They’ve Invaded Pleasantville (1981)

They’ve Invaded Pleasantville

“They’ve Invaded Pleasantville” is a 1981 board game published by TSR. The game is designed for two players and is inspired by the classic arcade game Space Invaders. The objective of the game is to alert the other townsfolk of an alien invasion and stop them from controlling the minds of the whole town.

Why is They’ve Invaded Pleasantville Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it combines the nostalgia of classic arcade games with a simple and engaging board game experience. It offers players a fun and lighthearted way to enjoy strategy and competition in a familiar setting.

Game Components of They’ve Invaded Pleasantville

Game board

Alien and townfolk tokens

Mind control markers

Lookup tables

Rulebook

Clear plastic cases for miniatures (noted for being unwieldy).

How To Setup They’ve Invaded Pleasantville

To set up the game, each player chooses their role: one as the town player and the other as the alien player. The town player places their tokens representing the townsfolk around the board, while the alien player secretly marks which townsfolk are under alien mind control. The game board is laid out to depict the town of Pleasantville, and various markers are placed according to the initial setup rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Game Category**: Strategy, Sci-Fi

**Designer**: Michael Pierre Price

**Year**: 1981

**Publisher**: TSR

**Objective for Town Player**: Alert the townsfolk of the alien invasion and prevent the aliens from controlling all of them.

**Objective for Alien Player**: Secretly take over all the townsfolk by controlling their minds.

**Mechanics**: Hidden information, area control, and strategic movement.

Player Experience

Playing **They’ve Invaded Pleasantville** involves a mix of strategy and secrecy. The town player must navigate the board to alert other townsfolk, while the alien player must stealthily convert townsfolk to their side. The game is known for its use of lookup tables, which, although painstaking to use, provide a detailed simulation of the game’s rules. This mechanic allows attentive players to deeply understand the game’s mechanics but can also make the game feel slower.

Pros

**Unique Theme**: The game offers a unique blend of sci-fi and strategy elements.

**Strategic Depth**: The use of lookup tables and hidden information adds complexity and depth to the game.

**Simple yet Engaging**: Despite the complexity, the core gameplay is straightforward and engaging for players who enjoy strategic games.

Cons

**Slow Pace**: The use of lookup tables can make the game feel slow and laborious.

**Complex Setup**: The initial setup and rules can be cumbersome for new players.

**Limited Replayability**: As a two-player game with a specific objective, it may not offer as much replay value as other games.

Personal Thoughts on They’ve Invaded Pleasantville

**They’ve Invaded Pleasantville** is ideal for players who enjoy strategy and hidden information games. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate the nostalgia of older board games and are willing to invest time in understanding the game’s mechanics. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking fast-paced or highly replayable games. For collectors and fans of vintage TSR games, this can be a unique and interesting addition to their collection.

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