Quazar (1977) – Board Game Guys

Quazar

Quazar is a 1977 board wargame published by Excalibre Games. The game is set in a science fiction universe and involves interstellar conflict between humans and the alien X-Con invaders.

Why is Quazar Popular?

Quazar is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– It is a classic wargame that combines science fiction themes with strategic gameplay, making it appealing to fans of both genres.
– The game has a rich backstory and immersive gameplay, which allows players to engage in a fictional conflict between humans and an alien race.
– It is a two-player game, making it suitable for head-to-head competition and fostering strategic thinking.

Game Components of Quazar

840 unpunched die-cut counters

4 map sections

Secret weapons cards

Rulebook, though noted for being poor, incomplete, and contradictory.

How To Setup Quazar

Setting up Quazar involves laying out the four map sections to create the game board, organizing the counters and secret weapons cards, and distributing the components according to the rules provided. However, due to the complexity and inconsistencies in the rules, players may need to spend significant time interpreting and possibly modifying them to ensure a coherent setup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Random Appearance of Secret Weapons: Both sides can draw secret weapons randomly, adding an element of surprise and unpredictability.

Combat and Movement: Players engage in combat and move units around the board, though the mechanics are often criticized for being ill-conceived and complex.

Objective: The objective is to defeat the opposing side, but the game lacks clear, logical rules to achieve this goal effectively.

Player Experience

Playing Quazar can be a frustrating experience due to the poorly written and incomplete rules. Reviewers have noted that the game requires players to write their own rules or significantly modify the existing ones to make the game playable. Despite the innovative concept of secret weapons, the overall design and execution have been heavily criticized.

Pros

Innovative Secret Weapons Mechanic: The random appearance of secret weapons is seen as one of the few innovative elements in the game.

Thematic Interest: For fans of science fiction and wargames, the theme and setting might still hold some appeal.

Cons

Poorly Written Rules: The rules are incomplete, contradictory, and often confusing.

Complexity: The game is too large and complex for normal play, making it daunting for many players.

Low Reviews: Received low ratings from reviewers, such as a 2 out of 9 in Ares Magazine.

Personal Thoughts on Quazar

Quazar is a game that, despite its intriguing premise, falls short due to its poorly designed rules and complex gameplay. It is not recommended for casual players or those looking for a straightforward gaming experience. Instead, it might appeal to dedicated wargame enthusiasts who are willing to invest time in modifying and improving the game mechanics. However, even for these enthusiasts, the game’s numerous flaws make it a challenging and often frustrating experience.

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