The Inside Scoop on Gaming

When you go to buy this, trust me. Pay no attention to the box's point-of-sale attempts; don't worry about the misleading art on the cover; take heart knowing this is a non-collectable card game. You'll crack the plastic and open the box, taking time t o nod approvingly at the card art (for it is good), cock an eyebrow at the plastic wagering chips, and peruse the dry rules. Again, trust me.

So far everyone (including me) who has heard the game explained to them inevitably put on a condescending smile and say, "Oh, that sounds nice." I've never been able to convince someone to play based on the description. Once you play, you'll get into i t. However, the appreciation comes through play.

Titan: the arena takes place in a combat arena, where eight gladiators fight to until three remain. Each has special powers that may be used to help, hinder, thwart, or outright kill the other combatants. No doubt you're wondering about combat, which m onster has the best advantages, who you want to die first, and so on.

Did I forget to mention that you don't play the participants? Yes, that's right. A coliseum-type slaughter game where you don't play a mindless thug.

In Titan, you bet on the players. You hold a certain number of wagers and strength cards- the creature with the lowest strength at the end of the round is out of play, and none of your bets come through. This game has massive amounts of strategy going on, and combines Machiavellian backstabbings with the finest of poker faces. As with a few other Avalon Hill games, a player is often found in the position of kingmaker, unable to win but certain to name the victor.

Gameplay is quick to teach, and a full game only lasts about 30-45 minutes, a good quick game while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.

Titan: the arena is allegedly based on another Avalon Hill game, Titan, but the two games are mutually exclusive.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Titan: the arena
Author: Doug Greenwood, based on design by Reiner Knizia Category: Card Game Company/Publisher: Avalon Hill Gaming Company Cost: $20.00 Page count: n/a ISBN: 1-56038-191-4 Playtest Review by Mischa Krilov on 10/10/97. Genre tags: none	When you go to buy this, trust me. Pay no attention to the box's point-of-sale attempts; don't worry about the misleading art on the cover; take heart knowing this is a non-collectable card game. You'll crack the plastic and open the box, taking time t o nod approvingly at the card art (for it is good), cock an eyebrow at the plastic wagering chips, and peruse the dry rules. Again, trust me. So far everyone (including me) who has heard the game explained to them inevitably put on a condescending smile and say, "Oh, that sounds nice." I've never been able to convince someone to play based on the description. Once you play, you'll get into i t. However, the appreciation comes through play. Titan: the arena takes place in a combat arena, where eight gladiators fight to until three remain. Each has special powers that may be used to help, hinder, thwart, or outright kill the other combatants. No doubt you're wondering about combat, which m onster has the best advantages, who you want to die first, and so on. Did I forget to mention that you don't play the participants? Yes, that's right. A coliseum-type slaughter game where you don't play a mindless thug. In Titan, you bet on the players. You hold a certain number of wagers and strength cards- the creature with the lowest strength at the end of the round is out of play, and none of your bets come through. This game has massive amounts of strategy going on, and combines Machiavellian backstabbings with the finest of poker faces. As with a few other Avalon Hill games, a player is often found in the position of kingmaker, unable to win but certain to name the victor. Gameplay is quick to teach, and a full game only lasts about 30-45 minutes, a good quick game while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Titan: the arena is allegedly based on another Avalon Hill game, Titan, but the two games are mutually exclusive. Style: 5 (Excellent!) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)