Nicaragua!: Revolution in Central America (1988)

About this game

"Nicaragua!" depicts the Nicaraguan Revolution in Central America. Published as a magazine wargame in Strategy & Tactics magazine #120. "A wargame simulation of the guerrilla warfare that has been a way of life in Central America for years. Although the game is set in Nicaragua and portrays the Somoza vs. Sandinista vs. Contra conflicts, it does not attempt to simulate those events in minute detail ... Nicaragua! shows how modern revolutionary warfare works. The game involves both military and political struggles and includes such decisive factors as intelligence operations and propaganda. In the game, one player assumes the role of the Government, the other player is the Rebel. Each uses his political forces to gain popular and foreign support, raise forces, and demoralize the enemy. Each uses his military forces to hunt down and neutralize or eliminate his opponent ... Players must be able to manipulate both military and political forces in order to win."

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.8/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.