# Minuteman: The Second American Revolution ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1976 - **BGG Rating**: 6.5 - **BGG Rank**: #19993 - **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4) - **Duration**: 120-180 min - **Weight**: 3.13 / 5 - **Designers**: Jim Dunnigan - **Artists**: Redmond Aksel Simonsen - **Publishers**: SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) - **Categories**: Civil War, Modern Warfare, Wargame - **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Simulation ## Verdict Minuteman is a fascinating relic that places players in the center of a tense, fictional civil conflict. It is perfect for those who enjoy classic wargames with a focus on political simulation and strategic movement on hex grids. The experience is dense and requires dedication, but the depth of the factions and optional rules ensure a memorable session.Deep and immersive political simulationChallenging asymmetric gameplayGreat use of optional rulesAbsolute classic from the SPI eraVery long playtimeDated rulebook styleRelies on dice luckFOR GENRE FANS ## Description Minuteman: The Second American Revolution is one of those classic gems from the golden age of SPI that transports us to a dystopian vision of the 1980s. Released in 1976, the game offers a political and military simulation of a second American civil war. You and your friends take control of rebel or government factions, each with well-defined objectives and a constant need to maneuver units across a hexagon grid. The beauty of this game lies in its asymmetry. While the rebel side focuses on spreading influence and destabilizing the system to eventually declare a full-blown revolution, the government has the thankless task of containing the movement, using every resource available to prevent chaos from engulfing the entire country. Victory isn't just about destroying your opponent, but about who scores the best by fulfilling their strategic goals. The game uses a dice-rolling system to resolve combat and events, which brings that delightful unpredictability found in traditional wargames. Furthermore, SPI included optional rules that allow for the involvement of Mexico, Canada, and even European intervention, adding an extra layer of depth and replayability for those who enjoy exploring hypothetical scenarios. It is a dense game that requires time and dedication, but it offers a fascinating dive into a fictional conflict that feels like it came straight out of a political thriller. If you enjoy simulation games that demand planning and a healthy dose of negotiation and strategy, this title is a perfect fit. Prepare for long hours of tension as you attempt to rewrite American history on the board. ## FAQ ### How many players does it support? The game is designed for 2 to 4 players. ### How long does a game take? Prepare for a long session, typically between 120 and 180 minutes. ### Is it hard to learn? With a weight of 3.12/5, it has moderate complexity, typical of classic SPI wargames. ### Does the game rely heavily on luck? Yes, dice rolling is central to resolving combat, which adds an element of uncertainty. ### Can I play it solo? While there are rules for two players, it does not have an official solo mode. ### What is in the box? The game includes a hex-grid map, unit counters, and the rulebook with optional scenarios.