Darkover (board game)
Darkover, subtitled "The Ages of Chaos", is a board game published by Eon Products in 1979 that is based on the Darkover series novels by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Description. "Darkover" is a game for 2–4 players in which players attempt to seize and hold the Elhalyn Tower, using their armies and psychic gifts. Reviewers noted that although this is ostensibly a board wargame, it contains many elements of a party game. Components. The game box includes: Setup. All players write a dare; these are placed in a cup. Tokens are randomly placed on the board. One player  is selected as Monitor, and one is the Crown holder. Gameplay. Each turn starts with collection of power. Each player fills their Power disc allotment to three, then draws their choice of two peril chips or two clan tokens. Players may receive extra tokens if they own the Crown or castles. Players conquer regions and gain control of towers with special powers by using their clan tokens and other powers. Combat is resolved by "Rock paper scissors". If both players choose "Rock", then they enter a chanting duel. Both players must chant something for 30 seconds; the first player to  show emotion or look away is the loser. The Monitor can punish a player who displays negative emotions by removing one of the player's clan tokens. The punished player then becomes the new Monitor. Victory conditions. A player wins by taking control of the central Elhalyn Tower with four clan tokens for an entire turn. Publication history. In 1958, Marion Zimmer Bradley wrote "The Planet Savers", the first novel in a series of books about the world of Darkover that would eventually number more than 30 by the time of Bradley's death. The board game "Darkover" was a  licensed creation designed by Bill Eberle, Jack Kittredge, and Peter Olotka, and was published in 1979 by the company the trio founded, Eon Products. Reception. John Olsen reviewed "Darkover" for "White Dwarf" #18, giving it an overall rating of 9 out of 10, and stated that ""Darkover" is an excellent game and I recommend it whole-heartedly to everyone. I look forward to any future release from Eon Products." In Issue 34 of "The Space Gamer", Bob Von Gruenigen found the game light but enjoyable, saying, ""Darkover" is a good party game, better with four players than two. Its physical  quality is impressive. If you enjoyed the Darkover novels, or if you enjoy unusual games, "Darkover" will be a worthwhile investment."