Can you survive the Martian invasion of Victorian England: The War of the Worlds – One More Day

H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” is a seminal science fiction novel that chronicles a terrifying Martian invasion of Victorian England. Its significance lies in its pioneering depiction of extraterrestrial conflict, establishing many tropes of the alien invasion genre. Furthermore, the novel is a powerful commentary on imperialism and societal vulnerability, which resonates with readers today. It’s also infamous for freaking Americans out when it was broadcast as a radio play.

In the story, the situation looks hopeless for humanity, and it is just a matter of time before the clock runs out for the narrator and fellow survivors.

At UK Games Expo last year, I got my first look at a forthcoming solo deck-building game based on War of the Worlds and that raised an interesting question – how long could I survive in an alien-infested Victorian England?

Now, with UK Games Expo 2025 here, I’ve got a chance to talk to Matthew Robinson of The Great Nothing Games about “The War of the Worlds – One More Day” and share a little of the game.

Hi Matt, I just described “War of the Worlds: One More” as a solo deck-builder. Is that right, and if so, how does it work?

Yes thats correct!  The game is a story-driven, deckbuilding, survival game based on the novel by HG Wells.  It is designed as a solo, but plays wonderfully with 2-3 people working through the story together – trying to decide the best options to take. 

In the core box you can play as either the Journalist or Infantry Soldier – each starts the game with a deck of 10 cards unique to that character, which you will build your deck from via the changing market place, depending on your location.  You then select one of 6 unique stories based during the Martian invasion of Victorian England – these will take you on a survival adventure across 6 iconique places from the book where each turn you will have to use the cards in your hand/deck to survive against heat rays, red weed, black smoke, ruffians with knives, paniced crowds and of course the deadly Martian Fighting Machines!  You just need to survive one more day…

There are two standout characters for me in War of the Worlds: the narrator, a journalist who, I thought, did well, and the soldier, who I was deeply underwhelmed with as a young reader. Does the game allow me to prove that the soldier could have and should have done better?

It just so happens these were the stand out characters for me too!  So they are the first survivors you get to play though in the core box.  With the Curate and Astronomer teed up for future expansions!  You will definately be able to see how your artillery solider will fare during the invasion.  No digging a hole and hoping to build a new world!  You’ll be on the streets with the rest of humanity, trying to survive and reach the next chapter of the story.

You know how some online shops have recommendations that say “If you like THIS then you might like THESE THINGS?”. Are there games that you suspect would be similarly related to “War of the Worlds: One More”?

I think all the bits of the game make this one pretty unique.  But people who have played definately talk about Arkham Horror LCG vibes due to the narrative driven element, and the deck construction/building side of things. A few nods to Lord of the Rings LCG.  Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle has some similar mechanics too.  But Arkham Horror LCG with a card pool market place, rather than pre-constructed decks may be the closest.

How long does it take to play through a game of “War of the Worlds: One More” and how much space does a game take up?

Each story is a different length and difficulty, so depending on which you select and the way the game plays out, it is designed to play in 45mins to 2hours approx. The playmat which is still in development is a whopping 90cmx90cm!  Looks amazing on the table, but is a little too big.  I have also done a super compressed set up for those without much space, and can set it up in about 50cmx50cm play area.

Are you at UK Games Expo this year? If so, how much of the game will people get to see?

Yes – I can’t wait!  I’ll will be demoing all weekend at 2-915.  I run the full game and the full stories, but change demoer(s) every 20-30mins.  So you get to see the full game in action – but just a slice of the story.  It works really well.  Folks can either drop me a line in advance and book a slot, or pop over when they arrive and I can take a booking. 

Pretend you’ll get some time to enjoy other aspects of UK Games Expo away from the booth. What are you looking forward to?

Ha!  That is a fantasy!  I usually try and get round early before the doors open and have a quick look round – so I’ll see a bit.  There seem to be so many amazing indi publishers doing amazing games at the expo this year – so I will try and check out Time Troopers, Questiny, Restless Spirits, Survive Alive, Undermined, Fetching Feathers …. and loads more!  And I want to pick up a copy of the Fate of the Fellowship.  Going to be a busy time!

What’s next for “War of the Worlds: One More”? How do people stay in the loop?

Next is the launch of the Kickstarter campaign – currently set for ‘Summer 2025’ although I will be revealing the full date at UKGE!  The campaign pre-launch page is now live on Kickstarter, so please sign up there, and I’m regularly posting on Instagram and Facebook – search for ‘The War of the Worlds One More Day’ on all platforms.  Oh, and I’m on BGG too!

Thanks, Matt!

Quick Links

• Kickstarter: The War of the Worlds – One More Day.