The Awful Green Things From Outer Space (1979)

The Awful Green Things from Outer Space

The Awful Green Things from Outer Space (AGTFOS) is a two-player space combat board game developed and illustrated by Tom Wham. It was published by TSR, Inc. in 1980 and the rights to the game were subsequently acquired by Steve Jackson Games. The game is for two players, one of whom controls the eponymous Things, while the other controls the non-human multiracial crew of the starship Znutar, the rooms and corridors of which make up the game board. The game is set on a spaceship where the crew is fighting against the Awful Green Things, which are aliens that have invaded the ship.

Why is The Awful Green Things from Outer Space Popular?

The Awful Green Things from Outer Space is considered a classic board game and has a cult following. It is known for its wacky and humorous gameplay, as well as its unique mechanics. The game has been praised for its simplicity and accessibility, making it easy to learn and play. It has also been noted for its high replayability, as the game’s random elements and different strategies keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Game Components of The Awful Green Things From Outer Space

Full-color rulebook

Mounted gameboard

Die-cut counters

Five dice

Ziplock bag

Tokens for determining weapon effects

How To Setup The Awful Green Things From Outer Space

To set up the game, the crew player places 22 crew members in their respective rooms on the ship *Znutar*. The Awful Green Things player starts with 11 or 12 monsters, ranging from immobile eggs to full adults, which are placed in contiguous spaces not occupied by crew members. A die roll determines the starting number and type of Awful Green Things and their initial location on the ship. The crew player then selects a crew member to move into a location occupied by an Awful Green Thing, triggering the alarm and starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Asymmetrical Play: One player controls the Awful Green Things, while the other controls the ship’s crew.

Growth Mechanic: Awful Green Things grow and multiply every turn (fragments grow into eggs, eggs into babies, babies into adults, and adults lay eggs).

Weapon Uncertainty: Crew members use improvised weapons with unknown effects on the aliens until used.

Dice Rolling: High chance element due to dice rolling for combat and movement.

Game Objective

Awful Green Things: Devour the crew and overwhelm the ship.

Crew: Destroy the Awful Green Things using hand-to-hand combat and improvised weapons, or activate the ship’s self-destruct mechanism if the situation becomes hopeless.

Player Experience

Playing The Awful Green Things From Outer Space is an exhilarating and unpredictable experience. The game is known for its gonzo humor and original design, creating a tense and well-balanced battle for survival. Each game is unique due to the random effects of weapons and the rapid growth of the Awful Green Things, making it a wild and engaging experience.

Pros

Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The weapon uncertainty and growth mechanics add a layer of unpredictability and excitement.

High Replayability: Different outcomes each time due to random elements.

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it accessible to new players.

Fun and Humorous: The game’s wacky theme and unpredictable outcomes make for an entertaining experience.

Cons

Luck-Based: The high chance element can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Low Production Values: Some editions have been criticized for flimsy components.

Component Preparation: Players need to cut out counters in some versions.

Personal Thoughts on The Awful Green Things From Outer Space

This game is ideal for fans of wargames who want a lighter, more casual experience without the heavy setup and complex rules. It’s perfect for those who enjoy asymmetrical gameplay and the unpredictability of random events. The Awful Green Things From Outer Space offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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