by davidernst11
I haven't found a two player variant that I think (a) keeps the game as intuitive and simple as the rules are as written, and (b) doesn't diminish the use of the power up cards. My solution is as follows:Each person only gets one monster. All rules are as written, except:
1) If you are not inside Tokyo, you get a defense of 1. This means that if you are in Tokyo, you must roll at least 2 claws to do 1 point of damage to your opponent. 3 claws = 2 damage, 4 claws = 3 damage, etc. Being in Tokyo means that you must concentrate some of your attacks on the local army and authorities.
2) If you are still in Tokyo at the beginning of your next turn, you receive 1 energy point in addition to the two victory points you would ordinarily receive. Being in Tokyo allows you to ingest more energy from the city's power sources.
This variant allows you more of an incentive to leave Tokyo, as knowing you are less likely to take damage on the outside means that you may actually have a round or two of a buffer to heal before you get attacked again. It also will allow the power up cards to be used more often, and being in Tokyo gains a true sense of authority and powering up.
I've playtested this a few times and feel like it improves the two player version. I also tried my own version with a dummy player, but preferred this version.