Andean Abyss is a board game that was released in 2012 by GMT Games. It is a modern warfare and political wargame that is set in Colombia during the 1990s. The game is designed by a team of talented individuals including Xavier Carrascosa, Charles Kibler, Rodger B. MacGowan, Chechu Nieto, and Mark Simonitch.
Game Components of Andean Abyss
Game Board: A 22”x34” mounted board depicting Colombia.Cards: A deck of 76 cards, including Event cards, Operations, and Propaganda cards.Pieces: 153 wooden forces pieces in various colors for the different factions.Tokens and Markers: Various tokens for resources, bases, and tracking game progress.Player Aid Sheets: Sheets summarizing key game functions and faction-specific rules.
How To Setup Andean Abyss
Setup involves placing the game board, shuffling and drawing the card deck, and distributing the wooden pieces among the factions. Each player selects a faction: the Government, the Marxist FARC, the right-wing AUC paramilitaries, or the narco-trafficking Cartels. The game setup is detailed in the rulebook, which outlines the initial placement of forces and resources.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Card-Driven Mechanics: Players draw and play cards one at a time, with each card determining the order of faction actions and events.Event and Operations: Event cards offer dual-use options between historical events and operations, allowing players to choose between executing the event or performing a faction-specific operation.Propaganda Rounds: Periodic Propaganda cards provide opportunities for instant wins, resource collection, and influencing popular sympathies.Resource Management: Players manage resources to perform actions, build bases, and influence the population.Game Objective: Each faction has unique victory conditions, such as controlling territory, influencing the population, or disrupting opponents’ operations.
Player Experience
Andean Abyss offers a rich and complex gaming experience, especially for those interested in modern insurgency and counterinsurgency dynamics. Players must make strategic decisions based on the cards drawn, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. The game supports 1-4 players, with options for solitaire play or alliances between factions.
Pros
Deep Strategy: The game requires thoughtful planning and adaptation to changing circumstances.Historical Depth: It provides an engaging model of insurgency and counterinsurgency, incorporating various political, military, and economic factors.Replayability: The card-driven mechanics and multiple factions ensure high replayability.Educational Value: It serves as a valuable tool for understanding complex conflict dynamics.
Cons
Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate rules and mechanisms.Luck Factor: The draw of Event cards can introduce a significant element of luck, which may affect game outcomes.Lengthy Games: Matches can be quite lengthy, requiring several hours to complete.
Personal Thoughts on Andean Abyss
Andean Abyss is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic games with historical context. It is particularly suited for those interested in conflict simulation, counterinsurgency tactics, and complex decision-making. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics.
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