Mayday
- Designer Marc W. Miller
- Publisher Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games) , Hobby Japan , Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. (国際通信社)
- Illustration David R. Deitrick , Naoyuki Kato , Rodger B. MacGowan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Mayday, players engage in detailed ship-to-ship battles on a hex grid, managing movement affected by thrust and gravity. Players use lasers, missiles, and ship computer programming across various scenarios like piracy and smuggling. The game integrates dice rolling and action queues, offering a tactical simulation within the Traveller RPG universe.
Who Is This Game For?
Mayday suits experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex, tactical sci-fi games. As a two-player-only game with about 120 minutes playtime, it demands strategic thinking and patience, without a solo mode.
How It Works
Players program ship actions and plan their sequence in an action queue, moving on a hexagonal grid. Dice rolls determine success of laser and missile attacks. The game blends mechanics like Action Queue, Dice Rolling, and Grid Movement to create a rich tactical experience shaped by scenario objectives.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Marc W. Miller, Mayday won the 1978 Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Fantasy/Futuristic Board Game. Part of GDW's Series 120 for shorter games, it’s tightly linked to the Traveller universe, combining simulation with tactical depth in a two-player wargame.
Awards
- 1978 Charles S. Roberts Best Fantasy / Futuristic Board Game — Winner
Pro
- Deep simulation of spaceship combat
- Combination of Action Queue and Dice Rolling
- Part of the Traveller universe
- Winner of the 1978 Charles S. Roberts Award
Contra
- Only for two players
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- Complexity demands prior experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Traveller science fiction universe, Mayday features space combat on a hex grid that simulates physical effects such as gravity and thrust.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on mastering movement and action sequencing to navigate tactical decisions effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Mayday is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 120 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game requires strategic thinking and familiarity with complex wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
Mayday is unique for its mix of simulation, action queue mechanics, and integration into the Traveller universe.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Action Queue, Dice Rolling, and hexagonal Grid Movement defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Mayday is a classic, tactical sci-fi wargame for two players with high complexity. Recommended for fans of detailed simulations and the Traveller setting.
