Asteroid (1980) – Board Game Guys

Asteroid

“Asteroid” is a 1980 science fiction board game published by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW) as part of their 120 series. In the game, one player controls a team of adventurers attempting to destroy a runaway mining asteroid on a collision course with Earth, while the other player controls a mad scientist’s computer-controlled asteroid. The game was designed by Marc Miller and Frank Chadwick, and it takes less than two hours to play.

Why is Asteroid Popular?

Asteroid is a popular game because it offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience, where players can enjoy a fast-paced, action-packed experience without the need for deep strategy or complex rules. The game has gained a cult following among arcade enthusiasts and has been featured in various pop culture references.

Game Components of Asteroid

Rule book (23 pages)

Eight geomorphic tiles representing the asteroid’s cave system

Character counters

Robot counters

Combat charts and melee tables

Disintegrator pistol and invisibility belt counters

Sasha the dog counter

How To Setup Asteroid

To set up Asteroid, one player arranges the eight geomorphic tiles to represent the asteroid’s cave system and controls the asteroid’s robotic defenses. The other player selects the characters that will make up their expedition. The asteroid station is set up by the computer player, who lays out the station’s layout and places structures, equipment, and robots on the map. The expedition player then chooses which characters to include in their team.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Two-player game: One player controls the human expedition, while the other controls the diabolical computer brain.

Character selection: Players choose characters with unique skills to form the expedition.

Asteroid navigation: The expedition explores the asteroid, adding new map sheets as they move through corridors and ventilation shafts.

Combat and defense: Players engage in combat with robots and overcome obstacles.

Victory conditions: The game is won by destroying the computer brain, activating the self-destruct sequence, or achieving specific victory conditions like the SPCA victory (Sasha the dog survives, and Carter does not).

Player Experience

Asteroid offers a dynamic and challenging experience, especially due to the variety of characters and their interactions. For example, Sasha the dog hates Carter and will not go through any door Carter has opened. The game requires strategic planning and effective use of character skills to succeed.

Pros

Variety of characters: Each character has unique skills, making each game different.

Interactive elements: Special rules for character interactions add a layer of complexity and fun.

Multiple victory conditions: Different ways to win keep the game engaging and replayable.

High replayability: The geomorphic tiles and character selection ensure no two games are the same.

Cons

Complexity in character management: The wide range of characters and their skills can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck and strategy balance: Some players may find the luck element in combat and exploration unappealing.

Personal Thoughts on Asteroid

Asteroid is ideal for fans of science fiction and those who enjoy strategic, character-driven games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the challenge of navigating complex cave systems and overcoming robotic defenses. While it may not be the best introduction for new board game players due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those familiar with board games, especially those who enjoy a mix of strategy and role-playing elements.

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