The War of the Worlds (1980) Board Game

The War of the Worlds Board Game is based on the classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, which was first published in in 1980. The game was released in 1980 and designed by Alvin Belflower. It is a two-player game that takes around 60 minutes to play and is recommended for players aged 12 and up. The game is set in a world where Martians invade Earth, and players must either defend the planet as humans or conquer it as the Martians.

Game Components of The War of the Worlds

Game board featuring Victorian London

Human and Martian units

Martian Tripods and other invasion forces

Human defense units, including armies and naval units

Rules and scenario booklets

How To Setup The War of the Worlds

To set up the game, players must first lay out the game board, which represents Victorian London. The Martian forces are deployed randomly around the city, while the human defense units are placed according to the game’s initial setup rules. Each side has specific starting conditions and objectives that guide the placement of their units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Wargame

Number of Players: 2

Designer: Allen Eldridge

Year: 1980

Mechanics:
– Hexagonal grid movement
– Resource management
– Combat resolution

Game Objective:
– Humans: Defend London and eliminate the Martian invasion.
– Martians: Wipe out human defenses and conquer London.

Player Experience

Players engage in a turn-based strategy where the Martians aim to overwhelm the human defenses, while the humans must tactically deploy their forces to repel the invasion. The game is known for its tense and imbalanced gameplay, making it challenging yet engaging.

Pros

Tense Gameplay: The game offers a high level of tension due to the aggressive Martian forces and the limited defensive capabilities of the humans.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully manage their resources and units to achieve their objectives.

Historical Theme: The game is set in the context of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel, adding a rich thematic element.

Cons

Imbalanced Scenario: The game’s scenario can feel unbalanced, favoring the Martian forces initially, which may deter some players.

Solved Puzzle: After multiple plays, the game’s strategy can become somewhat predictable, reducing its replay value.

Personal Thoughts on The War of the Worlds

The War of the Worlds is ideal for fans of wargames and science fiction, particularly those who enjoy strategic challenges with a historical twist. It offers a unique blend of resource management and combat tactics, making it a compelling choice for gamers looking for a classic, yet intense, gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking perfectly balanced gameplay or a high replay value.

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