RISK Deluxe

Risk is the Ultimate strategy game. It turns even the most mild mannered in to a manic megalomaniac. Luck and tactics combine into the classic, timeless hour killer. A must own item. Buy it now.

Risk Deluxe is my favourite version of this classic strategy game. It combines clever strategy with fast-paced action and never quite knowing what is coming around the next corner. The miniatures that are included in the box are nicely detailed and just the right size so that they can be easily handled, even if you have large hands. The whole package is very good quality and I love the use of colour throughout. All the components are well-made and should withstand many years of regular use. Risk Deluxe is well worth the price and you will get many hours of fun with friends and family as you attempt to conquer the world! Highly recommended.

If you only own one strategy war game, this will be the one. Risk is simple, some might say too simple, to learn and play, but with clever players it is difficult, if not impossible to master. The aim of standard game is for each player to complete a mission; conquer 24 territories, take control of Europe Australia and one other continent, destroy the Black Player etc. After a few plays you should be able to work out what goals your opponents have and thus, how to stop them. That said however, clever opponents will make you think they have one mission while secretly working on another.

Risk has some problems though. Going first for example can be a big deal and is determined by a dice roll. Conquering certain territories like Australia can be the key to victory. Once you start to lose there is little you can do about it and that can put new players off.

However Risk also has a lot going for it. It is certainly a sociable game, there is plenty of table talk, as deals are made between players(and then broken). The missions mean that the game general lasts around an hour (although I've played games where set up took longer than the game itself.) Optional play methods are also included in the rulebook such as Capital Risk and World Domination.

There is also a two player variant of the game, which involves a neutral player. As with most games that weren't designed with two players in mind, the game play and general atmosphere suffers when played with just two, but it works well enough, although I'm looking forward to trying Risk: Balance of Power for a true 2 player experience.

Over all Risk is an easy play, without too much depth and it is a game that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Risk can be enjoyed by any gaming group, especially if you play together on a regular occasion. If played for fun Risk is an excellent and enjoyable time killer, but if played for deep involved strategy it may fall short.