Landslide (1971) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Landslide is a political board game released in 1971 by Parker Brothers. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 9 and up. Players take on the role of political candidates trying to win the most electoral votes in order to become the President of the United States.

Game Components of Landslide

Gameboard: Features a circular track divided into four regions (East, South, Midwest, West).

20 Politics cards: Allow players to execute various strategic actions.

35 Vote cards: Range in value from 250,000 to 5,000,000 votes.

51 State cards: Include Washington D.C., each representing a state’s electoral votes based on the 1970 census.

4 tokens: Color-coordinated with the regions (East = red, South = yellow, Midwest = white, West = blue).

1 six-sided die: Used for player movement.

2 card trays: For organizing vote and politics cards.

Rules: Printed on the inner side of the box lid.

How To Setup Landslide

To set up Landslide, each player starts at their respective “Home State” space on the board, corresponding to their region. Each player begins with five vote cards. The state cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The politics cards are also shuffled and placed nearby. Players roll the die to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Bidding: Players bid using vote cards to win states.

Auctions: States are auctioned off, with the highest bidder winning.

Politics Cards: Allow players to steal states, stop actions, or gamble for states.

Chance: Rolling the die determines player movement and triggers various actions.

Game Objective:

The objective is to accumulate the most electoral votes by winning states through bidding and strategic use of politics cards.

Player Experience

Landslide offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, combining elements of bidding, bluffing, and tactical maneuvering. Players navigate the board, triggering various actions such as auctions, stealing states, and using politics cards to disrupt opponents. The game requires a balance of short-term and long-term strategy, as players must manage their vote cards wisely to maximize their chances of winning.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines bidding, bluffing, and tactical use of politics cards.

Educational Value: Teaches about the U.S. Electoral College system.

Replayability: High due to the random nature of state auctions and politics cards.

Interactive: Players frequently interact through bidding and using politics cards.

Cons

Luck Factor: Rolling the die and drawing cards introduces a significant element of chance.

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and strategies.

Limited Originality: Criticized for lacking originality in gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Landslide

Landslide is ideal for those interested in politics, strategy, and bidding games. It provides a unique insight into the U.S. electoral system and is a great choice for groups looking for a game that combines luck, strategy, and social interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a game with minimal luck or those who prefer simpler rules. Overall, Landslide is a classic game that offers a rich and engaging experience for players willing to delve into its intricacies.

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