Chitin: I (1977) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Chitin: I is a science fiction wargame released in in 1977. Designed by Jennell Allyn Jaquays and featuring artwork by Metagaming, this 2-player game is set in a futuristic world where players engage in strategic combat using dice rolling, grid movement, and a combat results table.

Game Components of Chitin: I

Rulebook: A slender 16-page booklet.

Map: Simplistic and not very colorful, with a revamped version in the second printing.

Counters: Representing various intelligent insect types.

Cover Art: By Paul Jacquays, with a new design in the second printing.

How To Setup Chitin: I

Setting up **Chitin: I** is quick and straightforward. Players start by placing their insect counters on the board, which represents an alien world at the end of summer. The game is set in a time of harvest, where the intelligent insects of the planet Chelan are in a life-or-death struggle for food resources. The setup involves distributing the counters according to the rules outlined in the 16-page rulebook, which is designed to be easy to follow and get the game started in minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combat Mechanics: Simple rules for combat between different insect types.

Resource Gathering: Players gather food, including enemy bodies, from the board.

Objective: The player who removes the most food from the board wins.

Tactical Combat: Part of the larger **Hymenoptera Game System**, focusing on tactical combat between insect forces.

Player Experience

**Chitin: I** offers a unique and imaginative setting, placing players in control of various insect warriors on an alien planet. The game is easy to learn but packs an emotional punch, with consequences for the losing insect colony that can be quite dire, such as facing starvation and a long winter. This emotional investment makes the game engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging players to think about the broader implications of their actions beyond the immediate game.

Pros

Imaginative Setting: A unique science fiction setting with intelligent insects.

Quick Setup and Play: Can be set up and played in a matter of minutes.

Affordable: Significantly cheaper than larger games of its time.

Emotional Investment: Players become attached to their insect colonies, adding depth to the game.

Innovative Mechanics: Different from typical space-based science fiction games of the era.

Cons

Simplistic Graphics: The map and counters are not very colorful or detailed.

Limited Scope: Part of a larger game system that was never fully realized.

Brief Rulebook: While easy to learn, the simplicity might limit complexity for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Chitin: I

**Chitin: I** is ideal for players looking for a quick, imaginative, and tactically engaging game. It appeals to those who enjoy science fiction and are intrigued by unique settings and gameplay mechanics. Despite its age, the game still offers a fresh and compelling experience, especially for fans of microgames and early tabletop gaming. It’s a great choice for those wanting to explore the roots of tabletop gaming and experience a game that was innovative for its time.

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