Artifact (1980) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Artifact is a science fiction wargame released in 1980, designed by Doug Potter and illustrated by Metagaming. It is a two-player game that involves dice rolling, events, grid movement, hexagon grid, and line of sight mechanisms. The game is recommended for players aged 12 and above and has a runtime of 60-180 minutes.

Game Components of Artifact

Game board depicting the moon

US and Soviet force units

Resource tokens

Alien artifact tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Artifact

Setting up Artifact involves preparing the game board to represent the lunar battlefield. Players must place their respective US or Soviet force units on designated starting areas. Resource tokens and alien artifact tokens are also distributed according to the rules. The setup is relatively straightforward, focusing on establishing the initial positions of both sides.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Control the alien artifact on the moon.

Mechanics:
– Area Control: Players maneuver their units to control key areas on the lunar surface.
– Resource Management: Players must manage resources to deploy and maintain their units.
– Turn-based Strategy: Players take turns making strategic moves to outmaneuver their opponent.

Player Experience

Playing Artifact involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance resource allocation with unit placement and movement to gain control over the alien artifact. The game requires careful consideration of each move, as the lunar terrain and resource availability can significantly impact the outcome.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with multiple layers of decision-making.

Thematic Immersion: The science fiction setting and lunar battlefield provide a unique and engaging theme.

Simple Yet Challenging: The rules are relatively simple, but the gameplay is challenging and requires strategic thinking.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s setup and objectives might become repetitive after several plays.

Outdated Mechanics: Some players might find the game mechanics to be less sophisticated compared to modern board games.

Availability: The game is an older title and might be hard to find.

Personal Thoughts on Artifact

Artifact is a game for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and are interested in science fiction themes. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate turn-based strategy and area control mechanics. While it may not offer the complexity or replayability of modern games, it provides a unique and engaging experience for fans of retro board games.

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