Risk is a faithful adaptation of the turned-based board game of the same name, using the standard rules of the original game.  A classic and favourite of the strategy and war game genre, there have been many variations of the game over the years, but this is the original game brought to life in a portable and electronic version that will give players hours of edge-of-the-seat action, or for those times when you are two or three players short of an enthralling team match.

The game is played out on a map of the world, divided into each of the five continents, which in turn is divided into territories that players can control or attack.  Each territory is linked to adjacent territories via one or more paths, and these links are critical to the defensive or offensive strategies that are employed.

The rules of the game are simple:  Each player assumes the role of a general, who must make decisions on where to deploy reinforcements of troops on the territories that they control, as well as territories to take over.  Wars are fought using a dice-based system to determine the outcome, with the player throwing the highest dice roll value deemed to be the winner.  The attacking side can have up to a maximum of three dice rolls compared to two for the defender, but the defensive side wins on a dice throw of equivalent value.  The game continues until one player controls all the territories on the world map.

In each turn, players receive additional troops based on the amount of territories they hold in the previous turn, and bonuses are awarded for controlling an entire continent.  In addition, cards are awarded for territories captured in conquests, which can be used to redeem further reinforcements when turned in.

As much as Risk is a war/strategy game, it is a very easy to learn, and intellectually stimulating game for those who prefer a simple and well-designed game compared to fancy graphics and special effects.  If anything, the adaptation of this classic game into the electronic medium has enhanced its playability, and removes all the tedious calculation and organization of the pieces, allowing players to focus entirely on the action on the board.

A truly outstanding game that has stood the test of time, the only risk you take by not playing this game is all the pleasure and excitement that you will get out of playing this game.

Risk - download game page

Risk screenshots (Click to see bigger image)