Sabotage (1985) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sabotage is a classic board game that was released in 1985 by Lakeside, Piatnik, and Spear’s Games. It is an abstract strategy game that challenges players to outmaneuver their opponent to win the game. With a runtime of 30 minutes and designed for 2 players, Sabotage has been a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts for decades.

Game Components of Sabotage

1 Game board

1 Crown

18 Playing pieces (9 Red, 9 Blue)

Rules

How To Setup Sabotage

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a color (red or blue) and places their respective playing pieces on the designated starting squares. The crown is positioned at the center of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Capture the crown located at the center of the board and return it to your home base (the square with the circle of your color).

Movement Mechanics: Players move in any direction in a straight line, with the number of spaces determined by the total number of pieces on the horizontal row where the move starts.

Capture Mechanics: Players can capture by landing on an opponent’s piece.

Sabotage Mechanic: Opponents can sabotage each other’s moves at any moment.

Player Count: 2 to 4 players

Playing Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Player Experience

In **Sabotage**, players experience a mix of strategy and unpredictability. The game requires planning and tactical thinking, as the number of spaces moved is dependent on the number of pieces in the starting row. The sabotage mechanic adds an element of surprise, making each move potentially risky and exciting.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game involves planning and strategy.

Unpredictability: The sabotage mechanic adds an exciting element of uncertainty.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Quick Games: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: With only 2 to 4 players, the game may not be as engaging for larger groups.

Dependence on Luck: The sabotage mechanic can sometimes feel arbitrary or luck-based.

Personal Thoughts on Sabotage

**Sabotage** is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, strategic game that doesn’t take too long to play. The game’s simplicity and unpredictability make it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of risk and surprise in their gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex, long-duration games or those who prefer games with more player interaction.

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