A board game box titled "THE FOREVER WAR", the boardgame of JOE HALDEMAN's Hugo winning novel, with artwork featuring a space-suited figure holding a rifle, against a backdrop of stars. Text on the box includes "Design by JAMES GRIFFIN", "Face the Challenge of Command Under Alien Stars", "One to Six Players Ages 12 to Adult", and the Mayfair Games logo.
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The Forever War (1983)

The Forever War

The Forever War is a science fiction board game based on the novel “The Forever War” by Joe Haldeman. It was published by Mayfair Games in 1983. The game features squad-level combat in the third millennium and is set in space. The novel, which won the Nebula Award in 1975 and the Hugo and Locus awards in 1976, tells the story of human soldiers fighting an interstellar war against an alien civilization known as the Taurans.

Why is The Forever War Popular?

The Forever War is significant because it is based on a popular science fiction novel and captures the spirit of the novel upon which it is based. The game is also notable for its fast-paced gameplay and its ability to provide players with an enjoyable, simple SF ground combat game.

Game Components of The Forever War

– Game board
– 2 player aid cards
– 2 sets of 20 counters
– 2 six-sided dice
– 1 rulebook

Game Setup of The Forever War

Players choose a scenario and set up the game board according to the scenario’s instructions. Each player takes a set of 20 counters and places them on the board according to the scenario’s instructions. Players then roll a die to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics of The Forever War

The Forever War is a two-player board game of space-based squad-level combat. Players take turns moving their counters and attacking their opponent’s counters. Combat is resolved by rolling a die and comparing the result to a table in the rulebook. The game also includes rules for morale, reinforcements, and special weapons.

Game Objective of The Forever War

The objective of the game is to achieve the scenario’s victory conditions. These conditions vary depending on the scenario chosen by the players.

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