Area movement
Encyclopedia
Area movement is a game mechanic
used in a board game
. While most parlor games and the like have 'areas' of the board to move in, the term is used (particularly in wargaming
) for those boards that represent a geographical area, but do not use a regular grid
(usually of hexes or squares).
Area movement is a common feature in lighter wargames and some mass-market games, such as Axis and Allies
, War at Sea
and Risk
.
Area movement breaks the terrain represented into regions or areas, which are usually assumed to be completely controlled by one side. As such, they may only be an abstract administrative region, but often have borders conforming to natural obstacles such as mountain ranges or rivers. Movement is generally regulated by the number of areas a unit may move at one time, and the fact that movement can only occur through connected (adjacent) areas.
A variation of this mechanic is point-to-point movement. In some cases this is just area movement with a central point and the legal paths defined, instead of defining the region, as in Napoleon
. In others it is actually used where the means of movement is important as in A House Divided.
The first more serious simulation game to feature this type of movement was Storm Over Arnhem
released in 1981
by Avalon Hill
. Games directly copying this system included Thunder at Cassino and Turning Point: Stalingrad, both also published by Avalon Hill. A more recent example is Monty's Gamble: Market Garden released in 2003 by Multi-Man Publishing
.
Game mechanic
Game mechanics are constructs of rules intended to produce an enjoyable game or gameplay. All games use mechanics; however, theories and styles differ as to their ultimate importance to the game...
used in a board game
Board game
A board game is a game which involves counters or pieces being moved on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules. Games may be based on pure strategy, chance or a mixture of the two, and usually have a goal which a player aims to achieve...
. While most parlor games and the like have 'areas' of the board to move in, the term is used (particularly in wargaming
Wargaming
A wargame is a strategy game that deals with military operations of various types, real or fictional. Wargaming is the hobby dedicated to the play of such games, which can also be called conflict simulations, or consims for short. When used professionally to study warfare, it is generally known as...
) for those boards that represent a geographical area, but do not use a regular grid
Hex map
A hex map, hex board or hex grid is a gameboard design commonly used in wargames of all scales. The map is subdivided into small regular hexagons of identical size.-Advantages and disadvantages:...
(usually of hexes or squares).
Area movement is a common feature in lighter wargames and some mass-market games, such as Axis and Allies
Axis and Allies
Axis & Allies is a popular series of World War II strategy board games, with nearly two million copies printed. Originally designed by Larry Harris and published by Nova Game Designs in 1981, the game was republished by the Milton Bradley Company in 1984 as part of the Gamemaster Series of board...
, War at Sea
War at Sea
War at Sea is a strategic board wargame depicting the naval war in the Atlantic during World War II, published by Jedko Games in 1975, and subsequently republished by Avalon Hill in 1976 and more recently by L2 Design Group in 2007....
and Risk
Risk (game)
Risk is a strategic board game, produced by Parker Brothers . It was invented by French film director Albert Lamorisse and originally released in 1957 as La Conquête du Monde in France. Risk is a turn-based game for two to six players...
.
Area movement breaks the terrain represented into regions or areas, which are usually assumed to be completely controlled by one side. As such, they may only be an abstract administrative region, but often have borders conforming to natural obstacles such as mountain ranges or rivers. Movement is generally regulated by the number of areas a unit may move at one time, and the fact that movement can only occur through connected (adjacent) areas.
A variation of this mechanic is point-to-point movement. In some cases this is just area movement with a central point and the legal paths defined, instead of defining the region, as in Napoleon
Napoleon (game)
Napoleon is a strategic-level board wargame covering the Waterloo Campaign of the Hundred Days after Napoleon's return from Elba starting with the French invasion of Belgium on June 15, 1815...
. In others it is actually used where the means of movement is important as in A House Divided.
The first more serious simulation game to feature this type of movement was Storm Over Arnhem
Storm Over Arnhem
Storm Over Arnhem is a board wargame designed by Courtney F. Allen, published by the Avalon Hill game company, and depicts the battle for Arnhem bridge over the Lower Rhine river during Operation Market Garden in World War II...
released in 1981
1981 in games
This page lists board and card games, wargames, miniatures games, and table-top role-playing games published in 1981. For video and console games, see 1981 in video gaming....
by Avalon Hill
Avalon Hill
Avalon Hill was a game company that specialized in wargames and strategic board games. Its logo contained its initials "AH", and it was often referred to by this abbreviation. It also published the occasional miniature wargaming rules, role-playing game, and had a popular line of sports simulations...
. Games directly copying this system included Thunder at Cassino and Turning Point: Stalingrad, both also published by Avalon Hill. A more recent example is Monty's Gamble: Market Garden released in 2003 by Multi-Man Publishing
Multi-Man Publishing
Multi-Man Publishing, LLC is a game company formed by baseball player Curt Schilling and his partners to keep the game series Advanced Squad Leader in print. MMP operates some of the former Avalon Hill games under license from Hasbro, Inc...
.