Ice War
2 players • Metagaming Concepts • 1978
- Publisher
- Metagaming Concepts
- First published
- 1978
- Players
- 2 players
How it plays
Ice War plays 2 players.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Ice War was released in 1978 by Metagaming Concepts as part of their acclaimed MicroGame series. Designed by Steve Jackson, the game was conceptualized to be a portable, fast-playing wargame that could fit in a shirt pocket, reflecting the company's commitment to low-cost, high-concept tactical simulation during the burgeoning era of tabletop gaming. It simulates a hypothetical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union in the Arctic, a setting chosen to tap into the high geopolitical tensions of the late Cold War.
The design aesthetic followed the minimalist, map-and-counter style iconic to the MicroGame line, utilizing functional graphics that favored gameplay efficiency over ornate illustration. While the game was well-regarded for its innovative use of restricted movement and supply lines in a harsh climate, it was ultimately viewed as a niche tactical exercise. Its reception solidified Metagaming’s reputation for producing accessible, rigorous wargames that punched well above their weight in terms of strategic depth for their small physical footprint.
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Who's collecting this
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About Ice War
Ice War is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2 players • Metagaming Concepts • 1978. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Ice War?
Ice War is a board game for 2 players. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Ice War for?
Ice War is built for 2 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who publishes Ice War?
Ice War is published by Metagaming Concepts. The catalog gives its publication year as 1978.
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