Stay Alive (1965) – Board Game Guys

Stay Alive

“Stay Alive” is a strategy board game published by Milton Bradley in 1971, marketed as “the ultimate survival game”. The game was republished with a smaller board by Winning Moves Games USA in 2005, but it is no longer in production. The game was designed for 2 to 4 players and had a playing time of 20-30 minutes.

Why is Stay Alive Popular?

Stay Alive gained popularity due to its simple yet challenging gameplay and the fact that it was marketed as the ultimate survival game, which appealed to players who enjoyed strategy and competition. The game’s popularity has persisted over the years, with vintage editions still available for purchase on platforms like Etsy.

Game Components of Stay Alive

Game Board: A plastic grid with movable slides and wells for marble storage.

Marbles: 20 marbles in four different colors (blue, green, black, and purple).

Slides: 14 slides that can be moved to change the grid configuration.

Knobs: Used to adjust the slide positions.

Protective Pads: For placing under the game board to protect furniture.

How To Setup Stay Alive

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and takes five marbles of that color. The marbles are placed in the storage well on the right side of the player. The 14 slides are randomized into one of three positions at the start of each game, ensuring each game plays differently. Players place their marbles on the grid one at a time in a clockwise direction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Slide Movement: Players move one slide per turn, either an orange or white slide, to one of three positions.

Marble Elimination: Moving a slide can cause marbles to fall through the grid, eliminating them from the game.

Restrictions: A player cannot move a slide from the inside to the outside or vice versa in one turn; they must stop at the center position.

Game Objective: The last player with marbles on the grid wins.

Player Experience

**Stay Alive** is known for its fast-paced and easy-to-understand gameplay, making it accessible to players aged 8 and above. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes. The randomization of the slides at the beginning of each game adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping the game exciting and different each time it is played.

Pros

Simple Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Randomized Gameplay: Each game is unique due to the randomized slide positions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike.

Portable: The game is compact and can be easily stored.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game mechanics are simple and may become repetitive.

Short Games: Games are typically short, which can be a drawback for some players.

Luck Factor: A significant element of luck is involved due to the slide movements.

Personal Thoughts on Stay Alive

**Stay Alive** is perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, fun game. It’s an excellent choice for young children due to its simplicity and short gameplay duration. However, players seeking complex strategies or longer game sessions might find it less engaging. If you come across this game at a thrift store, it’s definitely worth picking up for its nostalgic value and easy gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.