Supremacy (board game)

Supremacy, originally published in 1984 by Supremacy Games and later licensed to Milton Bradley, is a strategic board game simulating global power struggles and thermonuclear war. The game is designed for 2-6 players, each controlling a superpower aiming to achieve world dominance through economic control, military force, and technological advancement.

Gameplay Overview:

Players navigate a complex world map, managing resources such as money, oil, uranium, and population. These resources are used to fund military units (land, sea, and air), technological research, and infrastructure development. Research plays a key role, allowing players to unlock advanced weaponry and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, strategic defense systems, and economic advantages.

The game proceeds in turns, with players performing actions such as movement of units, economic transactions (buying and selling resources), research, and engaging in combat. Combat is resolved through dice rolls, modified by factors like terrain, unit type, and technological advantages.

Winning the Game:

Victory in Supremacy can be achieved in several ways, depending on the chosen scenario and optional rules. These typically include:

• Military Domination: Eliminating all other players through military conquest.
• Economic Domination: Accumulating a specific amount of wealth.
• Technological Domination: Achieving a specific technological milestone, often involving advanced weapon systems.
• Survival: Being the last surviving superpower after a set number of turns.

Key Features:

• Economic Simulation: The game features a robust economic system, requiring players to manage production, trade, and resource allocation to maintain their military and technological advantages.
• Technological Advancement: Research plays a vital role, allowing players to unlock powerful weapons and capabilities. The tech tree is extensive and offers diverse strategic options.
• Nuclear Warfare: The threat of nuclear war looms large, and players must balance their desire for military power with the potential for devastating retaliation. Nuclear weapons can be used to cripple opponents but also carry the risk of global destruction.
• Diplomacy (Optional): While not always a central focus, players can engage in alliances and trade agreements with other superpowers, adding a layer of political maneuvering to the gameplay.

Reception:

Supremacy was known for its complexity and long playtime, often requiring several hours to complete. While the complexity was a barrier for some, others praised it for its strategic depth and immersive simulation of global power dynamics. It has a dedicated following and is considered a classic in the wargaming genre.

Variants and Expansions:

Over the years, various fan-made variants and expansions have emerged, adding new scenarios, rules, and features to the game. These often focus on specific historical periods or alternative political situations.