Meltdown 2020 (2011) Board Game

Meltdown 2020 is a board game designed by Corné van Moorsel and published by Cwali in in 2011. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of transporters trying to deliver goods to various locations amidst chaos and destruction caused by a global meltdown.

Game Components of Meltdown 2020

12 tiles, each consisting of 7 hexes

7 nuclear reactors

2 airfields

20 color-coded people

3 vehicles (car, bus, helicopter)

Radiation counters

8-sided die

How To Setup Meltdown 2020

To set up the game, players arrange the 12 tiles to form the game board, which includes seven nuclear reactors and two airfields scattered across the landscape. Each player places their color-coded people and vehicles on designated hexes. The initial setup ensures all players have equal starting positions and access to the different types of vehicles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Radiation Outburst: Roll the 8-sided die and place a radiation counter on the corresponding reactor.

Vehicle Movement: Players move buses (up to 2 spaces, 4 passengers), cars (up to 3 spaces, 3 passengers), and helicopters (up to 4 spaces, 2 passengers) in sequence.

Radiation Reparation: Remove a radiation counter from a reactor if present.

Radiation Sickness: People near reactors absorb radiation; the closer, the more radiation absorbed.

Objective: Rescue the most people by moving them to the airfields before the radiation levels become too high. The game ends when a reactor receives its fifth counter or the 16th counter is to be placed.

Player Experience

In **Meltdown 2020**, players are immersed in a frantic rescue mission where time and strategy are crucial. The game requires careful planning and quick decision-making to navigate the escalating radiation levels and save as many people as possible. The dynamic board and random radiation outbursts keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of vehicle movements and radiation management keeps players engaged.

Replayability: Random radiation outbursts and variable setup ensure different experiences each time.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Games: Games last approximately 45 minutes, perfect for short gaming sessions.

Cons

Luck Factor: The roll of the die can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be a bit time-consuming due to the tile arrangement and placement of game components.

Personal Thoughts on Meltdown 2020

**Meltdown 2020** is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. The game’s themes of rescue and survival add an element of urgency, making it a compelling and entertaining experience. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy cooperative or competitive games with a moderate level of complexity and a short playtime. However, players seeking games with minimal luck and more complex strategies might find other options more appealing.

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