Asteroid
- Designer Frank Chadwick , Marc W. Miller
- Publisher Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games) , Hobby Japan , Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. (国際通信社)
- Illustration Paul Richard "Rich" Banner , Michael F. Dooney , Michael Dooney , Richard Hentz , Naoyuki Kato , William H. Keith, Jr.
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Asteroid, one player controls a team of adventurers trying to destroy a runaway mining asteroid, while the other player commands the evil computer brain defending the station. The modular board represents the mining station, defended by robots. Adventurers have unique skills like melee combat, computer hacking, and stealth to disable the station and escape before self-destruction.
Who Is This Game For?
Asteroid targets experienced players who enjoy complex wargames with a science fiction theme. Designed for two players, it lasts about three hours, requiring patience and strategic thinking. It is a game for enthusiasts aged 10 and up, not suited as a casual family game.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, and Line of Sight to simulate character and robot actions on a modular board. Players use movement points to navigate the station, engage in combat, and attempt to shut down the computer brain. The modular board creates a variable map, making each game unique.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Frank Chadwick and Marc W. Miller, Asteroid was nominated in 1980 for the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Fantasy or Science-Fiction Board Game. Part of GDW's Series 120, it blends simulation and adventure elements, setting it apart from other sci-fi wargames.
Awards
- 1980 Charles S. Roberts Best Fantasy or Science-Fiction Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- Deep simulation with diverse character abilities
- Modular board ensures high replayability
- Unique two-player asymmetric gameplay
- 1980 Charles S. Roberts Award nominee
Contra
- Only playable with exactly two players
- Long playtime around 180 minutes
- Requires prior experience due to complex rules
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set on a futuristic mining station on an asteroid hurtling toward Earth. The story revolves around infiltrating the station to trigger self-destruction before impact.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the characters' different abilities and approach the first games slowly to grasp the complex interactions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Asteroid is designed exclusively for two players and does not have a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 180 minutes, but playtime can vary depending on experience.
What prior experience do I need?
This game is aimed at experienced players familiar with complex wargames and tactical simulations.
How does this compare to similar games?
Asteroid combines modular board design with asymmetric roles and a mix of adventure and simulation elements.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, Asteroid is better suited for experienced players than for families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, and Line of Sight creates a tactically rich simulation.
Fazit
Asteroid is a demanding two-player game appealing mainly to fans of tactical wargames and sci-fi settings. Its long playtime and complexity require patience and prior experience.
