
- BGG rank
- BGG #30,501
- BGG rating
- 4.6
Thin Ice
- 2–4 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.0/5
- 1992

1985
Rules assistance for G.I. Joe Commando Attack
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

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Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
G.I. Joe Commando Attack is a board game released in 1985 for 2–4 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Larry Harris, Jr. and its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move.
Note that this game is significantly different than the 2002 G.I. Joe Commando Attack game. This game features a very different map, different rules, and no missile launcher. Both the G.I. Joe and Cobra teams consist of two squads of six soldiers each. Depending on the number of players, each player controls one or two squads. The object is to enter the enemy headquarters. Each turn begins with a roll for initiative. The team winning initiative rolls one die per squad. The result tells how many soldiers in that squad may be moved that turn. Each soldier may be moved any number of spaces in a single direction, stopping if they land on a jungle, river, or enemy square. Up to two soldiers may enter the same enemy square. Combat is resolved by dice rolls. Ganging up with two soldiers allows an extra die roll (choose the higher number) and two chances to win the battle (only one of your soldiers may be captured at a time). There are also rules for freeing captured allies and raiding the enemy supply depot. The first team to successfully infiltrate the enemy headquarters wins.
G.I. Joe Commando Attack supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for G.I. Joe Commando Attack is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists G.I. Joe Commando Attack for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
G.I. Joe Commando Attack has a complexity rating of 1.4 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
G.I. Joe Commando Attack belongs to these categories: Wargame and Children's Game. Its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of G.I. Joe Commando Attack are: Larry Harris, Jr.. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists G.I. Joe Commando Attack as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.