EuroFront: War in Europe, 1939-45 (1995)

EuroFront

EuroFront is a set of board wargame rules published by Columbia Games in 1995 that allows the previously published EastFront, WestFront, and MedFront wargames to be combined into one large two-player board wargame.

Why is EuroFront Popular?

EuroFront is a popular game among board wargame enthusiasts due to its complexity and historical accuracy. The game is designed to reflect historical strategic balances, but Diplomacy and other factors can change the course of the game. The game is also significant because it provides a framework to combine the rules, maps, and block counters from EastFront, WestFront, and MedFront into one large two-player board wargame.

Game Components of EuroFront: War in Europe, 1939-45

Maps: The game uses the maps from *EastFront*, *WestFront*, and *MedFront*, covering the entire European theatre.

Blocks: Over 240 wooden blocks represent military units from every European nation from Norway to Turkey, including Axis, Allied, and Soviet units. Each block has a sticker with unit information facing the owning player, creating a “fog of war” effect.

Labels: Adhesive labels show unit-type, nationality, and strength.

OB Cards: Full-color Order of Battle (OB) cards for each nation.

System Rules: A 40-page rulebook combining and integrating rules from the three individual games.

Dice: Four dice for resolving various game mechanics.

Production and Diplomacy Components: Materials for managing production and diplomacy phases.

How To Setup EuroFront: War in Europe, 1939-45

To set up the game, players must first have copies of *EastFront* and *WestFront*. The maps from these games are laid out to form a large playing area, approximately 45″ x 68″. Blocks are placed according to their respective nations and the scenario being played. Neutral units are not deployed on the map initially but can become belligerent during the game. The game is divided into fronts (East Front, West Front, North Front, and Med Front) for production and weather purposes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics:

Hexagon Grid: The game uses a hexagonal grid to determine movement and combat.

Secret Unit Deployment: Units are represented by blocks with stickers facing the owning player, hiding unit details from opponents.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving combat and other game events.

Simulation: Simulates the entire European Theatre of World War II, including production, diplomacy, and combat.

Game Objective:
– Players aim to achieve victory by controlling key territories and resources. The game ends in June 1945, with victory determined by the overall situation at that time.

Player Experience

Playing *EuroFront* is a complex and immersive experience, requiring significant table space and a substantial time commitment (around 600 minutes). The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, though it is most suited for two players or teams. Players must manage production, diplomacy, and military operations across multiple fronts, making strategic decisions that impact the outcome of the war. The game’s depth and complexity make it appealing to serious wargamers and history enthusiasts.

Pros

Comprehensive Simulation: Combines multiple fronts to simulate the entire European Theater of World War II.

Deep Strategy: Involves complex strategic decisions in production, diplomacy, and combat.

Historical Accuracy: Includes units and scenarios that reflect the historical context of World War II.

Engaging Gameplay: The fog of war mechanism and secret unit deployment add a layer of realism and tension to the game.

Cons

Complexity: The game is highly complex, requiring a significant learning curve and large rulebook.

Space Requirements: Needs a substantial amount of table space to set up all the maps and components.

Time Commitment: Games can take several hours to complete.

Rule Integration: Players must manage rules from multiple games, which can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on EuroFront: War in Europe, 1939-45

*EuroFront* is tailored for serious wargamers and history enthusiasts who are willing to invest time and effort into mastering its intricate mechanics. The game offers a unique and comprehensive simulation of World War II, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy strategic depth and historical accuracy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. For those who love “monster games,” *EuroFront* is a glorious recreation of the ground war in Europe.

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