Angola (1988) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Angola is a board game that simulates the Angolan Civil War, which took place from 1975 to

The game focuses on the conflict between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), and National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Players take on the roles of these factions as they vie for control over Angola during this tumultuous period.

Game Components of Angola

Game board

Rulebook

Player aids

Faction cards

Unit counters

Battle cards

Control markers

How To Setup Angola

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a faction to represent.

Shuffle the faction cards and deal them out to each player.

Place the unit counters and control markers on their designated spaces on the board.

Shuffle the battle cards and place them within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The gameplay of Angola revolves around area majority/influence, campaign/battle card-driven mechanics, movement points, secret unit deployment, and communication limits. Players must strategically deploy their units, use battle cards effectively, and outmaneuver their opponents to gain control over key territories in Angola. The objective of the game is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game, which typically takes around 480 minutes to complete.

Player Experience

Pros:

Deep strategic gameplay

Historical theme

Variable player powers

Engaging player interaction

Cons:

Steep learning curve

Long playtime may not appeal to all players

Limited availability of new copies

Personal Thoughts on Angola

Angola is a complex and immersive wargame that offers a deep dive into the intricacies of the Angolan Civil War. The game’s components are well-designed, and the historical accuracy adds a level of authenticity to the gameplay. However, the long playtime and steep learning curve may be off-putting to some players. Overall, Angola is worth the time and effort for wargame enthusiasts who enjoy strategic depth and historical themes. However, casual gamers or those looking for a quicker experience may want to skip this one.

In terms of pricing and availability, Angola may be more challenging to find as it was released in in 1988. However, used copies can often be found online or through specialty board game stores. For those interested in similar games, titles like ‘Fire in the Lake’ and ‘COIN Series’ offer comparable gameplay experiences.

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