One Page War (2023) Board Game

One Page War is a print-and-play wargame designed by Haakon Gaarder, featuring a World War II theme. The game is known for its simplicity and accessibility, as players can enjoy a strategic war simulation experience on just one page.

Game Components of One Page War

Game Sheet: Each player has a sheet with five arenas of war: Land, Air, Sea, Politics, and Espionage.

Dice: Used for determining the numbers players can write on their sheets.

Writing Devices: Pencils or pens for marking the numbers on the game sheets.

Arena Powers: Special abilities associated with each arena that can be used to influence the game.

How To Setup One Page War

To set up the game, each player receives a game sheet. The sheets are divided into the five arenas, each with its own set of boxes where players will write numbers. No additional components need to be assembled or arranged beyond distributing the sheets and ensuring each player has a writing device and a die.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Write Mechanics: Players take turns rolling a die and writing the number in one of the arenas on their sheet. The other player must then write the same number in a different arena.

Arena Control: Players aim to create powerful sets of numbers (such as three of a kind, four of a kind, or five of a kind) to control each arena.

Arena Powers: Each arena has special abilities that can be used once a player has filled all the boxes in that arena. These powers can adjust numbers, swap numbers, or copy an opponent’s number.

Game Objective: The player who controls the majority of the arenas wins the game.

Player Experience

**One Page War** offers a quick and engaging experience, with games typically lasting around 30 minutes. The game requires strategic thinking as players need to balance which arenas to focus on and when to use their arena powers. The interactive nature, where players react to each other’s moves, adds a layer of dynamic strategy.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are fast-paced and can be completed within 30 minutes.

High Interactivity: Players constantly react to each other’s moves, making the game highly engaging.

Simple Rules: The rules are easy to learn, making it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game requires strategic thinking and planning.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s simplicity might make it less appealing for players seeking complex, long-term strategies.

Dependence on Luck: The roll of the die introduces an element of luck, which might not appeal to players who prefer purely strategic games.

Personal Thoughts on One Page War

**One Page War** is ideal for players looking for a quick, strategic game that is easy to learn but still challenging to master. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy roll-and-write mechanics and are interested in a game that combines strategy with a bit of luck. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it an excellent choice for casual game nights or as an introduction to more complex strategy games. However, players seeking deep, complex gameplay might find it lacking in long-term replay value.

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