Attack! (2003) – Board Game Guys

Attack!

Attack! is a board game created by Glenn Drover and published by Eagle Games in 2003. It is a light war game that is midway between Risk and Axis and Allies in complexity. The game is loosely set in the 1930s and includes plastic pieces featuring tanks, planes, infantry, and artillery. Attack! won the Origins Award for Best Historical Game 2003.

Why is Attack! Popular?

Attack! is popular among game players who enjoy rules that are easy to learn and a game that can be played in a relatively short amount of time. It is also significant because it offers a good introductory to mid-level war game with lots of opportunity for different strategies.

Game Components of Attack!

Gameboard: A map of the Earth divided into territories.

Pieces: Infantry, tanks, artillery, planes, battleships, destroyers, and submarines.

Cards: Economic cards, Political Action cards, Technology cards, and Trade Route cards (in the expansion).

Dice: Used for resolving battles and other game mechanics.

Government Type Counters: For determining victory points and other effects.

How To Setup Attack!

To set up *Attack*, players start by choosing four territories each and placing their capital on one of these territories. Each player begins with 12 infantry, six tanks, four artillery, and two planes. They also receive one battleship, two destroyers, and two submarines. Players draw four Economic cards and four Political Action cards. The game starts with a roll to determine the first player, and then each player places their units in their chosen regions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each player can perform up to three actions per turn, such as moving, attacking, or spending on units.

Combat Resolution: Battles are resolved using dice rolls, with different units having different hit requirements.

Economic System: Players gain Production Points (PP) from Economic cards, which can be used to purchase units.

Technology Cards: Players can acquire these by rolling high on the dice, providing various advantages.

Political Action Cards: These cards offer medium-power effects and are gained through various means, such as diplomatic actions or conquering neutral countries.

Victory Conditions: The original game is won by the player who controls the most territories when a player is eliminated or a time limit is reached. The expansion introduces victory points, which are tallied differently based on government type.

Player Experience

*Attack!* offers a dynamic and interactive experience, with players managing their military forces, economic resources, and political influence. The game encourages strategic thinking and tactical maneuvering, especially with the addition of advanced rules and new components in the expansion. Players must balance their military expansions with economic and technological advancements to achieve victory.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of military strategy and economic management keeps players engaged.

Scalability: The game supports 2-6 players (or 2-10 with more pieces), making it versatile for different group sizes.

High Production Quality: The game components, including the map and pieces, are of high quality.

Expansion Options: The expansion adds new layers of complexity and strategy, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity in Advanced Rules: The advanced rules in the expansion can be slightly more complex, requiring some adjustment for players familiar with the basic game.

Need for Additional Markers: Players may find it helpful to use markers to track certain aspects of the game, such as which action a player is on.

Personal Thoughts on Attack!

*Attack!* is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium complexity war games and are looking for a game that balances strategy and luck. It is a great option for those who want a game that is more engaging than *Risk* but less complex than *Axis and Allies*. The expansion adds a new layer of depth, making it appealing to players who enjoy evolving their strategies as they play. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a very simple or a highly complex game.

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