Invasion: America – Death Throes of the Superpower (1976)

Invasion America

Invasion America is a board wargame that simulates a hypothetical coordinated attack on North America by various factions. The game was designed by Jim Dunnigan and published by SPI in 1976. The game is set in an alternate history where the United States has annexed Mexico and the states of Central America, and it is the year 2000. One side controls a coalition of three factions simultaneously invading North America from the Pacific, South America, and Cuba, while the other side defends North America with American and Canadian forces.

Why is Invasion America Popular?

Invasion America is significant because it was one of the first board wargames to simulate a hypothetical invasion of the United States. The game was well-received upon its release and immediately rose to No. 1 on SPI’s Top Ten Bestseller List, remaining in the Top Ten for the remainder of the year. The game’s popularity led to a larger sequel, Objective Moscow, in which the tables are turned and the Soviet Union is invaded by a coalition composed of NATO, China, and Iran.

Game Components of Invasion: America – Death Throes of the Superpower

Map: A two-piece 35″ x 46″ paper hex grid map of North America, scaled at 130 km (80 mi) per hex.

Counters: 400 die-cut cardboard pieces, including land, air, and naval military and logistics units, with some counters having a question mark on one side to represent “untried units.”

Rule Book: A 16-page rule book.

Counter Tray: A plastic counter tray.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

How To Setup Invasion: America – Death Throes of the Superpower

To set up the game, players first deploy their units according to the scenario instructions. The game includes six different scenarios and a campaign game, each with its own order of battle and initial deployment. The map is laid out, and units are placed face down if they are “untried,” showing only a question mark. Players also determine the unit replacement rates and victory conditions for the chosen scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay System: Uses the standard “I go, You go” system where one player moves all desired pieces, then the other player moves.

Movement: Units can move through a number of hexes equal to or less than their movement rating.

Combat: Combat is resolved by calculating the ratio of attacker to defender strength and rolling a die. The result can be losses or a forced retreat for one or both sides.

Untried Units: Units are initially deployed as “untried” with their true strength revealed only when they engage in combat.

Victory Conditions: Control of important cities and resources results in victory points. The side with the most points at the end of the scenario or campaign game wins.

Player Experience

**Invasion: America** offers an engaging and complex gameplay experience, particularly appealing to fans of wargames and science fiction. Players must manage multiple fronts, protect industrial areas, and balance resource management with military strategy. The “untried units” mechanic adds a layer of uncertainty, simulating the fog of war and making each battle unpredictable.

Pros

Complexity and Depth: Offers a rich, immersive experience with multiple scenarios and a long campaign game.

Innovative Mechanics: The “untried units” feature adds a unique twist to traditional wargaming.

Strategic Challenge: Players must coordinate defenses against a multi-front invasion.

Historical Hypotheses: Based on intriguing alternate history scenarios.

Cons

Physical Size and Complexity: The large map and numerous counters can be daunting for new gamers.

Scenario Limitations: Some reviewers noted issues with scenario victory conditions and miscellaneous rules.

Space Requirements: The game’s components require significant storage and playing space.

Personal Thoughts on Invasion: America – Death Throes of the Superpower

This game is ideal for experienced wargamers and those interested in complex, strategic gameplay. It appeals to fans of science fiction and alternate history, offering a unique blend of military strategy and speculative geopolitics. While it may not be the best introduction for new gamers due to its complexity, **Invasion: America** remains a classic in the wargaming genre, providing hours of challenging and engaging gameplay.

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