A worn board game box titled "ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK THE GAME," featuring illustrated characters fleeing, with a cityscape in the background. Text on the box indicates it is for 2 to 4 adults, ages 10 and up.
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Escape from New York (1981)

ByMichail

Escape from New York

Escape from New York is a 1981 board game by TSR, Inc. and illustrated by Erol Otus and Bill Willingham based on the John Carpenter film Escape from New York, which was released that same year. The game is a semi-cooperative game for 2-4 players, and each player takes on the role of one of the characters from the movie, such as Snake, Brain, Maggie, or Cabbie. The objective of each player is the same as Snake Plissken’s in the film: players attempt to locate the President of the United States and get him off the prison island of Manhattan. Failing that, they are to find the cassette tape the President is carrying. Failing that, they die.

Why is Escape from New York Popular?

Escape from New York is significant because it is based on the cult classic movie of the same name, which has a dedicated fan base. The game is also notable for its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Escape from New York and its semi-cooperative nature, which was innovative for its time.

Game Components of Escape from New York

  • 1 Rulebook
  • 1 Game board
  • 4 Hero boards
  • 1 New York board
  • 153 Cards
  • 40 Prisoner counters
  • 25 Roadblock counters
  • 14 Suburb counters
  • 1 Helicopter counter
  • 1 Gullfire counter
  • 12 Level Bar counters
  • 4 Case counters
  • 19 Plastic bases
  • 4 Hero figures
  • 3 Boss figures
  • 1 Taxi figure
  • 4 Car figures
  • 19 Timer tiles
  • 37 City tiles
  • 8 Central Park tiles
  • 1 WTC tile
  • 8 POI tiles
  • 1 Library tile
  • 15 Item cubes
  • 15 Ammo cubes
  • 3 Hit Points cubes
  • 1 New York Noise cube
  • 4 New York mission cubes
  • 1 Event Level marker
  • 1 Poster.

    How To Setup Escape from New York

    To set up the game, players begin by placing the New York board in the center, which represents the dangerous streets of Manhattan. Each player selects a character – Snake Plissken, Brain, Maggie, or Cabbie – and receives their respective hero board and figure. The game also involves setting up various counters, tiles, and decks, including the New York deck, which drives the game’s tension and enemy encounters. Players are dealt two personal objective cards, which include a mode of escape and an item they must possess. The timer tiles are set to mark the 24-hour time limit for the mission.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** Semi-cooperative
  • Mechanics:** Bluffing, Deck Construction, Hand Management, Semi-Cooperative Game, Take That, Tile Placement
  • Objective:** Players must work together to rescue the President, find a crucial tape, and a diagram of the bridges to escape Manhattan within 24 hours. However, each player has hidden personal objectives, allowing them to betray their teammates and escape alone.

    Player Experience

    The game is a thrilling adventure filled with tension and uncertainty, mirroring the atmosphere of the movie. Players explore the city by flipping tiles, encountering thugs, finding items, and triggering dangerous events. The noise mechanic adds to the tension, as players’ actions increase the noise level, attracting more dangerous enemies and events. The game allows for various playstyles, from stealthy movements to outright combat, and the personal objectives create a layer of mistrust among players, enhancing the social interaction and table talk.

    Pros

  • Immersive Atmosphere:** Successfully captures the tone and tension of the movie.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Offers a mix of exploration, combat, and strategic decision-making.
  • Personal Objectives:** Adds a layer of betrayal and social interaction, making the game more engaging.
  • Character Variety:** Each character has unique abilities and playstyles.
  • High Replayability:** With multiple paths to victory and random events, the game offers different experiences each time.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** The game includes many mechanics and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Time Pressure:** The 24-hour timer can create significant stress, which might not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Escape from New York

    **Escape from New York** is ideal for fans of the movie and those who enjoy semi-cooperative games with high levels of tension and strategic depth. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with multiple paths to victory and the potential for betrayal. While the setup and rules may be complex, the game’s immersive atmosphere and dynamic gameplay make it a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn it.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl