Image of "Axis & Allies Europe 1940 Second Edition" board game box featuring a collage of WWII-themed images including soldiers, tanks, planes, and maps, along with flags and images of military leaders from the era.
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Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 (2010)

ByMichail

Axis & Allies: Europe 1940

Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 is a board wargame that simulates the European Theatre of World War II at the strategic level. It was created by Larry Harris and published by Avalon Hill, a division of Wizards of the Coast, which is a subsidiary of Hasbro. The game was released in 2010 and is an update of an earlier game, Axis & Allies: Europe. The game is designed to be joined with Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 to create a six-player game on a map measuring 70 inches wide by 32 inches high (178 x 81 cm).

Why is Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 Popular?

Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 is popular among board game enthusiasts due to its strategic Gameplay Mechanics of Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 and historical accuracy. The game allows players to take on the role of an Axis power (Germany or Italy) or an Allied power (the United Kingdom, the United States, or the Soviet Union). The game is significant because it provides players with a unique opportunity to experience the challenges and decisions faced by military leaders during World War II.

Game Components of Axis & Allies: Europe 1940

  • Game Board:** Extra large, 35” x 32” board featuring all of Africa and South America.
  • Units:** 610 plastic pieces, including infantry, tanks, aircraft, and ships.
  • Tokens:** Double-sided punchboard tokens for navy bases, air bases, industrial complexes, and anti-aircraft guns.
  • Markers:** National Control Markers, Naval Base Markers, Air Base Markers, and Industrial Complex Markers.
  • Dice:** Six dice for resolving combat and other actions.
  • Research & Development Chart:** For extending powers to individual nations.

    How To Setup Axis & Allies: Europe 1940

    Setup involves placing the game board, distributing the initial units and tokens according to the starting positions of each nation, and setting up the economic and resource tracking systems. Each player sets up their specific nation’s forces and markers, with detailed instructions provided in the rulebook.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure:** Players buy new units, conduct combat, move units, and resolve non-combat moves in sequence.
  • Economic System:** Players manage IPCs (Industrial Production Credits) to purchase units and conduct actions.
  • Combat Resolution:** Uses dice rolls to determine outcomes, with different units having varied combat values.
  • Victory Conditions:** Axis powers win by controlling eight Victory Cities, including at least one of their initial capitals. Allied powers win by conquering Berlin and Rome and holding at least one of their original capitals.

    Player Experience

    Playing Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 is a complex and engaging experience, designed for the ultimate strategy enthusiast. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic decision-making. New players may find it challenging due to the extensive rules and long turn times, but it is rewarding for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a highly detailed and strategic gameplay experience.
  • Historical Accuracy:** Set in a pivotal moment of World War II, it provides a realistic historical context.
  • Replayability:** High replay value due to the variability of player choices and dice rolls.
  • Combination Option:** Can be combined with Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 for a global game experience.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve:** Complex rules and lengthy setup can be daunting for new players.
  • Long Game Time:** Games can take several hours to complete.
  • High Complexity:** Not suitable for casual or new board game players.

    Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies: Europe 1940

    This game is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy deep strategic gameplay. It is not recommended for beginners due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. For those willing to invest the time to learn and master it, Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 offers a rich and immersive World War II strategy experience. If you’re new to the series, starting with a simpler version like Axis & Allies 1941 is highly recommended before diving into this comprehensive game.

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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