In the world of wargames, nothing can be simpler and more time consuming than a classic game of RISK! This for many people is their first introduction to a basic war game and is perfect for younger kids just getting started or a party of older players who just want to have some fun and roll dice or if you are stuck in an airport (computer version). The basics of piece placement, negotiations, dice rolling, combat, and non-combat moves, and re- enforcements start off on this classic stage of world domination. I also have the Pocket PC version and my friends and I have played RISK in airports all over the world and what a great way to blow off some time.

5 stars - yes, because this is the forefather of wargames and should be honored and played by all who wish to start. The beauty is the simplicity and audacity of multiplaying. The real fun is the alliances and negotiaions which can get pretty intense ala Diplomacy! I've moved on to all the variations and many other games, but my Pocket PC Risk goes with me all over the world and I never get bored with taking out a few friends over Europe or North America.

Yours truly, Lifelong Gamer John D. Min

If you have an attention span, and are somewhat interested in war and politics, play Risk. It's more than taking over the world, it's about bending players' wills to yours. Oh, it's not simple. In fact, it is extremely hard, especially when they know that's what your doing. Nonetheless, manipulation is key.

If you want a game for people who rely on strategy, play Chess or something. Want to play a luck based game go for Craps. When you take two different elements as Luck and Strategy, combined into a familiar forum such as War, you are going to get a game where you have to play on both.

Look at Backgammon, luck of the roll, strategy of what you do with it - true of most dice based games. So dont get all poopy to the point you have to whine to everyone about how superior other games are. This review is for Risk, not you opinion of every little aspect of why you cant handle Strategy/luck based games. Doesnt the name just imply it - taking a RISK.

So in short, if you can't handle dice games - luck of roll - don't play them. Or for that matter, don't review them. Some people are easily frustrated, some can use that frustration in a game as a form of entertainment. Everyone likes to say I won, but as soon as you sit down to play a game, be prepared to loose, you FRIEND may be happy to see that (playing WITH people means its not all about you).. You will never win a truly challenging game without the chance you could loose. - DUH. If you have to show how much 'smarter' you are then an opponent at a game, don't be 'stupid' enough to play a game with dice. - Double DUH.

Risk has stood the test of time, all different age groups can play, and CHANCES are a 12 year old could beat his Grandpa, yah thats fun. It seems to me the only people who would give a negative review are people who wish they were something else and cant deal with loosing. So if you are someone who can have fun taking a chance at WINNING AND LOOSING, have fun, Risk is a very fun game - no crybabies.