Escape from Altassar (1982) Board Game

Escape from Altassar is a science fiction wargame released in 1982 by Task Force Games. It is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of about 60 minutes. The game is set in a futuristic world where players must escape from the planet Altassar before it is destroyed.

Game Components of Escape from Altassar

Map: A 17 by 22 hex map of the planet Altassar, which folds into the game booklet.

Counters: 54 counters including Confederate soldiers of various alien species, Spika soldiers, trackers, drystals, recovery wagons, and trip nets.

Game Booklet: Contains rules, combat results table, and terrain effects.

Units:
– Confederate soldiers (Terrans, Patekians, etc.)
– Spika soldiers
– Trackers
– Drystals
– Recovery Wagons
– Trip Nets

Terrain Types: Quagmire, hills, prison, clear, cascades, rainforest, rough.

How To Setup Escape from Altassar

To set up the game, players first place the map on a flat surface. The Confederate player makes an initial breakout from the prison camp, positioning their units accordingly. The Spika player sets up their units and signal posts as specified in the rules. Each player turn is divided into movement and combat phases, with the Spika player moving first in each game turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Turns: 12 turns, each divided into Spika and Confederate player turns.

Movement Phase: Players move their units, paying movement points based on terrain.

Combat Phase: Spika player attacks, followed by Confederate player’s evasion attempts and their own attacks.

Ranged Fire: Units with ranged fire capabilities can attack from non-adjacent hexes.

Combined Attacks: Units can combine their attack strengths.

Objective: The Confederate players aim to escape the planet, while the Spika players aim to capture or eliminate them.

Player Experience

**Escape from Altassar** offers a tense game of escape and pursuit, with a unique blend of science fiction and wargame elements. Players need to strategize carefully, using the terrain and unit capabilities to their advantage. The game has a moderate complexity level, making it engaging but not overwhelmingly complex.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s premise of an intergalactic prison break is intriguing and different.

Detailed Mechanics: The hex-and-counter system and terrain effects add depth to the gameplay.

Balanced Gameplay: The game is designed for two players, ensuring balanced and competitive gameplay.

Cons

Out of Print: The game is currently out of stock and may be hard to find.

Visual Consistency: Some players might find the colors and styles of the counters and map not fully cohesive.

No Dice Included: Players need to provide their own dice.

Personal Thoughts on Escape from Altassar

**Escape from Altassar** is ideal for fans of science fiction and wargames who are looking for a challenging yet manageable game. It’s suited for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and are interested in a unique, intergalactic setting. However, due to its age and current availability, it may appeal more to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage board games.

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