Escape from Colditz Castle (1972) Board Game

Escape from Colditz Castle is a board game originally released in 1972 by Invicta Games. It is based on the real-life events of Allied prisoners of war attempting to escape from Colditz Castle during World War II. The game has since been re-released and updated by various publishers, including Osprey Games.

Game Components of Escape from Colditz Castle

Game board: A pictorial plan of Colditz Castle showing inner and outer courtyards, various rooms, safe areas, cells, and barracks.

Tokens: Five sets of eight tokens representing five nationalities of POWs, and one set of sixteen black tokens representing the German guards.

Cards: Five “Personal Escape Kit” cards, five “Do or Die” cards, 27 “Escape Equipment” cards, 45 “Escape Opportunity” cards, and 14 “Security Opportunity” cards.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

Rules sheet and historical account of the castle’s role as a POW camp during World War II.

How To Setup Escape from Colditz Castle

Setup involves one player taking on the role of the German Security Officer, placing black tokens on designated spots and in the barracks. The other players are Escape Officers, each choosing a nationality of POWs and placing their tokens on the Parade Ground in the inner courtyard. Each Escape Officer receives a “Do or Die” card facedown. The number of guards and POWs varies with the number of players. A time limit and the number of successful escapes required for victory are agreed upon by all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy

Mechanics: Roll-and-move, card collection, and strategic planning.

Designer: Designed in part by Pat Reid, a former POW who escaped from Colditz, along with Brian Degas and Bob Brechin.

Objective:
– Allied Players: Collect a Personal Escape Kit (food, disguises, maps, and a compass) and escape the castle.
– German Security Officer: Prevent Allied players from escaping within the agreed time limit or number of turns.

Movement: Players roll two dice to move their tokens, with special rules for doubles and specific dice rolls (3, 7, or 11) which trigger “Escape Opportunity” or “Security Opportunity” cards.

Player Experience

**Escape from Colditz Castle** offers an engaging and asymmetrical gameplay experience where one player controls the German guards, while the others play as Allied Escape Officers. The game captures the tension and creativity of real-life escape attempts, with players needing to strategize and manage resources effectively. The inclusion of historical elements and the involvement of a real-life escapee in its design add a layer of authenticity and excitement.

Pros

Historical Authenticity: The game is based on real events and includes historical details about Colditz Castle.

Strategic Depth: Players need to plan carefully to succeed, making it a challenging and rewarding experience.

Asymmetrical Gameplay: The different roles for the German Security Officer and Allied Escape Officers provide a unique and engaging dynamic.

Educational: Offers insights into the experiences of POWs during World War II.

Cons

Random Mechanics: The roll-and-move mechanism can be highly random, which may not appeal to modern players who prefer more deterministic gameplay.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can last from 90 minutes to three hours, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Escape from Colditz Castle

**Escape from Colditz Castle** is an excellent choice for those interested in historical games, strategy, and asymmetrical gameplay. It is particularly suited for history enthusiasts and fans of World War II stories. While it may not appeal to players who dislike random mechanics, it remains a narratological marvel that tightly integrates gameplay and theme, making it a standout in the board game world.

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