Favorite Variants

[David E. Cohen]

Have you played any Diplomacy Variants? If so, which are your favorites, and why? Are there any you have played that you didn't like, and if not, why not?

[Y2UAsk]

Not too many --

Conquest of North America -- a very old variant published as a stand-alone game by FGU. It was OK, nothing to write home about.

One of many Lord of the Rings variants -- again, OK, but not something I'd work very hard seeking out.

Iron Age England/Ireland -- Interesting rules for movement between the two islands, given the primitive state of boat technology.

Machiavelli -- published by AH. I really like this one, as much if not more than the original. The map is somewhat constrictive, making naval power very important for getting around the blockages, and the rules for plague and bribery spice things up.

Steve

[RuHurt]

I've only played Sailho! and 1900. I'd almost say I like 1900 better than Standard, but not quite... something about Standard makes it my favorite :D. Sailho! wasn't that great.

[Edi Birsan]

I had a good time with the Midgard Variants that were popular in the 70's and occassionally with the original Youngstown 10 player variant.

The basic problem I have with variants is that I like to play face to face and most variants increase the time it takes to play the game and the number of players needed.
I fooled around with a few of the Ancient Variants for 5 players but found them lacking in many ways.

[GROGnads]

Not too many --

Conquest of North America -- a very old variant published as a stand-alone game by FGU. It was OK, nothing to write home about.

One of many Lord of the Rings variants -- again, OK, but not something I'd work very hard seeking out.

Iron Age England/Ireland -- Interesting rules for movement between the two islands, given the primitive state of boat technology.

Machiavelli -- published by AH. I really like this one, as much if not more than the original. The map is somewhat constrictive, making naval power very important for getting around the blockages, and the rules for plague and bribery spice things up.

SteveIs this the "Middle Earth" one you're talking about? It's called "Necromancer" and I wouldn't mind gettng the Rules to this to try it out.

[Edi Birsan]

There is a Diplomacy Variant Bank on the web, you can google it, I think Steven Agar put it together and they might have the rules.

As an aside the Escalation Variant with the same board is posted on the AH Articles section and still remains for me the best less than 7 player approach to the game.