Ok so you know this game shares something in common with classic Risk but you want to know more. Firstly I need to make it clear that the only thing the two have in common is the basic aim of the game (domination) and the combat and reinforcement mechanics. That's where the similarities end. If you are unfamiliar with Risk please go read that review now and I'll see you back here shortly. With Risk 2210 A.D. Hasbro has taken a much loved game and made it even better - there I've gone and said it. The battle for Earth has reached the year 2210 and the Earth is a different place. The game starts with four randomly selected territories having been nuked in the lead-up to full-blown hostilities. As well as continents, players must now extend the frontline to underwater cities and the moon. Three theatres of war makes for three times the fun. But multiple theatres means that specialist troops are required, so 2210 introduces Diplomats and 3 types of Commander (land, naval and lunar). These commanders are not cheap to purchase but their benefits are immense. Firstly they allow players to enter the appropriate theatres of war (land, sea or moon) and in combat these units use a D8 (8 sided dice) instead of a D6. Even more crucially, commanders allow players to purchase command cards (using energy counters which are limited each turn) from the appropriate deck and these have wide-ranging effects that can alter the course of play in surprising ways. Risk 2210 also seeks to reduce the time to play by having the game end at the conclusion of turn five. Throughout the game players keep track of the territory they control on a scoring board. The highest score at games end is declared the winner.

Risk 2210 A.D. is worth the price tag even if you own classic Risk. They really are two separate games that play very differently and it must be said that 2210 is more demanding. There is just so much more to think about in this version of the game! The nuked territories created at set-up are a clever way to enable a fixed board to offer a varied gaming experience with each play. Nuked zones dramatically change the make-up of continents and this alters the strategies of players when they go continent grabbing. They can also inhibit the movement of forces as nuked areas are 'no go' zones all game - period. The game play is further varied by introducing the energy counters that players receive each turn. These are used to purchase the command cards, which add much depth to the game and the energy counters are also used at the start of each new round to bid for turn order. Yes, each turn can (and usually will) see a change in the turn order, which has huge implications for player's tactical choices and strategic planning. Of course players cannot buy many command cards AND bid highly for turn order each round, so something has to give! Risk 2210 consists of quality components with the game boards offer vibrant colour, making them engaging to the eye. Risk 2210 A.D. is a worthy addition to any gamer's collection if you like the waring genre, plenty of miniatures and have a couple of hours to kill.