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1918: Brother Against Brother (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

1918: Brother Against Brother is a board game set during the tumultuous time of World War I. Players take on the roles of opposing forces, each fighting for their own beliefs and ideals. The game captures the essence of the era, with detailed historical references and scenarios that immerse players in the conflict.

Game Components of 1918: Brother Against Brother

  • Deluxe-style mounted board**
  • Simple cardboard tokens**
  • 196 counters**
  • 55 uniquely illustrated cards** in English and Finnish
  • 2 dice**
  • Rulebooks**
  • Archive photo illustrations** on the cards

    How To Setup 1918: Brother Against Brother

    To set up the game, players begin by placing the tokens and counters on the board according to the initial setup rules. The reds start by controlling four strategic cities: Tampere, Helsinki, Viipuri, and Oulu, while the whites control only Vaasa. Each player receives a deck of cards and a set of troops. The game starts in January, with each player having a hand of cards that will guide their actions for the month.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card-driven: Players use cards for actions or points to activate troops.
  • Combat resolution: Uses a single six-sided die roll and a combat results table.
  • Supply and reinforcements: Checked monthly, with new historical events introduced as the game progresses.

    Game Objective

  • Whites win: If they control four strategic cities by April, or all five by May.
  • Reds win: If they conquer Vaasa immediately, or if the whites fail to meet their objectives by May.

    Player Experience

    Playing **1918: Brother Against Brother** is a straightforward yet engaging experience. The game is designed to be approachable, making it a good entry-level war game. Combat is simple, with a focus on geography and transportation, particularly the use of railroads. However, the single die roll for combat introduces a significant element of luck, which can swing the outcome of battles dramatically.

    Pros

  • Well-produced components: High-quality board, tokens, and cards.
  • Easy to learn: Suitable for new players to the war game genre.
  • Historical accuracy: Incorporates real historical events and units.
  • Strategic depth: Despite simplicity, the game offers interesting strategic possibilities.

    Cons

  • Luck factor: The single die roll in combat can be very swingy.
  • Limited replayability: The game might become repetitive after several plays.
  • Text size: Some players may find the text on the cards a bit small.

    Personal Thoughts on 1918: Brother Against Brother

    This game is a great choice for those looking for an entry-level war game, especially those interested in the Finnish Civil War. It is particularly recommended for Finnish players or anyone looking for a game on this specific conflict. While it may not offer the complexity some veteran war gamers crave, it is a splendid introduction to the genre and a fine addition to any game collection. However, for those outside Finland or seeking more complexity, other games like *All Bridges Burning* might be preferable.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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