If you're a fan of historical wargames and love a strategic challenge with a heavy theme, Ultimatum is a classic worth checking out. Get ready for a battle of wits in the shadow of annihilation!
- Cold War simulation
- Deep strategy
- Constant tension
- Impactful decisions
- Cerebral duel
- Long playtime
- Heavy theme
- Dated components
About the game
What you do in a play session
Units are positioned on a hexagonal grid board, and the intelligent allocation of these forces is crucial, as some may be vulnerable to a 'first strike' nuclear attack. Crisis areas are contested through the distribution of factors and the choice of warfare types – which can range from tactical nuclear and conventional conflicts to guerrilla warfare, political-social disputes, or economic struggles. The game's climax can be reached when a player decides to launch a direct nuclear attack, aiming to destroy enemy cities while trying to protect their own with anti-missile defenses.
Victory is not just about who attacks more, but about who manages to keep their population most intact after the nuclear chaos, in addition to accounting for destroyed enemy population and conquered crisis regions. It's an intense and chilling simulation of a scenario that, fortunately, never became a reality.
Gallery
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Best player count
BGG community vote
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
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