Triplanetary (1973) Board Game

Triplanetary is a classic board game that was first published in 1973 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games). It was designed by John Harshman and Marc W. Miller, with artwork by Paul Richard “Rich” Banner. The game is set in a science fiction universe and is classified as a wargame, focusing on simulated space combat.

Game Components of Triplanetary

One game map depicting the Solar System out to Jupiter

Two dry-erase markers

A counter sheet

A six-sided die

A rulebook

Plastic overlay

Grease pencil for marking movement paths on the map.

How To Setup Triplanetary

To set up Triplanetary, players start by laying out the game map, which shows the Solar System from the Sun to Jupiter. The map is not to scale but includes key features like planets, moons, and the asteroid belt. Players then choose their scenarios and place their ship counters on the starting positions indicated by the scenario rules. Each player will need to have the rulebook and the necessary markers and counters ready. The game also includes a plastic overlay and a grease pencil for tracking movement paths directly on the map.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Vector Movement System: Players move their ships by burning fuel and drawing their movement paths on the map using a grease pencil. The movement is affected by gravity wells of planets and moons.

Fuel Management: Players must manage their fuel efficiently to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction.

Gravity: Ships are influenced by the gravity of celestial bodies, which can affect their trajectory.

Combat: Simple combat mechanics involving strength comparisons and damage charts. Advanced combat rules are also available for more detailed space warfare.

Game Objective

The game objectives vary depending on the scenario chosen. Examples include:

The Grand Tour: Visit all planets and return to Earth efficiently.

Escape: Fugitives trying to escape Earth while being pursued.

Interplanetary War: Fleets at war between two planets.

Alien Invasion: Defend Earth against an alien attack.

Piracy: Engage in pirate-like activities in the Solar System.

Player Experience

Triplanetary offers a unique blend of strategy and simplicity. Players need to plan their moves carefully, managing fuel and navigating through the gravitational influences of celestial bodies. The game is highly flexible, allowing players to create their own scenarios or use the provided ones. It is fun to play solo or with multiple players, and the quick, intuitive rules make it accessible to a wide range of players. The game’s ability to simulate real spacecraft movement and combat adds a layer of realism and engagement.

Pros

Realistic Movement Mechanics: The game adheres to Newtonian physics, making it engaging for those interested in space travel.

High Customization: Players can create their own scenarios, adding a high level of replayability.

Simple yet Deep Rules: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Solo and Multiplayer Options: Flexible gameplay for different player counts.

Historical Significance: One of the pioneering games in the space combat genre.

Cons

Complexity in Combat: While the core mechanics are simple, determining range and relative velocity can be complex.

Outdated Components: Despite the update, some players might find the components or the map less visually appealing compared to modern games.

Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Rules: The alternative combat system and campaign rules can be more complicated for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Triplanetary

Triplanetary is a game for those who enjoy strategic space combat and are fascinated by the mechanics of space travel. It is ideal for fans of wargames and anyone looking for a game that combines simplicity with depth. The game’s flexibility and the ability to create custom scenarios make it a great choice for players who enjoy tinkering with game mechanics. Steve Jackson’s personal involvement in the game’s revival adds a touch of nostalgia and dedication to this classic, making it a must-play for enthusiasts of vintage board games.

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