The Awful Green Things From Outer Space
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.9 / 5
- Year
- 1979
About the game
The Awful Green Things From Outer Space is a humorous two-player wargame pitting a spaceship crew against a rapidly multiplying alien menace. The crew player wields various weapons against the aliens without knowing their effects until tried in combat, creating unpredictable and often hilarious skirmishes. Movement, dice rolling, and zone-of-control mechanics simulate the chaotic fight for survival aboard the ship. A cult classic originally published in Dragon magazine, it remains a beloved lighthearted entry in wargaming history.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team has a soft spot for The Awful Green Things From Outer Space as one of the genre's great comedic gems, a wargame that doesn't take itself seriously. The mystery of untested weapon effects against the aliens leads to genuinely funny table moments. Its age shows in the production, but the core cat-and-mouse gameplay between crew and creatures holds up remarkably well. It's a great pick for wargamers wanting something lighter and sillier than usual.
What we like
- Genuinely funny, lighthearted take on the wargame genre.
- Unpredictable weapon effects create memorable, chaotic moments.
- Classic, influential design with a devoted cult following.
- Quick to teach compared to most traditional wargames.
Keep in mind
- Strictly two-player limits group flexibility.
- Dated components reflect its 1979 original publication.
- Randomness in weapon effects can frustrate players who prefer control.
Who it's for
Wargame fans and fans of humorous games ages 12+, designed for exactly two players.
