Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation (1980) Board Game

Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation is a board game released in 1980, designed by Tony Roberts and illustrated by Games Workshop Ltd. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of factions vying for control in a world ravaged by nuclear warfare.

Game Components of Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation

Map: Two-part mounted map of Western Europe

Counters: 140 blank counters in four colors

Radiation Counters: 140 radiation counters

Nuclear Missiles: Plastic multipart nuclear missiles

Rules Sheet: Includes the game rules and setup instructions

How To Setup Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation

To set up the game, all city areas are distributed randomly among the players. A player is chosen to go first, with the rules suggesting the most inexperienced player starts, as going first is advantageous. The game board, which is a two-part map of Western Europe, is laid out, and each player places their army units in their assigned city areas.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence: Fire missiles, build armies, move, attack

Fire Missiles: Players can launch nuclear missiles to destroy enemy armies and irradiate areas.

Build Armies: Each city can produce one new army unit, but two linked suburban areas are needed.

Movement: Armies can move from one area to an empty adjacent area, leaving one unit behind.

Attack: Armies can attack adjacent areas to conquer them.

Nuclear Chain Reactions: Missiles hitting an area can trigger chain reactions, destroying armies and missiles in adjacent areas.

Irradiated Areas: These areas are impassable but can be cleaned up by players taking no other actions.

Victory Conditions: The game continues until only one player has armies left, or if all armies are eliminated by nuclear chain reactions, resulting in a stalemate.

Player Experience

**Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation** offers a thrilling and intense experience, similar to **Risk** but with the added layer of nuclear warfare. Players must strategize carefully, balancing army buildup with the risk of nuclear devastation. The game’s mechanics create a high-stakes environment where a single miscalculation can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Players need to manage resources, build armies, and use nuclear missiles tactically.

High Replayability: Random distribution of city areas and the unpredictability of nuclear chain reactions ensure each game is unique.

Engaging Theme: The game’s nuclear war theme provides a gripping and thought-provoking experience.

Cons

Lengthy Games: Some reviewers noted that games can take a long time to finish.

Simplified Rules: The 1980 version simplified the rules, which might make the game less complex than some players prefer.

Component Issues: The game board was cut in half, eliminating Eastern Europe, which some players might find limiting.

Personal Thoughts on Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation

**Apocalypse: The Game of Nuclear Devastation** is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy the intensity of nuclear warfare scenarios. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with deep strategy and high stakes, similar to **Risk** but with the added complexity of nuclear weapons. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, light-hearted games or those who are sensitive to the theme of nuclear devastation.

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