War on Terror: The Boardgame (2006)

War on Terror

War on Terror: The Boardgame is a satirical, strategic board game produced and published in 2006 by TerrorBull Games. The game was originally conceived in 2003 by Andy Tompkins and Andrew Sheerin, two friends based in Cambridge, England. The initial inspiration for the game came from the imminent invasion of Iraq but, as a whole, was intended as a commentary on the wider War on Terror.

Why is War on Terror Popular?

The game is popular due to its satirical take on the War on Terror and its unique Gameplay Mechanics of War on Terror. The creators of War on Terror have claimed that it is the most realistic war simulation board game around. The game has also been the subject of controversy, with the police branding it as criminal in 2008.

Game Components of War on Terror: The Boardgame

Game board featuring a world map

Empire and terrorist player tokens

Village, town, and city tokens

Oil counters

Empire and terrorist cards

Action die

Oil dice

Radiation counters

Terrorist cells

Axis of Evil spinner

Evil balaclava

Secret message pad

How To Setup War on Terror: The Boardgame

To set up the game, each player starts as an Empire and receives 2 or 3 villages, a set amount of money, and 2 or 3 Empire cards. Players place their villages on the board, turning over the oil counters as they go. The game begins with the last player to place their villages, and play proceeds in a clockwise direction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card-driven gameplay: Players obtain two Empire or terrorist cards per turn, which can be used for various actions.

Resource management: Oil is a key resource, obtained from regions on the map, and used to buy additional cards and fund actions.

Diplomacy and negotiations: Players use a secret message pad for off-board dealings.

War and terrorism: Players can wage wars or fund terrorist units to hinder opponents.

Objective

The goal is to “liberate” the world by dominating countries and continents, controlling oil production, and building cities. Alternatively, players can play as terrorists, aiming for a world without empires. Victory points are gained through control of cities and continents, with the option for all players to declare world peace and win together, though this is rare.

Player Experience

War on Terror: The Boardgame offers a complex and engaging experience, blending strategy, diplomacy, and a dash of dark humor. Players must navigate the geopolitical landscape, managing resources and making tactical decisions to expand their empire or disrupt their opponents. The game is known for its long gameplay, typically lasting over 120 minutes, and requires strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

Pros

Satirical humor: The game uses satire to comment on real-world geopolitics, making it a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Deep strategy: The game involves intricate strategies, including resource management and diplomatic negotiations.

High replayability: The random distribution of oil and the dynamic nature of the game ensure that each playthrough is different.

Engaging gameplay mechanics: The use of cards, dice, and the Axis of Evil spinner adds variety and unpredictability to the game.

Cons

Long gameplay: Games can last over 120 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Complex rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics and multiple pathways to victory.

Sensitive theme: The game’s satirical take on terrorism and war can be offensive to some players.

Components can be overwhelming: The sheer number of components and the need to manage them can be daunting for new players.

Personal Thoughts on War on Terror: The Boardgame

This game is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a layer of social commentary. It is not for those who are easily offended by dark humor or sensitive themes. The game’s depth and replayability make it a great addition to the collection of experienced board game enthusiasts. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience.

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