Thank you for showing this game, I have it my collection now. I downloaded the new attrition table book. It would be nice to see you post a playthrough video. You have such a possitive view of this game you are the perfect person to post a playthrough. Thanks Again.
Not one of Costikyan's better efforts, but it certainly does showcase his fondness for experimental game mechanics. I wouldn't call the main issue the attritional movement system, it was that damn count-the-hexes taxation income thing that made it a slog to get through. IIRC the BGG mod addressed that as well. While the amount of setting detail is a bit noteworthy, it's no more impressive than many other fantasy games in that general era.. Divine Right, Swords & Sorcery, Dragon Pass/Nomad Gods all put it to shame in terms of exoticism and depth. It's more on par with Demonlord (which had lots of characterful units and heroes but not much real background) or Beastlord to me. The crater-sea map's unique though, don't think anyone else has tried something similar. Shame it isn't more attractive, but really pretty maps weren't common that far back, and Avalon Hill was always more into functionality than graphic appeal. Leagues better than Sorcerer though. No eye-bleeding colors in Dark Emperor. :)
I played it when I was a teenager in 1980s (liking it for some time), and I agree with your points of criticism. What also annoyed me was that the map scale and time scale is not given away. I would have liked to be able to compare to a real-world map to understand proportions and like that.
Thank you for showing this game, I have it my collection now. I downloaded the new attrition table book. It would be nice to see you post a playthrough video. You have such a possitive view of this game you are the perfect person to post a playthrough. Thanks Again.
Thank you! I probably should do a playthrough of it.
This one is on my "targets of opportunity" list.
If you can find it, I would get it! It's a lot of fun both solo and two players.
I played this back when I was a teen, I'm trying to find a copy now
I've seen it on eBay before. Not sure how often a copy is listed on there but I have seen it, so be patient and good luck!
Not one of Costikyan's better efforts, but it certainly does showcase his fondness for experimental game mechanics. I wouldn't call the main issue the attritional movement system, it was that damn count-the-hexes taxation income thing that made it a slog to get through. IIRC the BGG mod addressed that as well.
While the amount of setting detail is a bit noteworthy, it's no more impressive than many other fantasy games in that general era.. Divine Right, Swords & Sorcery, Dragon Pass/Nomad Gods all put it to shame in terms of exoticism and depth. It's more on par with Demonlord (which had lots of characterful units and heroes but not much real background) or Beastlord to me.
The crater-sea map's unique though, don't think anyone else has tried something similar. Shame it isn't more attractive, but really pretty maps weren't common that far back, and Avalon Hill was always more into functionality than graphic appeal. Leagues better than Sorcerer though. No eye-bleeding colors in Dark Emperor. :)
I played it when I was a teenager in 1980s (liking it for some time), and I agree with your points of criticism. What also annoyed me was that the map scale and time scale is not given away. I would have liked to be able to compare to a real-world map to understand proportions and like that.
Experimental mechanics are the best even if just for the novelty
gosh, I had this but couldnt find anymore :( Might have to look around. How is the game SOLO?
Well, officially it isn't a solo game, but with most of these old board games, there's no hidden information so you can play both sides.