World War 5 (2008) Board Game

World War 5 is a strategic board game released in 2008 by designer Andrew Looney and Looney Labs. The game is set in a fictional future where players take on the roles of world leaders vying for global domination in a post-apocalyptic world. With a mix of dice rolling, area movement, and area majority mechanics, World War 5 offers a unique and challenging gaming experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of World War 5

Gameboard: A special world map board, with two versions available: a folded paper version and a deluxe version mounted on traditional boardgame stock.

Pieces: 3 sets of pyramids (small, medium, large) in different colors, typically from Rainbow or Xeno Stashes.

Dice: 6 regular six-sided dice.

How To Setup World War 5

To set up the game, each player chooses a home continent and receives nine pyramids (three of each size) in a color matching their continent. Players place three pyramids (one of each size) onto the three territories of their continent. The starting pieces are placed in turn order, with players taking turns placing their small, medium, and large pyramids.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Conquer all three territories on another continent while maintaining at least one piece on your home continent.

Turn Options:

GROW: Increase the size of a pyramid on your home continent.

BUILD: Place a small piece on an empty territory within your home continent.

MOVE: Transfer a unit to an empty, connected territory.

INVADE: Attempt to enter an enemy-held territory using combat.

Combat Rules: Battles are resolved with dice rolls; the number of dice is equal to the number of pips on the attacking piece. The attacker must roll a better total than the defender; ties favor the defender. The loser retreats or reduces in size if no retreat is possible.

Player Experience

World War 5 offers a balanced and fair world conquest experience, with each player starting with equally powerful nation states. The game is designed for 2-4 players, and it is not recommended for 5 or 6 players due to the longer gameplay time. Players engage in strategic decisions about growing, building, moving, and invading territories, making each game exciting and unpredictable.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game can be completed in just half an hour.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and understand.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful planning and tactical decisions.

Portable: Can be played with minimal components.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Not suitable for more than 4 players.

Board Errors: Some versions of the board have errors, though these do not significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on World War 5

World War 5 is ideal for players looking for a fast-paced, strategic game that fits into a busy schedule. It’s perfect for those who enjoy world conquest games but need something more concise and accessible. The game’s design ensures a fun and competitive experience, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best choice for large groups or players seeking a more complex, long-term strategy game.

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