Board game box cover for "RISK 2210 A.D." featuring futuristic soldiers, robots, and spacecraft with text highlighting game features, set on a wooden background.
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Risk 2210 A.D. (2001)

ByMichail

Risk 2210 A.D. is a 2-5 player board game by Avalon Hill that is a futuristic variant of the classic board game Risk.Designed by Rob Daviau and Craig Van Ness, it was first released in 2001 and won the Origins Award for “Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game of 2001”.The game is set in the not-so-distant future, where battles are fought by machines of destruction, known as MODs.

Game Components of Risk 2210 A.D.

  • Earth Game Board**
  • Moon Game Board**
  • Score Chart**
  • Dice: 5 six-sided dice (2 white, 3 black) and 5 eight-sided dice (2 white, 3 black)
  • Territory Cards: 44 land, 13 water, and 14 lunar territory cards
  • MOD Armies: 5 sets, each a different color
  • Commanders: 5 types (Land, Naval, Space, Nuclear, Diplomat), each set a different color
  • Space Stations: 20 (4 each of 5 colors)
  • Command Cards: 20 each of Land, Naval, Space, Nuclear, and Diplomat
  • Devastation Markers: 4
  • Turn Order Markers: 5
  • Year Marker: 1
  • Energy Chips: 65 1-point and 15 5-point chips.

    How To Setup Risk 2210 A.D.

    Setup begins with randomly picking four land territories to nuke, marking them with nuclear devastation markers, which renders these territories unusable for the rest of the game. Players then claim land territories by placing MODs (mechanized troops) on unoccupied land territories until all are occupied. Each player starts with a varying number of MODs based on the number of players. After claiming territories, players deploy their remaining MODs and place a space station, a land commander, and a diplomat on their territories. Initial territory control is determined similarly to classic Risk, but with the addition of underwater and lunar territories that are not initially occupied.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Each turn involves bidding energy to determine turn order, deploying new reinforcements, and managing resources (energy and troops).
  • Commanders: Each commander has special abilities and allows the use of corresponding command cards. Commanders can affect dice rolls during battles.
  • Space Stations: Required for invading lunar territories from Earth.
  • Energy Management: Energy is used to buy commanders, space stations, and command cards, as well as to bid for turn order.
  • Territory Invasion: Players can invade water and lunar territories only with the corresponding commanders.
  • Game Length: The game lasts exactly five rounds, with the winner being the player controlling the most territories and bonuses at the end of the fifth round.

    Player Experience

    Risk 2210 A.D. offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience with the addition of new elements like commanders, space stations, and lunar territories. The game maintains a fast-paced environment, with each round requiring careful management of resources and strategic decision-making. The bidding mechanism for turn order adds a layer of complexity, as players must balance immediate advantages with long-term energy reserves. The variety in commanders and command cards keeps the game fresh and challenging, making it appealing to fans of strategic games.

    Pros

  • High Replay Value: The game features random territory devastation and varied commander abilities, ensuring different experiences each time.
  • Strategic Depth: The addition of commanders, space stations, and command cards enhances the strategic elements of the game.
  • Fast-Paced: Despite its complexity, the game is designed to last only five rounds, making it more manageable than classic Risk.
  • Innovative Mechanics: The inclusion of water and lunar territories, along with the energy bidding system, adds new layers to the classic Risk formula.

    Cons

  • Luck and Randomness: The game still relies heavily on dice rolls and card draws, which can be frustrating for some players.
  • Limited Playtime for Some: The fixed five-round limit may not appeal to players who enjoy the extended campaigns of classic Risk.

    Personal Thoughts on Risk 2210 A.D.

    Risk 2210 A.D. is an excellent choice for fans of strategic board games and those looking for a fresh take on the classic Risk formula. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy managing resources, bidding, and utilizing special abilities to outmaneuver opponents. While it may not be perfect for those who prefer the endless campaigns of classic Risk, it offers a well-balanced and engaging experience that is worth exploring. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, resource management, and a touch of futuristic flair, Risk 2210 A.D. is definitely a game to consider.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl