Game of SIM (1969) – Board Game Guys

Sim

“The Campaign for North Africa” is a strategic board wargame published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1978. It simulates the entire North African Campaign of World War II, which took place from 1940 to 1943.

Why is Sim Popular?

The game is significant because it provides a detailed and immersive simulation of a major historical conflict. It has gained popularity among history enthusiasts and wargamers for its complexity and accuracy in representing the events and strategies of the North African Campaign.

Game Components of Game of SIM

Paper: To draw the hexagonal arrangement of dots.

2 differently colored pens or pencils: For each player to mark their lines.

Hexagonal template: Six dots (vertices) arranged in a hexagon, optionally pre-connected with dashed lines for easier gameplay.

How To Setup Game of SIM

To set up the game, draw six dots on a piece of paper in a hexagonal arrangement. Each dot should be connected to every other dot by a line, though these lines can be dashed and pre-drawn for convenience. Players decide who goes first and choose their respective colors.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns drawing lines to connect any two vertices.
– Each line can only be used once.
– Players use different colors to mark their lines.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to avoid forming a triangle using only your color.
– Only triangles with all three vertices as original dots count; intersecting lines do not end the game.
– The first player to form a monochromatic triangle loses.

Player Experience

The Game of SIM is engaging and challenging, making it appealing to players of various skill levels. It requires strategic thinking and planning ahead to avoid creating a triangle in your own color. The game is relatively quick, but its complexity ensures that players will want to play multiple rounds to refine their strategies.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to anyone.

Portable: Requires only a piece of paper and two pens/pencils.

Engaging: Encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving.

No Ties: The game is guaranteed to have a winner due to its mathematical properties.

Cons

No Simple Winning Strategy: While the second player can win with perfect play, finding a simple and memorizable winning strategy is an open problem.

Complexity: Can be challenging for younger players to master.

Personal Thoughts on Game of SIM

The Game of SIM is ideal for those who enjoy mathematical puzzles and strategic games. It is particularly suitable for students and educators looking to incorporate fun and educational activities into their routines. The game enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable addition to any math or strategy game collection. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for very young children without some guidance.

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