Invasion of the Air-eaters (1979)

Overview

Microgame #12 in the Metagaming Microgames series

THEY'VE GOT OUR AIR..... It's 1983 and our air is going bad. An Alien generation ship invades earth with fantastic weapons and Air Converters. These survivors from another star are remaking Terra to suit their needs despite "indigenous biological activity". Mankind's back is against the wall - we must win or die gasping. The monster's mother ship beams down Crawlers, Production Bases and Atmospheric Converters. Our almost useless armies and sub fleets must be improved through crash research and development. All the world's nations must fight as one to protect industry and resources so new weapons can be produced. We can even learn to "reconvert" the air.

Invasion of the Air-eaters is a game of alien invasion for two players. Solitaire play is made possible by adding a pre-planned, alien assault. Multi-player play is also possible with each player controlling a national grouping. Advanced rules introduce oil, repair, nuclear attacks, air forces and other concepts.

Has a sequel, The Air-Eaters Strike Back!.

The game's designer published supplementary material in The Space Gamer #23. His article offered many new rules and also new options for multi-player games.