Olympica (1978) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Olympica is a science fiction wargame released in 1978 designed by Jennell Allyn Jaquays. The game is played by 2 players and is best suited for a dueling experience. With a runtime of 45 minutes and an age recommendation of 12+, Olympica is a strategic game that involves dice rolling, grid movement, hexagon grid, ratio/combat results table, and secret unit deployment.

Game Components of Olympica

Game board

Counters representing U.N. troopers and defensive forces

Rulebook

Web Mind Generator token

How To Setup Olympica

To set up Olympica, players first place the game board, which depicts a heavily defended area near Nix Olympica’s massive caldera on Mars. The U.N. troopers and defensive forces are then placed according to the initial deployment rules outlined in the rulebook. The Web Mind Generator token is positioned in a key location on the board, serving as the primary objective.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture the Web Mind Generator from the heavily defended area.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Movement: U.N. troopers move quickly around the board.
– Combat: Troopers engage in battles with the defensive forces.
– Resource Management: Limited number of unreinforced U.N. troopers.
– Strategy: Players must balance movement and combat to achieve the objective.

Player Experience

Playing Olympica offers a fast-paced and intense experience. The game is characterized by a terse battle between a limited number of U.N. troopers and a well-defended Martian area. Players need to strategize carefully, as the U.N. forces are unreinforced and must hit hard to succeed.

Pros

Fast-Paced Action: Quick movement and combat mechanics make the game engaging and swift.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking to outmaneuver the defenses.

Thematic Immersion: The science fiction setting and the objective of capturing a Web Mind Generator add a compelling narrative.

Cons

Limited Troops: The unreinforced nature of the U.N. forces can make the game challenging and sometimes frustrating.

Simple Mechanics: Some players might find the gameplay mechanics too basic compared to more complex strategy games.

Personal Thoughts on Olympica

Olympica is ideal for players who enjoy quick, strategic battles and are fans of science fiction settings. It’s a great introduction to microgames, which are known for their compact size and focused gameplay. For those looking for a light yet challenging game session, Olympica fits the bill perfectly. However, players seeking more complex or prolonged gameplay experiences might find Olympica a bit too simplistic.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.