Escape From Colditz

by Douglas

(Japan)

Game:
Escape From Colditz
Game manufacturer:
Parker Games
Number of players:
2-6 Players
Ages:
12+

Quick verdict

This is a unique, old-school, war game without any fighting – just lots of infighting!

The game and gameplay

Based on the infamous castle prison, Colditz, where the allied prisoners, as is their duty as officers, are to escape while the job of the Germans is to not let any of the enemy get out.

When this game initially came out, it was very unusual for one player to have to play against all the other players, plotting together against you (unless you had one very undesirable friend among your bunch of boardgame pals when you were young!).

Editor’s note: this British game never made it across the Atlantic, so we’ve linked here to eBay and Amazon’s UK sites.This alone makes the game dynamic and very interesting, BUT does need an experienced (and slightly ruthless) player to play the Germans. The allies are represented by the Americans, British, Dutch, French and Polish.

The game is played by each player rolling two dice and acting on this roll. The prisoners move around the inside of the prison looking initially for their escape kit (a la The Great Escape movie) and then for more useful stuff like ropes and wire cutters etc.

Somebody actually built a replica Colditz castle to play this game in! Click to see a larger version.

The Germans have a pretty slow time at the beginning, moving around trying to be as much of a pain as possible to their inmates. A roll of 3, 7 or 11 gains the player an opportunity card (prisoner) or a security card (German) which helps one to escape or the Germans to capture/delay the prisoners.

Doubles mean another roll and these numbers are added together. Fortunately/unfortunately (depending who you play) the Germans can’t take the law into their own hands and start shooting the prisoners at will, even if they have escape equipment on them. All they can do is put the offender into a solitary cell. (Ahem, hence there is no Japanese equivalent of this game!)

As the game continues, with much discussion and whispering between the allies, escapes are made with German guards hot in pursuit. The first team to get two of their officers out to safety ‘wins’ the game within the specified time (else the Germans win.) In reality, even though Colditz was termed impossible to escape from, 35 POWs did actually manage to escape this prison and return home (though many did not).

Pros and cons

Escape from Colditz is a unique game; it has lots of depth and replay value and requires thought, strategy, and discussion between allies. The end game is exciting.

You really need 4+ people for excitement. Germans have a pretty dull start to the game. There is a chance element, as lots of doubles can spoil the game. Gameplay is slightly biased towards the Allies (well, it was made in the UK!).

The verdict

If you can find a copy, Escape From Colditz will provide an interesting and enjoyable twist to your regular gaming sessions. In many ways, it’s a classic British board game design.