Azhanti High Lightning (1980) Board Game

Azhanti High Lightning is a science fiction wargame that was released in 1980 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games). It was designed by Frank Chadwick and Marc W. Miller, with artwork by Paul Richard “Rich” Banner and Naoyuki Kato. The game is set in the Traveller universe, where players take on the roles of crew members aboard a starship engaged in combat.

Game Components of Azhanti High Lightning

Game rules booklet

Starship deck plans

Character and vehicle counters

Dice

Scenario booklets

How To Setup Azhanti High Lightning

Setting up Azhanti High Lightning involves preparing the starship deck plans, distributing character and vehicle counters, and determining the scenario or mission objectives. Players need to read through the rules and scenario booklets to understand the setup and objectives of the game. The game requires a good understanding of the Traveller universe and its mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combat Mechanics: Refined boarding combat system similar to other Traveller games but more detailed.

Mission Objectives: Completing specific missions such as defending the ship, infiltrating enemy ships, or neutralizing threats.

Player Interaction: Players manage characters and vehicles during battles, making tactical decisions.

Random Elements: Use of dice for resolving conflicts and determining outcomes.

Objective: Successfully complete missions while navigating the challenges of starship battles.

Player Experience

Playing Azhanti High Lightning offers an immersive science-fiction experience, particularly for fans of the Traveller universe. The game combines strategic planning with the unpredictability of combat, requiring players to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. The detailed starship environments and variety of scenarios add depth to the gameplay.

Pros

Detailed Combat System: Provides a refined and engaging combat experience.

Immersive Setting: Set within the rich universe of Traveller, offering a lot of context and depth.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and mission objectives ensure the game remains fresh over multiple playthroughs.

Tactical Depth: Requires strategic thinking and tactical planning.

Cons

Complexity: The game rules and setup can be complex, requiring a significant investment of time to learn.

Niche Audience: Primarily appeals to fans of the Traveller series and science-fiction wargames.

Outdated Graphics: The game’s components and illustrations may appear dated compared to modern games.

Personal Thoughts on Azhanti High Lightning

Azhanti High Lightning is ideal for fans of science-fiction and tactical wargames, especially those already familiar with the Traveller universe. It offers a unique blend of strategy and role-playing elements that can make for a compelling and challenging experience. However, due to its complexity and niche appeal, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to wargaming.

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