and significant because it simulates a near-future scenario of nuclear devastation and recovery, allowing players to experience the challenges of rebuilding a society in the aftermath of a catastrophic event.

Game Components of After the Holocaust: The Nuclear Devastation of America – Recovery and Reunification

The game includes:

A two-piece 17″ x 22″ mounted hex grid map of the United States

400 die-cut counters

A 2-page rule book

Four player aid sheets

Paper money

Two six-sided dice

A counter tray.

How To Setup After the Holocaust: The Nuclear Devastation of America – Recovery and Reunification

To set up the game, players first arrange the hex grid map of the United States. Each player selects a region to control: Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, or Far West. Players then distribute the counters, money, and other components according to the initial setup rules outlined in the rule book. The game starts with a random determination of the first player, and play proceeds clockwise around the table[5%.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The game is structured into ten turns, each representing one year, divided into five rounds:

Production Round: Players produce basic and secondary goods and mobilize military units.

Trade Round: Players negotiate the exchange of goods and cash.

Consumption Round: Players expend goods to feed and compensate their population and determine the Social Status of their region.

Military/Political Round: Players move military units, engage in combat, and attempt to gain control of other regions.

Finance Round: Players reallocate labor and capital assets and set investment and tax rates.

The objective is to raise your region from subsistence farming to a more advanced society through trade, diplomacy, and possibly combat. The game ends after ten turns, and the player with the highest Adjusted Victory Point Total, calculated based on controlled areas, Social State, military units, and labor points, is declared the winner.

Player Experience

**After the Holocaust** is a game that emphasizes multiplayer cooperation and trade, turning into a wargame only if one player initiates an arms race. The game is highly abstracted and focuses on economic, military, and political strategies. Players must manage resources, negotiate with each other, and balance military and economic growth. The game’s complexity and depth make it a challenging but rewarding experience for players who enjoy economic simulations and strategic planning.

Pros

Highly Innovative: The game introduces a unique blend of economic and military strategies.

Multiplayer Cooperation: Encourages negotiation and trade among players.

Educational Value: Can serve as a tool for teaching basic economic concepts.

Complex and Challenging: Offers a deep and rewarding gameplay experience.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has complex and sometimes muddy rules.

Time-Consuming: Games can last up to 180 minutes.

Economic Focus: May not appeal to players who prefer more action-oriented games.

Authoritarian Elements: Criticized for its celebration of authoritarian central planning and concentrated political control.

Personal Thoughts on After the Holocaust: The Nuclear Devastation of America – Recovery and Reunification

**After the Holocaust** is a game tailored for players who enjoy complex economic simulations and strategic planning. It is ideal for those interested in post-apocalyptic scenarios and the challenges of rebuilding a society. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, action-packed games, it offers a rich and thought-provoking experience for those willing to invest the time and effort. The game’s educational value and innovative mechanics make it a worthwhile investment for serious board game enthusiasts and educators looking to teach economic concepts in an engaging way.

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