Guerilla
Published by Avalon Hill (1994)
Type of Game: A multi-player card game set in modern Latin America
Complexity: Moderate
# of Players: 3 - 6 (optional rules exist to allow solitaire or two player games)
Grade:
 

   Ken says: Guerilla is set in the jungles of Latin America where Rebel and Government forces battle for control. Through a random pick, you back either side or are a mercenary, who wants both sides to enjoy equal success. Who you back is kept secret. Thus adding to the tension of the game. There are a multitude of cards besides the rebel and government troops. Assassins, combined with Bodyguards, Tanks, Press, combined with Atrocity, and so on. There are also eight complex cards. Each may be held by either side to gain points, attack the enemy, or use their special functions.
   About 2/3rds into the game, the Revolution card appears. When that happens, loyalties can change unless you hold the Presidential Palace complex.

Pros:  A unique game system on an interesting topic.  Every play is filled with options.  A must for veteran wargamers who want fewer rules, but have the excitement of their old games.

Cons:  For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction in this game. I really thought that Guerilla would go over big. Only eight pages of rules, a mere 2 - 3 actions per turn, and lots of backstabbing. However, in our group at least, the downfall seems to be the number of options each player has. There are so many that we often did little, as reflected in the low scoring. That, and the awkward mechanics put off most of our gamers. If played more often, we could overcome that. But alas, I do not think it's ment to be. Still, it's a fine game and deserves to be played more.