I haven’t played it since I was a teenager, but at the time I liked it. I haven’t been a board gamer for decades, so I have no idea how it would compare to more contemporary games. I thought it was relatively faithful to the book though, and I liked that. I think my main complaint IIRC is that as far as balance goes it felt a little tilted toward the Terrans.
It does require a pad and pencil, so if you pick up a used copy to try out make sure it has the needed pads to keep track of bug tunnels and individual mobile infantrymen. Also, you’ll ideally need two people as bug tunnel secrecy is, of course, important. There is however a solo variant possibility that I used to play back in the day.
