Alien Invasion (2014) Board Game

Alien Invasion is a children’s board game that was released in in 2014. Designed by Scott Frisco and Steven Strumpf, this game is all about players working together to defend the Earth from an alien invasion. With colorful artwork and simple gameplay mechanics, this game is perfect for families and young gamers.

Game Components of Level 7: Invasion

Game board featuring a map of Earth

Player mats for each coalition (North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia)

Military units and Hydra alien units

Resource tokens

Technology cards

Event cards

Dr. Cronos figure and associated tokens

Dice for combat resolution

How To Setup Level 7: Invasion

To set up the game, each player selects a coalition and receives the corresponding player mat. The game board is placed in the middle, and the South American player starts with control of Dr. Cronos. Military units and resources are distributed according to the initial setup rules. Hydra units are placed on the board as indicated by the setup instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Semi-cooperative, strategic, global defense

Mechanics: Resource management, area control, combat, negotiation, and event management

Objective: Players must work together to survive an alien invasion by the Hydra. They need to deploy military units, trade resources, develop technologies, and collaborate to create a super weapon with Dr. Cronos.

Game Phases: Each round consists of three phases with five steps each, including resource management, unit deployment, combat, event resolution, and progress toward the super weapon.

Combat: Determined by comparing combat power and rolling dice, with outcomes affecting unit removal.

Event Step: Players draw event cards that introduce new challenges and Hydra unit deployments.

Player Experience

Playing **Level 7: Invasion** is an immersive experience that draws players into a grim but thrilling theme of an alien invasion. The game requires strategic thinking, resource management, and negotiation among players. The combat mechanics are simple yet intense, and the event step adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping players on edge.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The alien invasion scenario is highly engaging and immersive.

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich mix of resource management, technology development, and combat strategies.

Cooperative Elements: Players must work together, fostering a sense of teamwork and negotiation.

Replayability: The event cards and random deployments ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Complexity: The game involves multiple mechanics and phases, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Playtime: Games typically last three to four hours, which may be too long for some players.

Semi-Cooperative: While billed as semi-cooperative, the game plays more like a standard cooperative game.

Personal Thoughts on Level 7: Invasion

**Level 7: Invasion** is ideal for fans of cooperative and strategic games who enjoy a challenging, thematic experience. It is recommended for players aged 14 and up who can handle complex game mechanics and longer play sessions. The game is great for groups looking for a cooperative challenge with a strong narrative and engaging gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick game or those who prefer simpler rules.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.