Iron Curtain

Iron Curtain is a fascinating game that captures the essence of the Cold War in a surprisingly small package. With only 18 cards, it manages to create a tense and strategic battle between the US and the Soviet Union, complete with the nail-biting dilemmas that defined the era. I was initially skeptical that a game with so few components could be engaging, but I was pleasantly surprised. The game is incredibly easy to learn (it took me less than 5 minutes to grasp the rules), and the gameplay is surprisingly deep, allowing for a lot of strategic thinking despite the simple mechanics. Each card represents a different event or decision, and the way you choose to play them will shape the course of the game. I found myself constantly re-evaluating my strategy and trying to anticipate my opponent's moves. The tension comes from the cards themselves, but also from the way you read your opponent. It's truly a battle of the wills.

One of the things I really appreciate about Iron Curtain is its play time. At just under 20 minutes, it's the perfect game for a quick and satisfying gaming session. This makes it ideal for playing during a lunch break or whenever you have a few minutes to spare. I also like the fact that the game plays very differently each time, thanks to the random card setup. This means that there's always a new challenge and a new opportunity to try a different strategy. The card shaped world map looks different each game and adds to the strategic decisions.

Now, I'm not going to lie, the historical accuracy is somewhat light. But, let's be honest, this is a game that aims to capture the Cold War "feel" rather than recreate it in all its complexity. And in that regard, it succeeds brilliantly. If you're looking for a historically accurate Cold War simulation, then Iron Curtain is not the game for you. But if you're looking for a fun, engaging, and strategic game that's quick to play and easy to teach, then I highly recommend it. It's a great gateway game to the world of Cold War games, and it's one that I can see myself coming back to again and again.

I do agree with some of the reviewers that the box is a bit on the large side for the components. It would have been great if they had gone with a smaller box, especially for those with limited shelf space.

Overall, Iron Curtain is a wonderful game that offers a lot of fun for a very reasonable price. If you're looking for a quick, engaging, and strategic game that captures the spirit of the Cold War, I highly recommend giving it a try.