John Carter: Warlord of Mars
- Designer Eric Goldberg , Mark Herman
- Publisher SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)
- Illustration Don Maitz , Redmond Aksel Simonsen
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on the roles of heroes or their companions in the legendary world of Barsoom, engaging in both man-to-man duels and a strategic campaign. The game emphasizes glory and romance over victory points, featuring encounters with villains, Martian wildlife, and unique treasures. Success requires a blend of negotiation and tactical action.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex, long-duration wargames. Suitable for 2 to 6 players, it demands patience for sessions around six hours. Prior familiarity with tactical and strategic board games is helpful.
How It Works
John Carter uses a combination of Grid Movement and Point to Point Movement to simulate Mars' terrain. Combat is resolved through Dice Rolling that includes Critical Hits and Failures. Events and Paper-and-Pencil mechanics add tactical depth and strategic decisions. Players alternate between dueling and broader campaign play.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Eric Goldberg and Mark Herman, John Carter blends sci-fi and fantasy in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom setting. It stands out as a complex wargame without traditional victory points, merging strategic depth with individual duels. Though it received no awards, it remains a classic of 1970s thematic wargaming.
Pro
- Faithful adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom setting
- Combines tactical duels with a strategic campaign
- Dice Rolling and Critical Hits mechanics add excitement
- Supports 2 to 6 players
Contra
- Very long playtime (approx. 6 hours)
- Complex rules, not beginner-friendly
- No solo mode available
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set on Mars in the fictional world of Barsoom from Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels, combining science fiction and fantasy to create a backdrop for epic battles and duels.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the complex mechanics, focusing first on core actions like movement and combat.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, John Carter: Warlord of Mars is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 360 minutes, roughly six hours including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with complex wargames and tactical as well as strategic board games is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
John Carter uniquely combines tactical dueling with a strategic campaign in a sci-fi fantasy setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and long duration, it is better suited to experienced players rather than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Dice Rolling with Critical Hits and Failures alongside Grid and Point to Point Movement defines the game.
Fazit
John Carter: Warlord of Mars is recommended for those seeking a lengthy, thematic wargame with both strategic and tactical elements. It is less suited for casual players due to its long playtime.
