Casting Long Shadows: The Iranian Revolution, 1977-1978

Casting Long Shadows: The Iranian Revolution, 1977-1978

High Flying Dice Games · Board game · 2026
— Ludopedia — BGG 1 Solo 150–240 min
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Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

An intense solo experience that puts the player at the heart of one of the most critical moments in 20th-century geopolitics. The game excels at simulating the fragility of power and the uncertainty of international alliances through area movement and die resolution mechanics. It is a must-play for fans of dense, challenging historical wargames.

Highlights
  • Deep and immersive historical simulation
  • Well-integrated solo system
  • High-stakes decision making
  • Rich components for the genre
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Significant reliance on dice luck
  • Longer playtime sessions
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever wondered what it felt like to be the Shah of Iran during one of the most volatile periods of the 20th century? In Casting Long Shadows, you don't just watch history unfold; you desperately try to keep it on track. You take on the role of the Shah and the various US agencies—the CIA, the National Security Council, and the State Department—all attempting to stabilize the country as it descends into the chaos of the 1977-1978 revolution. The real challenge is that, despite your position, you don't have total control. The US agencies are divided, distracted, and often unreliable. As you manage the crisis, the fundamentalist opposition grows stronger with every misstep or military defeat you suffer. Each turn represents 40 days of mounting pressure, where resource management and high-stakes decision-making are essential to prevent the collapse of the monarchy and the birth of the first Islamic Republic. This is a dense, history-focused simulation where dice rolls and your ability to anticipate chaos are tested round by round. Utilizing area movement and die icon resolution, the game demands a sharp strategic mind. With two detailed map sections, nearly 200 units, and comprehensive reference tables, the immersion is top-tier. If you enjoy solo wargames that demand careful planning and the grit to face the inevitable, this title serves as an interactive history lesson. Be prepared to deal with an opposition that never rests and allies who might leave you hanging when you need them most. The burning question is: can you perform better than the Shah did in reality, or is the fate of Iran sealed from the start?

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Players: Solitaire Only Games Players: Solitaire Only Wargames
Publisher High Flying Dice Games
Designer Paul Rohrbaugh
Artist Bruce Yearian

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Can this game be played in a group?
No, Casting Long Shadows is a wargame designed exclusively for a single player.
How long does a session take?
Expect a long session, typically ranging from 150 to 240 minutes.
Is it difficult to learn?
As a simulation-focused wargame, it has a moderate to high complexity, requiring careful study of the rules and tables.
What do I need to play?
In addition to the game box, you will need two opaque containers (like mugs), one six-sided die, and one ten-sided die.
Is the game based on real events?
Yes, it simulates the Iranian Revolution of 1977-1978, focusing on the political and military challenges of that era.
Are the US agencies' decisions automated?
Yes, the opposition's behavior and the support from US agencies are governed by the game's rules, creating a constant challenge for the player.

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