John Carter: Warlord of Mars (1979) Board Game

John Carter: Warlord of Mars is a board game based on the pulp fiction stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs. The game was released in 1979 by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.), known for their wargames and simulations. The game captures the essence of the Barsoom series, where players take on the role of heroes fighting on the red planet of Mars.

Game Components of John Carter: Warlord of Mars

400 die-cut cardboard counters

A game map

Two 8-page player’s booklets

A 28-page rulebook

A 16-page sourcebook titled *The World of Barsoom*

Game box

How To Setup John Carter: Warlord of Mars

Setting up the game involves organizing the various components, including the game map, counters, and rulebooks. Players need to familiarize themselves with the three separate games within the larger game: the Duelling Game, Strategic Game, and Military Game. Each game has its own set of rules and objectives, which are detailed in the respective booklets and the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Duelling Game: One-on-one combat with monsters and villains.

Strategic Game: Often involves the rescue of a woman kidnapped by a villain.

Military Game: Fleet-sized combat.

Game Objective: To achieve victory through fair means, as foul acts can result in losing the game by losing the respect and love of your lady.

Player Experience

Players of **John Carter: Warlord of Mars** can expect a mix of swashbuckling excitement and strategic gameplay. The game is known for its thematic authenticity to the Barsoom novels, with elements like love, romance, treachery, and friendship woven into the gameplay. However, some reviewers have noted issues with rule organization, ambiguity in certain rules, and a high luck factor.

Pros

Thematic Authenticity: The game is remarkably true to its source material.

Variety: Three distinct games within one package offer diverse gameplay experiences.

Atmosphere: The game captures the essence of Burroughs’ adventures, with colorful counters and map.

Solitaire Play: Suitable for solo play, which adds to its versatility.

Cons

Rule Complexity: The rules are often poorly organized and ambiguous.

Luck Factor: High luck factor can make gameplay less predictable.

Imbalance: The chance for a villain to win is very low, making the outcome somewhat predictable.

Repetitive Duels: The duelling mechanics can become repetitive and less exciting.

Personal Thoughts on John Carter: Warlord of Mars

This game is ideal for fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom novels and those who enjoy swashbuckling adventures with a mix of strategy and role-playing elements. While it may not appeal to modern gamers due to its complex rules and high luck factor, it remains a unique and enjoyable experience for those who appreciate the nostalgic value and thematic depth of the game. It’s a great addition for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage board games.

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