Calamity! (1983) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Calamity! is a board game released in 1983 by Games Workshop Ltd. It is a game designed for 2-6 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game falls under the economic category, with a mechanism centered around trading. The objective of the game is to become the wealthiest player by acquiring and trading resources.

Game Components of Calamity!

Game board featuring a Monopoly-style playing track

Player tokens

Insurance-themed cards

Financial management elements (e.g., money, premiums, claims)

Various risk and event cards

How To Setup Calamity!

To set up Calamity!, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point on the board. Players are then dealt a set of insurance cards and initial capital. The risk and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Economic/Insurance themed game

Mechanics: Resource Management, Risk Management, Financial Planning

Objective: To complete the track around the board while managing insurance risks and financial resources, aiming to be the player with the most assets at the end.

Player Experience

Calamity is described as an easy game to learn but challenging to master. Players navigate through a single lap of the board, managing insurance policies, dealing with unpredictable events, and making strategic financial decisions. The game requires a balance of luck and skill, making it engaging for players who enjoy strategic planning and risk management.

Pros

Easy to learn

Requires skill and experience to win convincingly

Unique blend of insurance and financial management

Engaging for fans of strategic planning

Cons

Limited replayability due to the single lap around the board

May not be as complex or deep as other economic games

Personal Thoughts on Calamity!

Calamity is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium complexity games with a unique theme. It’s a great introduction to economic and risk management games, especially for those interested in the insurance sector. However, players seeking highly complex or long-term campaign-style games might find it less satisfying. Overall, it’s a fun and educational game that can be enjoyed by both casual and seasoned gamers.

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