1975 White Christmas
1975 White Christmas at your next game night?
Add 1975 White Christmas to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Albert Reyes
- Publisher Looping Games , Pick 'N' Roll Games Lab
- Illustration Pedro Soto
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You command an aircraft carrier during the final hours of the Vietnam War, coordinating helicopter rescue missions, upgrades and secret objectives. The game unfolds over four rounds with three phases each: action selection, operations, and a final bidding phase for a special helicopter. Expect drafting action cards into your hand and then using those same cards to perform position-dependent actions.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and history fans aged 12+, it offers strategic depth through Hand Management and Variable Phase Order. At about 60 minutes, it's suitable for a game night but requires some tactical patience; newcomers should allow time for the first learning game.
How It Works
Players draft action cards (Hand Management) in a row and then perform actions based on a card’s position, creating a link between selection and execution. Pick-up-and-Deliver appears when evacuating civilians with helicopters, while Auction/Bidding decides control of a powerful special helicopter. Programmed Movement and Variable Phase Order affect timing and sequencing. A Solo/Solitaire mode is included.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Albert Reyes, the game pairs a real historical scenario (Vietnam War) with mixed mechanics: auction, draft-based hand management and programmed actions. It is part of Looping Games' '1900 (Looping Games)' series and thematically linked to helicopter-focused titles.
Pro
- Strong historical theme (Vietnam War) and Saigon setting
- Mechanically diverse: Hand Management, Auction/Bidding, Programmed Movement
- Includes Solo/Solitaire mode (players.min = 1)
- Relatively short duration (~60 minutes) for strategic gameplay
Contra
- Strategic systems can overwhelm new players
- Timing mechanics like Variable Phase Order need practice
Setting & atmosphere
Set in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City during April 1975, players act as carrier commanders organizing the largest helicopter evacuation in history.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on understanding the draft-to-action link and timing of your plays before optimizing scoring choices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes a Solo/Solitaire mode (players.min = 1).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is about 60 minutes; add extra time for initial setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with drafting and hand-management mechanics is helpful; it's aimed at hobby/enthusiast players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of action-drafting, programmed movement and a final auction for a special unit distinguishes its play loop.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for families with older/experienced players (min_age = 12), but better for groups who handle medium complexity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Hand Management with Auction/Bidding and Programmed Movement defines its core experience.
Fazit
1975 White Christmas is a mechanically rich, historically themed choice for players who enjoy drafting and bidding in a compact 60-minute package. Recommended if you like planning under pressure.
1975 White Christmas at your next game night?
Add 1975 White Christmas to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add 1975 White Christmas to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in