The rectangular shape of the mapboard, long missile ranges, and the requirement for boats to use their full movement value often lead the two opposing sides into simple head-on charges.
Fast Attack Boats admittedly does not attempt to replicate the lopsided naval engagements that took place during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, but instead is designed as a game that "captures the flavor of the actual events."
While the Israeli Navy's performance was impressive, it was not one of naval history's stunning victories and had no effect on the ground campaigns in the Golan or the Sinai where the conflict was decided.
The rules do devote significant attention to ramming an opponent's boat, although this tactic was not used in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and is generally not a feature of 20th century naval combat, but probably reflects the narrow confines of the mapboard and the near inevitability of the two fleets crossing one another's path during game play.
Design and Research: Neil Zimmerer Development and Rules: S. Craig Taylor, Jr. Production Coordination: J. Stephen Peek Box Art: Charles Micah Graphics: Yaquinto Printing Co. Playtesters: Mayfair Wargamers, Bob Armstrong, Nolan Bond, Joel Breger, Chris Cornaghie, William Cutrer, Kevin Duke, John Ford, Dave Furguson, William Glankler, Frank Hernandez, Wayne Lanham, James McDonnel, Steve Peek, Mike Pellam, Cliff Pellam, George Petronis, Ed Safley, John Paul Snellen, and John White In the March 1981 edition of Dragon (Issue 47), Roberto Camino found the graphics a bit drab compared to other games on the market, but considered the rules "quite complete".
Camino criticized the single map, which he found to be quite confining for combat based on boats that historically used hit and run tactics.
Camino concluded, "While Fast Attack Boats is undeniably fun and fulfills its intent of being a good game, those looking for extensive insight into small craft tactics had better look in another direction.