Broadsides & Boarding Parties (1982) Board Game

Broadsides & Boarding Parties is a classic board game released in 1982, designed by Larry Harris, Jr., known for creating popular strategic games. The game is set in a nautical and pirate theme, where players engage in naval battles and boarding actions to outwit their opponents. With a mix of action queue, dice rolling, and hand management mechanics, Broadsides & Boarding Parties offers a unique gaming experience for 2 players.

Game Components of Broadsides & Boarding Parties

Ships: A Spanish galleon and a pirate ship, with the 1984 version featuring plastic ships, cannons, and other playing pieces. The original 1982 version used a paper map and cardboard pieces.

Movement Cards: Used for ship movement, including forward, turn starboard, turn port, and drop anchor.

Cannons and Crew: Each ship has sections with cannons and crew members. Cannons have specific firing directions.

Damage Cards: Track damage to ships, including mast destruction and hull breaches.

How To Setup Broadsides & Boarding Parties

Setup involves each player placing their ship on the board and distributing their movement cards. Players secretly place three movement cards facedown on their side of the board, which are then revealed simultaneously to determine ship movements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Ship Movement: Players use movement cards to maneuver their ships.

Cannon Fire: Players can fire cannons at the enemy ship, with hits determined by dice rolls.

Boarding Parties: If ships collide, players engage in boarding battles, moving crew members and resolving combat with dice rolls.

Game Objective

The objective is to sink the enemy ship or kill the enemy captain during a boarding party. The game ends when one ship sinks or the captain is killed.

Player Experience

**Broadsides & Boarding Parties** offers a fast-paced and thematic experience, with a simple yet engaging gameplay mechanic. The game is divided into two main phases: the broadside phase, where players maneuver and fire at each other’s ships, and the boarding phase, where players engage in close combat. Despite being designed for kids, the game has enough strategic depth to be enjoyable for players of any age.

Pros

Thematic Experience: The game captures the essence of pirate ship battles, making it visually appealing and fun.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but still requires strategic thinking.

Fast-Paced: Games are typically short, lasting around 60 minutes.

Cons

Luck Over Strategy: The game is criticized for relying more on luck than strategy, particularly compared to other games in the Gamemaster series.

Storage Issues: The large plastic ship models can be difficult to disassemble and store.

Personal Thoughts on Broadsides & Boarding Parties

**Broadsides & Boarding Parties** is a game that, while not as complex or strategic as some of its contemporaries, offers a delightful and thematic experience. It is ideal for those looking for a light, fun, and quick game, especially fans of pirate-themed adventures. However, players seeking more complex strategy may find it less appealing. The game’s simplicity and fast-paced nature make it suitable for both children and adults looking for a casual gaming experience.

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