1970 Board Games
Air Charter (1970)
Air Charter, published by Waddingtons was a fun family and children’s game of the 70’s. It was a pretty simple roll and move type with elements to bring out the theme. Great for kids that loved airplanes and which boys didn’t?
All The Kings Men (1970)
All the Kings Men is a strategy chess like board game of the 70’s. On the board there are arrows which are directions for where the next move should be taken. You gotta capture your opponents brain in this game (not literally, of course). Easier and quicker than playing chess.
Masterpiece (1970)
Masterpiece was a bidding, auction and bluffing game published by Parker Brothers. This game was certainly popular with other versions/editions being published including the 1987 English third edition.
Matchwitz (1970)
Matchwitz is a version of a Chinese game named ‘NIM. Games don’t get much simpler than this abstract game. A good travel companion.
Panzerblitz (1970)
Panzerblitz became very popular in the 70’s which was published by Avalon Hill. A tactical armored warfare game with many scenarios that can be played on the same board. Its replay value was great, and Wargame enthusiasts loved it!
Ploy (1970)
The popular abstract strategy board game of the 70’s ‘Ploy’ used a 9 x 9 board that was chess like in the 3M Bookshelf Series from 1962 to 1974. You had to eliminate your opponents or capture the commander to win. Great classic abstract game.
Posse:Thirteen Against One (1970)
An abstract strategy game published by Milton and Bradley which plays out with posse and outlaw pegs on the board with the idea of the game is for the posse to corner the outlaw to win. A simple point to point movement game.
Vector (1970)
Vector was an abstract game that became quite popular in the 1970’s for abstract strategy enthusiasts. A team based game where the highest score wins with some bluffing involved that made Vector a lot of fun to play.
Which Witch? (1970)
A popular children’s board game of the 70’s ‘Which Witch?’ published by Milton and Bradley was suitable for kids aged 6 and up. It was a race game based on a haunted house theme. There was various versions of the game available including the Ghost Castle UK version. A fun family game.
See all Board Games Published in 1970 Here and Buying Options
1971 Board Games
Alexander the Great (1971)
There have been a number of board games named Alexander the Great. The 1971 version was published by Guidon until they went out of business then Avalon Hill took on the publishing. Excellent ancient theme of war for the 70’s, a hexed based game.
Dunkirk: The Battle of France (1971)
Dunkirk: The Battle of France published by Guidon Games was a World War ll wargame. It included four scenarios of play with Germans, Dutch, Belgians , French and the British all in play. Fortress Holland was the most challenging of all.
Executive Decision (1971)
Executive Decision was an economic and negotiation game that involved selling goods and the capital you hold. A unique game of its time which had plenty of players that like something a bit heavy on the math and seriousness side of games engaged with it. Published by 3M Bookshelf Games.
Grunt (1971)
Grunt: The Game of Tactical Level Combat in Vietnam was published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) and was redesigned as Search and Destroy. A challenging game of its time that was printed alongside the SPI magazine (Strategy and Tactics). Most definitely a good collectable.
Landslide (1971)
Landslide was based on a presidential election which made it uniquely themed. A political game where players must play for electoral votes and the most votes win. Published by Parker Brothers back on 1971, and a collectable today.
London Cabbie (1971)
This was a real interesting theme introduced where players drive around London picking up fares in taxis. London cabbie was a card based game rather than dice and picked up a lot of fans in the 70’s. City based games like this make good collectables.
Mastermind (1971)
Mastermind was a big hit in the 70’s for the code breakers with a masterful mind. Well not quite masterful, but a little logic and strategy go a long way with this game. Many versions have been produced since the original was published.
Nebula 19 (1971)
Nebula 19 of interstellar war was a game published by the Mishler Company. A science fiction wargame that couldn’t really rival the likes of Stellar Conquest, Starforce, and Star Fall. Many players did get into playing the game while others couldn’t.
Origins of World War II (1971)
Origins of World War II, published in 1971 was quite a serious bookshelf game published by Avalon Hill with various mechanisms combined that made it an engaging wargame. There are similarities with this game and Diplomacy. Plays out in about an hour so it’s just a filler game.
Search & Destroy (1971)
Search & Destroy: Tactical Combat Vietnam 1965-1966 was a reworking of the board game Grunt published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.). A tactical wargame with the scenarios being more broader than the former Grunt and a superb game of its time. A lot of stuff going on, or just enough without over complicating it.
Speed Circuit (1971)
Speed Circuit was first published by 3M games and then Avalon Hill. Great to see a distraction from wargames in the 70’s and the theme was superb for a game that required strategy. An excellent sports game for families and adults. One of the best racing games of its time.
Stay Alive (1971)
Stay Alive was first published by Milton Bradley and was widely advertised on TV. This was an abstract game using marbles that are placed on sliders, and these sliders open trap doors. Was published again during 2005 by Winning Moves. Simple and fun strategy game.
Voice of the Mummy (1971)
The Voice of the Mummy should have been the best fun and unique board game of the year and other years. This was an electronic, adventure and fantasy game with a difference……it had a mini record player. If you can get hold of one, then snap it up, they’re rare and so unique.
See all Board Games Published in 1971 Here and Buying Options
1972 Board Games
4000 A.D. (1972)
4000 A.D. an interstellar space conflict board game published by House of Games. There was no dice involved in play so strategy of movement was very important. This got the thumbs up by many sci-fi gamers and youngsters of the 70’s, but didn’t do so well with others as they felt that more should have been enabled in the gameplay.
Boggle (1972)
Boggle a simple word game that came on the market in 1972 which is still played today. It became so popular that it’s played in tournaments, although not as near as big as Scrabble. Word buffs love it!
Conquest (1972)
A strategy game self-published first by Donald Benge in 1972. One of the best two player board games of the 70’s. There have been other versions published since its introduction and the designer/publisher created a chess like version (Quest Chess) later. Excellent ancient warfare game!
Isolation (1972)
An 8×6 board housed the abstract strategy game, Isolation. A two player game which involved moving pawns and tile like squares to isolate an opponent to win the game. A popular version was published by Lakeside. Brings back fond memories for many kids of the 70’s that played it.
The London Game (1972)
The London Board game was created based upon the London Underground with a board showing all the available tube stations. This was a fairly simple roll the die and move through the stations on the board game while other aspects of play got players onto another line and the ability to close stations. Great game for families, train enthusiasts, and fans of anything London.
Outdoor Survival (1972)
Outdoor Survival: A game about wilderness skill was published by Avalon Hill. This is an excellent theme for a board game of adventure and exploration. Outdoor Survival was unique for the 70’s as wargames after wargames was created making this a breath of fresh air. This game was more about theme and fun rather than pleasing the serious gamers.
Richthofen’s War (1972)
Another board game published by Avalon Hill was Richthofen’s War which was a WWI hexagon grid type wargame. Players had to be in control of an airplane and each plane had its own unique abilities. This game was not overly complex and expansions was added later for those that connected well with the game. There wasn’t a lot of WWI games published as the main games created was themed on WWII.
The Ungame (1972)
The Ungame has a wonderful story behind its creation. A mother (Rhea Zakich) that suffered Polyps was unable to speak for a period of time and used cards to communicate which then became the idea behind the board game. Many versions was created over the years including A Christian, Catholic, Kids and pocket versions.
See all Board Games Published in 1972 Here and Buying Options
1973 Board Games
Alien Space Battle Manual (1973)
Designed by Lou Zocchi and published by Gamescience in 1973, Alien Space Battle Manual was a revamped version of the Star Trek Battle Manual. This science fiction game involved using a lot of skill so the more avid gamers got along very well with it. The game was fun and would play out for about 2 hours.
Anti-Monopoly (1973)
A game that brought about a 10 year trademark lawsuit over the use of the word Monopoly which ended in a settlement and then the name could be used. Looks just like a Monopoly board and plays in similar ways. It’s still on the market today, although most people do not rate it highly at all.
Atlanta Civil War Campaign (1973)
Atlanta Civil War Campaign published in 1973 by Guidon Games simulates the battle of Atlanta during the American Civil War. Defense and attack cards was used alongside dice rolling, among other mechanisms. Wargame enthusiasts certainly got along very well with the board game Atlanta.
Bowl Bound (1973)
The American football board game Bowl Bound was first published by Time Inc. and then Avalon Hill took over marketing it during 1978. Within the game players selected teams from the 1960’s to 1970’s and used statistical grids based on team strengths with smart decision making, winning the game. This was a great thematic game that came on the market for the 70’s.
Conspiracy (1973)
Conspiracy is a board game with a spy theme of bluffing and betrayal published by Milton Bradley. About time a game came along without a war theme and more family orientated. Players have 8 greedy spies to control and if one player is heading to victory the other remaining players must work together to prevent them from winning. A fun family spy themed game of the 70’s.
Drang Nach Osten (1973)
Drang Nach Osten was the first of the Europa series of wargames produced to cover the whole of WWII within Europe beginning with this 1st edition in 1973. This edition covered the German invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941. There was many avid followers of the Europa series. Complexity is high n this game and it plays on for quite some time. A serious wargamers game and series.
Hare and Tortoise (1973)
Hare and Tortoise was the first ever board game to win the Spiel des Jahres award when the awards began in 1979, although this version was published in 1973. As you might have guessed this is a race game, and an extremely popular and highly rated board game for families. Get fueled up with lettuce and carrots to win the race. An excellent classic!
Hue (1973)
Hue is a wargame first published by SDC (Simulations Design Corporation) and then in 1977, named Battle of Hue. Based on the Vietnamese war, specifically 1968 where Hue was the name of the site where a battle took place. This was a two player only game and was a great intro into the world of wargames as the complexity and time of play was within the sweet spot.
Nato Operational Combat in Europe 1970’s (1973)
Published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) the hypothetical wargame Nato Operational Combat in Europe 1970’s was introduced in 1973. Based on Western Europe being invaded by the Warsaw Pact forces. A decent alternate history game of its time!
NORAD (1973)
NORAD was created based on a hypothetical nuclear war between the USA and Russia. It was later published in 1977 with some changes made, although much of it remained the same from the 1973 version. This was a solitaire and two person game which had a lot of luck involved for the winner. Simple, easy and great time filler game.
Panzer Armee Afrika (1973)
Panzer Armee Afrika is a wargame based on a North African Campaign between April 1941 and November 1942 which represents forces that took part in the battle. This was another 2 player warfare game of the 1973 that got a lot of attention from gamers. SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) first published the game in 1973 then it was republished by Avalon Hill in the 80’s.
Perfection (1973)
Just about everyone from the 60’s – 80’s will surely remember the kids game Perfection. It was a simple dexterity and shape recognition game created to provide children with an hour of fun with the family. Fast and fun!
Railway Rivals (1973)
A game that was created to educate people on the railway system as well as to be fun to play. The first edition was made up of hexagon sheets with coloring instructions and rules, only. Once the designer realized it was popular and had demand it was further developed. A 1986 edition and then Dampfross both came about from the 1973 introduction of Railway Rivals.
Sniper! first edition (1973)
The first edition of Sniper was published in 1973 by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) which was a two player wargame. It was then reimplemented with Patrol in 1974, the second edition in 1986 by TSR and others. Another wargame publication success for SPI followers and fans!
Space Hop (1973)
Space Hop: A game of the Planets was introduced in part to educate children about the planets. It was an excellent theme and should have taken off much better than it did. It seemed to lack enough of the fun side, although it was enjoyed by many families. The publisher was Teaching Concepts.
Strat-O-Matic Pro Basketball (1973)
The game company Strat-O-Matic that became a game company in 1961 published Pro Basketball which followed the Football then Baseball board games. Pro Basketball was a huge hit within the US market for obvious reasons – for the love of basketball. Strat-O-Matic games are great collectables!
Triplanetary (1973)
Triplanetary: The Classic Game of Space Combat was published by Game Designers’ Workshop which was a science fiction hexagon grid game. This was quite a gem for sci-fi gamers with six excellent scenarios that could be played out so the replay value was very high. Definitely one of the great 1970’s science fiction board games.
Unentschieden (1973)
Unentschieden (Europa II) followed the superb WWII game Drang Nach Osten (Europa I) and expanded it within the same year. This was a must have for those that played Drang Nach Osten as Unentschieden continued the campaign through 1944-45, making the whole campaign timescale total 1941-45. This was still just the start of the Europa series.
See all Board Games Published in 1973 Here and Buying Options
1974 Board Games
1776 (1974)
1776: The Game of the American Revolutionary War was an Avalon Hill publisher two player revolutionary war reenactment game. The game covers four scenarios or war campaigns over the invasion of Canada. There was the basic version of play and much more advanced for those that progressed. Mechanisms include dice rolling and hexagon grid.
1829 (1974)
1829 was an excellent strategic train themed game of its time. Based on the theme of railways in the southern region of England and Wales this was the first in the 18xx game series which influenced all of them. Really one of the best games of the 70’s outside of wargames. Hats off to the designer, Francis Tresham.
Balbo’s Chess Variant (1974)
The name of this chess variant given was the name of the creator M. Balbo. The shape of the board was quite different from the standard board as you can see in the picture. This was featured in Le Courrier des Echecs magazine during 1974.
Boxcars (1974)
Boxcars was an economic game with a train theme that was self published by R.S. Erickson and T.F. Erickson. This was a legend of a game that was a part of kicking off the game scene genre of train games. This was renamed to Rail Baron and reissued then published by Avalon hill. A real gem of a collector if you can get hold of one.
Connect 4 (1974)
Since 1974 I doubt there are many people that do not know of or played a game or two of connect 4. A timeless abstract strategy game that does require a keen eye and some skill. Some players are nearly unbeatable unless they take their eye of the game for a moment. A game that will always remain in the gaming domain.
Contigo (1974)
Contigo was part of the 3M Bookshelf series games which was an abstract game using a 6×6 board. There’s 2 sets of rules for play that with standard rules and then more advanced. Checker and chess players got along very well playing Contigo. This was a game that required four players.
King Oil (1974)
King Oil is a family type game within the economic category of games. The game board was plastic and 3D is design and raised. The object of king Oil was to drill for oil, acquire property and wealth. A good game of its time and played by many in the 70’s.
Kingmaker (1974)
The medieval based game Kingmaker that simulated civil war in England between 1450 and 1490. This was an excellent strategy based game which involved dice rolling, voting, area movement and faction control among other aspects of play. A great game first published by PhilMar Ltd and then Avalon Hill.
Panzar Leader (1974)
Panzar Leader followed PanzerBlitz that was published in 1970, both by Avalon Hill. A two player wargame depicting WWII combat with infantry and tanks. it’s a tactical game with a lot of action going on and enough complexity to keep most strategy gamers more than happy. A gem of a game!
Rise and Decline of the Third Reich (1974)
Rise and Decline of the Third Reich or rather Third Reich (less of a mouthful) was a World War II board game that was full of complexity and just a tad more complexity than many other wargames or the era. A hexagon grid, simulation, that was political and required negotiation tactics. A top game for wargame enthusiasts!
The Russian Campaign (1974)
1974 saw the first edition of The Russian Campaign, published by Jedko Games. This is a classic that many wargame gamers became engrossed in. It had a hell of a lot going for it this game, and it’s still played today. Various other editions have been published including the Avalon Hill 1977.
StarForce: Alpha Centauri (1974)
StarForce: Alpha Centauri was an SPI (Simulations Publications Inc.) science fiction game publication. A hexagon grid game that required strategic actions with two playing modes, basic and advanced. Part of the StarForce Trilogy box set, along with Outreach and StarSoldier.
Starguard! (1974))
Starguard! was a miniature wargame, by Ewan Miniatures. A game of science fiction and cooperation that the sci-fi gaming community enjoyed. Three editions was published!
Stellar Conquest (1974)
Stellar Conquest: The Classic Game of Societies in Conflict was first published by Metagaming Concepts in 1974 and designed by Howard M. Thompson. This was an interstellar science fiction game where players had to transfer populations around the universe and populate planets among other actions.
War in the East (1974)
War in the East was published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) which was a WW II hexagon grid and simulation game. Another edition was published and then War in the West, the followed by War In Europe (1976). It was both a political and economic wargame which had many SPI followers playing.
Wooden Ships & Iron Men (1974)
Wooden Ships and Iron Men was a board game that simulated battling ships in the 18th and 19th centuries within the golden age of sail. Players could work through scenarios and start with the easiest of them first. A gem of a game that was highly rated among gamers.
See all Board Games Published in 1974 Here and Buying Options
1975 Board Games
221B Baker Street (1975)
221B Baker Street: The Master Detective Game was themed on the famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. A role playing murder mystery game of deduction that was much loved by many, especially families and couples. Mostly luck based and wasn’t a serious gamers game or intended to be.
Battle for Germany (1975)
The Battle for Germany: The destruction of the Reich, Dec 1944 – May 1945 was a war simulation game first published by SPI then Decision Games. A game best played with two people which rated very well among the SPI simulation game followers. An original 1975 is highly collectable.
Battle of the Five Armies (1975)
First published by LORE/JMJ Enterprises in 1975, the board game Battle of the Five Armies that has had a fair few editions and versions published. There was the 1976 and 1977 TSR editions and others including the 2005 and 2014 versions. The 1975 publication is rare!
Blockade (1975)
Blockade was an abstract board game which was one of the Lakeside publishers abstract series games. A two player point to point movement game played on a 11×14 board. This was something different for abstract gamers to get stuck into.
Blue and Gray (1975)
Blue & Gray: Four Civil War Battles was a game that had 4 scenarios including Shiloh, Antietam, Chickamauga, and Cemetery Hill. A dice rolling hexagon grid game that was first published by SPI and then TSR and Decision Games. A classic that was easy enough to learn how to play, and fun!
Cemetery Hill (1975)
Cemetery Hill: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1-3 July, 1863 was published by SPI (Simulation Publications, Inc.) and covers 1 July to 4 July, 1863 that was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. This was included in the Blue & Gray Quadrigame set of four civil war battles.
Chinese Farm (1975)
Chinese Farm was a a simulation game published by SPI which was part of the
Modern Battles: Four Contemporary Conflicts set. This game covers the 1973 Arab – Israeli war part of the publications which also contained three scenarios of play. Another classic 2 player from SPI!
Doctor Who (1975)
The Doctor Who board game was based on the popular British science fiction TV show that started in the 60’s. The game was a family fun dice rolling type with the main selling and playing point being the theme of Doctor Who. Published by Strawberry Fayre and a collectable for fans of the TV series.
Modern Battles (1975)
Modern Battles: Four Contemporary Conflicts was a game that included four separate games, they was Chinese Farm, Golan, Wurzburg, and Mukden. The rules for each game was common within them all, and many wargamer enthusiasts got well stuck into playing this SPI Quadrigame.
Dreadnought (1975)
Another 1975 board game published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) in 1975 was Dreadnought: Surface Combat in the Battleship Era, 1906-45. A 2 player naval wargame which involved historical and non-historical battles and campaigns. Quite a fast game, engaging and fun!
Dungeon! (1975)
Dungeon! was a thematic game that many families loved. It had some similarities with the 1974 Dungeons & Dragons board game. A simple and fun dice rolling role playing board game that was simply about getting the treasure back to the dungeon’s entrance, safely.
Epaminondas (1975)
Epaminondas was an abstract strategy board game for two players which was played on a 14 x 12 checkered board. It was also a 1980 Spiel des Jahres recommended game, and a tense game of real thought out skill. A top notch game for abstract gamers!
Gambler (1975)
Gambler was a simple roll and move type of game of using money that was published by Parker Brothers. Betting and bluffing was the name of the game and the player with the most cash wins. The game was redesigned and released in 1977. Fun without complexity, just fun!
Game of Jaws (1975)
The Game of Jaws followed after the famous shark film of Jaws was shown at cinemas and available on video. This was a simple kind of operation type game where players needed to avoid the sharks jaw snapping shut which created fun and tension between the players. Just for fun classic game from 1975!
Golan (1975)
Golan was another simulation game published by SPI which was part of the
Modern Battles: Four Contemporary Conflicts set. The game of Golan covers the 1973 Arab – Israeli war on the Golan Heights part of the four games.
Great Train Robbery (1975)
The Great Train Robbery board game was published by ANZIO in 1975 which was based on a train robbery that happened in England during 1963. There was small parts of the game changed to make it more playable and fun. Great game for train themed enthusiasts!
Klondike (1975)
Klondike was an economic game published by Gamma Two Games in 1975 and was based on the Canadian gold rush. Mechanisms included stock holding and commodity speculation. A pretty good roll and move money type game that was fun to play.
Payday (1975)
Payday was first published in 1975 and it’s still in print today. This is a family board game of economics that was originally published by Parker Brothers. A simple game based on keeping the household afloat financially, and created for family fun.
The Siege of Minas Tirith (1975)
The Siege of Minas Tirith was based on the Battle of Pelennor Fields and the siege of Minas Tirith. A wargame published by fact and Fantasy in 1975 and makes a great game for Lord of The Ring fans. Simple to learn and fun for its time!
Sorcerer (1975)
Sorcerer: The Game of Magic Conflict was an SPI publication (Simulations Publications, Inc.) which was a fantasy wargame with an excellent theme. The setting is a place where seven universes touch each other and sorcerers specialize in various type of magic. A great fantasy game of 1975!
Star Probe (1975)
Star Probe: The Game of Adventure, Conflict and exploration in Space was a science fiction TSR publication. This was the first of a triple collection of games, although the third went unpublished although Star Empires did manage to follow Star Probe. A fun Interstellar game of 1975.
Tank Battle (1975)
Tank battle was a Milton Bradley family type game with some lightweight strategy involved in play. Players had to destroy 6 of the other players tanks to win the game and you had to think and guess where the next tank would be placed. Overall it was a good family game.
Tobruk (1975)
Tobruk: Tank Battles in North Africa 1942 was a 2 player game published by Avalon Hill that was a combat simulation World War II game. There was a lot of action and an enjoyable level of complexity involved in Tobruk. Gamers have a lot of good things to say about this classic wargame.
War at Sea (1975)
War at Sea was first published in 1975 by Jedko Games and then by Avalon Hill in 1976. A naval wargame of World war II which has been played within tournaments for decades. It’s a two player game that has certainly passed through the test of time. It’s non complex but still fun!
War of the Daleks (1975)
War of the Daleks was the last of the three Doctor Who board games published in 1975 after Doctor Who and The Planet Of Monsters. Doctor Who is the long running British sci-fi TV program. A great collector item for Doctor Who fans!
White Bear and Red Moon (1975)
White Bear and Red Moon was a fantasy wargame that was first printed in 1975 and then 1976 by Chaosium, and then a near reprint was published by Avalon Hill in 1983 after Chaosium reprinted it and renamed it to Dragon Pass. Great mechanisms, game play and probably the best fantasy wargame of 1975 and following years. A superb collectable this one!
Ythri (1975)
The Ythri was a two player novel based science fiction game that was published in 1975 by Metagaming. Based on Poul Anderson’s novel named ‘The People of the Wind’ The Ythri was easy enough to learn and still challenging enough for the more serious gamers.
See all Board Games Published in 1975 Here and Buying Options
1976 Board Games
Atlantis – 12500 B.C. (1976)
Atlantis was published by Excalibre Games in 1976. It was a war, science fiction and fantasy game. It became known pretty quick that the rules was not too great and the rest of it was rubbish.It’s safe to say not many people are playing or collecting this board game today
Battle for Andromeda (1976)
Battle for Andromeda: Conflict for a Trillion Suns! was the full name of this war, science fiction, strategic board game. Published by Taurus Games in 1976 with some players getting well into the game play, buy many more that didn’t.
Bunnies and Burrows
Bunnies and Burrows: The fantasy world of intelligent rabbits was a famous RPG (role laying game) game inspired by Watership Down, the book. Fantasy Games never really made this a game a hit, but it did make an impression within the RPG world of games and something for collectors to consider.
Caesar: Epic Battle of Alesia (1976)
A war themed game that plays out for over 5 hours and possibly a couple of days. Many hard core board gamers loved this and still rate it highly today, although play time was sooo long.
Conquistador (1976)
Conquistador was based on creating a new world. Part of the game was for European countries to establish colonies. It was fairly complex and took a long time to play out a full game. Other versions later was published by SPI, Avalon Hill and Heritage Game Studios so Conquistador did make an impression in the board game community.
Dixie (1976)
Dixie: The Second War between the States, 1937 was an alternate history conflict wargame, published by SPI. Kind of a weird alternate history really, but some players did enjoy a couple of games, although it didn’t engage that well overall.
Godsfire (1976)
Godsfire, a strategic board game incorporating war, science fiction and political elements. Metagaming published two versions of the game. Godsfire could play out for well over 4 hours and has a mid to high complexity rating. Fans of sci-fi space games loved it!
Hangman Classic (1976)
Surely everyone remembers playing hangman on a scrap piece of paper? The first tabletop version was published in 1976 (Milton Bradley). There have be a number of versions since, although scrap paper does work fine.
Happy Days (1976)
Heey! It’s the Fonz! What a TV great show Happy Days and the Fonz super cool in his leathers always impressed us youngsters. The board game sold so many based on the theme more so than the game play of course, it’s a collectable now.
Invasion America (1976)
Invasion America, Death Throes of the Superpower, by SPI Simulations Publications definitely pleased many of the wargame enthusiasts during 1976 in terms of being fun and engaging to play. It was not overly complex and one of SPI’s better games from the 70’s.
Kyoto Shogi (1976)
Kyoto Shogi is a variant of Japanese chess (Shogi) and Kyoto Shogi is another variant of the original Shogi which dates back well before this version. This version uses a 5 x 5 board and there’s different rules and actions within the game. Excellent abstract Chess/Shogi variant!
Lankhmar (1976)
Lankhmar an adventure, fantasy, and novel based wargame on a board. Back in the day (70’s) gamers got along pretty well with the components and gameplay, but I am not sure how it would fair today. Excellent fantasy theme though!
Metamorphosis Alpha (1976)
Metamorphosis Alpha is a sci-fi role playing board game with a derelict colony ship setting and was the inspiration for TSR Hobbies’ board game, Gamma World. An original is very difficult to get hold of, although reissues and other editions are available.
Monsters! Monsters! (1976)
Another RPG (role playing game) published in 1976 by Metagaming Concepts was the fantasy game of Monsters! Monsters!. A good beginners game of the time more than a game for advance players needing more complexity.
Outreach: The Conquest of the Galaxy, 3000AD (1976)
Outreach: The Conquest of the Galaxy, 3000AD was a space exploration, hexagon grid war type game that played on forever and ever that was published by SPI. This become part of the StarForce trilogy published in 1977.
Panzergruppe Guderian (1976)
Panzergruppe Guderian was one of the best of 1976 and possibly at the top of the charts during the 70’s within the simulation wargame and WWII genre. Avalon Hill and SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) both published this fascinating game that’s full of historical flavor. A real gem of a classic!
Revolt in the East: Warsaw Pact Rebellion in the 1970’s (1976)
Revolt in the East was a kind of “what if” game. It was created based on the possibility of war breaking out within Europe in the 1970’s (fortunately it didn’t happen). Underrated, say many ex-players!
Starship Troopers (1976)
Published by Avalon Hill in 1976, the board game Starship Troopers is based on a popular novel about a futuristic war. Mechanisms of the game include dice rolling, hexagon grid and simulation. A science fiction wargame.
Terrible Swift Sword (1976)
Terrible Swift Sword: The Three Days of Gettysburg is a highly complex wargame that was published by SPI. The game system inspired the Great Battles of the American Civil War series. TSS was an inspirational board game of the 70’s.
UFO: Game of Close Encounters (1976)
A science fiction abstract board game with a low complexity rating with what seemed like a great theme (alien invasion of the earth), but it just didn’t seem to play out very well. A long drawn out finish never helps.
War in Europe (1976)
War in Europe is fairly high in complexity and a compendium of three modules. This is a political and economic wargame that’s another highly rated strategy game of the 70’s by the publisher, SPI.
War in the West (1976)
The same publisher (SPI) and designer (Jim Dunnigan) of War in Europe produced War in the West during 1976 which was nearly as successful in the military war game genre. Worth playing if you liked War in Europe.
War of the Ring (1976)
War of the Ring: The Game of Middle Earth, a novel based (Middle earth, by J. R. R. Tolkien) game published by Fantasy Games. It was not properly licensed which stopped its distribution. This has made the game quite a rare collectable.
See all Board Games Published in 1976 Here and Buying Options
We’re still working on this list. the rest of the 70’s are coming soon!
