War of the Worlds: The New Wave (2019) Board Game

War of the Worlds: The New Wave’ is a board game released in 2019 by Jet Games Studio. It is based on the classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, ‘War of the Worlds’, which tells the story of an alien invasion of Earth. The game puts players in the roles of either the invading Martians or the defending Earth forces, engaging in a strategic battle for control of the planet.

Game Components of War of the Worlds: The New Wave

Decks: Each player starts with a deck of 10 cards and a supply deck of 25 cards.

Units and Buildings: Aliens begin with two units (one Tripod and one UFO), while humans have civilians, Army, and Navy units, as well as buildings.

Energy and Money: Cards for generating energy and money.

Damage Counter: A counter to track the 30 damage needed for the human side to win.

Board: A map representing the battlefield.

How To Setup War of the Worlds: The New Wave

To set up, each player starts with their respective deck of 10 cards. The supply deck is shuffled, and 5 cards are drawn face up and made available for purchase. The Aliens take the first turn, and the game board is set up with the initial units and buildings according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Factions: Players choose between the alien forces and the human army, each with unique abilities and strengths.

Deck Building: Players build their decks by purchasing cards from the supply deck using energy or money.

Unit Deployment: Units and buildings are placed directly on the board after purchase.

Turn Structure: Turns alternate between players, with the Aliens moving and attacking first.

Game Objective:

Aliens: Exterminate human civilians and destroy human units and buildings.

Humans: Deal 30 damage to the alien forces to win.

Player Experience

Playing War of the Worlds: The New Wave is an intense and strategic experience. The game is known for its balanced yet unbalanced mechanics, where the alien forces are stronger and generate power quickly, while the humans rely on defensive and movement abilities. Each side has distinct tactics, making the power struggle between them palpable. Games are typically short, lasting around 30-60 minutes, and are often nail-biters, with outcomes decided by a few points.

Pros

Asymmetric Play: Unique and engaging play styles for both factions.

Simple to Learn: Straightforward rules with a small learning curve.

Deep Strategy: In-depth strategic elements despite the simplicity.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, allowing for multiple plays in one session.

Dynamic Card Mechanics: Cards have multiple uses and can be discarded for immediate benefits or saved for later.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 players only.

Initial Card Dependency: Starting cards may not be immediately discardable and require strategic decision-making.

Personal Thoughts on War of the Worlds: The New Wave

This game is perfect for fans of asymmetric games and those who enjoy the theme of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. It is highly recommended for players who appreciate strategic depth in a relatively simple and quick game. The unique twists on deck-building mechanics make it a standout in its category, and the dynamic between the two factions ensures each game is different and challenging. If you’re looking for a 2-player game that combines strategy, theme, and excitement, War of the Worlds: The New Wave is an excellent choice.

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