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Annihilator / OneWorld (1980) Board Game

ByMichail

Annihilator / OneWorld is a two-player wargame that was released in 1980 by Metagaming. Designed by W. G. Armintrout and James E. Tucker, the game falls into the fantasy and science fiction categories, offering a unique blend of gameplay mechanics and strategic challenges. With a runtime of 60 minutes and an age recommendation of 10+, Annihilator / OneWorld is a great choice for players looking for an engaging and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Annihilator / OneWorld

  • Maps:** 8.5″ x 14″ OneWorld map (brown on green) and 12″ x 14″ Annihilator map (black on blue).
  • Rulebook:** 24-page rulebook.
  • Counters:** 133 cardstock counters.
  • Additional:** Errata sheet for Annihilator in the second edition.

    How To Setup Annihilator / OneWorld

    Setting up the game involves unzipping the package and laying out the respective maps for each game. For **OneWorld**, players place the counters representing the gods’ children (Fog, Blade, and Stone) on the map. In **Annihilator**, one player sets up the military unit and the other player sets up the planet-killing machine’s defenses. The rulebook provides detailed instructions for each game’s setup.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • OneWorld:**
  • Mechanics:** Diceless combat similar to “rock paper scissors.”
  • Objective:** Each player, taking the role of opposing gods Chez and Borg, aims to destroy the rival god by sending their children to attack.
  • Annihilator:**
  • Mechanics:** Traditional science fiction wargame with one player controlling a small military unit and the other controlling the planet-killing machine’s robots and defenses.
  • Objective:** The military unit must destroy the machine’s two computer brains while the machine’s defenses try to prevent this.

    Player Experience

    The games have received mixed to negative reviews. **OneWorld** is often criticized for its simplistic and unbalanced system, with some finding the rock-paper-scissors style combat mildly amusing but not worth the price. **Annihilator**, while praised for its balanced gameplay, is often deemed too small and lacking in complexity, with issues in scale and balance.

    Pros

  • Annihilator:**
    – Nicely balanced gameplay.
    – Can be adapted for other uses.

  • OneWorld:**
    – Amusing premise and system.

    Cons

  • Annihilator:**
    – Too small and lacking in complexity.
    – Issues with scale and balance.

  • OneWorld:**
    – Simplistic and unbalanced system.
    – Not worth the price.

    Personal Thoughts on Annihilator / OneWorld

    **Annihilator / OneWorld** is a pair of games that might appeal to those who enjoy quick, simple wargames or are looking for nostalgic value from the early days of microgames. However, due to the criticisms regarding their depth and balance, they may not be the best choice for experienced gamers seeking complex strategies. These games are more suited for novice players or collectors of vintage board games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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