Mayday (1978) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mayday is a science fiction wargame that was first released in 1978 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games). Designed by Marc W. Miller, the game is set in a futuristic universe where players take on the roles of commanders controlling fleets of spaceships in strategic battles.

Game Components of Mayday

15 pages of rules

1 page of counters

A counter manifest/inventory

A board/map of a space hex-grid

A scan of the box cover

120 game pieces, designed to be learned and played within 120 minutes.

How To Setup Mayday

To set up Mayday, players first need to prepare the game board, which features a space hex-grid. The counters, representing various elements of the spaceships and their systems, are placed according to the starting conditions outlined in the rules. Players must also familiarize themselves with the ship’s computer capacities and the programs currently in progress, as these affect combat, maneuver, and navigation. The game components are relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick setup time that aligns with the Series 120 design philosophy of being playable within two hours.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Board wargame

Mechanics: Space combat, resource management, and strategic maneuvering

Objective: Players engage in ship-to-ship combat, with the goal of disabling or destroying the opposing ships.

Key Mechanics:
– Movement system based on space hex-grid
– Combat affected by ship’s computer capacity and current programs
– Resource management for ship systems and programs
– Strategic navigation and maneuvering.

Player Experience

Mayday offers a relatively simple yet engaging experience for players. The game’s innovative movement system and the impact of the ship’s computer on combat and navigation add a layer of strategy that keeps players involved. However, some reviewers have noted that while the game is fun and challenging, it may not be as exciting as other tactical space games available at the time.

Pros

Innovative Movement System: The game’s movement mechanics are praised for their innovation.

Strategic Depth: The impact of the ship’s computer on various aspects of gameplay adds a nice layer of strategy.

Quick Playtime: Designed to be learned and played within two hours.

Award-Winning: Won the 1978 Origins Award for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Wargame.

Cons

Simplicity: Some reviewers found the game relatively simple compared to other tactical space games.

Counter Quality: The counters provided are basic and might require printing or 3D printing for better quality.

Personal Thoughts on Mayday

Mayday is a game best suited for fans of the Traveller RPG and those interested in space combat wargames. While it may not be as complex or engaging as some other games in its genre, its simplicity and quick playtime make it an attractive option for those looking for a fun, challenging game that can be completed in a short session. The game’s connection to the Traveller universe also makes it a great addition for anyone expanding their Traveller collection or looking to integrate board game elements into their RPG campaigns.

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