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rating
Ludopedia
6.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy political and strategic wargames with high player interaction, 'Cold War' is a perfect fit to test your negotiation and global domination skills.
Highlights
- High-level strategy
- Lots of player interaction
- Immersive Cold War theme
- Easy to learn
- Challenging to win
Keep in mind
- 4 players only
- Can be lengthy
- Requires constant negotiation
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In 'Cold War', you and three friends take on the roles of leaders of major world powers, each commanding your nation's economic, military, and intelligence forces. The objective is clear: seize as much global control as possible, whether through political influence, military supremacy, or economic might. But don't expect an easy ride, as your opponents are armed with a bag of dirty tricks and share the same ambitions for the regions you covet. Released in 1984, this classic four-player strategy game is designed to be easy to learn, ensuring you jump into the action quickly, but make no mistake: victory is quite the challenge. Prepare for tense negotiations, strategic board movements, and the constant threat of sabotage as you try to expand your global influence. It's a game that puts you at the heart of the Cold War, where every decision can change the fate of the world.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I)
Designer
John Prados, Lenny Glynn
Artist
James Talbot, Ted Koller
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can participate in 'Cold War'?
'Cold War' is exclusively a 4-player game, making it ideal for fixed groups looking for a competitive strategic experience.
What is the average playtime for a game of 'Cold War'?
Prepare for a robust strategic session! A game of 'Cold War' typically lasts around 180 minutes, or about 3 hours. It's a game to dedicate a good amount of time to.
What is the complexity level of 'Cold War'?
Despite being considered easy to learn, 'Cold War' has a medium complexity (BGG weight of 2.81/5). The basic rules are simple, but the strategic depth and player interaction make it challenging to master.
What are the main game mechanics?
The core mechanics revolve around 'Area Majority / Influence' and 'Area Movement'. You'll be vying for control of map regions and strategically moving your forces to dominate the world.
Who is 'Cold War' most recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of wargames, political, and economic games who love negotiation and direct interaction. If you enjoy simulating the Cold War and testing your diplomatic and strategic skills, this is your game!
Does the game have expansions or more recent editions?
'Cold War' is a classic from 1984 and does not have official expansions. Your experience will be with the base game, which already offers plenty of depth and replayability.
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