Lords Of The Middle Sea (1978) Board Game

Lords of the Middle Sea is a science fiction wargame that was released in in 1978. It was designed by William Church and Gene Day, with Chaosium as the artist. The game is played with 2-4 players and has a runtime of approximately 180 minutes. It is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Game Components of Lords Of The Middle Sea

Game board depicting a post-apocalyptic North America

Player tokens and pieces

Rulebook

Artwork by William Church and Gene Day

How To Setup Lords Of The Middle Sea

To set up the game, players first prepare the game board, which represents a drastically altered North America in the year 2401 A.D. following cataclysms. Each player selects their tokens and pieces, and the rulebook is referenced for initial setup instructions. The game involves medieval forces engaging in battle with the aid of supernatural and technological elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fantasy board wargame

Designer: Lynn Willis

Objective: Players aim to balance medieval forces with supernatural and technological elements to achieve victory in battles.

Mechanics: Strategic gameplay involving battles with a mix of medieval, supernatural, and technological components.

Player Experience

Players experience a unique blend of medieval and futuristic elements as they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape. The game is described as fairly simple in terms of strategy but rich enough to warrant multiple playings. However, some reviews noted that the role-playing aspect is trivial and lacks tactical richness.

Pros

Unique setting combining medieval and futuristic elements

Well-balanced presentation of different forces in battle

Enough substance to support multiple play sessions

Cons

Role-playing is trivial and gets in the way

Lack of tactical richness despite visually appealing rulebook

Personal Thoughts on Lords Of The Middle Sea

Lords of the Middle Sea is for players who enjoy strategic wargames with a twist of fantasy and science fiction elements. While it may not satisfy those looking for deep role-playing or complex tactical gameplay, it offers a compelling and visually appealing experience for those interested in a balanced and relatively simple strategic game. The game’s unique setting and blend of medieval and technological elements make it an interesting choice for those looking to explore different gaming themes.

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