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 with hexagon grid

Dice

Event cards

Tokens representing units

Rulebook

How To Setup Artifact

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the event cards and place them face down.

Each player selects their faction and places their units on the designated starting positions.

Determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns rolling dice, moving their units, and resolving events. The objective is to strategically maneuver your units to defeat the opponent’s forces and achieve victory.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging gameplay with strategic depth

Well-designed hexagon grid for tactical movement

Variety of factions and units for replayability

Cons

Steep learning curve for new players

Long runtime may not be suitable for casual gamers

Personal Thoughts on Artifact

Artifact is a classic wargame that offers a challenging and immersive experience for players who enjoy strategic gameplay. The build quality of the components is sturdy and durable, ensuring longevity for repeated plays. While the game may not be easily accessible to casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts of the genre.

In terms of pricing and availability, Artifact can be found both new and used, with prices varying depending on the condition of the game. As an alternative, players may also enjoy similar games like Warhammer 40,000 or Star Wars: Legion. Overall, Artifact is worth your time if you enjoy in-depth strategic gameplay and have a passion for science fiction wargames. Players who prefer lighter, quicker games may want to skip this one.

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