Titan (1980) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Titan is a classic fantasy wargame that was first released in in 1980. It was designed by a team of game designers including Mike Doyle, Kurt Miller, Kenn Nishiuye, David A. Trampier, and Chris White. The game was published by The Avalon Hill Game Co and has since gained a cult following among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Titan

Main game board

Terrain boards for combat

Unit tokens representing various mythical creatures

Titan tokens

Combat point tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Titan

To set up Titan, players start by placing their titans and legions on the main board. Each player commands a number of legions, which are stacks of units. The terrain boards are set aside for use during combat phases. Players also need to distribute the unit tokens and titan tokens according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases

Commencement / Splitting: Players divide their legions.

Movement: Legions move across the main board, adhering to specific movement rules indicated by the edges between spaces.

Engagement: Legions engage in combat when adjacent to enemy legions, using the terrain boards based on the terrain type on the main board.

Mustering: Players add units to their legions, potentially summoning more powerful units.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the last player with a surviving titan. Combat points earned from battles increase the power of a player’s titan and allow the summoning of angels. A player’s titan is eliminated when it is defeated, and that player is removed from the game.

Player Experience

Titan offers a dual-level gameplay experience, with the main board handling legion movement and the terrain boards handling skirmish combat. This mechanic is reminiscent of video games but is less common in board games. Players must strategically manage their legions, engage in tactical combat, and manage resources to strengthen their titan.

Pros

Dual-level gameplay: Combines high-level strategy with tactical combat.

Variety in units and terrain: Different units and terrains add complexity and replayability.

Retro charm: Maintains a nostalgic feel despite reprints.

Cons

Positive feedback loop: Winning battles makes players stronger, leading to a potential snowball effect.

Complexity: The game has multiple phases and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Titan

Titan is ideal for players who enjoy tactical skirmish games and wargames with a mix of strategy and combat. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate retro games and are looking for a game that challenges them with complex mechanics. However, the positive feedback loop can make the game less balanced, favoring those who gain an early advantage. Despite this, Titan remains a classic and engaging game for fans of fantasy battles and strategic gameplay.

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