Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa

GMT Games, DiceTree Games, GaGa Games · Board game · 2022
1–2 · best 2 Solo 35 min Weight 3.1/5
9.1 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 28.49
9.1 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Love Cold War tension but don't have 3 hours? This one's for you! It's Twilight Struggle supercharged and faster, perfect for those who want a taste of the original without the time commitment.

Highlights
  • Cold War tension distilled
  • Great for newcomers
  • Quicker game sessions
Keep in mind
  • Less depth than original
  • High language dependency
  • Dice luck can matter
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive the tension of the Cold War on a smaller, yet equally crucial, stage! Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa throws you into the whirlwind of 1974, when Ethiopia, once a firm US ally, plunges into a Marxist revolution. The Soviet Union and the United States, already locked in a fierce global dispute, now turn their attention to this strategic point in the Horn of Africa. This game, part of GMT's 'Lunchtime Games' series, is a leaner, faster version of the acclaimed Twilight Struggle, perfect for those who want to feel the adrenaline of the original without committing to an hours-long marathon. The core mechanic revolves around the clever use of cards to influence regions, resolve conflicts, and advance your objectives, all with a dash of luck from dice rolls and careful hand management. The game excels at bringing the complexity and drama of the Cold War into a more accessible experience, ideal for introducing the system to new players or for those seeking a quicker game. The good news is that the cards are compatible with the original Twilight Struggle, even allowing you to mix decks to create richer and more unpredictable scenarios. It's a direct, political, and military confrontation where every decision counts, and the balance of power can shift at any moment. If you enjoy historical, wargames, or games with deep political interaction, this compact version of the twilight struggle is a sure bet.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

9 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Continents: Africa Country: Soviet Union Digital Implementations: Apple App Store Digital Implementations: Google Play Digital Implementations: Steam Game: Twilight Struggle History: Cold War Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Region: East Africa Region: Horn of Africa Series: Lunchtime Games (GMT) Series: Twilight Struggle
Publisher GMT Games, DiceTree Games, GaGa Games, Udo Grebe Gamedesign
Designer Jason Matthews
Artist Terry Leeds

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,164owners
904wishlist
149want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
This game is designed for 2 players, but it also has an official solo mode for you to play against the game by yourself.
How long does a game take?
A game of Twilight Struggle: Red Sea typically lasts between 35 to 60 minutes, much faster than the original game.
Is it too complicated for someone who's never played Twilight Struggle?
No! It was specifically designed as an entry point. The rules are simpler and the playtime is shorter, making it easier to learn.
Can I use cards from the original Twilight Struggle here?
Yes! And vice-versa too. You can mix the cards to create richer and more complex experiences.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has high language dependency, with a lot of text on the cards that needs to be understood to play correctly.
Is it a wargame or more political?
It's a mix of both! It simulates the conflict in the region, with a strong political and strategic component, like the original.

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