Superpower

Games Workshop Ltd. · Board game · 1986
2–6 · best 6 90 min Weight 2.1/5
rating Ludopedia
4.3 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
4.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy area control games with a touch of luck and plenty of political intrigue, Superpower might be your jam! It's an 80s classic that still has its charm.

Highlights
  • Strategic area control
  • Intense political interaction
  • Nostalgic classic
  • Unique voting system
Keep in mind
  • Heavily luck-dependent
  • Rules can feel dated
  • Pacing can be slow
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
In Superpower, released back in the 80s, the goal is to control as much of the Third World as possible by the end of the game. It's a game that mixes a board with spaces to move on (via die roll, of course!), several card decks, and a voting system dependent on how many countries you control. On each turn, you can choose between moving your pawn, militarily reinforcing a country already under your influence, responding to another player's military coup, or even attempting to invade an unprotected country. The objective is to expel rival influence from strategic locations and establish your own, with fortifications that make the country 'armored' against further actions. But beware! Hostile actions lower 'world opinion,' so you'll need propaganda to keep it high enough for your moves to succeed. Before all that, of course, you need economic influence, and the board spaces provide that opportunity. Prepare for a dense geopolitical contest, with a touch of luck and plenty of negotiation to see who rules the roost.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 REC
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details
Publisher Games Workshop Ltd.
Designer Daniel R. McGregor, E. Bruce Hollands
Artist Albie Fiore, Angus Ryall, Benny Preuser, Bryan Ansell, Charles Elliot (I)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for a game of Superpower?
Games typically last around 90 minutes, but this can vary significantly depending on the number of players and how quickly everyone makes their decisions.
How many players can participate?
Superpower is for 2 to 6 players. It works well with various player counts, but with more people, the negotiation and politics become more chaotic (in a good way!).
Is the game very complex? Are the rules hard to learn?
The estimated weight is 2.09 out of 5 on BGG, indicating moderate complexity. The rules involve some concepts of politics and warfare, but nothing that an experienced player can't pick up quickly.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a game board, several decks of cards (for actions, events, etc.), influence and fortification markers, as well as dice for movement.
Who would you recommend Superpower to?
It's ideal for those who enjoy games with a Cold War theme, international politics, and area control, especially if you don't mind a bit of luck and an older game style.
Are there any expansions or more recent versions?
Superpower is a 1986 game and, as far as we know, it hasn't had official expansions. The core experience is this classic one.